Researchers use CRISPR–Cas13 to screen for functional circular RNAs. These poorly understood but widely expressed RNAs are covalently closed loops of single-stranded RNA that are produced by back-spliced exons. A lack of methods to discriminate between circular RNAs and mRNAs has hampered research in this area but they have recently been linked to cancer. The new findings were published in Nature Methods.
Metagenomi, a next generation gene-editing spinout from UC Berkeley (2018) comes out of stealth mode following a USD 65 million Series A financing round. The company, with locations in California and Germany, is combining the power of big data and metagenomics to screen thousands of genomes from microorganisms around the world with which to build a proprietary suite of CRISPR-based gene-editing systems for novel gene therapies.
US and Chinese researchers describe a new portable, highly sensitive CRISPR-based saliva test for SARS-CoV-2 with a 15 minute turnaround time. The assay, which neither requires RNA isolation nor laboratory equipment, relies on Cas12a activity to enhance the signal generated from an amplified viral RNA target, which is then stimulated by laser diode integrated into a smartphone-based fluorescence microscope readout device. The findings were published in Science Advances.
Reviews and Roundups
Gene Editing and Genotoxicity: Targeting the Off-Targets. New peer-reviewed survey of the currently available techniques to predict expected and unexpected modifications that occur during gene editing. Benefits and limitations, as well as applicability to clinical settings are discussed.
US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launch first genome editing lexicon. According to NIST: This lexicon was developed to provide a unified reference set of terms and technical definitions that standardizes their use and meaning to serve the needs of the biotechnology community.’ Find the lexicon here.
On the 14th January 2021, a group of 10 scientists from Wisconsin will disusss CRISPR in a live webinar hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council. The panel will focus on where CRISPR is leading within cell and genetic therapies as well as antibiotic resistance.