In a breakthrough that could transform genetic medicine, researchers at the Arc Institute discovered bridge recombinases — a new class of gene-editing tools that use a bridge RNA molecule to connect target DNA with donor DNA. Unlike CRISPR, which excels at making small, precise cuts, bridge recombinases can insert or replace vast stretches of genetic code, up to nearly 1 million DNA bases.
The bridge RNA folds into two loops: one binds to the target DNA sequence, and the other to the donor DNA, before bridging them together for seamless integration. This capability opens the door to correcting large genetic deletions, inserting entire therapeutic genes, and potentially curing diseases that were previously beyond the reach of gene therapy. "This is a paradigm shift in what's possible with genetic medicine," said the lead researcher.
“Unlike CRISPR, which excels at making small, precise cuts, bridge recombinases can insert or replace vast stretches of genetic code, up to nearly 1 million DNA bases.”
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