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Genome editing reduces cholesterol in large animal model, laying human trial groundwork

Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully reduced cholesterol levels in rhesus macaques using genome editing, offering a new approach to treating heart disease patients who don't tolerate PCSK9 inhibitors. The study demonstrates the potential of this therapy for large-scale clinical trials and future treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 9, 2018

Sex now needs to be included as a biological variable in NIH-funded research, but how?

The National Institutes of Health has instituted a policy to consider sex as a biological variable in funded research, with recommendations provided by coauthors Terri Lynn Cornelison and Janine Austin Clayton. Guidelines include including both male and female subjects in studies and generalizing findings appropriately.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGender and the Genome·DateJul 5, 2017

Maize genome 'dark matter' discovery a boon for breeders

Researchers at Cornell University and Florida State University identified a tiny percentage of regulatory DNA in the maize genome that accounts for roughly half of the variation in observable traits found in corn. This discovery enables breeders to focus on these areas for more efficient plant breeding.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Guidelines for human genome editing

McGill University researchers suggest a model for guiding policy on germline gene editing, based on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis after in vitro fertilization. The PGD model provides a robust approach to regulation, outlining medically determined requirements and substantial risk of occurrence for genetic testing.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2016

Presidents of National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences Present new initiative on ethics of human gene editing technology

The National Academies have launched an international initiative to address the technical, social, and ethical issues surrounding human genome editing. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of human genome editing and its implications for improving human health and boosting food production.

MDC researchers greatly increase precision of new genome editing tool

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a method to increase the efficiency of precise genetic modifications using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. By inhibiting a key enzyme, they achieved an eightfold increase in precision, paving the way for more accurate gene editing applications.

Editing the genome

Researchers developed genome-scale editing tools, replacing instances of a stop codon in E. coli with another, creating novel cell strains with increased functionality and safety. The new method, CAGE, surpasses current methods by two orders of magnitude.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011