Mosaicism in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful gene editing tool widely applied across organisms.
• Generating gene-edited animals with CRISPR/Cas9 faces challenges, notably mosaicism in founder animals, especially when applied to embryos.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and disadvantages of mosaic mutations in CRISPR/Cas9-edited animals generated from embryos.
• To discuss the underlying mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9-induced mosaic mutations.
• To explore strategies for mitigating mosaicism in gene editing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CRISPR/Cas9 applications in animal embryo gene editing.
• Analysis of mechanisms causing mosaic mutations.
• Evaluation of strategies to reduce mosaicism.

Main Results:

• Mosaicism is a frequent occurrence in CRISPR/Cas9-edited animal founders, particularly from embryonic applications.
• Understanding mosaic mutation mechanisms is key to developing effective reduction strategies.
• Successful mitigation of mosaicism enhances the reliability of germline gene disruption genotyping.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming mosaicism in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is crucial for reliable germline modification.
• Improved methods will enhance the utility of CRISPR technology in research and clinical settings where mosaicism is a concern.