CRISPR/Cas technology has revolutionized the field of gene editing and gene therapy, and has rapidly advanced in recent years for use in small animal research. Here are some advancements in gene delivery using CRISPR/Cas technology in small animals:
- CRISPR/Cas delivery using viral vectors: Viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus, can efficiently deliver CRISPR/Cas components to cells in small animals, allowing for targeted gene editing or gene regulation. These vectors can be engineered to have cell-specific tropism or tissue-specific promoters, allowing for precise targeting of the gene editing or regulation to specific cells or tissues.
- Electroporation of CRISPR/Cas components: Electroporation can be used to deliver CRISPR/Cas components, such as plasmids or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), to cells in small animals. Electroporation allows for efficient delivery of the CRISPR/Cas components to a wide range of cell types, and can be used for targeted delivery to specific tissues or organs.
- Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas components: Nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles or liposomes, can be used to deliver CRISPR/Cas components to cells in small animals. These nanoparticles can be engineered to have cell-specific or tissue-specific targeting, allowing for precise delivery of the CRISPR/Cas components to specific cells or tissues.
- In vivo genome editing using CRISPR/Cas: CRISPR/Cas technology can be used for in vivo genome editing in small animals, allowing for the direct manipulation of gene expression in vivo. This approach can be used to study gene function in a wide range of biological systems, and has potential therapeutic applications for treating genetic disorders.
- Development of CRISPR/Cas-based animal models: CRISPR/Cas technology can be used to create animal models of human disease in small animals, allowing for the study of disease mechanisms and the testing of potential therapies. These models can be used to study a wide range of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and genetic disorders.
Overall, CRISPR/Cas technology has opened up new avenues for gene editing and gene therapy research in small animals, allowing for precise manipulation of gene expression and the development of novel animal models for studying human disease.