CRISPR Technology in Oral Medicine: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract

In modern medicine, gene therapy is a rapidly evolving technologythat canedit, eliminate, or modify the genome.[1] Among the array of adaptable genome-editing techniques capable of introducing specific changes to genetic sequences, the frequently employed methods include clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), and homing endonucleases ormeganucleases.[2]Amongst these, one of the highly efficient and accurate technology is the CRISPR-Cas9gene therapy.[3]Although still in its early stages, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has recently surfaced as a potentially formidable asset in the arsenal of cancer therapy. It swiftly introduces genetic alterations in cell lines, organs, and animals, thereby expanding gene editing to comprehensive genome screening, encompassing both loss-of-function and gain-of-function.[3] CRISPR, originally a bacterial defense mechanism against viruses, has been adapted into a powerful tool for gene editing. Its potential applications in various fields, including oral medicine, are being explored extensively.[3] This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of CRISPR technology and its application in oral medicine, supported by scientific evidence.