The Impact of CRISPR-Cas9 on Age-related Disorders: From Pathology to Therapy

Abstract

With advances in medical technology, the number of people over the age of 60 is on the rise, and thus, increasing the prevalence of age-related pathologies within the aging population. Neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, metabolic and inflammatory diseases are some of the most prevalent age-related pathologies affecting the growing population. It is imperative that a new treatment to combat these pathologies be developed. Although, still in its infancy, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has become a potent gene-editing tool capable of correcting gene-mediated age-related pathology, and therefore ameliorating or eliminating disease symptoms. Deleting target genes using the CRISPR-Cas9 system or correcting for gene mutations may ameliorate many different neurodegenerative disorders detected in the aging population. Cancer cells targeted by the CRISPR-Cas9 system may result in an increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, lower proliferation, and higher cancer cell death. Finally, reducing gene targeting inflammatory molecules production through microRNA knockout holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for both arthritis and inflammation. Here we present a review based on how the expanding world of genome editing can be applied to disorders and diseases affecting the aging population.

Increased Expression of LASI lncRNA Regulates the Cigarette Smoke and COPD Associated Airway Inflammation and Mucous Cell Hyperplasia

“…In conclusion, this study elucidates LASI lncRNA as a novel regulator of CSE-induced and COPD-associated airway epithelial dysregulation and further suggests that targeting LASI lncRNA expression could present a novel therapeutic intervention modality to treat COPD phenotypes of upper airways. Specifically, the currently available therapies have limited success in treating COPD pathophysiologies creating an unmet need in discovery of novel therapeutic avenues ( 42 – 44 ). Recent epidemiological and pathological studies have shown that mucus hypersecretion is a prime target of COPD treatment avenues ( 45 ).…”

Fractures in Parkinson’s Disease

“…It is also evident from peer-reviewed journals and articles that CRISPR screening is one of the most highly effective tools to determine the genetic sequences and physiological and morphological effects of Parkinson's Disease. The screening tool is highly effective in analysing the genes associated with the disease, thus providing an effective solution for future therapy [2]. The researchers also state that neuronal cells in the human body are affected due to Ageing and neurodegeneration.…”

“…Changes in the function of the brain also affect movement. So, the hyperactive responses of the brain tissues are controlled by increasing the level of enzymes used to produce GABA (neurotransmitter produced in the brain) [2]. This approach is presently induced and is highly effective and efficient in controlling the abnormal activities of the brain.…”

Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview

“…Several mouse models have been developed with deficiencies of five of the ten genes (designated COQ1 to COQ10 ) involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis [ 17 ], although the link between individual gene deficiencies and immune function has, in general, yet to be established. However, a mouse model expressing a variant form of the monooxygenase enzyme, CoQ6 generated via the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system showed increased susceptibility to infection and increased mortality following exposure to S. pneumoniae ; this was in turn rationalised in terms of impaired macrophage function, with reduced mitochondrial activity and an intrinsic inability to destroy internalised bacteria [ 18 ]. However, in this study, no assessment was made of endogenous CoQ10 status or mitochondrial function and therefore, further studies are required to confirm or refute this supposition.…”