CRISPR-Cas-Based Epigenome Editing as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Metabolic Disorders: Targeting Gene Expression Patterns in Specific Tissues to Treat Diabetes and Obesity

Abstract

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity are major public health concerns that affect millions of people worldwide. Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in the development and progression of these disorders, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The emergence of Clustered Regularly-Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRCas-based) epigenome editing technology has revolutionized the field of gene editing and holds great promise for the treatment of metabolic disorders. However, there are still significant challenges and ethical concerns that must be addressed before this technology can be safely and effectively used in clinical applications. This review provides an overview of epigenetic modifications and their role in metabolic disorders, as well as an explanation of CRISPR-Cas-based epigenome editing and its potential applications. The current state of research and major findings on using this technology for the treatment of metabolic disorders are discussed, along with the advantages and limitations of different delivery strategies. The potential for off-target effects and unintended consequences, as well as strategies for minimizing or mitigating these effects, are also considered. Ethical and regulatory issues associated with CRISPR-Cas-based epigenome editing for metabolic disorders are discussed, with a focus on the importance of responsible development and implementation of this technology. The potential societal impacts of CRISPR-Cas-based epigenome editing for metabolic disorders are also considered. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of CRISPR-Cas-based epigenome editing as a therapeutic strategy for metabolic disorders, but also underscores the importance of rigorous safety and efficacy testing and responsible implementation. Ultimately, the success of this technology will depend on a balanced consideration of the scientific, ethical, and societal implications.