CRISPR therapeutic tools for complex genetic disorders and cancer (Review)

Abstract

One of the fundamental discoveries in the field of biology is the ability to modulate the genome and to monitor the functional outputs derived from genomic alterations. In order to unravel new therapeutic options, scientists had initially focused on inducing genetic alterations in primary cells, in established cancer cell lines and mouse models using either RNA interference or cDNA overexpression or various programmable nucleases [zinc finger nucleases (ZNF), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN)]. Even though a huge volume of data was produced, its use was neither cheap nor accurate. Therefore, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system was evidenced to be the next step in genome engineering tools. CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated genetic perturbation is simple, precise and highly efficient, empowering researchers to apply this method to immortalized cancerous cell lines, primary cells derived from mouse and human origins, xenografts, induced pluripotent stem cells, organoid cultures, as well as the generation of genetically engineered animal models. In this review, we assess the development of the CRISPR system and its therapeutic applications to a wide range of complex diseases (particularly distinct tumors), aiming at personalized therapy. Special emphasis is given to organoids and CRISPR screens in the design of innovative therapeutic approaches. Overall, the CRISPR system is regarded as an eminent genome engineering tool in therapeutics. We envision a new era in cancer biology during which the CRISPR-based genome engineering toolbox will serve as the fundamental conduit between the bench and the bedside; nonetheless, certain obstacles need to be addressed, such as the eradication of side-effects, maximization of efficiency, the assurance of delivery and the elimination of immunogenicity.

Applications of genome editing technology in the targeted therapy of human diseases: mechanisms, advances and prospects

“…251 Combining pooled CRISPR screening with a perturbed drug could identify genes that synergize or confer resistance to the agent. 252 In one of the first pooled CRISPR Table 2. Clinical trials of gene editing in the treatment of human diseases.…”

Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration: Current Strategies and Future Directions

“…To correct the frame shift mutations, the highly effective bacterial gene editing system, clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9), was implemented to repair the RPGR gene (Deng et al, 2018). Briefly, guided RNA bound to the Cas9 nuclease, excises the complementary sequence in the target DNA, where it can be replaced with the desired sequence (Baliou et al, 2018). Here, exon 14 of the RPGR gene was replaced with the healthy sequence (Deng et al, 2018).…”

Novel genetic therapeutic approaches for modulating the severity of β‑thalassemia (Review)

“…However, both these genome editing tools are not robust enough and new protein sets are required for re-engineering or re-designing target specific sequences in the genome. The principle on which ZFNs and TALENs work is protein-DNA interaction-based which is associated with high toxicity (88,89). Furthermore, the design of these techniques is complex, and they are unable to modulate the molecular expression of multiple target genes (88).…”