CRISPR-Cas9 for Studying Genetic Effects of Radiation and Heavy Metals

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a cutting-edge tool for studying the genetic effects induced by exposure to environmental stressors such as ionizing radiation and heavy metals. These agents are known to cause major molecular perturbations, including DNA damage, increased oxidative stress, enzymatic alterations and inflammatory responses in the nervous system. In this context, CRISPR/Cas9 makes it possible to identify and precisely target the genes involved in the mechanisms of response or vulnerability to these exposures. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to create cellular or animal models that faithfully reproduce the alterations observed in exposed organisms, and to explore strategies for correcting or inactivating genes to mitigate toxic effects. The use of CRISPR/Cas9 in this field opens up new prospects for gaining a better understanding of the interactions between the environment and the genome, and ultimately for developing targeted therapeutic approaches to pathologies linked to pollution or radiological exposure.