CRISPR Systems: Editing the Code of Life

The gene-editing tool CRISPR is transforming biology. The tool allows researchers to quickly and easily alter strands of DNA at precise locations within a living organism’s genome. Studying the underlying chemical mechanisms that sever strands of RNA and DNA provides a foundation for the conceptual and technological development of CRISPR.

In this lecture, Jennifer Doudna will present the history, development and potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9, a tool inspired by bacterial immune systems. She will discuss how CRISPR-Cas9 can enable advances in both fundamental biology and medical science, such as in the fight against HIV, sickle cell disease and muscular dystrophy. She will also examine the ethical challenges posed by CRISPR applications.