Tome Bio founders wrangle jumping genes to create new programmable gene insertion tool
Title
Revolutionizing Gene Editing:
Tome Bio's Programmable Gene Insertion Technology
Keywords
- Programmable Gene Insertion (PGI)
- Jumping Genes
- Gene Editing Technology
- Retrotransposons
- CRISPR Alternatives
- Genomic Medicine
- Therapeutic Gene Delivery
- Autoimmune Disease Treatment
- Monogenic Diseases
- Biotechnology Innovation
Key Facts
- Founders:
Omar Abudayyeh and Jonathan Gootenberg, researchers trained under CRISPR pioneer Feng Zhang, founded Tome Biosciences in 2021410.
- Technology:
Tome Bio developed Programmable Gene Insertion (PGI), a revolutionary gene-editing tool inspired by retrotransposons (jumping genes). PGI enables precise insertion of large DNA sequences into specific genome locations without causing double-stranded breaks110.
- Significance:
PGI allows one therapy to address all mutations within a single faulty gene, potentially transforming treatments for monogenic diseases and autoimmune conditions10.
- Applications:
The tool is poised to enhance in vivo therapies for liver diseases and ex vivo applications for engineering cells to treat autoimmune and chronic diseases10.
- Funding:
Tome Biosciences has secured over $200 million to advance its PGI platform's development10.
- Scientific Contribution:
By repurposing retrotransposons and integrating them with gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, the tool offers a safer alternative to traditional methods, with minimal risks like unwanted mutations or chromosomal rearrangements910.
This innovative tool may mark a new era in precision medicine, with the potential to reshape therapies for diverse genetic and chronic diseases.
Sources:
1. https://endpts.com/tome-bio-founders-wrangle-jumping-genes-for-new-gene-insertion-tool/
9. https://bioengineer.org/revolutionary-gene-editing-tool-offers-hope-for-targeting-multimutational-diseases/
10. https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-tome-biosciences/