A revolution in genetics

Senta Georgia is using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in an effort to cure a child’s rare form of diabetes. (Photo courtesy of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)

A child develops a rare form of diabetes, due to the absence of a single piece of DNA in his genetic code. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a dedicated researcher is working to cure this young patient. How? With gene-editing technology called CRISPR-Cas9.

Just a few years old, CRISPR-Cas9 technology is transforming how scientists conduct medical research. Experts believe it can be used to edit the DNA in cells of any living thing. Senta Georgia, an investigator in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at CHLA and assistant professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at USC, hopes to use it to put the child’s missing piece of DNA back in the proper place and cure his diabetes on a cellular level.

To read more, visit stemcell.usc.edu/2017/08/26/a-revolution-in-genetics.