Focus on function helps identify the changes that made us human
A new approach for identifying significant differences in gene use between closely-related species provides insights into human evolution.
Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems.
Gene-editing technique could speed up study of cancer mutations
With the new method, scientists can explore many cancer mutations whose roles are unknown, helping them develop new drugs that target those mutations.
A simple paper test could offer early cancer diagnosis
The new diagnostic, which is based on analysis of urine samples, could also be designed to reveal whether a tumor has metastasized.
Funding to Daniel Anderson’s lab will advance research on new delivery technology for RNA vaccines and therapies
The global health care company Sanofi is providing $25 million to advance RNA research.
New nanoparticles can perform gene editing in the lungs
Using these RNA-delivery particles, researchers hope to develop new treatments for cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.
A new control switch could make RNA therapies easier to program
Using this approach, researchers hope to deliver therapeutic RNA molecules selectively to cancer cells or other target cells.
New CRISPR-based tool inserts large DNA sequences at desired sites in cells
Known as PASTE, the technique holds potential for treating a variety of diseases caused by faulty genes.
Scientists unveil the functional landscape of essential genes
Researchers harness new pooled, image-based screening method to probe the functions of over 5,000 essential genes in human cells.
A new control system for synthetic genes
Researchers have developed a technique that could help fine-tune the production of monoclonal antibodies and other useful proteins.
A “door” into the mitochondrial membrane
Study finds the protein MTCH2 is responsible for shuttling various other proteins into the membrane of mitochondria. The finding could have implications for cancer treatments and MTCH2-linked conditions.
MIT scientists discover new antiviral defense system in bacteria
Prokaryotes can detect hallmark viral proteins and trigger cell death through a process seen across all domains of life.
New CRISPR-based map ties every human gene to its function
Jonathan Weissman and collaborators used their single-cell sequencing tool Perturb-seq on every expressed gene in the human genome, linking each to its job in the cell.
Convenience-sized RNA editing
MIT neuroscientists expand CRISPR toolkit with new, compact Cas7-11 enzyme.
New research center focused on brain-body relationship established at MIT
K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center to investigate the brain’s complex relationship with other body systems.