FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 22, 2024·4 min readMitochondrial Gene Editing Reveals Links to MemoryResearchers used mitochondrial gene editing to model genetic disorders in mice, revealing profound impacts on brain function, metabolism, and thermoregulation. They employed a specialized DNA editing tool to induce mutations in the ND5 mitochondrial gene, disrupting energy production and causing learning deficits, hippocampal atrophy, and obesity.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 17, 2024·6 min readNew Gene-Editing Tool Targets Mutations with Unmatched PrecisionA breakthrough tool called Helicase-Assisted Continuous Editing (HACE) allows scientists to create precise genetic mutations in specific genes without affecting the rest of the genome. By combining helicase enzymes with CRISPR technology, HACE introduces mutations into targeted DNA sequences, advancing our ability to study gene functions and disease mechanisms. The tool has already identified drug resistance mutations in cancer-related genes and splicing defects in blood cancers, showcasing its potential for therapeutic discovery.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 20, 2024·6 min readCRISPR Screen Unlocks Brain’s “Black Box”Scientists have developed a groundbreaking CRISPR screening method called in vivo Perturb-seq. This innovative technique allows for rapid and scalable analysis of how genetic changes affect individual brain cells, offering new insights into the cellular drivers of neurological diseases. By understanding how specific cell types respond to genetic perturbations, researchers can identify potential therapeutic targets and develop more effective treatments.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 9, 2024·6 min readNew Tech Unlocks Secrets of Gene Regulation and EpigeneticsResearchers developed an innovative epigenome editing platform that enables precise programming of epigenetic modifications across the genome. This technology uses CRISPR to target and modify chromatin, facilitating detailed studies on how these changes affect gene expression.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceVisual Neuroscience·May 6, 2024·7 min readCRISPR Trial Provides Hope for Inherited BlindnessA recent clinical trial, BRILLIANCE demonstrated the safety and efficacy of CRISPR gene editing in treating inherited blindness caused by mutations in the CEP290 gene. The study involved 14 participants who received a single injection of the CRISPR/Cas9-based medicine, EDIT-101, which showed measurable improvements in 11 participants' vision.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·July 3, 2023·6 min readAI Predicts CRISPR’s RNA-Targeting Effects, Revolutionizing Gene TherapyResearchers developed a deep learning model, TIGER, that accurately predicts on- and off-target activity of RNA-targeting CRISPR tools. This new approach allows the fine-tuning of gene activity in human cells.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 10, 2023·3 min readIdentifying Cancer Genes’ Multiple PersonalitiesA new method using the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 has been developed to model liver cancer tumor subtypes caused by mutations in the same genes. By targeting a single section of the mouse gene, Ctnnb1, researchers were able to produce two distinct tumor subtypes, enhancing protein activity to promote tumor growth, which could allow for the development of new therapeutic interventions in the future.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceVisual Neuroscience·March 17, 2023·3 min readCRISPR Gene-Editing Technique Reverses Vision Loss in MiceUsing a highly versatile form of CRISPR gene editing, researchers successfully restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 30, 2023·5 min readHow Our Brains Turn Into Smarter Disease FightersCRISPR gene editing created the G795A amino acid which was introduced to microglia derived from human stem cells. Researchers were able to transplant the donor microglia immune cells into humanized rodent models while administering an FDA-approved cancer drug called pexidartinib. The inclusion of the amino acid cause the donated microglia to thrive and resist the drug, while the host microglia died. The findings open the door for new methods of using microglia to treat a range of neurodegenerative disorders.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 20, 2023·4 min readNew Nanoparticles Deliver Therapy Brain-Wide and Edit Alzheimer’s GeneResearchers have developed a new family of nano-scale capsules capable of carrying CRISPR gene editing tools to different organs of the body before harmlessly dissolving. The capsules were able to enter the brains of mice and successfully edit a gene associated with Alzheimer's disease.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 4, 2023·4 min readCancer Vaccine to Simultaneously Kill and Prevent Brain Cancer DevelopedA new stem cell therapy approach eliminates established brain tumors and provides long-term immunity, training the immune system to prevent cancer from returning.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·December 12, 2022·4 min readCRISPR Technology Improves Huntington’s Disease Symptoms in ModelsUsing CRISPR gene editing to directly target RNA, researchers eliminated toxic protein buildup associated with Huntington's disease while not disrupting other human genes.Read More
