What is base editing?

Base editing is a genome editing technique that enables the direct and precise alteration of individual nucleotides in genomic DNA or cellular RNA without the need for creating double-strand breaks (DSBs), relying on cellular homology-directed repair (HDR) or utilizing a DNA donor template. By avoiding the creation of DSBs, base editors reduce the production of byproducts associated with DSBs. The original base editors, known as cytosine base editors (CBEs) have the capability to change a cytosine base to a thymine. More recent versions, called adenine base editors (ABEs), have been developed to enable adenine-to-guanine substitutions.