Chloe Reble
Cryopreservation, the process of preserving biological material at extremely low temperatures, holds promise in various fields, from medical research to reproductive technology. However, as we delve deeper into the realm of long-term cryopreservation, particularly concerning human genetic material, we confront a host of genomic risks that demand attention. While cryopreservation offers avenues for preserving life and genetic information, unfreezing the dangers reveals complexities that extend beyond simple preservation. At the forefront of genomic risks lies the potential for genetic mutations during the freezing and thawing processes. The delicate balance of cellular structures can be disrupted, leading to DNA damage and alterations. These mutations may remain dormant for extended periods, only to manifest later, posing significant health risks to individuals whose genetic material undergoes cryopreservation. Such mutations could contribute to the development of diseases or compromise the integrity of stored genetic information, impacting future applications, including reproductive technologies and regenerative medicine. Moreover, the epigenome, which orchestrates gene expression patterns without altering the underlying DNA sequence, is susceptible to alterations during cryopreservation.
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Journal of Clinical & Medical Genomics received 391 citations as per Google Scholar report
