Recent Advancements in Reducing the Off-Target Effect of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing.

The CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)) and the associated protein (Cas9) system, a young but well-studied genome-editing tool, holds plausible solutions to a wide range of genetic disorders. The single-guide RNA (sgRNA) with a 20-base user-defined spacer sequence and the Cas9 endonuclease form the core of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This sgRNA can direct the Cas9 nuclease to any genomic region that includes a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) just downstream and matches the spacer sequence. The current challenge in the clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology is the potential off-target effects that can cause DNA cleavage at the incorrect sites. Off-target genome editing confuses and diminishes the therapeutic potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in addition to potentially casting doubt on scientific findings regarding the activities of genes. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advancements in reducing the off-target effect of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.

Knowledge and attitude towards Covid-19 vaccine in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The biggest threat to the effectiveness of vaccination initiatives is a lack of information about and trust in immunization. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Ethiopian University online library were searched. To look for heterogeneity, I2 values were computed and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Although 2108 research articles were retrieved, only 12 studies with a total of 5,472 participants met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of participants with good knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine were found to be 65.06% (95% CI: 56.69-73.44%; I2 = 82.3%) and 60.15% (95% CI: 45.56-74.74%; I2 = 89.4%), respectively, revealing that there is a gap in knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia. A holistic and multi-sectoral partnership is necessary for a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

The structure, biosynthesis, and biological roles of fetuin-A: A review.

Fetuin-A is a heterodimeric plasma glycoprotein containing an A-chain of 282 amino acids and a B-chain of 27 amino acid residues linked by a single inter-disulfide bond. It is predominantly expressed in embryonic cells and adult hepatocytes, and to a lesser extent in adipocytes and monocytes. Fetuin-A binds with a plethora of receptors and exhibits multifaceted physiological and pathological functions. It is involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism, osteogenesis, and the insulin signaling pathway. It also acts as an ectopic calcification inhibitor, protease inhibitor, inflammatory mediator, anti-inflammatory partner, atherogenic factor, and adipogenic factor, among other several moonlighting functions. Fetuin-A has also been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several disorders. This review mainly focuses on the structure, synthesis, and biological roles of fetuin-A. Information was gathered manually from various journals via electronic searches using PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Cochrane Library from inception to 2022. Studies written in English and cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, or experimental studies were considered in the review, otherwise excluded.

Viral Vectors for the in Vivo Delivery of CRISPR Components: Advances and Challenges.

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) and its accompanying protein (Cas9) are now the most effective, efficient, and precise genome editing techniques. Two essential components of the CRISPR/Cas9 system are guide RNA (gRNA) and CRISPR-associated (Cas9) proteins. Choosing and implementing safe and effective delivery systems in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 has proven to be a significant problem. For in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, viral vectors are the natural specialists. Due to their higher delivery effectiveness than other delivery methods, vectors such as adenoviral vectors (AdVs), adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), and lentivirus vectors (LVs) are now commonly employed as delivery methods. This review thoroughly examined recent achievements in using a variety of viral vectors as a means of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, as well as the benefits and limitations of each viral vector. Future thoughts for overcoming the current restrictions and adapting the technology are also discussed.