Genetic advancements in obesity management and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing system

Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Mar;478(3):491-501. doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04518-w. Epub 2022 Jul 31.

Abstract

Human genome research has reached new heights in the recent decade thanks to a major advance in genome editing. Genome editing enables scientists to understand better the functions of a single gene and its impact on a wide range of diseases. In brief, genome editing is a technique for introducing alterations into specific DNA sequences, such as insertions, deletions, or base substitutions. Several methods are adopted to perform genome editing and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) systems. Unfortunately, despite substantial progress in understanding the molecular pathways behind obesity, anti-obesity medications are now ineffective. If you are obese, a 10% weight decrease would be preferable to healthy body weight for most people. CRISPR-Cas9, on the other hand, has been shown to reduce body weight by an astonishing 20%. Hence, this updated review elaborates on the molecular basis of obesity, risk factors, types of gene therapy, possible mechanisms, and advantages of the CRISPR-Cas9 system over other methods.

Keywords: Basal metabolic index; Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference; Fatty acid-binding protein-4; Gene editing; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Gene Editing* / methods
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Obesity Management*