July 13th, 2024

Scientists Say New Gene Editing Tool Is Like a 'Word Processor' for DNA

Scientists have developed a new gene editing tool, similar to a "word processor" for DNA, called bridge editing or seekRNA. It offers precise modifications without breaking DNA strands, potentially surpassing CRISPR's capabilities. This tool requires fewer molecules, making it easier to deliver into cells and handle longer DNA sequences. Researchers aim to adapt it for mammalian cells, revolutionizing gene therapy and synthetic biology.

Read original articleLink Icon
Scientists Say New Gene Editing Tool Is Like a 'Word Processor' for DNA

Scientists have discovered a new gene editing tool that resembles a "word processor" for DNA, potentially surpassing the capabilities of CRISPR. This new tool, found in bacterial "jumping genes," allows for precise modifications to DNA sequences without breaking the DNA strands or relying on cell repair mechanisms. The system, termed bridge editing or seekRNA, can cut, paste, and flip any DNA sequence, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to CRISPR. Unlike CRISPR, this tool requires fewer and smaller molecules, making it easier to deliver into cells and capable of handling longer DNA sequences. While the tool has shown promise in bacteria, researchers aim to adapt it for use in mammalian cells. If successful, this new gene editing system could revolutionize gene therapy and synthetic biology, offering a powerful and versatile approach to genetic modifications.

Related

Bridge RNAs direct programmable recombination of target and donor DNA

Bridge RNAs direct programmable recombination of target and donor DNA

Researchers discovered a novel Bridge RNA mechanism enabling precise DNA recombination. The IS110 system allows programmable DNA rearrangements, offering insights into genetic diversity and genome design beyond CRISPR and RNA interference.

Tardigrade genes edited with an advanced CRISPR technique

Tardigrade genes edited with an advanced CRISPR technique

Researchers at the University of Tokyo used DIPA-CRISPR to edit tardigrade genes, aiming to understand resilience mechanisms. This technique could have medical applications, like preserving human organs. The study reveals tardigrades' genetic traits.

Bridge RNAs direct programmable recombination of target and donor DNA

Bridge RNAs direct programmable recombination of target and donor DNA

Researchers discovered a novel Bridge RNA mechanism enabling precise DNA recombination. The IS110 system allows targeted DNA insertion, excision, and inversion, offering insights into genetic diversity and genome manipulation for genetic engineering.

New technique opens the door to large-scale DNA editing to cure diseases

New technique opens the door to large-scale DNA editing to cure diseases

Researchers have described a new genetic editing mechanism using jumping genes to insert DNA sequences accurately. This system shows promise in overcoming CRISPR limitations, with 94% accuracy and 60% efficiency in bacteria. Optimizations are needed for mammalian cell use.

DNA-based bacterial parasite uses new DNA-editing method

DNA-based bacterial parasite uses new DNA-editing method

Researchers found a new DNA parasite, IS110, using unique DNA-editing to move in bacterial genomes. It inserts DNA with non-protein-coding RNAs as guides, showing potential for gene editing despite high error rates. Refinement needed for safety and accuracy in vertebrate genomes.

Link Icon 1 comments
By @hulitu - 4 months
> Scientists Say New Gene Editing Tool Is Like a 'Word Processor' for DNA

So they still need an Excel and a Powerpoint for DNA to have something useful. /s