Advancing CRISPR/Cas-Technology: Overcoming Limitations and Leveraging Protein Evolution for Enhanced Tools

CRISPR/Cas technologies have revolutionized genome engineering across the life sciences, yet challenges in precision, specificity, and therapeutic applicability remain. This talk highlights how protein engineering and directed evolution are used to expand target ranges, improve accuracy, and create next-generation genome-editing tools. Dr. Duran Sürün’s research group at Heidelberg University works to translate these advances into meaningful medical applications, developing strategies that aim to replace lifelong treatments with precise, controllable, one-time genetic interventions. By combining innovative genome editing platforms with interdisciplinary research, the team seeks to unlock the full therapeutic potential of genome editing and drive progress toward treating a broad range of genetic disorders.