Treating Viral Infections with mRNA-Encoded Cas13

Broadcast Date:  September 30, 2022
Time: 8:00 am PT, 11:00 am ET, 17:00 CET

The potential of gene editing as a therapeutic has come to fruition in the past several years, as clinical data from various studies has shown very positive results. Merging that potential with novel mRNA technologies—which have also demonstrated their value and versatility during the COVID-19 pandemic—could provide scientists and clinicians with an unmatched weapon in the arsenal to fight various diseases. In particular, Cas13 has been used to target RNA viruses in cell culture, but only recently has efficacy in animal models been demonstrated.

This is the third webinar in a series of four, cohosted by GEN and The CRISPR Journal, that is diving deep into the burgeoning world of mRNA research and therapeutics. Our distinguished guest for this event, Dr. Philip Santangelo, will introduce important aspects of how to use mRNA to express Cas13 and use it as an antiviral agent. Additionally, Dr. Santangelo will discuss guide design, screening, the importance of controls, and how to apply this approach in vivo against multiple pathogens.

A live Q&A session followed the presentation, offering a chance to pose questions to our expert panelist.