Scientists Develop Large-Scale Precise Gene-Editing Tools Across Plants, Humans

Recent advances in gene editing technologies are significantly enhancing the precision, efficiency, and scope of genetic modifications for therapeutic and agricultural applications. KAIST researchers developed a novel method to chemically modify specific RNA molecules within living tissues using CRISPR-Cas13, which promises greater control in RNA-based therapies. Columbia University scientists introduced 'evoCAST,' an advanced gene editor capable of inserting entire genes into specific locations in the human genome, potentially enabling single-gene therapies for diseases with numerous mutations such as cystic fibrosis. Israeli and Chinese teams improved CRISPR technology to target large gene families in plants, successfully editing thousands of genes to alter traits like fruit sweetness and disease resistance, with implications for crop resilience amid climate change. Yale researchers expanded genome editing capabilities to modify multiple DNA sites simultaneously with enhanced precision, addressing challenges in treating diseases caused by multiple genetic mutations. Collectively, these innovations represent a leap forward in gene editing's potential for medicine and agriculture, overcoming limitations of previous methods like off-target effects and limited editing scope.