Domestic researchers have developed a technology that can precisely edit multiple genes at once.
On the 24th, Lee Dae-hee, head of the Synthetic Biology Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), noted that the research team has developed a multi-gene editing technology that significantly enhances the efficiency and stability of gene editing. The study was published online in the international journal "Chemical Engineering Journal" on the 7th.
The CRISPR gene scissors is a technology that can selectively edit specific genes. It consists of a guide ribonucleic acid (RNA) that distinguishes the DNA sequence to be edited and a CAS Corporation protein that directly cuts the genes.
To edit multiple genes simultaneously using this technology, a guide RNA arranged in a single line must be created by repeating the single guide RNA (sgRNA) for the number of genes to be edited. At this time, if the sequences of the sgRNAs are similar, problems such as synthesis errors, assembly failures, and unstable expression may occur.
The research team developed the "RAMBE" system that arranges sgRNAs so they do not entangle and can function properly. Furthermore, they also developed the "NR-RAMBE" system, which reduces synthesis complexity by removing repeated sequences that appear simultaneously in multiple sgRNAs.
As a result of experiments applying the technology to Escherichia coli, it was possible to edit more than six genes at once. The editing efficiency was shown to be at a level similar to that of existing systems. In particular, the NR-RAMBE system reduced the complexity during gene synthesis by approximately seven times and significantly decreased the failure rate of gene editing.
The research team said, "The technology developed this time is suitable for advanced genomic technologies like the automated system for gene design, synthesis, and validation called 'biofoundry,' and we expect it can be widely utilized in developing various medical and industrial microorganisms."
References
Chemical Engineering Journal (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.162336