Scientists Unveil CRISPR Breakthrough: Gene Editing Without Cutting DNA

Researchers at UNSW Sydney pioneer a new epigenetic editing technique that could lead to safer treatments for genetic diseases like Sickle Cell.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:35pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, visualizing the complex process of epigenetic gene editing without the use of text or diagrams.A conceptual illustration of the revolutionary CRISPR breakthrough that can edit genes without cutting DNA, offering a safer path to transformative gene therapies.Memphis Today

Scientists at UNSW Sydney have developed a revolutionary CRISPR technique that can switch genes on and off without ever cutting into the DNA. By targeting the chemical 'tags' that silence genes, this epigenetic editing approach could enable safer treatments for genetic disorders like Sickle Cell disease by avoiding the risks associated with directly modifying DNA.

Why it matters

This breakthrough represents a major advancement in gene editing technology, moving beyond the limitations of earlier CRISPR tools that relied on physically cutting DNA strands. The new epigenetic editing approach offers the potential for more precise and safer gene therapies, especially for inherited conditions that stem from improperly switched on or off genes.

The details

The UNSW team, in collaboration with researchers at St Jude Children's Research Hospital, demonstrated that removing the methyl group 'tags' from genes wakes them up, while adding the tags back puts the genes to sleep again. This proves that these chemical markers are the true drivers of gene silencing, not just passive indicators. By using a modified CRISPR system to precisely target and remove these methyl groups, the researchers can restore gene activity without ever cutting the DNA.

  • The study was published in Nature Communications in April 2026.

The players

UNSW Sydney

A public research university located in Sydney, Australia, where the pioneering epigenetic editing research was conducted.

St Jude Children's Research Hospital

A pediatric treatment and research facility in Memphis, Tennessee, that collaborated with UNSW Sydney on this study.

Professor Merlin Crossley

The UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality and lead author of the study.

Professor Kate Quinlan

A co-author of the study, highlighting the broad potential of epigenetic editing beyond just Sickle Cell disease.

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What they’re saying

“We showed very clearly that if you brush the cobwebs off, the gene comes on. And when we added the methyl groups back to the genes, they turned off again. So, these compounds aren't cobwebs -- they're anchors.”

— Professor Merlin Crossley, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality

“Whenever you cut DNA, there's a risk of cancer. And if you're doing a gene therapy for a lifelong disease, that's a bad kind of risk. But if we can do gene therapy that doesn't involve snipping DNA strands, then we avoid these potential pitfalls.”

— Professor Merlin Crossley, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality

“We are excited about the future of epigenetic editing as our study shows that it allows us to boost gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Therapies based on this technology are likely to have a reduced risk of unintended negative effects compared to first or second generation CRISPR.”

— Professor Kate Quinlan, Study Co-Author

What’s next

The research teams at UNSW and St Jude are planning to test the epigenetic editing approach in animal models and continue exploring the potential of CRISPR-based tools for therapeutic and agricultural applications.

The takeaway

This breakthrough in epigenetic editing represents a major advancement in gene therapy, offering a safer alternative to traditional CRISPR methods that rely on cutting DNA. By precisely targeting and manipulating the chemical tags that control gene expression, researchers can potentially correct genetic disorders without the risks associated with directly modifying the underlying DNA sequence.