Gene Editing

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful tool that enables the precise modification of a cell’s genome, allowing the modeling of molecular pathways toward a desired phenotype. By targeting specific genes, CRISPR-Cas9 facilitates both the deletion (knock-out) and insertion (knock-in) of genetic material. At the Zenobi-Wong group, we harness this cutting-edge technology to genetically engineer cells used in tissue engineering, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the function of tissues (Figure A). Relevant examples include the generation of inflammation-resistant cartilage able to withstand the inflammatory environment often present in conditions like osteoarthritis (Figure B), and the generation of edited MSCs with enhanced chondrogenic potential. Our work exemplifies the transformative impact of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in creating innovative therapeutic strategies.