Genome editing has always been a complex sector to explore in an effort to develop more effective ways of creating changes in the genome. But the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology changes that. Many experts consider the CRISPR as one of the most suitable and promising choices for genome editing.
Just like how you would have your home inspected by a professional to ensure your house’s in top condition, CRISPR technology helps in the process of ‘gene editing’ and ‘regulation,’ assisting scientists in assessing and altering genes to treat certain diseases.
Here are the different CRISPR technology applications and concepts that can change how people treat diseases in the future.
Personal CRISPR Medical Applications
CRISPR technology has shown massive potential for personal medical applications, where CRISPR can edit a person’s embryonic stem cells and re-inject them to the patient. Thanks to this, each patient can get a tailored treatment depending on their genetic characteristics, modifying their ‘faulty genes’ directly. These modifications can be the needed ‘cure’ to several gene-related diseases, ranging from cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, and more — or at least ease the symptoms associated with these conditions more efficiently.
Guidance for Genome Editing Methods
The CRISPR-Cas9 system allows scientists to change genomes under most circumstances. Because of its adaptability, many scientists worldwide currently use it in their operations and have developed new basic studies and medicine applications thanks to it. The most recent breakthrough of using the CRISPR system for genome editing has paved the way for possible treatment uses in the future.
Treatment of HIV infection
Using CRISPR technology to individually remove the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome in each infected cell proves to be one of the most promising methods to fight against the virus. CRISPR can attack different regions of the virus’s DNA, making the development of the virus resistance more challenging, reducing the virus’s chances of escaping the infected cells and developing a resistance to the treatment.
Scientists are also taking an alternative approach, using genome editing of the HIV receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 through the CRISPR-Cas9 system, potentially serving as a safe and effective strategy of protecting a person’s cells from HIV.
Improve Resistance Against Malaria
Using CRISPR technology, researchers have created genetically modified mosquitoes that can transmit ‘resistance’ to the disease in their own species, which, in this case, is malaria. Scientists can extend this technology safely in nature, allowing them to progress in the fight against malaria. ;
These experts took advantage of DNA editing and have injected engineered CRISPR into Anopheles mosquitoes, attacking the malaria parasites living in these carriers’ bodies. Although they still need to research further, the initial results look promising.
CRISPR and cancer
CRISPR technology has a huge potential for applications in the field of cancer, including improving the effects of epigenetic cancer therapy, turning the genes involved in cancer development ‘off,’ reviewing and modeling cancer where several genes are involved, and identifying the genes included in cancer development. It can also help examine the protein involved in the creation of cancer cells to see which drugs are most efficient or not.
The CRISPR era allows for quick and easy designs of sgRNAs for genome editing, repression, imaging, and activation — streamlining the treatment process for different diseases, helping and saving many lives in the long run.
Meta Title: The CRISPR Era — What’s in Store For You?
Meta Description: The CRISPR era is one of the latest breakthroughs in genomic medicine, showing great potential as a therapeutic tool for humans. Read on to learn more.
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