Revolutionary CRISPR Tool: Compact, Sharper, and Controllable
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new adenine base editor, a CRISPR-based gene-editing tool, with an "on/off" switch that makes it safer and more effective. By splitting the base editor into two parts and fusing them with different proteins, the editor can be activated or deactivated using an FDA-approved cancer drug called rapamycin. This new base editor reduces off-target edits by over 70% and increases the accuracy of on-target edits, offering potential for addressing diseases caused by point mutations. Further testing in human cells and animals is needed, but the researchers are optimistic about its future applications in improving human health.