Key points from article :
People born with natural mutations that disable a specific gene have a lower risk of heart disease, with no apparent side effects.
Mutation prevents their livers from making a protein called PCSK9 – which in most people degrades a second protein that removes LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Using the CRISPR technique, a team at AstraZeneca have disabled human versions of the PCSK9 gene in mice.
First animal study trial results are due to be announced in March.
CRISPR method improving such that off-target effects occur no more often than natural mutations in cells.
