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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
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CIRCLE-Seq for Interrogation of Off-Target Gene Editing
Published on: November 1, 2024
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Genome editing technologies to fight infectious diseases
Marta Trevisan1, Giorgio Palù1, Luisa Barzon1
1a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy.
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|November 2, 2017
Summary
Genome editing uses programmable nucleases as molecular scissors to target and modify DNA for fighting infectious diseases. This technology shows promise for antiviral and antimicrobial treatments, but requires further development to overcome challenges like off-target mutations and delivery efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Programmable nucleases, including zinc-finger nucleases, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9, and homing endonucleases, are tools for targeted genome modification.
- These nucleases function as molecular scissors to alter specific genomic loci.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of genome editing for combating infectious diseases.
- To review current applications and future directions of programmable nucleases in antiviral and antimicrobial strategies.
Main Methods:
- Targeting essential viral genes to inhibit replication.
- Repurposing the CRISPR-Cas9 system for bacterial self-targeting.
- Modifying antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes in pathogens.
- Engineering arthropod vectors to prevent disease transmission.
Main Results:
- Genome editing can be applied to develop novel antiviral and antimicrobial treatments.
- Strategies include direct pathogen gene targeting, vector modification, and disrupting resistance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Genome editing holds significant promise as a strategy against infectious diseases.
- Challenges such as off-target mutations, resistance development, and delivery methods need to be addressed for clinical translation.
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