First time genome editing made possible on cells lining blood vessel walls: Vast application potential to treat diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome from severe COVID-19

Researchers have developed a unique nanoparticle to deliver genome editing technology, including CRISPR/Cas9, to endothelial cells, which are cells that line blood vessel walls. This is the first time that vascular endothelial cells could be reached for genome editing, since the usual way to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 -- through a virus -- does not work for this cell type.