DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.amamed.2022.002
Publication date: 22nd April 2022
The CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized not only the process of gene editing but also the way of understanding research. Now, we have the tools to theoretically modify the genetics of potentially any organism for industrial, biotechnological, and medical applications. Regarding the latter one, novel therapies are being developed aiming to directly intervene to the genome and treat previously incurable diseases. Despite this scenario is moving faster and getting closer towards a reality, it might not be true yet due to the unresolved issues related to delivery and safety. To help with this, nanomedicine and synthetic biology are emerging with cutting-edge solutions and new perspectives to overcome the above mentioned limitations, as for instance, controlled delivery and remote spatio-temporal activation of gene editing. Here, we propose a nano-formulation of Cas9 consisting of the Cas9 enzyme conjugated to a gold nanoparticle (AuNP-Cas9). Our results showed high cleavage and gene editing efficiency in vitro, and zebrafish embryos, respectively, and the ability to spontaneously localize in the nucleus of human melanoma cells. Thanks to the plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles, this nano-formulation serves as a nano-source of heat validated in zebrafish embryos and could consequently combine efficient gene editing with targeted photothermal therapy in cells.
The presented project is part of the I-GENE project, which is funded by Horizon 2020, Call identifier: H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020