Engineered Viruses as Genome Editing Devices.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Gene Therapy
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Genome editing enables precise modification of cellular genetic material using designer nucleases.
• Gene knockouts and knock-ins are achieved by delivering nucleases with or without donor DNA templates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of engineered viral vectors in delivering genome editing tools.
• To discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of lentiviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and adenoviruses for gene editing delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on viral vectors and genome editing technologies.
• Focus on lentiviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and adenoviruses as delivery scaffolds.
• Analysis of the principles, tools, and applications of genome editing.

Main Results:

• Viral vectors serve a dual role in delivering both designer nucleases and donor DNA templates for genome editing.
• Engineered viral particles, including lentiviruses, AAVs, and adenoviruses, are effective delivery systems.
• The review covers the pros and cons of various viral vector systems for genome editing.

Conclusions:

• Viral vectors are crucial for efficient delivery of genome editing tools, facilitating gene knockouts and knock-ins.
• Understanding the properties of different viral vectors is essential for optimizing genome editing applications.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of viral vector-mediated genome editing.