Hero Mask
Hero Mask

SCIENCE

Chroma is pioneering the future of single-dose genomic medicines, harnessing epigenetics to unlock precise, predictable and durable therapies.

The epigenome is nature’s gatekeeper of gene expression

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.

Unmethylated DNA is accessible for transcription; methylated DNA is closed and inaccessible
Unmethylated DNA is accessible for transcription; methylated DNA is closed and inaccessible
Programmable editors for precise control

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.

Epigenetic editors regulate gene expression by silencing and activating genes via methylation/ demethylation of histones and DNA
Epigenetic editors regulate gene expression by silencing and activating genes via methylation/ demethylation of histones and DNA
A modular platform for epigenetic editing

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.

Chroma’s epigenetic editors are made of modular components and capable of gene silencing, activation and multiplex editing
Chroma’s epigenetic editors are made of modular components and capable of gene silencing, activation and multiplex editing