A luciferase reporter mouse model to optimize in vivo gene editing validated by lipid nanoparticle delivery of adenine base editors

The Current Situation and Development Prospect of Whole-Genome Screening

High-throughput genetic screening is useful for discovering critical genes or gene sequences that trigger specific cell functions and/or phenotypes. Loss-of-function genetic screening is mainly achieved through RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR knock-out (CRISPRko), and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technologies. Gain-of-function genetic screening mainly depends on the overexpression of a cDNA library and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa). Base editing can perform both gain- and loss-of-function genetic screening. This review discusses genetic screening techniques based on Cas9 nuclease, including Cas9-mediated genome knock-out and dCas9-based gene activation and interference. We compare these methods with previous genetic screening techniques based on RNAi and cDNA library overexpression and propose future prospects and applications for CRISPR screening.

Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, the focus is on mRNA-LNP-mediated anticancer therapy. It summarizes the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discusses representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and points out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. It is hoped that these delivered messages can help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy.

Gene editing therapeutics based on mRNA delivery

The field of gene editing has received much attention in recent years due to its immense therapeutic potential. In particular, gene editing therapeutics, such as the CRISPR-Cas systems, base editors, and other emerging gene editors, offer the opportunity to address previously untreatable disorders. This review aims to summarize the therapeutic applications of gene editing based on mRNA delivery. We introduce gene editing therapeutics using mRNA and focus on engineering and improvement of gene editing technology. We subsequently examine ex vivo and in vivo gene editing techniques and conclude with an exploration of the next generation of CRISPR and base editing systems.