Epigenetic editors tune gene activity without altering the DNA

Researchers are using CRISPR-based epigenome editors to add or remove chemical marks on DNA and histones, enabling precise, multi-site control of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. This tunable approach can produce temporary or lasting effects and is being explored in basic research, crops, and therapies, with early clinical strides and notable animal data—for example, long-term suppression of PCSK9 in mice and substantial reductions in PCSK9 and LDL in monkeys—alongside companies pursuing hepatitis B therapies and CAR-T enhancements that couple epigenetic editing with gene editing.