Researchers published a programmable promoter-editing framework named DIAL in Nature Biotechnology that converts transient inputs into heritable, stable setpoints of transgene expression in primary cells and human iPSCs. The team demonstrated predictable tuning of expression levels across cell types, enabling finer control for cell engineering and cell‑therapy manufacturing. DIAL uses targeted promoter edits to encode durable expression 'setpoints'—a step beyond inducible systems—allowing engineered cells to retain a desired expression level without continuous external induction. The advance offers a new tool for therapeutic cell programming and could reduce variability in engineered-cell products.