Applications of CRISPR in the Treatment of Cataracts
Faculty Mentor
Paul Spruell
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
5-8-2024 11:15 AM
End Date
5-8-2024 1:00 PM
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
Cataracts are caused by the degradation of the eye lens and the associated proteins. While it is often caused by age, children can inherit congenital cataracts that leads to childhood blindness. Repair is difficult as the lens acts as a barrier against regeneration and medical intervention is necessary. Gene editing, specifically CRISPR, has become a promising solution. It is frequently used to create animal models of the disease in order to determine which mutated genes are responsible, along with testing the effectiveness of new drugs and artificial lenses. CRISPR has then been used to correct these mutations and restore vision in mice. There is an emphasis on creating non-toxic, heritable, and highly specific alterations, and current methods have met these guidelines. While human applications are limited, there are currently ongoing clinical trials using CRISPR to correct degraded photoreceptors by injecting it into the retina, demonstrating the potential of future treatments. This paper reviews research concerning the developing role CRISPR is taking in the treatment of cataracts, along with the unique benefits of working in the eye and the challenges that come with it.
Recommended Citation
Stone, Sarah E., "Applications of CRISPR in the Treatment of Cataracts" (2024). 2024 Symposium. 34.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/ps_2024/p2_2024/34
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Applications of CRISPR in the Treatment of Cataracts
PUB NCR
Cataracts are caused by the degradation of the eye lens and the associated proteins. While it is often caused by age, children can inherit congenital cataracts that leads to childhood blindness. Repair is difficult as the lens acts as a barrier against regeneration and medical intervention is necessary. Gene editing, specifically CRISPR, has become a promising solution. It is frequently used to create animal models of the disease in order to determine which mutated genes are responsible, along with testing the effectiveness of new drugs and artificial lenses. CRISPR has then been used to correct these mutations and restore vision in mice. There is an emphasis on creating non-toxic, heritable, and highly specific alterations, and current methods have met these guidelines. While human applications are limited, there are currently ongoing clinical trials using CRISPR to correct degraded photoreceptors by injecting it into the retina, demonstrating the potential of future treatments. This paper reviews research concerning the developing role CRISPR is taking in the treatment of cataracts, along with the unique benefits of working in the eye and the challenges that come with it.
