Pioneering Gene Editing Could Accelerate Advances in Regenerative Therapy
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CRISPR is a technology that allows scientists to treat certain diseases at their source in the genome. (Photo: Stock)
In 2021, the research team of Dr. Brad Merrill of the University of Illinois College of Medicine produced a breakthrough in CRISPR gene editing technology with a technique for programming sequential edits in DNA, which mimics the natural process of gene activation. In a recent study, they have demonstrated proof of concept for using this technique with pluripotent stem cells, which are key to making cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine. Merrill’s team is currently testing the technique to produce pancreatic beta cells for people with type 1 diabetes, which could eliminate the need for insulin injections.