Jennifer Doudna

Our team has identified a promising link between a molecule produced in the gut microbiome and asthma development.

With precision microbiome editing, we could offer a child at risk for asthma a non-invasive therapy that would eliminate asthma-inducing molecules, changing her life trajectory.

And what's really exciting is that these same approaches in the future could help us treat or even prevent human diseases that are linked to the gut microbiome, including obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer's.

I think it's fascinating that we can now use CRISPR to edit the same tiny organisms that gave us CRISPR.

In doing so, we're collaborating with the ultimate partner, nature.

Together, we can use CRISPR-powered precision microbiome editing to build a more resilient future for all of us.

I was terrified.

I thought, oh my God, what's happening?

Is this a stroke?

What is this?

Thank you, Eric.

Great to be here.

Yes, we have.

We've known each other for a while.

And of course, I've admired the progress at the CZI on fundamental science.

I was an advisor very early on.

And I think actually that's how we got to know each other.

Right, Priscilla?

Yes, Eric, it's a very exciting story, and we're very, very proud of the teamwork that went into making it possible to cure baby KJ of his very rare disease.

And in brief, the story began back in August of last year when he was born with a metabolic disorder that prevented him from digesting protein.