CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: Applications in Parasitology

Abstract

Abstract Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology is adapted from the bacterial immune system and has rapidly revolutionized the editing of many genomes. This system is based on two components: an RNA-guided endonuclease, classically the Cas9 protein, and an RNA molecule that guides (gRNA) the nuclease to a complementary locus in the target DNA. The technique has allowed researchers to do gene knock-out, knock-in, insertions and deletions in cell lines and animals in rapid efficient way. The technique has many applications in the study of genes function, gene drive, cancer research, development of disease models and new therapeutic targets and crops enhancement. In the field of parasitology, using CRISPR/Cas9, significant advancements have been made in genome editing of Plasmodium spp, Leishmania, Typanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii, as well as vectors like the mosquito, water flea and ticks. The aim of the talk is to present the basics of CRISPR/Cas9 and summarize some of its applications in the field of parasitology