Page 12 - GPD-3-1

Gene & Protein in Disease Enhancing fertility with CRISPR

Figure 1. The CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism. It involves the combination of guide RNA (gRNA) with the Cas9 protein to form the gRNA–Cas9 complex.
Following its formation, this complex is transported into the nucleus, where it interacts with the genomic DNA, creating the gRNA–Cas9–DNA complex.
The His-Asn-His (HNH) and RuvC domains within Cas9 play a pivotal role in inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the DNA. Subsequently, the
DSBs triggered by the HNH and RuvC domains undergo repair through DNA repair mechanisms, specifically non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)
and homology-directed repair (HDR). During this repair process, the DNA undergoes modifications in accordance with the desired changes initially
introduced by the gRNA–Cas9 complex.
Abbreviation: CRISPR: Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.
CRISPR technology, with its capability to precisely advancement of ARTs, generation of animal models for
edit genes, has found extensive applications in correcting biomedical research, and even holds potential for organ
53
disease-causing mutations in embryos and enhancing the transplants. The breadth of applications underscores
genetic health of individuals by addressing malformities the transformative impact of CRISPR technology in the
in gametes. The potential of CRISPR in reproductive domain of reproductive biology.
biology extends to the correction of a wide range of lethal
and harmful ailments in living organisms. For instance, 3.1. CRISPR-mediated genome editing in germ cells
49
CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental in creating a sperm- Germ cells, comprising haploid cells with half the
marking variant of the invasive fruit pest Drosophila chromosome number of somatic cells, play a pivotal role
suzukii, offering valuable insights for surveillance and in reproduction. During fertilization, these cells, namely,
reproductive biology studies. 50 sperm and egg, combine to form a zygote, initiating the
Advancements in microfluidic systems have further development of an embryo and ultimately giving rise
54
contributed to the study of female reproductive biology, to an adult organism. However, the application of
holding promise for the development of more effective genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, to germ
ARTs and therapies for conditions exclusive to women. cells introduces the potential for transmitting genetic
51
In essence, CRISPR-based genetic engineering serves a mutations to subsequent generations. This transmission
multifaceted role in gene therapy, 44,52 genetic editing in germ of genetic mutations to future populations through germ
cells and embryos, correction of reproductive disorders, cells can have significant consequences, impacting a large

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2701