Gene Editing Technologies and Applications
Our research in Gene Editing Technologies and Applications focuses on developing and applying precision tools that enable scientists to modify the genome with unprecedented accuracy. Gene editing represents one of the most transformative advances in modern biology, allowing us to not only understand how genes function but also to correct, enhance, or reprogram them for the benefit of human health and society.
At the core of this field lies the power to directly manipulate DNA—the instruction manual of life. We study and utilize a range of genome engineering platforms, including CRISPR-Cas systems, TALENs, and zinc-finger nucleases, to introduce precise genetic changes in cells and model organisms. These technologies have revolutionized the way researchers study gene function, model diseases, and design potential therapies for a wide range of genetic disorders.
Our work is driven by both technological innovation and biological discovery. On the technology side, we are interested in improving the precision, efficiency, and safety of genome-editing tools. This includes designing novel Cas variants with refined targeting capabilities, developing delivery methods for hard-to-edit cell types, and minimizing unintended off-target effects. On the biological front, we apply these tools to explore the genetic basis of disease, dissect gene regulatory networks, and engineer cell models that mimic human physiology.
Beyond basic research, gene editing holds remarkable promise for therapeutic and translational applications. We are actively investigating how gene-editing approaches can be harnessed to correct disease-causing mutations, restore gene function, or modulate immune responses in cancer and infectious diseases. In collaboration with clinical and translational researchers, our lab contributes to the growing field of genome medicine, where molecular tools are used to design next-generation therapies that are tailored to individual patients.
Our research also extends to agricultural, microbial, and synthetic biology applications. By editing the genomes of plants, microbes, and other organisms, we explore ways to improve crop resilience, develop sustainable bio-based products, and engineer systems with novel biological functions.
Ultimately, our work aims to expand the frontiers of genome engineering, transforming gene editing from a powerful laboratory technique into a broadly applicable platform for discovery, innovation, and therapeutic intervention. By integrating molecular biology, computational design, and translational research, we strive to advance a future where genome editing can safely and effectively improve human health, environmental sustainability, and our understanding of life itself.
