mRNA-engineered CRISPR-Cas epigenetic editors enable durable and efficient gene silencing in vivo

Programmable epigenetic editors (EEs) that achieve long-term gene expression modulation without altering the DNA sequence hold immense therapeutic potential. However, the clinical translation of current CRISPR-based epigenome editors is impeded by substantial challenges, particularly their large molecular size, which limits efficient in vivo delivery. Here, we report the rational design and engineering of compact, mRNA-delivered EEs (CRISPR OFF-EE) using Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), intein-split-SpCas9, or the smaller Cas-SF01 (a Cas12i3 variant). Combined with optimized mRNA architecture and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery, a single intravenous LNP administration of the optimized OFF-EE V2 mRNA, along with selected guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting Pcsk9 in mice, resulted in an ∼83.2% reduction in circulating PCSK9 levels and a corresponding ∼51.4% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, persisting for at least 180 days. SF01-based EEs showed higher specificity with fewer off-target methylation events than SpCas9-based counterparts. Our optimized LNP formulation also demonstrated a favorable safety profile with predominantly liver-tropic activity. These findings establish a robust and versatile platform for advancing in vivo therapeutics based on precise and durable epigenetic silencing using transiently delivered, engineered mRNA editors.