Cas9

Molecular Glue ‘Shreds’ Cas9 and Enables a New Form of CRISPR Control

Ida Emilie Steinmark, PhD | Apr 26, 2023 | 3 min read

In a bid to address safety concerns about immune reactions during treatment with CRISPR-based therapeutics, a new technique speeds up how quickly the body destroys the DNA-cutting enzyme Cas9.

3D representation of a DNA helix and with a base offset from the main helix, illustrating the concept of base editing.

A CRISPR Alternative for Correcting Mutations That Sensitize Cells to DNA Damage

Deanna MacNeil, PhD | Oct 10, 2022 | 3 min read

Researchers turned to base editors to correct mutations causing the rare genetic disease Fanconi anemia without inducing double-strand DNA breaks.

3D structural model of a Cas protein and sgRNA targeting and unwinding DNA for gene editing.

CRISPR Gene Editing: Cas9 and Beyond

Johanna Pruller, PhD and Deanna MacNeil, PhD | 7 min read

Researchers create and improve CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing technologies based on prokaryotic CRISPR systems and eukaryotic DNA repair mechanisms.

Two prime editing guide RNAs (pegRNAs), deliver Cas9 enzymes to targeted regions of the genome.

Infographic: Two Guide RNAs Make for Large, Stable Insertions

Dan Robitzski | Jun 13, 2022 | 1 min read

A new technique goes beyond CRISPR and writes two complementary strands of DNA directly into the genome.

Genetic Syndrome and Genetic Disorder, 3D illustration of science concept.

With Two RNA Guides, Editing Technique Writes Long DNA Insertions

Dan Robitzski | Jun 13, 2022 | 3 min read

The approach, called GRAND, uses a second guide RNA to write complementary strands of DNA in targeted genomic locations, resulting in efficient insertions that can be hundreds of base pairs long.

Fluorescent microscopy images of cells after being transfected.

Universal Transfection Reagents: Improving Efficiency and Decreasing Cell Toxicity

The Scientist, MilliporeSigma, and Roche | 4 min read

Researchers optimize their transfection protocols with the ideal transfection reagent that has multiple applications, low cytotoxicity, and high transfection efficiency.

A cockroach clings to the inside of a white mug.

Injecting Cockroaches with CRISPR Gene Edits Their Offspring

Sophie Fessl, PhD | May 25, 2022 | 4 min read

A new method has allowed researchers to conduct the first gene knock-out and knock-in edits on cockroaches and may extend to many other insects.

cartoon depiction of a pair of scissors about to cut a DNA double helix

Researchers Uncover New Families of Gene-Editing Enzymes

Annie Melchor | Sep 15, 2021 | 2 min read

The results reveal evolutionary relatives of the Cas9 enzyme now used extensively in biotechnology.

cartoon showing a hand taking a tool to a double-helix of DNA to represent gene editing

WHO Releases New Recommendations on Human Genome Editing

Annie Melchor | Jul 12, 2021 | 3 min read

The guidance comes after two years of consulting with hundreds of stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, religious leaders, patient groups, and scientists.

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Assay for Sickle Cell Anemia Is Repurposed to Diagnose COVID-19

G.B.S.N.P. Varma | Nov 18, 2020 | 5 min read

A CRISPR-based, paper-strip test developed by Indian researchers performs as well as real-time PCR in identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and returns results within an hour.

CRISPR’s Adaptation to Genome Editing Earns Chemistry Nobel

Amanda Heidt | Oct 7, 2020 | 4 min read

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna reprogrammed the bacterial immune response into one of the most popular tools for genetics and molecular biology.

Symptoms in ALS Mouse Model Improve with CRISPR Base Editing

Abby Olena, PhD | Apr 10, 2020 | 4 min read

Researchers slowed disease progression in the mice by injecting two different viral vectors, each containing one part of the DNA encoding the Cas9 protein, to edit the causative gene.