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

Mengstie, MA, Azezew, MT, Dejenie, TA, Teshome, AA, Admasu, FT, Teklemariam, AB ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5746-5736, Mulu, AT, Agidew, MM, Adugna, DG, Geremew, H and Abebe, EC (2024) Recent Advancements in Reducing the Off-Target Effect of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing. Biologics: Targets and Therapy, 2024 (18). pp. 21-28. ISSN 1177-5475

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Abstract

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.