CRISPR-Cas and Its Wide-Ranging Applications: From Human Genome Editing to Environmental Implications, Technical Limitations, Hazards and Bioethical Issues

Abstract

The CRISPR-Cas system is a powerful tool for in vivo editing the genome of most organisms, including man. During the years this technique has been applied in several fields, such as agriculture for crop upgrade and breeding including the creation of allergy-free foods, for eradicating pests, for the improvement of animal breeds, in the industry of bio-fuels and it can even be used as a basis for a cell-based recording apparatus. Possible applications in human health include the making of new medicines through the creation of genetically modified organisms, the treatment of viral infections, the control of pathogens, applications in clinical diagnostics and the cure of human genetic diseases, either caused by somatic (e.g., cancer) or inherited (mendelian disorders) mutations. One of the most divisive, possible uses of this system is the modification of human embryos, for the purpose of preventing or curing a human being before birth. However, the technology in this field is evolving faster than regulations and several concerns are raised by its enormous yet controversial potential. In this scenario, appropriate laws need to be issued and ethical guidelines must be developed, in order to properly assess advantages as well as risks of this approach. In this review, we summarize the potential of these genome editing techniques and their applications in human embryo treatment. We will analyze CRISPR-Cas limitations and the possible genome damage caused in the treated embryo. Finally, we will discuss how all this impacts the law, ethics and common sense.

Epigenetic therapy targeting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for age-related bone diseases

“…CRISPR-Cas9 is an adaptive immune defense system formed by bacteria in evolution to combat invasive viruses and exogenous DNA. CRISPR-Cas9 has been proved as a powerful technique to splice targeted DNA [ 103 ]. Screening with CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used to discover age-related genes (such as KAT7 ) systematically.…”

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, Redox Homeostasis and Embryogenesis

“…Novel technologies, including multi-omics sequencing [143] and single-cell sequencing [144], are promising for comprehensively uncovering the molecular actions of how redox homeostasis regulates embryogenesis. Recent development of genetic engineering tools, such as CRISPR knock-in, can further establish new G6PD models in stem cells and model organisms [145][146][147]. It is anticipated that other redox-sensitive pathways governing embryogenesis will be reported following the development of novel and advanced technologies.…”

Congenital Zika Syndrome: Genetic Avenues for Diagnosis and Therapy, Possible Management and Long-Term Outcomes

“…Technological advances are increasingly contributing to clarifying the key factors that affect and shape the dynamics of emerging infections, including ZIKV. Techniques such as genome-wide association studies [ 22 ], high-throughput sequencing [ 23 ] and screening based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) [ 24 , 25 ] has made it possible to identify human single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which may substantially affect the outcome of infectious diseases [ 26 ]. Polymorphisms in NOS2 and TNF genes have been reported to play a role in the development of CZS, with a higher risk in the first trimester, and of severe microcephaly.…”