By Chloe Joseph

This year has seen a surge of groundbreaking developments in CRISPR technology, a revolutionary gene-editing tool that’s reshaping the fields of medicine and science. Imagine molecular scissors capable of precisely snipping and modifying DNA; that’s essentially what CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) achieves.

While the CRISPR system was first observed in bacteria in the late 1980s, its potential for gene editing was truly realized in 2012, when Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier
published their seminal work demonstrating how CRISPR-Cas9 could be used to edit genes in any DNA sequence. A pivotal moment arrived in December 2023 with the approval of Casgevy, a CRISPR-based therapy targeting sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. This landmark decision marks the first time a CRISPR therapy has been granted regulatory approval, offering a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with these debilitating genetic conditions. In early 2025, Researchers from Duke University and North Carolina State University, published research detailing the discovery of new CRISPR-Cas systems, including “SubCas9” isolated from Streptococcus uberis. This new system shows promise due to it’s smaller size, and enhanced
ability to be used in human tissues.

Beyond this significant milestone, researchers are actively exploring CRISPR’s vast potential to combat a spectrum of diseases, including HIV, various forms of cancer, and cardiovascular ailments. Advancements in “base editing,” a refined CRISPR technique developed by David Liu’s lab at Harvard in 2016, are enabling even more precise alterations to DNA, opening up new avenues for treating complex genetic disorders. The ability to edit stem cells and deliver
CRISPR technology directly into the body are also being heavily researched. These advancements are not only pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding but also paving the way for potential cures and treatments that were once deemed impossible. Further more, there is great progress being made in clinical trials regarding the use of CRISPR in CAR T cell therapies, and also in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases.

Despite the excitement surrounding these breakthroughs, scientists remain committed to addressing the ethical and safety considerations associated with CRISPR technology. Rigorous research and ongoing discussions are crucial to
ensure that this powerful tool is used responsibly and equitably. The rapid evolution of CRISPR, stemming from fundamental discoveries decades ago, stands as a testament to the transformative power of scientific innovation,
promising to revolutionize medicine and improve the lives of countless individuals worldwide. As research progresses, we can anticipate further advancements that will solidify CRISPR’s role as a cornerstone of modern medicine.