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KAIST develops technology for selective RNA modification in living cells and animals

Researchers at KAIST have developed a groundbreaking technology capable of selectively acetylating specific RNA molecules within the human body using the CRISPR-Cas13 system. This breakthrough enables precise, programmable control of RNA function and is expected to open new avenues in RNA-based therapeutic development.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2025

World's first patient treated with personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

A child diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder has been successfully treated with a customized CRISPR gene editing therapy, showcasing the power of tailored gene editing to treat patients. The infant is now growing well and thriving after receiving three doses of the therapy with no serious side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCase study·DateMay 15, 2025

Mass General Brigham gene and cell therapy researchers present key findings from multiple innovative studies at ASGCT 2025

Researchers from Mass General Brigham presented key findings from multiple innovative studies on gene and cell therapy, focusing on rare diseases, brain cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The studies explored strategies to improve care delivery and accelerate translation from lab to clinic, with potential breakthroughs in treatin...

New gene-editing therapy shows early success in fighting advanced GI cancers

Researchers have successfully tested a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to enhance the immune system's fight against advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The treatment showed encouraging signs of safety and potential effectiveness in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer, halting tumor growth and even achieving complete responses.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 2, 2025

Machine learning model to predict the fitness of AAV capsids for gene therapy

A new machine learning model accurately predicts the fitness of AAV capsids based on their amino acid sequence, enabling more efficient and cost-effective gene therapies. The model's robustness and generalizability have been demonstrated through tests on independent datasets, offering a promising tool for capsid engineering.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2025

Traditional breeding falls short in boosting soybean photosynthesis

A team from the University of Illinois found that traditional breeding methods are unlikely to improve soybean light-harvesting efficiency. Gene editing is likely needed to unlock soybean potential. The researchers gathered detailed measurements throughout an entire growing season to understand photoprotection relaxation in soybeans.

Evaluating DNA impurities in recombinant adeno-associated virus

A new study found that recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsids contain single-stranded DNA impurities derived from plasmid and host cell DNA. The researchers suggest that the adverse effects of these impurities may differ from those of double-stranded DNA, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2025

A new era in genetic engineering

Researchers have developed a new genetic engineering tool, mvGPT, that can precisely edit genes, activate gene expression, and repress genes all at the same time. The technology has shown promise in treating genetic diseases such as Wilson's disease and type I diabetes by targeting multiple genetic conditions simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

USC Stem Cell study breaks the silence on how fish and lizards regenerate hearing

A USC Stem Cell study has identified key gene regulators that enable some deafened animals, including fish and lizards, to naturally regenerate their hearing. The researchers found a class of DNA control elements known as 'enhancers' that amplify the production of a protein called ATOH1, which induces sensory cells in the inner ear.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Use of “genetic scissors” carries risks

The CRISPR tool was successfully used to correct a genetic defect in cells affected by chronic granulomatous disease. However, the repair process also introduced new genetic defects, highlighting the need for caution when using CRISPR technology in clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024