The next step in the evolution of genetic medicine, gene writing exploits a natural process in cells that allows researchers to install genes of interest, replacing damaged DNA sequences that cause debilitating diseases and may not be treatable with other genetic engineering tools. According to Tessera Theraputics, a biotech startup working to harness the new technology’s potential:
RNA gene writers can change base pairs, make small insertions or deletions, and integrate entire genes into the genome …. This flexibility means that in the future, we could cure rare genetic disorders with treatments that are easily distributed, manufactured at scale, and re-dosed if necessary.
On this episode of Talking Biotech, Dr. Geoff von Maltzhan of Tessera joins host Kevin Folta to explain how gene writing works and highlight its most promising medical applications.
Dr. Geoffrey von Maltzahn is co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Tessera Therapeutics, as well as a General Partner at Flagship Pioneering, where he focuses on inventing technologies and starting companies to address global challenges in medicine and environmental sustainability. Find Geoffrey on Twitter @GVMaltzahn
Kevin M. Folta is a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta
The Talking Biotech podcast, produced by Kevin Folta, is available for listening or subscription:
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