Prime Assembly Enables Precise Large-Scale DNA Insertion for Gene Therapy

A new genome-editing method called prime assembly can precisely insert long DNA sequences into targeted locations in living cells, potentially enabling universal gene therapies. The technique builds on prime editing and uses CRISPR-targeted flaps to tether DNA fragments into place, working in both dividing and non-dividing cells. It avoids off-target effects and toxicity linked to other methods. Researchers demonstrated the approach in primary human cells, including megabase-scale rearrangements. They aim to improve delivery to disease-relevant cells and develop mutation-agnostic treatments for inherited disorders.