What is CRISPR and how will it impact dentistry?
B y now, you probably have heard about the revolutionary gene editing tool, CRISPR. It is considered to be the most accurate method to make specific changes in the DNA of humans, plants, and animals. Scientists claim they can precisely and permanently modify any part of the genome without harming any other gene. With this simple yet powerful technology, researchers can delete or modify the genes that cause genetic diseases.
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR (pronounced “crisper”) stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. The name refers to clusters of DNA sequences that are found at regular intervals in the genome of living organisms. Cas9 is an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors to cut strands of DNA.
How does CRISPR Work?
Bacteria captures pieces of DNA from invading viruses and use them to create DNA snippets known as CRISPR arrays. The CRISPR arrays allow the bacteria to remember the viruses. If viruses attack again, the bacteria produce RNA segments from the CRISPR arrays to target the viruses’ DNA. The bacteria then use Cas9 or a similar enzyme to cut the DNA apart, which disables the virus.
According to longevityfacts.com, CRISPR “spacer” sequences are transcribed into short RNA sequences (CRISPR RNA or crRNA) capable of guiding the CRISPR- CAS9 system to match sequences of DNA. When the target DNA is found, Cas9 — one of the enzymes produced by the CRISPR system — binds to the DNA and cuts it, shutting the targeted gene off.
What is CRISPR’S ROLE IN DENTISTRY?
CRISPR-CAS9 system will be able to identify the causative genes in many oral pathologies and disorders including early childhood dental caries. Research suggests an association between the distribution of CRISPR sites and the clinical manifestations of caries.
CRISPR will also help in the identification of genes that suppress the tumor-promoting properties of the genes that cause oral cancer. Gene editing technology with its ability to identify, delete or replace genes can improve the prognosis of Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity that arises due to viral and bacterial factors.
CRISPR technology has opened a world of endless possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. At Zentist, we continuously focus our efforts to understand and adapt technology to improve the dental care space. We will be definitely watching this space closely to see how it impacts the dental industry. For more information on how Zentist is using technology to make dental implants affordable visit Zentist.io
