Jun 2026· Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS)· 0 citations
Medicine
TL;DR
The evolution of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based epigenome editing technologies is summarized, highlighting key improvements in effector modules and underscores the potential of epigenome editing as a versatile platform for precision medicine.
Abstract
Epigenome editing has emerged as a powerful platform to modulate gene expression in a precise and reversible manner. Recent advances have significantly improved the efficiency, specificity, and durability of epigenome editing systems, enabling fine-tuned transcriptional control. Building on these developments, epigenome editing platforms are now being explored for therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarize the evolution of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based epigenome editing technologies, highlighting key improvements in effector modules. We then discuss the disease models in which epigenome editing has been applied, including monogenic disorders, cancer, neurological diseases, and chronic diseases. These examples demonstrate the broad therapeutic promise of targeted epigenetic modulation across diverse pathological contexts. Finally, we tackle key barriers to clinical translation, including cell-type and chromatin context-specific design, in vivo delivery, and multi-gene targeting for complex disease. Collectively, this review underscores the potential of epigenome editing as a versatile platform for precision medicine.
CRISPR has emerged as a next-generation gene-editing tool with the potential to target the molecular pathways associated with ageing and related disorders. It functions through RNA-guided Cas nucleases, directing DNA cleavage and utilizing the native DNA repair machinery for genetic manipulations. Advances in CRISPR technology have significantly enhanced the precision and flexibility of techniques for genome editing. The enzyme Cas9's ability to cut DNA at exact site has revolutionized genome editing by enabling accurate modifications within living eukaryotic cells. This review critically examines recent developments in CRISPR-based technologies, including Cas9, Cas12, base editing, prime editing, and CRISPR-mediated gene regulation. It highlights their rising applications in ageing research, with more emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The review also discusses the major pharmacological and translational challenges that currently limit clinical applications, including inefficient tissue-specific delivery, off-target genome editing, immunogenicity, manufacturing complexity, and long-term safety concerns. Also, recent progress in both, viral and non-viral delivery methods are critically evaluated, including adeno-associated viruses, lentivirus vectors, lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, exosomes, electroporation, and microinjection, is thoroughly discussed to highlight their therapeutic potential and translational limitations. Current studies indicate that CRISPR-based approaches have preclinical potential for targeting important hallmarks of ageing, particularly genomic instability, telomere attrition, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Other hallmarks of ageing, such as stem cell exhaustion, epigenetic modifications, and microbiome changes, are at earlier stages of development. Overall, this review describes future strategies for developing safe, precise, and clinically translatable CRISPR-based treatments to promote healthy ageing.
Sakshi Rathore, Akash Gupta, Kamal Shah et al.· Ageing Research Reviews· 0 citations
A comprehensive review of delivery modalities of CRISPR systems solely in vivo that underpin their therapeutic translation and outlines the remaining barriers to durable, tissue-selective, and broadly deployable CRISPR therapeutics is provided.
L. Martin, Jure Bohinc, Alessandra Recchia et al.· International Journal on Bio...· 0 citations
Cell-specific epigenetic editing holds very high therapeutic value for atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, and fibrosis, provided that delivery, specificity, and safety challenges are also addressed.
Majed Alsulami, Mahmood Rasool, Ahmed Masoud et al.· The Cardiology· 0 citations
Cancer immunotherapy has shown significant promise in certain patient populations, but further advancements are needed to extend its benefits to a wider range of patients. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based editing has rapidly evolved in recent years, enabling its transition into direct therapeutic applications. This review summarizes recent progress in applying CRISPR systems in vivo for cancer immunotherapy, focusing on approaches that target cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, as well as those that directly engineer immune cell populations themselves. Novel CRISPR editing platforms and strategies enabling multiplexed editing have also recently demonstrated promising impacts on driving antitumor immunity, however, the platforms investigated are still in the early stages and further investigation will be needed to robustly assess the potential for clinical translation. Future work can expand the array of therapeutic targets by incorporating data from functional genomics and must also carefully evaluate both editing modalities and delivery systems to optimize efficacy, safety, and scalability.
Cole W. Christopher, Xiaoyu Zhou· Frontiers in Immunology· 0 citations
This review highlights the transformative impact of gene editing on cancer medicine, advancing toward more accurate, effective, and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized by genetic heterogeneity and the accumulation of mutations in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has greatly advanced genetic research by enabling precise genome editing. This review focuses on the innovative applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in CRC research, particularly its role in identifying novel therapeutic targets, elucidating mechanisms of drug resistance, and uncovering metabolic and stem cell pathway alterations in tumorigenesis. We highlight the diverse CRISPR systems, including Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and advanced variants such as CRISPR activation (CRISPRa), CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), base editing, and prime editing, which have expanded gene knockout studies and enhanced our understanding of CRC. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges such as off-target effects and delivery limitations remain. Ongoing efforts to refine CRISPR technology aim to enhance its precision and clinical applicability, ultimately paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies for CRC. In this review, we explore these advances and focus on the latest developments in CRISPR-based approaches for CRC treatment.
Mohadeseh Hassannia, P. Amirifar· Cancer Treatment and Researc...· 0 citations