Session Area Descriptions
AI, Genomics, and Gene Editing Tools
The rapid development of CRISPR/Cas-based technologies makes it possible to modulate genomes with relative ease, thereby enabling the generation of AI training data relating genetic variation to phenotype. This session will focus on novel technologies driving the generation of novel biological datasets and associated AI algorithms.
Commercial Translation of Gene Editing (Panel)
CRISPR has impacted commercial markets in the areas of therapeutics, diagnostics, industrial bio, and agriculture. While there have been a number of successful examples of translation from the lab to the market, many opportunities remain for innovation to address ongoing translational challenges.
Beyond Double Stranded Breaks: Enabling Genome Engineering
Programmable nucleases such as CRISPR Cas9 have expanded the accessibility and reach of gene editing, but complex genomic edits, such as replacements and large insertions, and epigenetic editing remain challenging. Protein engineering, combined with the discovery of CRISPR systems and mobile elements, has created new tools with the potential to expand upon applications of genome engineering for human therapeutics and biotechnology.
CRISPR in the Dark Genome: Mapping Noncoding DNA
The dark genome, or the 98% of the genome not associated with protein-encoding genes, has been clearly associated with a multitude of human diseases including cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Novel technologies, tools, and understanding of the dark genome's regulatory and genetic implications are required to unlock it's potential for next generation therapeutics, diagnostics, and tools.
Cross-Kingdom Applications of CRISPR
Beyond human health applications, CRISPR-Cas tools have emerged to enable genome editing across a variety of organisms, from Archaea and bacteria to plants. Applications of CRISPR in these systems range from single variant editing for targeted engineering to multiplexed methods for functional genomics.
Delivery Modalities
Innovations in delivery and targeted delivery enable applications of genome engineering beyond in vitro discovery and ex vivo use. One size does not fit all: as cargo engineering evolves, so must delivery technologies.
Natural Biology of CRISPR Systems
Before their use for genome editing, CRISPR systems were discovered to function as adaptive immune systems in bacteria. Since their initial discovery, they have been associated with archaea, viruses, and mobile elements. Understanding the biology of these complex systems may provide insights into microbial interactions that shape human and environmental health, and could uncover novel mechanisms that could be harnessed for genome editing.
Assessing Safety in Genome Editing for Clinical Applications
As the genome engineering field continues to evolve, so does understanding of genotoxicity (e.g., off-target editing) and potential for safety implications in the clinic. Understanding of risks and methods to quantify risks are paramount to clinical translation.
