gene editing

noun

variants or genome editing

: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism

Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.

—David Baltimore et al.

The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.

—Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

a gene-editing technique called CRISPR

Examples of gene editing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Recent advances in cloning and gene editing, along with a better understanding of infection control, have led a handful of institutions to breakthroughs transplanting other pig organs — all key steps that could one day lead to an alternative organ supply. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025

Led researchers at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the team used gene editing to create male-sterile flowers, enabling the robot to produce hybrid seeds efficiently. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025

In the present study, the researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to screen thousands of genes in mouse fat cells, or adipocytes, to see which ones might produce microproteins that influence fat cell growth (proliferation) and fat storage. —New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2025

In the new study, the team took to the lab and used CRISPR gene editing to disrupt pax6 gene function. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gene editing

• accrediting
• discrediting
• crediting