Exploring the Role of CRISPR-Cas9 in Genetic Engineering: Advancements, Applications, and Ethical Issues
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https://doi.org/10.31039/plic.2024.11.260Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas9, gene therapy, genome engineeringAbstract
Since its discovery in 1987, the emerging genome-modification technology CRISPR-Cas9 has augmented the ever-evolving field of genetic engineering through its advancements in precision and accuracy to simplify efficient genome alteration. This paper introduces the history of CRISPR-Cas9 and explores its underlying mechanisms and advancements. Significant technological advancements have enhanced the precision and efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 in genetic engineering. Innovations like base and prime editors minimize the unintended off-target effects, improving the accuracy of gene editing. The development of advanced delivery methods, such as magnetic nanoparticles, allows for faster delivery of editing components to their intended destination with greater precision. This complex has a wide range of applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. CRISPR-Cas9 has recently grown popular among gene therapy studies for genetic disorders in addition to cancer research for further understanding of cancer cell mechanisms. In agricultural settings, this tool has been used to modify crops to withstand environmental constraints to increase crop yield and alter nutritional content. CRISPR-Cas9’s role in industrial biotechnology is also discussed as modifying the metabolic pathways of microorganisms to facilitate higher biofuel production. Ethical considerations related to the technology such as safety, possible human germline misuse, and ecological effects of GMOs have catalyzed social and political restraints with pertinent case studies. Challenges such as off-target effects, generational consequences, and unequal access are mentioned. Nevertheless, ethical questions remain without prominent responses. The future of genetic engineering is in the hands of geneticists working with CRISPR-Cas9 to offer greater treatment options for fatal genetic disorders. This review aims to provide a better understanding of CRISPR-Cas9’s significant use and role in genetic engineering.References
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