CRISPR/Cas: A New Tool in the Research of Telomeres and Telomerase as Well as a Novel Form of Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Due to their close connection with senescence, aging, and disease, telomeres and telomerase provide a unique and vital research route for boosting longevity and health span. Despite significant advances during the last three decades, earlier studies into these two biological players were impeded by the difficulty of achieving real-time changes inside living cells. As a result of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated system’s (Cas) method, targeted genetic studies are now underway to change telomerase, the genes that govern it as well as telomeres. This review will discuss studies that have utilized CRISPR-related technologies to target and modify genes relevant to telomeres and telomerase as well as to develop targeted anti-cancer therapies. These studies greatly improve our knowledge and understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development and aging.

The Relevance of Telomerase and Telomere-Associated Proteins in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

“…The multi-functional profile of telomerase, as well as its relevance for carcinogenesis and cancer maintenance, make it an extremely relevant target for the development of studies focusing on both therapeutical purposes and on the understanding of tumor biology, especially in blood-related diseases [ 167 , 168 , 169 ].…”

CRISPR Technology: A Jewish Legal Perspective

“…Today, CRISPR technologies have developed to the point that scientists can either slow the shortening of telomeres or even lengthen existing telomeres. 24 In either case, such changes may have pro-found effects in lengthening human lifespans. In addition to altering telomere length, CRISPR technologies can be used to increase the expression of specific genes, such as SIRT6, that are vital to slow human aging.…”