Implications of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Methods in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 17.9 million deaths annually, with atherosclerosis being a major contributor.
• The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system offers novel genome-editing capabilities.
• Existing treatments for CVDs have limitations, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in atherosclerosis research.
• To explore the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 for future in vivo genome editing therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
• To identify limitations hindering the full therapeutic application of CRISPR-Cas9 in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis research.
• Analysis of genome-editing techniques for somatic and germinal genomic manipulation.
• Discussion of potential in vivo therapeutic strategies using CRISPR-Cas9.

Main Results:

• CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise genomic modifications, including the creation of deletion alleles.
• The technology has been applied in model organisms and cells for studying genetic mutations relevant to CVDs.
• Prospects for in vivo genome editing therapies targeting atherosclerosis are emerging.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds significant potential for advancing atherosclerosis research and developing novel cardiovascular therapies.
• Overcoming technical and safety limitations is crucial for realizing the therapeutic benefits of genome editing in CVDs.
• Further investigation into in vivo applications is warranted to translate CRISPR-Cas9's potential into clinical practice.