Manipulation of genes could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection that causes COVID-19 pandemics

Arnab Banerjee1, Sandip Mukherjee1, Bithin K Maji1

  • 1Department of Physiology (UG & PG), Serampore College, Serampore, Hooghly 712201, India.

Insights

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system offers a novel strategy to combat COVID-19 by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This biotechnology tool inhibits viral replication, potentially preventing severe infections and reducing mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a severe global health threat, exacerbated by comorbidities.
  • Limited effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections necessitate innovative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of the CRISPR/Cas system as a tool to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and infection.
  • To investigate CRISPR/Cas-mediated genetic manipulation as a preventive measure against SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system to target specific RNA sequences in the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
  • Employing CRISPR/Cas13d with the prophylactic antiviral CRISPR in human cells (PAC-MAN) system for efficient RNA degradation.

Main Results:

  • The CRISPR/Cas system demonstrates potential for inhibiting viral replication by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
  • PAC-MAN combined with CRISPR/Cas13d effectively degrades viral RNA, inhibiting replication.

Conclusions:

  • The CRISPR/Cas system, particularly with PAC-MAN, presents a promising alternative preventive strategy against SARS-CoV-2.
  • This approach offers a method to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by inhibiting viral RNA and infection.

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