Harnessing CRISPR/Cas9 technology in cardiovascular disease

Abstract The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a precisely targeted bacterial defense system, used to control invading viruses. This technology has many potential applications including genetic changes in somatic and germ cells and the creation of knockout animals. Compared to other genome editing techniques such as zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENS), the CRISPR/Cas9 system is much easier and more efficient. Most importantly, the multifunctional capacity of this technology allows simultaneous editing of several genes. The CRISPR/Cas9 system also potentially has the ability to prevent and treat human diseases. The present article addresses some key points related to the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a powerful tool in cardiovascular research and as a new strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD).