Rewriting the Language of Life: Impacts and Challenges of DNA Editing

Project Scientist & Principal Investigator, Innovative Genomics Institute, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Wilson is a biophysical scientist developing methods to deliver genome-editing enzymes such as CRISPR-Cas9. Dr. Wilson is a principal investigator at the University of California, Berkeley, leading a team at the Innovative Genomics Institute that is creating technology to allow genome editing to reach its full potential. Dr. Wilson’s scientific career has focused on the understanding and engineering of RNA molecules and RNA-protein complexes. After performing substantial research on the structure and function of RNA enzymes, riboswitches, and the machinery of RNAi biogenesis, Dr. Wilson is now developing technology to enable therapeutic use of the genome editing enzyme Cas9. This approach involves identifying safe, effective methods of administering gene editing enzymes, as well as targeting delivery to the specific cells, tissues, or organs in need of genetic correction. These tools will help genome editing make the leap from the lab to the clinic.