Team uses AlphaFold AI to redesign gene-editing proteins to make them safer

Scientists in China used a modified version of Google’s AlphaFold to map parts of gene-editing proteins, especially Cas9, that can cause off-target DNA edits.

They then redesigned those proteins to reduce unintended genetic changes while preserving editing function.

The work points to a new way to improve CRISPR safety and make gene-editing therapies more precise.

Improving editing accuracy is important for lowering risks as these tools move closer to medical use.