Kriti Patel
TLDR:
A groundbreaking development in gene-editing technology has emerged from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The research team is working on developing universal milk exosomes to transport gene editors throughout the body. By attaching peptides to the exosome membrane, targeted delivery and increased survivability of gene editors are achieved, overcoming a significant hurdle in gene editing. The team is also exploring using transgenic livestock to produce these exosomes for therapeutic applications.
Revolutionizing Disease Treatment: A Glimpse into the World of Gene Editing
A groundbreaking development in the realm of gene-editing technology has emerged from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where researchers are working on developing universal milk exosomes capable of transporting gene editors to any location in the body. This innovative approach combines expertise in milk exosomes and bioorthogonal chemistry to create a safe and scalable technology with the potential to treat rare and common diseases.
One of the key challenges in gene editing has been ensuring that gene editors reach their intended destination in the body. The team’s solution involves attaching three peptides to the exosome membrane, allowing for targeted delivery and increased survivability of the gene editors. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of disease treatment, as it could revolutionize how we approach healthcare by treating genetic diseases and mutations directly at their source.
Moreover, the researchers are exploring the use of transgenic livestock to produce exosomes containing gene-editing cargo, increasing the scalability and accessibility of their technology for therapeutic applications. This groundbreaking research has already been licensed to a private company for commercial use, highlighting the immense potential and market confidence in this approach to gene-editing.
The research team’s work has been recognized by the NIH, earning them a $25,000 prize to advance the development of universal milk exosomes capable of transporting gene editors. With the successful development and application of this technology, the future of disease treatment looks promising, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare by targeting diseases at their genetic roots.
