Genome Editing In Neurosciences

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. CRISPR-Cas9 is a rapid, efficient, versatile and relatively cheap method for dissecting the molecular pathways that are the basis of life, as well as for investigating and potentially rectifying faults in these pathways that result in disease. This book reviews how CRISPR-Cas9 and other genome editing techniques are advancing our understanding of development and function in the nervous system, uncovering the molecular causes of neurological disorders and providing tools for gene therapy.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. CRISPR-Cas9 is a rapid, efficient, versatile and relatively cheap method for dissecting the molecular pathways that are the basis of life, as well as for investigating and potentially rectifying faults in these pathways that result in disease. This book reviews how CRISPR-Cas9 and other genome editing techniques are advancing our understanding of development and function in the nervous system, uncovering the molecular causes of neurological disorders and providing tools for gene therapy.

The CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system is creating a revolution in the science world. In the laboratory, CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently be used to target specific genes, correct mutations and regulate gene expression of a wide array of cells and organisms, including human cells. CRISPR-/Cas9 Based Genome Editing for Treating Genetic Disorders and Diseases is a unique reading material for college students, academicians, and other health professionals interested in learning about the broad range of applications of CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. Some topics included in this book are: the role of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in neuroscience, gene therapy, epigenome editing, genome mapping, cancer, virus infection control strategies, regulatory challenges and bioethical considerations.

This book provides a thorough introduction to widely used techniques for the study of the intersection between developmental biology and neuroscience, an exceptional area to address and investigate impacting biological questions. The fully updated volume examines cutting-edge techniques on a representative range of animals, including widely used genetic model systems, such as the fruit fly, zebra fish, chicken, and mouse, as well as non-canonical experimental systems opened up through the advent of genome editing. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Brain Development: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal guide for researchers interested in utilizing recent technical advances in molecular genetics for the study of the brain.

Gene therapy has tremendous potential for the treatment of neurological disorders. There has been substantial progress in the development of gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders over the last two decades. Gene Therapy in Neurological Disorders thoroughly reviews currently available gene therapy tools and presents examples of their application in a variety of neurological diseases. The book begins with general reviews of gene therapy strategies with a focus on neurological disorders. The remainder of the chapters present approaches to specific neurological disorders. Each chapter gives an in-depth introduction to the relevant field before diving into the specific tool or application. The book aims to help investigators, students and research staff better understand the principles of gene therapy and its application in the nervous system. Provides background information and experimental details of gene therapy tools applied for neuroscience research and neurological disorders Covers a broad range of gene delivery and regulation tools, therapeutic agents, and target cells, including emerging new technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing Discusses applications of gene therapy tools to neurological disorders including neurodegeneration, muscular dystrophy, trauma and chronic pain, and neoplastic diseases

This compilation focuses on the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a genome editing tool that has been hailed as the most profound molecular biology discovery in the past decade. By employing the natural process of bacterial immunity towards bacteriophages, the tool allows researchers to precisely excise and edit parts of the genetic sequence to modify them.The authors summarize the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, available treatments/drugs and their limitations, the landscape of CRISPR targeting hepatocellular carcinoma, limitations and potential targets in future.The closing review summarises the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in ophthalmology and focuses on the advancement of gene editing in the cornea. The majority of corneal dystrophies are the result an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern within the TGFBI gene, which presents an ideal model suited for a CRISPR/Cas9 knock out methodology.

New technologies that allow us to investigate mechanisms and functions of the brain have shown considerable promise in treating brain disease and injury. These emerging technologies also provide a means to assess and manipulate human consciousness, cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, bringing with them the potential to transform society. Neurotechnology: Premises, Potential, and Problems explores the technical, moral, legal, and sociopolitical issues that arise in and from today’s applications of neuroscience and technology and discusses their implications for the future. Some of the issues raised in this thought-provoking volume include: Neurotechnology in education: an enablement, a treatment, or an enhancement? The potential and limitations of neuroimaging technology in determining patient prognoses Tissue implantation technology as a way of engendering personalized medicine Neuroprostheses: restoration of functions of the disabled vs. enhancement to transhuman capabilities Deep brain stimulation and its use in restoring, preserving, or changing patients’ personal identity The benefit and risk of cognitive performance tools Cyborg technology and its potential to change our vision of humanity Methodologies for reducing the risk of neurotechnology’s impact on ethical, legal, and social issues With contributions from an international group of experts working on the cutting edge of neurotechnology, this volume lays the groundwork to appreciate the ethical, legal, and social aspects of the science in ways that keep pace with this rapidly progressing field.

Psychiatry, once proud of its biopsychosocial model, has now adopted a neuroscience-based approach that strongly favors psychopharmacological treatments and downplays the role of psychotherapies (or social interventions). This kind of practice can be sufficient for the psychoses, but it is neither evidence-based nor beneficial for patients with common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Current practice derives from a theoretical model in which psychiatry is viewed primarily as an application of neuroscience, with little reference to the vast literature on psychology, social sciences, and psychotherapy. This work reviews research bearing on these issues, and it shows why existing data support a different set of conclusions from those held by many experts and most practitioners