基因组编辑新利器：PCE技术实现染色体“精准编辑”

Core Viewpoint - The research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a novel programmable chromosome-level large segment DNA manipulation technology, PCE, which enables precise editing of DNA at the kilobase to megabase level in eukaryotic genomes, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of genetic engineering [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Development - The new method addresses the core challenge of precise manipulation of large segments of DNA, which existing tools struggle with in terms of efficiency, scale, precision, and diversity [2]. - The research team has created two programmable chromosome editing systems, PCE and RePCE, which allow for precise and seamless manipulation of ultra-large segments of DNA [2][3]. - Three key technological innovations have been achieved to enhance the capabilities of large segment DNA editing, including the development of a high-throughput recombination site modification platform, optimization of Cre recombinase using artificial intelligence, and the creation of a "no trace editing strategy" called Re-pegRNA [3]. Group 2: Applications and Implications - The new technology has the potential to revolutionize crop trait improvement and genetic disease treatment by enabling the manipulation of genomic structural variations [4][6]. - In traditional breeding, desirable traits are often linked with undesirable genes, but the breakthrough in large segment DNA editing could lead to new breeding strategies that eliminate these undesirable traits while enhancing beneficial ones [4]. - The technology has already been successfully applied to create a rice variety with a precise inversion of 315 kilobases that is resistant to herbicides [5]. - In the field of genetic disease treatment, this technology may provide new therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities and accelerate the construction of artificial chromosomes, which is crucial for synthetic biology and other emerging fields [6].