Coronavirus pandemic has emerged as an extraordinary healthcare crisis in modern times. The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus has high transmission rate, is more aggressive and virulent in comparison to previously known coronaviruses. It primarily attacks the respiratory system by inducing cytokine storm that causes systemic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Decorin is a pluripotent molecule belonging to a leucine rich proteoglycan group that exerts critical role in extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and regulating the bioactivities of cell growth, adhesion, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. Interestingly, decorin has potent anti-inflammatory, cytokine inhibitory, and anti-fibrillogenesis effects that make it a potential candidate against the COVID-19 related complications especially in the context of lung fibrosis. Herein, we postulate that owing to its distinctive pharmacological actions and immunomodulatory effect, decorin can be a promising preclinical therapeutic agent for the therapy of COVID-19.
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas technology possesses revolutionary potential to positively affect various domains of drug discovery. It has initiated a rise in the area of genetic engineering and its advantages range from classical science to translational medicine. These genome editing systems have given a new dimension to our capabilities to alter, detect and annotate specified gene sequences. Moreover, the ease, robustness and adaptability of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology have led to its extensive utilization in research areas in such a short period of time. The applications include the development of model cell lines, understanding disease mechanisms, discovering disease targets, developing transgenic animals and plants, and transcriptional modulation. Further, the technology is rapidly growing; hence, an overlook of progressive success is crucial. This review presents the current status of the CRISPR–Cas technology in a tailor‐made format from its discovery to several advancements for drug discovery alongwith future trends associated with possibilities and hurdles including ethical concerns.
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