A new gene-editing technique enables the correction of multiple genetic mutations simultaneously, transforming the prospects for millions living with complex inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs. For the first time, bacterial retrons, nature’s DNA repair system, have been adapted to swap out entire stretches of defective DNA within living cells. This bypasses the costly limitations of traditional gene-editing therapies that only target one or two mutations at a time.
It also offers the hope of “off-the-shelf” cures for people who have previously had no viable treatment options because their genetic diseases involved too many variations for existing technology to address. A recent book I coauthored explored the radical promise of transforming the genetic lottery we’re handed at birth. Imagine not just prediction, but meaningful intervention for inherited disease. That vision moves closer to reality with the arrival of bacteria-inspired gene-editing technology. With retron-based editing, a single intervention can correct numerous mutations in a single step. This may unlock a new era where precision medicine can finally reach those most in need.
Full story: New Era For Gene Editing: Tech Corrects Complex DNA