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Research Highlights

Professor KIM Jin-Soo Develops Technology to Modify Genes

Professor KIM Jin-Soo’s research was published as the cover article of Genome Research
Professor KIM Jin-Soo’s research was published as the cover article of Genome Research

Professor KIM Jin-Soo (Department of Chemistry) has developed a new method of using RNA-guided engineered nucleases (RGENs) to modify human genes. RNA-guided engineered nucleases (RGENs) use enzymes to cut certain parts of DNA in order to create DNA with certain wanted characteristics. This time, using electric shock, Professor Kim delivered RGENs to various human cells including embryonic stem cells, enabling the detailed modification of cells. This technology minimized the side effects of gene conversion, leading to safer gene manipulation and a possibility of being applied to gene therapy. Professor Kim stated that “the accuracy of RGENs is vital in curing hereditary disorders.”

Summary by LEE Hee Un, SNU English Editor, gurume0221@snu.ac.kr