Bridge Editing could be even better than CRISPR at editing genes
Bridge editing, a new DNA-editing technology, may surpass CRISPR in its capabilities to modify genomes. Discovered in bacteria, this system links two DNA strands, allowing for larger genomic changes. Patrick Hsu's team at the Arc Institute has adapted this mechanism from bacterial "parasitic" DNA. Unlike CRISPR, which primarily destroys genes by causing mutations, bridge editing can seamlessly add, delete, or reverse DNA sequences without leaving scars, offering precise control over genome manipulation.
The bridge-editing system uses a recombinase protein with a guide RNA that targets two DNA sequences: one for alteration and one as the alteration template. This dual-targeting approach facilitates extensive genome modifications beyond the capabilities of current CRISPR techniques, potentially enabling chromosome-scale genome engineering in plants and animals.
While this technology has shown promise in bacterial cells, its efficacy in human cells remains to be tested. Despite this, researchers like Stephen Tang from Columbia University believe it can be adapted to work in complex cells, marking a significant step toward advanced genome design and therapy .
