CRISPR/Cas: An intriguing genomic editing tool with prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

ABSTRACT

The CRISPR/Cas genome editing tool has led to a revolution in biological research. Its ability to target multiple genomic loci simultaneously allows its application in gene function and genomic manipulation studies. Its involvement in the sequence specific gene editing in different backgrounds has changed the scenario of treating genetic diseases. By unravelling the mysteries behind complex neuronal circuits, it not only paved way in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease but helped in the development of large animal models of different neuronal diseases; thereby opened the gateways of successfully treating different neuronal diseases. This review explored the possibility of using of CRISPR/Cas in engineering DNA at the embryonic stage, as well as during the functioning of different cell types in the brain, to delineate implications related to the use of this super-specialized genome editing tool to overcome various neurodegenerative diseases that arise as a result of genetic mutations.