Since its discovery in 2012, CRISPR Cas9 has been tried as a direct treatment approach to correct the causative gene mutation and establish animal models in neurodegenerative disorders. Since no strategy developed until now could completely cure Parkinson's disease (PD), neuroscientists aspire to use gene editing technology, especially CRISPR/Cas9, to induce a permanent correction in genetic PD patients expressing mutated genes. Over the years, our understanding of stem cell biology has improved. Scientists have developed personalized cell therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 to edit embryonic and patient-derived stem cells ex-vivo. This review details the importance of CRISPR/Cas9-based stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease in developing PD disease models and developing therapeutic strategies after elucidating the possible pathophysiological mechanisms.
Graphical Abstract
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) continues
to
increase despite substantial research. Mounting evidence states that
dysfunctional mitochondrial bioenergetics play a vital role in PD
etiology. A disturbance in the electron transport chain, more precisely,
disruption of the mitochondrial complex I (MCI), is the most detrimental
factor. Due to increased susceptibility toward MCI damage, the dopaminergic
neurons experience oxidative stress and a compromise in ATP production,
leading to neurodegeneration and PD. This article reviews the association
of MCI with pathological mechanisms like α-synucleinopathy,
neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and ER stress and also describes
the potential therapeutic options explored to overcome MCI dysfunction
and related consequences.
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