Researchers at Lehigh University are embarking on an innovative project  to enhance the safety and efficacy  of CRISPR gene editing technologies. Funded by the National Science  Foundation, this initiative is led by  bioengineering researcher Tomas  Gonzalez-Fernandez and focuses on  developing predictive models using  artificial intelligence and deep learning. CRISPR, a revolutionary tool  for genome editing, enables precise  modifications to DNA. However, as  Gonzalez-Fernandez noted in a recent  press release, “CRISPR is very powerful, but it comes with side effects.” Altering one gene can inadvertently affect  multiple others, leading to unintended  outcomes, he said. To address this,  Gonzalez-Fernandez has assembled an  interdisciplinary team, including faculty from bioengineering and computer science, as well as Joshua Graham, a  third-year bioengineering PhD student  who is integrating machine learning  techniques into the project. “Machine  learning has been used for enhancing CRISPR's precision before, but this is  the first time it’s being used to create a  surrogate genome model,” GonzalezFernandez said. This model will allow  researchers to simulate the effects of  gene modifications on the entire genome, facilitating the identification of suitable genetic targets while avoiding adverse consequences. “If we have a  specific therapeutic application, but we  don’t know what gene to modify, the model will help us identify different  candidates,” he explained. Their work  has significant implications for various medical fields, including cancer  treatment and regenerative medicine.  For instance, they aim to enhance the  differentiation of induced pluripotent  stem cells into cancer-fighting cells  and improve the development of  cartilage cells for treating osteoarthritis. Additionally, the project addresses  the delivery mechanism for CRISPR  components through nanoparticle  vehicles, which can negatively impact  cell viability. The team will utilize  computer modeling to predict and  mitigate these effects. Gonzalez-Fernandez emphasized the collaborative  nature of the research, which merges  computer science, genetic engineering, and molecular biology to tackle  the complex challenges posed by  CRISPR technology. With this work,  the team aspires to unlock new therapeutic applications, making CRISPR  a safer and more reliable tool for  treating a variety of diseases. Larkin C. Advancing CRISPR: Lehigh researchers to develop predictive models for  gene editing. Lehigh University. Published  October 7, 2024. https://engineering. lehigh.edu/news/article/advancing-crisprlehigh-researchers-develop-predictivemodels-gene-editing