The methodology, described in Nature Communications, involves a new class of guide molecules, called CRISPRoff. These synthetic single guide RNA (sgRNA) fragment in response to light, enabling precise temporal and spatial control of double-strand breaks created during gene editing. The work was done in collaboration with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology Genome Editing Consortium to develop standards for precise and reproducible gene editing in therapeutic applications.

The in vitro research demonstrated that CRISPRoff is effective across multiple genomic targets in multiple cell lines and has the potential to reduce off-target events, without impacting genome editing efficiency.

CRISPRoff does not require additional engineering steps or modifications to nucleases, therefore it can fit within existing CRISPR gene editing workflows. It can also be tuned to different wavelengths of light, allowing for multiplexed genome editing. It is produced in a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade format.

Genetics Research licenses tech to Oxford Nanopore
Genetics Research has licensed certain of its patents related to its proprietary CRISPR-associated technologies for targeted DNA enrichment to Oxford...

Making CRISPR safer with new enzyme-based prediction tool
A new technique will help scientists choose the best available gene editing option for any given indication, making CRISPR technology safer, cheaper,...

New gene therapy destroys latent oral herpes in mice
Researchers recently reported that they were able to eliminate latent herpes simplex virus 1 in mice using a new gene editing technique that targets the...

New CRISPR-repressor system improves efficiency of gene therapies
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based system that can simultaneously provide transcriptional control and gene editing on demand to improve the efficacy...