Yale scientists create advanced CRISPR tool for research

Scientists at Yale University have developed an improved CRISPR tool that allows for the study of complex genetic interactions. This advancement builds on 15 years of progress in the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, which has helped researchers understand specific genes related to various diseases. The new tool is called CRISPR-Cas12a. Unlike earlier versions, it can assess multiple genetic changes at once. This capability makes it easier for scientists to examine how different genes interact and affect immune system responses in diseases like cancer. The details of this research were published on March 20 in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. The team created new mouse models that enable the tracking of changes in immune cells resulting from gene editing. Sidi Chen, a professor at Yale, explained that this advancement allows researchers to adjust several genes simultaneously, which can lead to faster development of disease models and potential treatments. Researchers believe this new tool will be important for creating therapies for various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense.