Development of RNA Structure Profiling and Gene Editing Tools

Nucleic acids serve as the fundamental blueprint of life, with their sequence, structure, and epigenetic modifications profoundly determining the fate of living organisms. Precise manipulation at the molecular level not only provides key research tools for exploring the mysteries of life but also opens new avenues for the treatment of major diseases. To this end, via biomacromolecular engineering, we have developed a series of “chemical editing” tools for nucleic acids. These include a compact gene scissor that efficiently excises specific gene sequences in cells; a novel RNA base editor that enables RNA recoding without altering the genomic sequence; and a molecular radar that resolves the structural contours of RNA. These tools provide new technological support for deciphering the principles of life and creates possibilities for intervening in many diseases.