AI's Role in Revolutionizing Gene Therapy: Predicting and Controlling CRISPR's RNA-Targeting Effects

Researchers have combined artificial intelligence (AI) with CRISPR technology to precisely control gene expression by targeting RNA instead of DNA. The study utilized a deep learning model called TIGER (Targeted Inhibition of Gene Expression via guide RNA design) to predict both on-target and off-target activity of RNA-targeting CRISPRs, outperforming previous models. This advancement could lead to the development of new CRISPR-based therapies and enable the modulation of gene dosage for various diseases. The researchers envision that AI predictions will help avoid undesired off-target CRISPR activity and further advance RNA-targeting therapies.