Aug 2026· Georgetown Medical Review· Vol 10· 0 citations· 25 references
TL;DR
A review of studies in which the creation of a CRISPR-Cas9 animal model has been used to find genetic drivers and develop therapies across 4 CVD domains shows the vast range of gene editing applications and the value of models that parallel human genetic pathophysiology for specific disease processes.
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes more deaths, more years of life lost, and more years lived with disability than any other major category of disease worldwide. Gene editing technologies, including the CRISPR-Cas9 system and its offshoots, are increasingly applied in CVD animal research models to identify genetic drivers of disease processes and to develop and test targeted therapeutics. To explore the potential impact and limitations of using animal models for these applications, this review examines studies in which the creation of a CRISPR-Cas9 animal model has been used to find genetic drivers and develop therapies. Studies were identified using OVID Medline, searching the past 10 years of the primary literature across 4 CVD domains: congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. The studies illustrate the vast range of gene editing applications and the value of models that parallel human genetic pathophysiology for specific disease processes. Besides furthering anatomical, clinical, and natural historical understanding of CVD pathologies and providing biological substrates in the development of screening and diagnostic tools, animal models support foundational stages in the development of genetic therapeutics, from gene target identification to discovery and development of gene-editing therapy mechanisms and delivery vehicles, through conducting therapeutic trials to assess the risk-benefit ratio.
INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional medicines relieve symptoms and slow the advancement of the disease, but fail to fix genetic problems at their roots. Cardiovascular science has dramatically changed thanks to advancements in genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and its successor technologies. These types of genome editing tools enable researchers and physicians to precisely and programmatically manipulate specific genetic loci related to cardiovascular diseases, offering hope for developing new curative therapies.
METHODS
This article is based on a complete review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025. A systematic search of databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and others) for literature using the keywords (genome editing; CRISPR/Cas9; base editing; prime editing; cardiovascular disease; cardiomyopathy; atherosclerosis; etc.) was completed.
RESULTS
CRISPR/Cas9 makes it easy and fast to create genetically modified cardiac model organisms to evaluate pathogenic variation. Using base editing is an effective way to perform precise single- nucleotide corrections, particularly with respect to PCSK9 targeting and its association with long-lasting reductions in LDL cholesterol levels in humans. Prime editing extends this capability to complex mutations, including RBM20 in dilated cardiomyopathy. Early-stage clinical trials targeting transthyretin amyloidosis demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo genome editing. Secondgeneration cardiotropic AAV vectors and lipid nanoparticles continue to improve cardiac delivery and safety profiles.
DISCUSSION
Genome editing shifted cardiovascular research from associative genetics toward causal intervention. Next-generation editors reduce double-strand break-associated risks, enhancing clinical suitability. Still remaining challenges include efficient delivery in a tissue-specific manner, off-target effects, immunity, and ethical considerations related to permanent genomic modification.
CONCLUSION
Genome editing is a paradigm-shifting development within the field of cardiology that promises a long-term genetic remedy. Yet further optimization and development within genome editing and its guidelines will be important for making such a paradigm shift successful.
Tushar Verma, R. Singh, M. Chaudhary et al.· Current Gene Therapy· 0 citations
The success of CRISPR-Cas9 in monogenic diseases represents the prelude to precision medicine, whereas conquering complex diseases will require systematic leaps in target discovery, delivery technology, and safety profiles.
CRISPR has emerged as a next-generation gene-editing tool with the potential to target the molecular pathways associated with ageing and related disorders. It functions through RNA-guided Cas nucleases, directing DNA cleavage and utilizing the native DNA repair machinery for genetic manipulations. Advances in CRISPR technology have significantly enhanced the precision and flexibility of techniques for genome editing. The enzyme Cas9's ability to cut DNA at exact site has revolutionized genome editing by enabling accurate modifications within living eukaryotic cells. This review critically examines recent developments in CRISPR-based technologies, including Cas9, Cas12, base editing, prime editing, and CRISPR-mediated gene regulation. It highlights their rising applications in ageing research, with more emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The review also discusses the major pharmacological and translational challenges that currently limit clinical applications, including inefficient tissue-specific delivery, off-target genome editing, immunogenicity, manufacturing complexity, and long-term safety concerns. Also, recent progress in both, viral and non-viral delivery methods are critically evaluated, including adeno-associated viruses, lentivirus vectors, lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, exosomes, electroporation, and microinjection, is thoroughly discussed to highlight their therapeutic potential and translational limitations. Current studies indicate that CRISPR-based approaches have preclinical potential for targeting important hallmarks of ageing, particularly genomic instability, telomere attrition, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Other hallmarks of ageing, such as stem cell exhaustion, epigenetic modifications, and microbiome changes, are at earlier stages of development. Overall, this review describes future strategies for developing safe, precise, and clinically translatable CRISPR-based treatments to promote healthy ageing.
Sakshi Rathore, Akash Gupta, Kamal Shah et al.· Ageing Research Reviews· 0 citations
This review evaluates the potential of CRISPR-based editing as a therapeutic strategy for monogenic NDDs and evaluates the limitations that must be addressed before its widespread application in human patients.
Julia Mulles· American Journal of Student...· 0 citations
CRISPR has progressed from an experimental genome-engineering technology to a clinically relevant therapeutic platform, although its future impact will depend on the ability to combine molecular precision and durable therapeutic benefit with rigorous safety assessment, responsible governance, and equitable access across diverse populations and healthcare systems.
G. Alejandro, Ortega Moreno, G. Amaya et al.· International science journa...· 0 citations