What are the applications of base editing?

There are various applications of base editing. One application is gene function discovery. Base editors allow researchers to precisely modify DNA sequences at specific locations within the genome without introducing double-strand breaks. By introducing targeted mutations or correcting disease-causing mutations, researchers can assess the impact of these genetic changes on cellular function or organismal phenotype. Another application is genetic lineage tracing. By introducing heritable genetic markers or fluorescent tags into specific genomic loci, researchers can label cells at particular stages of development or in specific tissues; this allows them to trace the lineage of these cells over time. Another application is disease modeling. Base editing facilitates the creation of cellular and animal models that accurately mirror human diseases. Through the introduction of disease-causing mutations or the correction of genetic defects in relevant cell types or model organisms, researchers can accurately replicate disease phenotypes. An additional application is directed protein evolution. Through introducing targeted mutations in the coding sequence of a gene, researchers can generate libraries of protein variants and screen them for improved activity and stability. A fifth application is gene therapy. By precisely correcting disease-causing mutations or modulating gene expression levels, base editors can potentially treat inherited diseases. Furthermore, base editing can be used to engineer cells for transplantation or to directly edit genes in vivo using viral vectors or other delivery methods.