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New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal announces its third issue with novel techniques for long DNA delivery, correction of recessive genetic defects using endogenous repair, base editing quantification software, leveling the CRISPR playing field through accessible plasmid repositories, and insights into CRISPR's future by Editor-in-Chief Rodolphe Barrangou

Gene editing just got easier

Researchers have developed a simpler and faster CRISPR method that allows for off-the-shelf genome engineering, reducing the barrier to entry for this powerful technology. The approach targets universal sequences found in gene knockout collections, enabling rapid single nucleotide editing and generating chromosomal mutant collections.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2018

CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, Stanford researchers report

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Gene editing regulations threaten sustainability of global food animal supply

New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

Making mosquitoes self-destruct

Researchers at UCR have developed transgenic mosquitoes stably expressing the Cas9 enzyme, enabling efficient genome editing to disrupt genes controlling vision, flight, and feeding. The long-term goal is to use these mosquitoes with gene drives to insert genes that suppress disease-spreading insects.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2017

Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants

Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

eGenesis study addresses cross-species viral transmission concern in xenotransplantation published in Science

Researchers at eGenesis have successfully produced the first PERV-free piglets using CRISPR technology, addressing safety concerns in xenotransplantation. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of gene editing to prevent cross-species viral transmission and pave the way for safe human transplantable cells, tissues, and organs.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Taking cells out to the movies with new CRISPR technology

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to store digital information in living cells, which can be used to record complex biological events and propagate information over time. The system encodes complex data, such as images and videos, into the genomes of bacteria, allowing for reconstruction of the original information.

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

Nicking in new nucleotides

A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2017

Bringing CRISPR into focus

Researchers describe for the first time the exact chain of events as the CRISPR complex loads target DNA and prepares it for cutting by the Cas3 enzyme. The study reveals a molecular redundancy that prevents unintended genomic damage, providing insights into ways to improve CRISPR-Cas systems for precision gene editing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

First CRISPR crop could debut in 2020

The first commercial CRISPR product is expected to debut in 2020: a waxy corn used for paper glue and food thickeners. Researchers can use CRISPR to identify genes in crops that may be good candidates for editing, potentially leading to improved cotton quality, non-browning mushrooms, drought-resistant corn, and grocery store tomatoes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 14, 2017

A new tool for genetically engineering the oldest branch of life

A new study successfully uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the genome of Methanosarcina acetivorans, an archaeal species, for the first time. This breakthrough enables accelerated studies on these organisms, with implications for understanding global climate change and the global carbon cycle.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Rice U. study probes microbe, virus co-evolution

A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.

SourceRice University·JournalInterface·DateFeb 21, 2017