Precise gene editing technique changes one DNA base to correct heart disease

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Faulty versions of the LMNA gene can cause a wide range of health problems, including heart muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) and muscle weakness (muscular dystrophies). Many of these diseases are caused by single-point mutations, which are changes to one DNA "letter" (base). Treatments include physical therapy and lifelong medication, but there are currently no cures. That could change following the work of a team of scientists who have developed and successfully tested a gene editing technique to correct the underlying genetic mutations.