While I cannot provide a definitive list of the top 10 breakthroughs in genetic research worldwide this year, here are some notable advancements from 2021 that have significantly contributed to genetic research:
1. CRISPR-Cas9: Continued refinement and optimization of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, enabling more precise and efficient editing of genetic material.
2. RNA-based Therapies: Advances in developing RNA-based vaccines, such as the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which have demonstrated the potential of RNA-based therapies for various diseases.
3. Human-Monkey Chimeras: Researchers successfully created embryo-like structures containing a mixture of human and monkey cells, providing new insights into early human development and potential applications for organ transplantation.
4. Expanded Genetic Databases: Growing efforts to expand genetic databases, such as the UK Biobank and All of Us program in the US, allowing researchers to better understand the genetic basis of various diseases.
5. Polygenic Risk Scores: Improvements in polygenic risk scoring, a technique that combines multiple genetic markers to assess a person’s likelihood of developing certain diseases, aiding in personalized medicine and disease prediction.
6. Gene Therapy Advancements: Development of gene therapies, like the FDA-approved Luxturna for inherited retinal dystrophy, showcasing the potential for treating genetic diseases directly at the genetic level.
7. Single-Cell Sequencing: Advancements in single-cell sequencing technologies, allowing researchers to study individual cells more accurately, revealing previously unknown complexities in cellular diversity and function.
8. Genomic Surveillance: The use of genomic analysis to track the evolution and spread of infectious diseases, including the use of genomic surveillance in monitoring COVID-19 variants.
9. In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG): Progress in IVG techniques, where scientists aim to create human egg and sperm cells from stem cells, potentially revolutionizing fertility treatment and overcoming certain genetic barriers.
10. Epigenetic Research: Ongoing exploration of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, shedding light on the interaction between genetics and environmental factors in disease development.
Please note that the field of genetic research is vast, and many other significant breakthroughs have been made throughout the year. The list provided highlights some prominent advancements but may not encompass all notable discoveries in the field.