CRISPR-Cas9: The Association between SARS-CoV-2 and Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDDs) Occurrence

Document Type : Narrative Review

Author

Master of Cellular and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry Field of Study, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Science and Research Branch, Sanandaj, Iran

Abstract

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can also have neurological manifestations and complications. There is growing evidence that COVID-19 may be associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood but may involve direct viral invasion of the brain, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and amyloid formation. These factors may trigger or accelerate the neuronal damage and debilitation that characterize neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this study aims to review the highlighted connections between SARS-COV-2 and NDDs, considering new technologies in treating challenging diseases. To put it better, CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool that targets and modifies specific DNA sequences in living cells. It has been used to create animal models, study gene function, and develop gene therapies for various diseases. CRISPR-Cas9 may also be a promising tool to combat COVID-19 and prevent or treat its neurological complications by targeting either the viral genome or the host factors essential for viral infection. It has been concluded that there are still some questions and limitations to the clinical application of CRISPR-Cas9, such as delivery efficiency, specificity, safety, and immunogenicity, which require further investigation and biological and medical observation to be accepted as a stable alternative treatment in this field. 

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