Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to strategies, systems, methods, compositions, and kits that are useful for production (e.g., evolution) of cytidine deaminase protein variants that are characterized by increased soluble expression and/or stability relative to the wild-type cytidine deaminase protein from which they are evolved. In some embodiments, evolved cytidine deaminase variants described by the disclosure are useful for incorporation into targeted nucleic acid editing proteins, for example in fusion proteins with a Cas9 domain or variant thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating blood diseases/disorders, such as sickle cell disease, hemochromatosis, hemophilia, and beta-thalassemia. For example the disclosure provides therapeutic guide RNAs that target the promotor of HBG1/2 to generate point mutations that increase expression of fetal hemoglobin. As another example, the disclosure provides therapeutic guide RNAs that target mutations in HBB, Factor VIII, and HFE to treat sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, hemophilia and hemochromatosis. The disclosure also provides fusion proteins comprising a Cas9 (e.g., a Cas9 nickase) domain and adenosine deaminases that deaminate adenosine in DNA. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins are in complex with nucleic acids, such as guide RNAs (gRNAs), which target the fusion proteins to a DNA sequence (e.g., an HBG1 or HBG2 protmoter sequence, or an HFE, GBB, or F8 gene sequence).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing ketone-containing organic molecules. The methods are based on novel iron/copper-mediated (“Fe/Cu-mediated”) coupling reactions. The Fe/Cu-mediated coupling reaction can be used in the preparation of complex molecules, such as halichondrins and analogs thereof. In particular, the Fe/Cu-mediated ketolization reactions described herein are useful in the preparation of intermediates en route to halichondrins.