Recent Advances in the Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing System in Poultry Species

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 system genome editing is revolutionizing genetics research in a wide spectrum of animal models in the genetic era. Among these animals, is the poultry species. CRISPR technology is the newest and most advanced gene-editing tool that allows researchers to modify and alter gene functions for transcriptional regulation, gene targeting, epigenetic modification, gene therapy, and drug delivery in the animal genome. The applicability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in gene editing and modification of genomes in the avian species is still emerging. Up to date, substantial progress in using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been made in only two poultry species (chicken and quail), with chicken taking the lead. There have been major recent advances in the modification of the avian genome through their germ cell lineages. In the poultry industry, breeders and producers can utilize CRISPR-mediated approaches to enhance the many required genetic variations towards the poultry population that are absent in a given poultry flock. Thus, CRISPR allows the benefit of accessing genetic characteristics that cannot otherwise be used for poultry production. Therefore CRISPR/Cas9 becomes a very powerful and robust tool for editing genes that allow for the introduction or regulation of genetic information in poultry genomes. However, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has several limitations that need to be addressed to enhance its use in the poultry industry. This review evaluates and provides a summary of recent advances in applying CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology in poultry research and explores its potential use in advancing poultry breeding and production with a major focus on chicken and quail. This could aid future advancements in the use of CRISPR technology to improve poultry production.

Exploiting DNA Endonucleases to Advance Mechanisms of DNA Repair

“…In this article, we present a small snapshot of the utility of gene editing tools that can be brought to bear to further our knowledge of two DNA repair pathways, MMR and BER. The far-reaching implications of CRISPRbased gene editing go well beyond basic science research with roles in medicine and therapeutics [423], gene therapy [424], agriculture [425], advances in animal modeling [426], and cancer discovery [427]. CRISPR methods open the door to the personalized treatment of genetic diseases.…”

CRISPR-Cas9: Role in Processing of Modular Metabolic Engineered Bio-Based Products

“…CRISPR/Cas9 technology has enabled a qualitative change in the range of gene functions for transcriptional control, gene targeting, epigenetic correction, gene therapy, and drug delivery of host genomes. [51].CRISPR/Cas technology possesses multiloci genome editing without the integration of a gene marker on the selection genome and saves time and exertion in metabolic engineering. Although several genetic modifications are available; the CRISPR/Cas9 technology significantly enhanced the efficiency of genetic engineering and is adopted as an extraordinary "gift."…”

Beyond the Chicken: Alternative Avian Models for Developmental Physiological Research

“…Increasingly, on metric of the value of an animal model will be the extent to which specific tools are available for affecting specific manipulations of its genome. Particularly exciting is the actual editing of the avian genome using lentiviral, adenoviral, electroporation, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, which will further enhance the growing list of genetically modified birds (McGrew et al, 2004 ; Kobayashi et al, 2015 ; Véron et al, 2015 ; Sid and Schusser, 2018 ; Chojnacka-Puchta and Sawicka, 2020 ; Lee et al, 2020 ; Park J. S. et al, 2020 ; Park J. W. et al, 2020 ; Khwatenge and Nahashon, 2021 ). These technologies are allowing phenotype modification meeting both enhanced production goals in domesticated birds and creating modified birds for basic exploration of biological systems during development and in adulthood (Chojnacka-Puchta and Sawicka, 2020 ).…”