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Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
CRISPR GENOME SURGERY IN THE RETINA IN LIGHT OF OFF-TARGETING
Galaxy Y Cho1,2,3, Kellie A Schaefer4, Alexander G Bassuk5
1Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Purpose:
Recent concerns regarding the clinical utilization of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) involve uncertainties about the potential detrimental effects that many arise due to unintended genetic changes, as in off-target mutagenesis, during CRISPR genome surgery. This review gives an overview of off-targeting detection methods and CRISPR's place in the clinical setting, specifically in the field of ophthalmology.
Results:
As CRISPR utilization in the laboratory setting has increased, knowledge regarding CRISPR mechanisms including its off-target effects has also increased. Although a perfect method for achieving 100% specificity is yet to be determined, the past few years have seen many developments in off-targeting detection and in increasing efficacy of CRISPR tools.
Conclusion:
The CRISPR system has high potential to be an invaluable therapeutic tool as it has the ability to modify and repair pathogenic retinal lesions. Although it is not yet a perfect system, with further efforts to improve its specificity and efficacy along with careful screening of off-target mutations, CRISPR-mediated genome surgery potential can become maximized and applied to patients.
Insights
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing shows promise for treating eye diseases. Ongoing research focuses on improving CRISPR specificity and detecting off-target mutations for safe clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CRISPR technology offers revolutionary potential for genetic disease treatment.
- Concerns exist regarding unintended genetic alterations (off-target mutations) during CRISPR genome surgery.
- Ophthalmology is a key area for CRISPR's clinical application due to its potential to repair retinal lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for detecting CRISPR off-target mutations.
- To discuss the current and future clinical applications of CRISPR in ophthalmology.
- To address safety concerns related to CRISPR's clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CRISPR off-targeting detection methods.
- Analysis of CRISPR's current standing in clinical settings, particularly ophthalmology.
- Examination of advancements in CRISPR specificity and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing methods to detect CRISPR off-target effects.
- CRISPR tools have seen increased efficacy and specificity in recent years.
- While a perfect specificity method is not yet available, advancements are promising.
Conclusions:
- CRISPR gene editing holds immense potential as a therapeutic tool for ophthalmology.
- Further improvements in specificity and rigorous screening for off-target mutations are crucial for patient application.
- Optimizing CRISPR technology will maximize its potential for treating retinal diseases.
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