Journal of RNA and Genomics

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Short Communication - Journal of RNA and Genomics (2023) Volume 19, Issue 1

CRISPR-Cas9: A innovative mechanism for genome editing.

John Horiuchi*

Department of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland

*Corresponding Author:
Dr. John Horiuchi
Department of Clinical Pathology
Geneva University Hospital,
Geneva, Switzerland
E-mail: joh.hori21@gmail.com

Received: 02-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. RNAI-23-89735; Editor assigned: 04-Jan-2023, PreQC No. RNAI-23-89735 (PQ); Reviewed: 19-Jan-2023, QC No. RNAI-23-89735; Revised: 27-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. RNAI-23-89735(R); Published: 03-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.4172/2591-7781.1000129

Citation: Horiuchi J. CRISPR-Cas9: A innovative mechanism for genome editing. J RNA Genomics 2023;19(1):1-2.

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Abstract

   

Description

Genome editing is a powerful tool that allows scientists to modify the DNA of living organisms. The most popular and widely used genome editing tool is the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which consists of a Cas9 enzyme that can be programmed to target specific DNA sequences and a guide RNA that directs the Cas9 enzyme to the targeted location. Once the Cas9 enzyme has cut the DNA, the cell's natural repair mechanisms can be used to introduce specific genetic changes. Genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized the field of molecular biology. The system is a simple and effective way to target and modify specific sequences in the genome. CRISPR and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) genome editing systems have emerged as a versatile tool for performing precise gene targeting and mutations such as gene insertions and deletions, gene replacements, and single base pair conversions [1]. When modified for genome editing, the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery consists primarily of two components: A guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 endonuclease. A gRNA is a highly gene-specific sequence that is 20 nucleotides (nt) long. Each gRNA is complementary and binds to a specific target DNA sequence that ends with a short DNA sequence called the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM), which is often abbreviated as "NGG." The PAM region is required for Cas9 binding and is located 3 bp downstream of the Cas9 endonuclease cleavage site [2]. An 80-nt long gRNA scaffold sequence is adjacent to the 3′ end of the 20-nt gRNA and is required for Cas9 binding. The Cas9 enzyme can be programmed to cut DNA at specific locations, and the cell's own repair mechanisms can then be used to introduce specific genetic changes. CRISPR-Cas9 has already been used to successfully treat genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, and has the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine [3]. However, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of genome editing, particularly when it comes to editing the germline.

Signifance of CRISPR

CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat DNA sequences. Although the name CRISPR was coined much later, these repeat elements were initially noticed in Escherichia coli. Although the discovery of artificially designed mega nucleases, followed by ZFNs and TALENs, increased the efficacy of genome editing, targeting different sites in the genome required the design or reengineering of a new set of proteins [4].The difficulty of cloning and protein engineering with ZFNs and TALENs has restricted their widespread adoption by the scientific community. In this respect, CRISPR has revolutionized the field because it is as robust as, if not more so than, the existing tools in terms of editing efficiency. More importantly, it is much simpler and more flexible to use. The CRISPR gene-editing technology, as we know it today, is composed of an endonuclease protein whose DNA-targeting specificity and cutting activity can be programmed by a short guide RNA [5]. Notably, CRISPR had been simply known as a peculiar prokaryotic DNA repeat element for several decades before it was recognized as the bacterial immune system and subsequently harnessed as a powerful reprogrammable genetargeting tool.

Conclusion

Genome editing has a wide range of potential applications, from curing genetic diseases to improving agricultural productivity. In human medicine, genome editing can be used to modify the DNA of patients with genetic diseases, potentially leading to a cure. In agriculture, genome editing can be used to create crops that are more resistant to disease, pests, and environmental stresses. Despite these concerns, the potential benefits of CRISPR-Cas9 cannot be ignored. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more exciting and potentially life-changing applications of genome editing in the years to come. Overall, genome editing is a promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize various fields, but its use must be carefully considered and ethically guided to ensure that it is used safely and responsibly.

References

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