‘Bad’ cholesterol gene silenced without altering the DNA sequence

By silencing the gene responsible for regulating ‘bad’ cholesterol without altering the primary DNA sequence, researchers have shown that it’s possible to use epigenetic editing to treat diseases rather than conventional DNA-breaking gene editing techn… Continue reading ‘Bad’ cholesterol gene silenced without altering the DNA sequence

FDA approves first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease

For the first time, the FDA has approved two cell-based gene therapies for treating the rare but potentially fatal sickle cell disease. One is also the first approved therapy to utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, signifying innovative adv… Continue reading FDA approves first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease

Rethinking cancer? Study reveals mutant protein’s role in tumor growth

A new study has, for the first time, settled the debate about how a mutated protein present in half of all human cancers drives tumor growth. The discovery will not only facilitate a rethink of the way cancer is treated but may lead to new and improved… Continue reading Rethinking cancer? Study reveals mutant protein’s role in tumor growth

Algorithm identifies 188 new CRISPR gene-editing systems

CRISPR systems are powerful tools for genetic engineering, but they have their limitations. Now, scientists have discovered almost 200 new CRISPR systems in their native habitat of bacteria, and found that some can edit human cells even more precisely … Continue reading Algorithm identifies 188 new CRISPR gene-editing systems

First CRISPR-Based Therapies For Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia Approved In The UK

A giemsa stained blood smear from a person with beta thalassemia (Credit: Dr Graham Beards, Wikimedia Commons)

The gene-therapy-based treatment called Casgevy was recently approved in the UK, making it the first time that a treatment based on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool has been authorized for …read more Continue reading First CRISPR-Based Therapies For Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia Approved In The UK

One-off gene-editing treatment lowers inherited bad cholesterol levels

Researchers have presented the interim results of a clinical trial that used a single infusion of CRISPR gene-editing technology to permanently switch off low-density lipoprotein cholesterol production in people with a genetic condition that causes ele… Continue reading One-off gene-editing treatment lowers inherited bad cholesterol levels

Thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters that may outperform CRISPR identified

Following on from the discovery of programmable DNA-cutting enzymes known as Fanzors, scientists have found that a diverse range of species possess these genetic ‘scissors’, which presents a massive opportunity in the development of new medicines, gene… Continue reading Thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters that may outperform CRISPR identified

New gene-editing tool reduces unintended mutations by more than 70%

Researchers have found that splitting the gene editor used in traditional CRISPR technology creates a more precise tool that can be switched on and off, with significantly less chance of causing unintended genome mutations. They say their novel tool ca… Continue reading New gene-editing tool reduces unintended mutations by more than 70%

Bionic silkworms with spider genes spin fibers 6x tougher than Kevlar

For the first time, scientists have successfully produced full-length spider silk fibers using genetically modified silkworms. With high strength and toughness, this silk has the potential to provide a scalable, sustainable and better-quality alternati… Continue reading Bionic silkworms with spider genes spin fibers 6x tougher than Kevlar