Editing SOX Genes by CRISPR-Cas: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its associated proteins (Cas) is an adaptive immune system in archaea and most bacteria. By repurposing these systems for use in eukaryote cells, a substantial revolution has arisen in the genome engineering field. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas technology was rapidly developed and different types of DNA or RNA sequence editors, gene activator or repressor, and epigenome modulators established. The versatility and feasibility of CRISPR-Cas technology has introduced this system as the most suitable tool for discovering and studying the mechanism of specific genes and also for generating appropriate cell and animal models. SOX genes play crucial roles in development processes and stemness. To elucidate the exact roles of SOX factors and their partners in tissue hemostasis and cell regeneration, generating appropriate in vitro and in vivo models is crucial. In line with these premises, CRISPR-Cas technology is a promising tool for studying different family members of SOX transcription factors. In this review, we aim to highlight the importance of CRISPR-Cas and summarize the applications of this novel, promising technology in studying and decoding the function of different members of the SOX gene family.

gjSOX9 Cloning, Expression, and Comparison with gjSOXs Family Members in Gekko japonicus

“…(2) Genomewide association studies (GWASs) could establish the relationships between special traits (such as sex) and genes (or SNPs) through re-sequence analyses [43,44]. (3) The CRISPR system can contribute to gene function characterization through gene gain (or loss) of function [45].…”

Editorial: CRISPR advancement in cancer research and future perspectives

“…also focused on the mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune cell therapies, and cancer vaccines. Conducting research on these signaling pathways shaded light on precision oncotherapy, next-generation anti-cancer therapeutics have been discovered, and new combination therapeutic strategies developed ( 6 ). Moreover, Zhang et al.…”