Ep156: David Liu on New Tools and Techniques for Biology
Apr 16, 2024
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Professor David Liu, co-founder of biotech companies, discusses cutting-edge gene editing technologies like CRISPR Cas9 and prime editing. He shares insights on his journey from childhood curiosity to revolutionizing the biotech industry, highlighting the potential of CRISPR technology in treating diseases like sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia.
David Liu pioneers gene editing technologies like CRISPR Cas9, base editing, and prime editing.
Liu integrates chemistry and biology in projects like DNA-templated organic synthesis and protein evolution.
Transitioning to biotech, Liu founds companies focusing on DNA-encoded libraries and drug delivery methods.
The podcast explores the evolution of CRISPR technology and its therapeutic potential in gene editing for genetic diseases.
Deep dives
Developing New Tools in Chemical Biology
David Liu, a professor at Harvard University and a core member at the Broad Institute, is known for using new tools and developing techniques to advance biology. His focus on gene editing technologies like CRISPR Cas9, base editing, and prime editing has made significant contributions to the biotech industry. Through projects like DNA-templated organic synthesis and phage-assisted continuous evolution, he sets the stage for groundbreaking work.
Early Life Influence and Academic Path
Growing up in Riverside, California, David Liu's parents, immigrants from China and Taiwan, instilled the values of education and hard work. Observing his parents' dedication to their science and engineering careers influenced his early passion for academics. Despite facing challenges like racism and bullying in school, his curiosity and admiration for the natural world drove his interest in biology and chemistry. This foundation shaped his path towards becoming a professor and researcher.
Passion for Chemistry and Biology Intersection
David Liu's academic journey led him to an intersection of chemistry and biology, where his expertise in small molecules and proteins converged. He delved into projects like DNA-templated organic synthesis and protein evolution, blending the power of chemistry to manipulate molecules with the awe-inspiring capabilities of biology. His commitment to problem selection and technology development showcased his dedication to impactful research.
Transition to Biotech Industry
Transitioning to the biotech industry, David Liu founded companies like Ensemble Therapeutics and Permion Biologics, exploring DNA-encoded libraries and drug delivery methods. His involvement with these ventures, driven by the potential to accelerate drug discovery, highlighted his ability to translate academic research into practical applications. Witnessing the impact of his science on drug development motivated his pursuit of programmable medicine through innovative technologies like CRISPR.
The Rise of CRISPR Technology
The podcast discusses the development and explosion of CRISPR technology, highlighting the key players like Jennifer Doudna, Feng Zhang, George Church, Keith John, contributing to its success. It delves into the evolution of CRISPR technology from zing finger nucleases to tail nucleases and eventually CRISPR Cast 9 nucleases. The episode emphasizes the importance of the perfect storm created by early successes and pioneering groundwork that led to the rapid advancement of CRISPR.
Therapeutic Applications of Gene Editing
The podcast explores the therapeutic potential of gene editing through disrupting genes to treat diseases like sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, focusing on reawakening fetal hemoglobin genes. It discusses the mechanism of disrupting genes using DNA cutting scissors to induce mistakes in repair processes, leading to functional gene disruptions. The episode highlights the significance of gene correction through precise disruptions for treating genetic diseases.
Innovations in Base Editing and Prime Editing
The episode details the innovations in base editing and prime editing, showcasing how these technologies offer precise gene corrections without requiring double-stranded breaks. Base editing involves chemically converting DNA bases to correct genetic misspellings, while prime editing enables targeted gene corrections directly onto DNA strands. It compares these editing tools to DNA cutting scissors, emphasizing their potential in correcting mutations causing genetic diseases with enhanced precision and efficiency.
