A new technique from MilliporeSigma, called “proxy-CRISPR,” provides access to previously unreachable areas of the genome. Most natural CRISPR systems, found in bacteria, cannot work in human cells without significant re-engineering. However, proxy-CRISPR provides a rapid and simple method to increase their usability without the laborious need to re-engineer native CRISPR proteins.

 

The new technology is a follow-on to MilliporeSigma’s existing CRISPR applications. The company’s next suite of genome-editing tools for the research community, to be launched later in 2017, will include novel and modified versions of Cas and Cas-like proteins.