DNA

Researchers have discovered how mutations in genes required for basic cellular functions give rise to face-specific birth defects.

How some facial malformations arise

Study explains why mutations that would seemingly affect all cells lead to face-specific birth defects.

January 24, 2018

Researchers have developed a new method for making “blood biopsies” for cancer more effective by using whole exome sequencing to monitor tumor DNA from blood samples.

New techniques give blood biopsies greater promise

Improved methods validate the use of blood samples for studying patients’ cancer genomes.

November 6, 2017

A new “REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA.

Researchers engineer CRISPR to edit single RNA letters in human cells

“REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA; has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.

October 25, 2017

A scanning electron micrograph of a human T lymphocyte (also called a T-cell) from the immune system of a healthy donor. Researchers have designed a synthetic gene circuit that triggers the immune system to attack cancers when it detects signs of the disease.

Gene circuit switches on inside cancer cells, triggers immune attack

Advance may open new pathways for cancer immunotherapy.

October 19, 2017

MIT researchers have adapted the CRISPR genome-editing system to identify genes that protect cells from a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease.

New technique scours the genome for genes that combat disease

Biological engineers identify genes that protect against protein linked to Parkinson’s disease.

October 12, 2017

JoAnne Stubbe has been awarded the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize for her work illuminating the mechanism of ribonucleotide reductase.

JoAnne Stubbe wins Pearl Meister Greengard Prize

Awarded annually by The Rockefeller University, the award recognizes accomplishments of outstanding women in science.

October 10, 2017

Computer models of chromosomes and the experimental Hi-C maps shown below them reveal the central role of cohesin in folding the genome into distinct domains (highlighted in blue, green, and pink). When cohesin is depleted experimentally and in simulations, domains unfold and intermix (right).

Researchers identify molecular motor that transforms chromosomes

Experiments confirm hypothesis about how the genome becomes organized into “neighborhoods.”

September 28, 2017

2017 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize winner Feng Zhang

Gene-editing technology developer Feng Zhang awarded $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize

MIT associate professor and member of the Broad Institute and McGovern Institute recognized for commitment to invention, collaboration, and mentorship.

September 19, 2017

Feng Zhang to share Albany Medical Prize

Five recipients honored for their fundamental and complementary accomplishments related to CRISPR-Cas9.

August 15, 2017

Clockwise from top left: Pew Scholar Ibrahim Cissé, Pew Latin American Fellows Ana Fiszbein and Maria E. Inda, and Pew Scholar Gene-Wei Li.

Pew recognizes four MIT researchers for innovation in biomedical science

Biophysicist Ibrahim Cissé and cell biologist Gene-Wei Li honored as Pew Scholars; postdocs Ana Fiszbein and María Inda are named Pew Latin American Fellows.

June 20, 2017