Treating Chromosomal Abnormalities w ith CRISPR Gene Editing

Chromosomal abnormalities, some of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the world, are caused when chromosomes are present in the wrong number or configuration. Some common types include duplications (more chromosomes than normal), deletions (less chromosomes than normal), and other structural issues (deletions, duplications, or inversions within one chromosome). Unfortunately, there are few available treatments for any of these diseases today. However, there have been several studies based on the possibility of using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) proteins along with CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins to treat these conditions. These methods range from using traditional CRISPR-Cas9 for treating duplications, utilizing integrase proteins to treat deletions, and employing gold nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR directly into the brain. CRISPR gene editing methods have the potential to become a widespread curative technique for chromosomal abnormalities. This review examines recent CRISPR advances to treat chromosomal abnormalities, including deletions, duplications, and structural aberrations.