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A comprehensive review of the current CRISPR clinical trials landscape, covering progress on blood disorders, cancers, eye disease, chronic infection, rare protein-folding disease, and future prospects.

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The CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system cuts DNA at exactly where scientists specify, but sometimes it cuts at “off-target” sites too. In an upcoming Science paper, researchers reveal DISCOVER-Seq, an unbiased method that uses a DNA repair protein to identify all Cas9 cut sites. This approach gives genome editors a clearer picture of how safe their nascent CRISPR therapies really are.

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Berkeley scientists have turned CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology into a synthetic immune response. Their engineered "ProCas9" is safely turned off until a plant or animal virus infects the cell. ProCas9 can be programmed to initiate an immune reaction in response to specific viral threats, like Zika and West Nile.

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Scientists at the Innovative Genomics Institute have concocted a transformative new way to harness the power of evolution. Today in Nature, researchers at UC Berkeley describe yet another creative application for CRISPR: a platform to spur evolution of specific genes inside cells. Their inventive new system, “EvolvR,” lets scientists shake up the DNA letters in their gene of choice until they find the variation that’s just right. The technology opens up countless possibilities, like engineering yeast that efficiently turn waste into biofuels, or developing new human therapeutics.

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The IGI has selected two scientists for its one-of-a-kind "Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program," pushing transformative scientific products to the market by supporting vital foundational research and professional networking for two years. Awardees are pursuing CRISPR genetic engineering applications.