Researchers from the Arc Institute, led by Dr. Patrick Hsu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, have discovered a new class of guide RNA, termed “bridge RNA,” that enables programmable genome editing by facilitating sequence-specific recombination. Utilizing mobile genetic elements (MGEs) from the IS110 family and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), the team demonstrated that bridge RNA connects target and donor DNA, allowing precise genomic modifications.
The study, published in Nature, revealed that bridge RNA and IS621 recombinase could bypass traditional CRISPR methods, providing a new approach to genome design. Experiments using Escherichia coli showed over 60% efficiency in inserting desired genes with high specificity. This breakthrough offers potential for advanced genetic therapies and large-scale genome engineering.