CRISPR-Cas: mechanisms and applications
Successful launch of Topic Days
The meeting in Regensburg on November 27th, titled "CRISPR-Cas - from mechanisms to applications", marked the launch of a new format in the RNAmed program: "Topic Days", where an event is specifically dedicated to a central topic. We gathered at the University Hospital of Regensburg to learn more about the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas system. This breakthrough in gene editing not only earned its discoverers the Nobel Prize, but also opened up a multitude of therapeutic possibilities for genetic diseases. Since the first clinical trial of an applied CRISPR-Cas therapy was conducted at the University Hospital of Regensburg, PhD students Mario and Marina from Regensburg took it upon themselves to organize this symposium for their colleagues and PIs.
The event started with Prof. Dr. Jürgen Föll from the University Hospital of Regensburg, who shared his experiences from the clinical trial for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia using CRISPR-Cas gene editing.
Next, Dr. Shiraz Ali Shah, an international guest speaker from COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood), shifted the focus from clinical applications to the use of CRISPR systems in bacteria. He discussed how CRISPR is being used to track bacterial-phage interactions and highlighted his research on the gut microbiome and phage colonization in children and the potential link to chronic diseases later in life.
Finally, Prof. Dr. Stan Brouns from TU Delft (The Netherlands) delved into the bacterial mechanisms of different CRISPR-Cas systems and his work that led to the development of a CRISPR fusion protein that introduced an RNA-activated protease known as "Craspase" (a CRISPR tool that cleaves protein instead of DNA).
All speakers participated in a panel discussion together with Prof. Dr. Selim Corbacioglu (RNAmed PI in Regensburg), giving RNAmed students the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas in an open setting with experts from across the CRISPR field.
The day concluded with a tour of the clinic and associated laboratories, followed by a relaxed visit to a local Christmas Market with food and mulled wine.
- Dominik Rappert, doctoral student in the Höbartner group (University of Würzburg)
