02/16/2026
CRISPR is a gene-editing tool, initially developed in the early 2010s, that allows scientists to cut DNA at precise locations to either shut off genes or insert new ones. Since it’s introduction, it has revolutionized gene editing with its precision, speed, and ability to fix mutated genes or create beneficial cells.
Now, our University of Illinois College of Medicine’s researchers have made a new breakthrough in CRISPR gene editing that may allow scientists to more efficiently engineer these cells for use in medical therapies by using CRISPR to program sequential edits in human cells, mimicking natural gene activation.
“Genetics of cell differentiation work through sequences of events, kind of like baking a cake,” said Brad Merrill, professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at UI Health. “You wouldn’t at one time combine the birthday candles, frosting, flour, eggs and then throw that whole mess into an oven.”
But this is the process for gene editing.
Typically, researchers grow large quantities of stem cells and move them through a series of different solutions and culture conditions to get them to become a specialized cell. This approach can work well on a small scale, but it can be difficult to scale it up to create the large volume of cells needed for medical applications.
Instead, Merrill and his team propose using their method for a more internal approach to stem cells. By adding specific proGuides to stem cells, they can program them to turn into valuable cells. The team is now testing the method with different cell types, seeing what the right recipe is for each.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rrR2MG
