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

Long-Term Growth Drivers Still in Place Fundamentally, Vertex Pharmaceuticals remains a leader in the biotech sector, known for its dominance in cystic fibrosis treatments and promising pipeline developments in pain, gene editing, and other high-impact areas. —Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Launched by Colossal Biosciences, the Dire Wolf Project uses gene editing to recreate the ancient predator. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

Serena Omo-Lamai, nominated by the University of Pennsylvania, plans to refine gene editing tools in order to selectively eliminate the harmful cells involved in autoimmune diseases, providing a more precise and safe treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type-1 diabetes. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Particularly, gene editing works best on visible and accessible tumors, like those in the head and neck, breast, thyroid, and skin. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gene editing

• accrediting
• discrediting
• crediting