Directory

David Liu

PhD

David R. Liu is the Richard Merkin Professor and director of the Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, vice-chair of the faculty at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of the Natural Sciences at Harvard University, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator. Liu’s research integrates chemistry and evolution to illuminate biology and enable next-generation therapeutics. His major research interests include the engineering, evolution, and in vivo delivery of genome editing proteins such as base editors and prime editors to study and treat genetic diseases; the evolution of proteins with novel therapeutic potential using phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE); and the discovery of bioactive synthetic small molecules and synthetic polymers using DNA-templated organic synthesis and DNA-encoded libraries.

Base editing—the first general method to perform precision gene editing without double-stranded breaks, and a Science 2017 Breakthrough of the Year finalist—as well as prime editing, PACE, and DNA-templated synthesis are four examples of technologies pioneered in his laboratory. These technologies are used by thousands of labs around the world and have enabled the study and treatment of genetic diseases. Five base editing clinical trials are already underway to treat leukemia, hypercholesterolemia, sickle-cell disease, and beta-thalassemia, and the first clinical benefit of a base edited therapeutic in a T-cell leukemia trial has been reported.

David Liu

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2025 Research Updates

Research is the answer to one day making FA a treatable, manageable disease. Here, you'll discover the most recent strides in FA research and activities funded by FCF. Every quarter, we'll bring you updates on newly funded grants, ongoing projects, and significant milestones.

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My Unexpected Journey With FA

I am a poet, a writer, and a storyteller. I’m also a student, and an older brother to a young man with FA and special needs. I’m a DACA recipient. I’m here. I’m present. I am more than my current mental state, and more than this diagnosis.

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Recent Changes to U.S. Healthcare Policy and What They Could Mean for the FA Community

People with rare diseases like FA often rely on a combination of healthcare programs and insurance coverage. Any change that reduces access to care or increases out-of-pocket costs can have real-world consequences for our community.

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