SCIENCE
Chroma is pioneering the future of single-dose genomic medicines, harnessing epigenetics to unlock precise, predictable and durable therapies.
Epigenetics determines the identity and function of each cell by controlling expression patterns of all genes. Epigenetic marks, such as methyl groups on DNA, open or close chromatin to make genes accessible or inaccessible for transcription. This elegant system governs gene expression patterns and drives durable changes in function without changing the sequence of the DNA.
Chroma is building on the pioneering work of our scientific founders to advance a new class of genomic medicines: epigenetic editors that leverage the cell’s innate mechanism to precisely and durably control gene expression.
Chroma’s programmable epigenetic editors target genes and control chromatin conformation by coupling a DNA binding domain with epigenetic effector domains. The DNA binding domain specifically targets the gene (or genes) to be silenced or activated. The effector domains create specific and durable methylation patterns which control chromatin conformation and govern whether a gene is accessible or inaccessible for transcription. This efficiently and effectively mimics the cell’s innate mechanisms for controlling gene expression.
This modular, flexible platform enables us to develop medicines that address a wide range of diseases, whether they require silencing, activation, or targeting of multiple genes at once.
By harnessing the cell’s innate mechanism for gene regulation, our epigenetic editors have a fundamental mechanistic advantage for regulating the genome. Our approach completely eliminates expression of the targeted gene. In contrast, current editing approaches indirectly regulate gene expression by cutting DNA, activating unpredictable DNA repair pathways and potentially producing immunogenic truncated or mutant proteins. These advantages make Chroma’s epigenetic editors the modality of choice for regulating the genome.
Our technology opens the door to new therapeutic possibilities, including targets in regions of the genome that are not accessible with other approaches, offering hope and lifelong cures for patients suffering from serious illnesses.