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Targeting a Blood Stem Cell subset shows lasting, Therapeutically Relevant Gene Editing

Microscopy image of blood stem cells that will go through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in a lab dish. Credit: Kiem lab / Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit long-lived blood stem cells to reverse the clinical symptoms observed with several blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. It’s the first time that scientists have specifically edited the genetic makeup of a specialized subset of adult blood stem cells that are the source of all cells in the blood and immune system.

The proof-of-principle study suggests that efficient modification of targeted stem cells could reduce the costs of gene-editing treatments for blood disorders and other diseases while decreasing the risks of u...

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