Patrick Hsu: Discovery of Bridge RNAs

Patrick Hsu, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, led the discovery of bridge RNAs, a new gene-editing tool that simplifies large-scale DNA rearrangements. Unlike CRISPR, which involves multiple steps, bridge RNAs enable a single-step, precise editing process without causing DNA damage. This breakthrough offers the potential for advanced gene therapies, particularly for complex genetic diseases with multiple mutations, by providing programmable and ultra-precise control. While still in early stages, bridge RNA technology could revolutionize gene therapy by enabling more scalable, efficient, and adaptable genetic editing. However, challenges regarding specificity and application in human cells remain.