CRISPR-Based Gene Editing Techniques in Pediatric Neurological Disorders

The emergence of gene editing technologies offers a unique opportunity to develop mutation-specific treatments for pediatric neurological disorders. Gene editing systems can potentially alter disease trajectory by correcting dysfunctional mutations or therapeutically altering gene expression. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based approaches are attractive gene therapy platforms to personalize treatments because of their specificity, ease of design, versatility, and cost. However, many such approaches remain in the early stages of development, with ongoing efforts to optimize editing efficiency, minimize unintended off-target effects, and mitigate pathologic immune responses. Given the rapid evolution of CRISPR-based therapies, it is prudent for the clinically based child neurologist to have a conceptual understanding of what such therapies may entail, including both benefits and risks and how such therapies may be clinically applied. In this review, we describe the fundamentals of CRISPR-based therapies, discuss the opportunities and challenges that have arisen, and highlight preclinical work in several pediatric neurological diseases.

Acute glomerulonephritis secondary to Streptococcus anginosus

Streptococcus anginosus is a clinically important pathogen that is emerging globally but remains poorly investigated. Here, we report the first case of acute glomerulonephritis resulting from infection with S. anginosus Glomerulonephritis is typically caused by S. pyogenes and reports secondary to other strains including S. zooepidemicus and S. constellatus exist. Infection with S. anginosus in this patient was associated with acute nephritis (haematuria, oedema and hypertension), nephrotic syndrome and progressive azotemia. There was activation of the complement system. The presence of low C1q and elevated anti-C1q binding complexes points to a potential pathogenic role. Testing for streptococcal antigens was strongly positive. Emerging nephritogenic strains of S. anginosus present a significant health concern for both developed and developing countries.