The Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics (CING) has launched EDIT-4-IRON, an ambitious genome editing initiative aimed at transforming treatments for iron-related blood disorders.
Backed by a €200,000 grant under the “RESTART 2016–2020, Bilateral Collaborations” program from the Research and Innovation Foundation, this 36-month project strengthens scientific ties between Cyprus and Israel while reinforcing both nations’ positions as leaders in genetic and haematological research.
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A Pioneering Collaboration
Led by Dr. Carsten W. Lederer, Head of the MGTD and Associate Professor at CING, the Cypriot team includes haematologist Dr. Panayiota L. Papasavva and gene editing expert Dr. Petros Patsali. On the Israeli side, gene editing specialist Dr. Ayal Hendel, a professor at Bar-Ilan University (BIU), spearheads the project.
Both institutions bring extensive expertise to the table. CING, the national reference laboratory for rare anaemia research and diagnosis in Cyprus, has been at the forefront of gene therapy innovations. BIU, meanwhile, holds multiple patents in editing technology and is a national leader in advanced therapy medicinal product development for blood disorders.
Training The Next Generation
Beyond its scientific breakthroughs, EDIT-4-IRON will provide cutting-edge training opportunities. The project supports two PhD students—one in Cyprus (Azzam Mohamed Ahmed Abdelfattah) and one in Israel—alongside an MSc student in Israel, offering them hands-on experience in gene therapy technologies and international networking prospects.
A Revolutionary Approach To Iron Disorders
EDIT-4-IRON aims to revolutionise treatments for inherited and acquired iron-related haematological disorders (IHDs), such as transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia, non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia, hereditary haemochromatosis, and polycythaemia vera. These conditions, often marked by iron overload or ineffective erythropoiesis, currently rely on small-molecule therapies that require lifelong administration and come with significant side effects.
By leveraging CRISPR/Cas and base editing technologies, researchers aim to create gene knockouts that induce an iron-restrictive state, potentially offering a long-term therapeutic alternative for thousands of patients worldwide.
A Data-Driven Approach
The project will rigorously evaluate the safety and efficacy of these gene-editing strategies through ex vivo and in vivo testing, using primary patient samples from Cyprus, cell lines, and murine disease models. This approach ensures that any breakthroughs can be translated into real-world clinical applications.
Setting the Stage For Innovation
EDIT-4-IRON officially kicked off on May 26, 2025, with a meeting between the Cypriot and Israeli teams to define collaboration frameworks, project milestones, and deliverables. With its combination of groundbreaking science, international cooperation, and a commitment to patient-centric innovation, this project marks a significant step forward in the fight against iron-related blood disorders.
