Researchers at the Texas A&M Health Institute of Biosciences and Technology are combining caffeine with CRISPR technology to edit genes using chemogenetics.[1][2] The system is pre-programmed by delivering the genes for the nanobodies, the target protein, and the CRISPR mechanism into cells using standard gene transfer methods.[1][2] Consuming a 20 mg dose of caffeine from coffee, chocolate or soda triggers the binding of the nanobody and the target protein, activating CRISPR gene editing in the cells.[1][2] This method allows gene editing activity to be precisely turned on and off in target cells, including T cells.[1][2] T cells serve as the body's memory of past infections, and their manual activation allows the immune system to be directed against specific diseases, such as cancer.[1][2] The system is modular and can be integrated into CRISPR, CAR-T cells or to induce therapeutic genes such as insulin with precise control.[1][2] The team plans to continue preclinical studies to treat cancer, diabetes and other conditions.[1][2]