Daily Archives: June 11, 2022

The emergence of CRISPR technology, which can be used for gene modification and editing, has been revolutionary for the science community and research field due to its applications for disease and health. Additionally, combining nanotechnology and CRISPR can hold tremendous potential for widening the opportunities for versatile applications, from diseases to agriculture.

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CRISPR is an acronym for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and is a critical tool that can be used to find specific DNA within cells for the purpose of gene editing; this can also include turning a gene on or off without modifying the sequence.

Conventional gene therapy methods have taken researchers years to gain traction and can be quite expensive; however, the emergence of CRISPR has revolutionized this process into a cheaper and relatively simpler strategy for gene editing.

CRISPR Cas9 proteins found in bacteria can be programmed to find and bind to targeted DNA sequences by providing a complimentary piece of RNA, which can guide the tool for its purpose. Once found, the Cas9 protein can cut the target DNA, which during repair, can lead to mutations and the disablement and overall dysfunction of the gene.

Other types of applications for CRISPR can also include replacing dysfunctional genes, turning genes on and off, instead of modifying the DNA, and even modifying single nucleotide bases within the DNA sequence from one letter to another. However, these can have varying levels of difficulties in practice.

CRISPR/Cas9 delivery can be used for innovative cancer therapy; however, this would require the gene-editing tool to be delivered directly into target cancer cells, requiring the passing of physical barriers and maintaining functionality.

The strategies for delivery of the CRISPR system can include physical and viral vectors.

The physical vectors can include (i) microinjection, (ii) electroporation, and (iii) hydrodynamic delivery. These delivery methods have demonstrated efficiency within in vitro application; however, in vivo results have been more challenging.

Viral vectors have also been subject to challenges within in vivo applications, with limitations comprising immunogenic responses, high production expense, limited capacity with cargo packaging, as well as having possible effects outside of the target area.

Research into non-viral vectors and the possible use of nanotechnology to advance delivery has been explored as a result.

Non-viral nanotechnology-based delivery methods may include the use of nanocarriers, such as polymers, lipids, silica nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles.

These have been revered for various applications in different fields due to their versatility and have also been used within cancer therapy due to advantages such as having low immunogenicity and a high cargo delivery capacity.

The high potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 system within clinical applications has been recognized globally by researchers, evident from 18 CRISPR-based clinical trials that have been launched since 2016, with almost half being a type of immunotherapy.

Additionally, the use of nanotechnology for furthering this gene-editing tool for diverse applications such as cancer, HPV treatment, as well as agriculture may advance the field of science and healthcare on a global scale.

A previous clinical trial has demonstrated the use of CRISPR/Cas9 on the human papillomavirus (HPV) that is associated with cervical cancer, where the correlated genes, E6 and E7, were destroyed to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and overall survival.

However, while trials have shown effective results, human safety remains a priority, with off-target effects and delivery being a concern for the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

The use of a lipid nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been applied to treat transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), becoming the first clinical data of therapeutic gene editing within patients. This nanotechnology incorporation into CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated the potential of using nanotechnology to advance the treatment of genetic disorders through innovative delivery.

With the global CRISPR market being valued at $846.2 million in 2019 and estimations of $10,825.1 million by the year 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 26.86%, this gene-editing tool is predicted to have a significant impact worldwide.

The potential of editing the genome to modify human disease and disorders may be a tangible reality in the near future, with clinical trials already launched and set in motion.

Additionally, the use of nanotechnology for this advanced gene-editing tool may aid in satisfying concerns over have off-target effects due to the precise targetability characteristic for which this innovative field is known.

The versatility of nanotechnology enables the possibility of aiding the field of medicine as well as other fields, such as agriculture. This is critical as CRISPR systems also face delivery challenges within plants and with the use of nanomaterials, these may be solved.

With the growth of the global population, the essential survival of plants has become even more imperative to sustain the global demand for food, therapeutics, and bioenergy.

Genetic engineering methods are not only significant for medicine, but also for one of the most critical elements of life, namely, plants, to ensure species survival, higher yield, and nutrient density.

Nanotechnology uses for interdisciplinary applications have become a common theme and the opportunities for advancing the lives and health of humans are a critical component for research. The use of nanotechnology-based CRISPR can only advance the field further, providing promising solutions for current challenges.

Demirer, G., Silva, T., Jackson, C., Thomas, J., W. Ehrhardt, D., Rhee, S., Mortimer, J. and Landry, M., 2021. Nanotechnology to advance CRISPRCas genetic engineering of plants.Nature Nanotechnology, 16(3), pp.243-250. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-021-00854-y

Markets, R., 2022.Outlook on the CRISPR Gene Editing Global Market to 2030 - Analysis and Forecasts. [online] GlobeNewswire News Room. Available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/08/2171285/0/en/Outlook-on-the-CRISPR-Gene-Editing-Global-Market-to-2030-Analysis-and-Forecasts.html

New Scientist. 2022.CRISPR. [online] Available at: https://www.newscientist.com/definition/what-is-crispr/

Uddin, F., Rudin, C. and Sen, T., 2020. CRISPR Gene Therapy: Applications, Limitations, and Implications for the Future.Frontiers in Oncology, 10. Available at: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01387

Xu, X., Liu, C., Wang, Y., Koivisto, O., Zhou, J., Shu, Y. and Zhang, H., 2021. Nanotechnology-based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer treatment.Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 176, p.113891. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2021.113891

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

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Nanotechnology and CRISPR; Opportunities and Outlook - AZoNano

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Insights of OPs and PYR cytotoxic potential Invitro and genotoxic impact on PON1 genetic variant among exposed workers in Pakistan | Scientific...

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambys Medicines, a company pioneering cell-replacement therapies for patients with liver disease, today announced that data from its universal hepatocyte program will be presented at the 2022 International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Annual Meeting, which will be held June 15-18, 2022, in San Francisco and virtually. Ambys will present proof-of-concept data on its genetically engineered hypoimmunogenic human hepatocytes during an oral session.

We look forward to presenting data on our universal hepatocyte program that demonstrate the efficient ex vivo genetic engineering of primary human hepatocytes in a metabolic liver disease model using a range of gene editing and delivery technologies, said Markus Grompe, M.D., Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Ambys Medicines. Were progressing multiple liver cell replacement therapies in development, including our universal human hepatocyte therapy which eliminates the need for immune suppression. These preclinical findings show proof of concept for our engineered hepatocyte replacement approach for severe liver diseases.

Presentation details follow:

Title: Rescue of a Metabolic Liver Disease Model by Genetically Engineered Hypoimmunogenic Human HepatocytesSession: Biotech, Pharma and Academia Bringing Stem Cells to PatientsDate & Time: Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 6:10 p.m. PTRoom: 2004, Level 2

About Ambys Medicines

Ambys Medicines is focused on pioneering cell replacement therapies for patients with liver failure. Ambyss proprietary platform enables the company to be the first and only company able to develop and manufacture functional human hepatocytes at scale. Our scientific approach has the potential to fundamentally transform the treatment paradigm for patients with acute and chronic liver failure and genetic diseases of the liver. Our lead program, AMI-918, is a hepatocyte replacement cell therapy in development to restore lost hepatic function. Beyond AMI-918, we are building a pipeline of next-generation modified hepatocytes that will rapidly expand the range of treatable patient populations. Learn more at ambys.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Ambys Medicines to Present Data from Universal Human Hepatocyte Program at the 2022 ISSCR Annual Meeting - Business Wire

Thus far, researchers have not identified ancestral viruses that could have plausibly given rise to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19so says a new report from the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins (SAGO) of Novel Pathogens set up by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report, however, notes that "the current available data on the closest related SARS-like viruses and susceptibility of many animal species to SARS-CoV-2 suggest a zoonotic source." Assuming a natural outbreak, horseshoe bats are a likely reservoir of the virus in the wild, although it could also have passed through an unknown intermediate species before infecting humans.

An alternative hypothesis is that the COVID-19 virus somehow escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, whose researchers were known to be experimenting with coronaviruses. Although three of the 27 members of the SAGO objected to consideration of the "lab leak" theory for the possible origin of the COVID-19 virus, the report states that "it remains important to consider all reasonable scientific data that is available either through published or other official sources to evaluate the possibility of the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the human population through a laboratory incident."

Interestingly, a Chinese team reported the results of testing 1380 samples taken from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, where the outbreak was first identified. None of the samples from 188 live animals sold as meat detected the presence of the COVID-19 virus, but the researchers did find it in 73 samples from the ground, sewer wells, and various containers. "Skeptics of the natural origin theory maintain the market cluster could merely be a superspreader event touched off when a person infected with a lab-escaped coronavirus visited it," noted Science back in February.

Further investigation into the lab leak hypothesis would require that the Chinese government provide "access to and review the evidence of all laboratory (both in vitro and in vivo studies) with coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2-related viruses or close ancestors." Going forward, the SAGO would like to obtain more information about "the nature of the studies performed before the first reported COVID-19 cases in Wuhan and whether they involved reverse engineering or gain-of-function, genetic manipulation or animal studies with strains of SARS-like CoV."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sent two letters in February to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and National Health Commission head Ma Xiaowei asking for any updates with respect to ongoing studies focused on the origins of the COVID-19 virus. However, the SAGO report notes that the Chinese government and researchers have "not provided any information related to studies conducted evaluating the laboratory hypotheses as a possible introduction into the human population."

The SAGO reports that it will remain open to "any and all scientific evidence that becomes available in the future to allow for comprehensive testing of all reasonable hypotheses," including the lab leak hypothesis.

The Chinese government's continued stonewalling of independent investigations of the origin of the COVID-19 virus strongly suggests that it has something to hide.

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COVID-19 'Lab Leak' Origin Theory Merits Further Investigation, Says New WHO Report - Reason

ITHACA, N.Y.Graduating high school seniors lined up, smiled and posed with their diplomas on Monday at Ithacas Stewart Park to the joyous sound of applause as they were congratulated for receiving the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.

The seal is a unique distinction for graduating seniors in New York State. It requires a year of independent study in addition to their regular curriculum. Students journal, research, read, speak, and write, in English and the language which theyre pursuing proficiency in, and ultimately, give a formal presentation before a panel of judges to earn the seal, or seal the deal, so to speak.

Students dont necessarily need to have studied a language in the Citys School System to pursue the seal. In fact, Emily Ufford, the teacher that pushed for the introduction of the Seal of Biliteracy program to the school district, emphasized the importance of the program for students whose families speak different languages at home. Ufford said that connecting students with their heritage languages was the original inspiration for her to get the program going locally.

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Of the Ithaca City School Districts (ICSD) graduating seniors, 30 received the seal, conferring the states highest official distinction for proficiency in a second language. The seal was earned by 2 students attending Lehman Alternative Community School, and 28 from Ithaca High School. The seal of biliteracy was given to students proficient in languages ranging from Bulgarian, to Spanish, Russian, French, Hebrew, Chinese, as well as among others.

The final presentations students worked on had titles like: A Comparison of Bullying in Russian, French, and U.S. Schools; the Urban Rural Gap in U.S. and Spain; Sustainable Architecture in the U.S., France, and Senegal; Access to Music Education in the U.S. and Israel; or Similarities and Differences in American and German Genetic Engineering.

One student, Daniela Rivas, shared that for her final project compared the childhoods experienced at-large in the U.S. and El Salvador, where her family is from. She relied on help from her Mom while doing research, and said that project made her aware of the prevalence of child labor in El Salvador. While the year of independent study for the seal made Rivas become more familiar with the Spanish language, she said that her final project constituted the biggest takeaway of her experience earning the Seal of Biliteracy.

Shaqued Menda, a student whose Seal of Biliteracy was in Hebrew, said that she has remained verbally fluent in Hebrew since moving from Israel to the U.S. in early childhood, but she saw herself losing the ability to read and write in the language as shes grown up.

I lost my ability to read and write in Hebrew because growing up here I worked so hard to learn English [] I was motivated to be able to text my grandparents again. Its kind of difficult to call them whenever I want to because of the time difference, said Menda, excited to confirm that she achieved her goal of being able to keep in touch with distant relatives.

Sofia Trigueros-Ufford daughter of Emily Ufford earned a seal of biliteracy in Spanish, and shared that it allowed her to get even closer with her dad. It definitely made me able to connect to my Dad more. I feel like the mothers language is the one that children speak most at home, so it was a lot of English at home. My dad has always spoken Spanish to me, but I used to always respond in English. Her studying to pursue the seal shifted the language spoken at home to Spanish, which her mom is also fluent in.

Nomi Falk, a student who is the first in the school district to have ever earned the seal of biliteracy in three languages Hebrew, Spanish, and French looked at the program as a great opportunity for students to flex their linguistic muscles.

I think whats cool about the seal is that it isnt just a language learning opportunity, so much as a preening opportunity, said Falk, adding, It was a good opportunity to show off what we can all do.

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Talking the talk: 30 ICSD students earn NYS Seal of Biliteracy - The Ithaca Voice

Some of the ITBF delegates in Newmarket | ITBF

The International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF)'s successful biennial four-day General Meeting concluded on Thursday in Newmarket. Attended by 23 of its 25 member countries, the programme included visits to all the leading Newmarket stallion studs, as well as two equine veterinary hospitals. Over 40 delegates had earlier attended the ITBF Derby Experience, provided by The Jockey Club, over the past weekend.

A half-day veterinary meeting plus an all-day General Meeting; covered areas of worldwide interest and included presentations on varying subjects from, amongst others, the JRA (Japan Racing Association), Weatherbys, SITA (Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers), the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), The TBA of Chile and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia. Members also voted unanimously to continue to stand resolute against the use of artificial breeding methods (artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cloning, sexing of sperm, genetic engineering/manipulation, and other possible methods yet to be defined).

The ITBF will continue working to advance and protect the interests of Thoroughbred breeders' interests; throughout the world. Its next General Meeting will be hosted by Japan in 2024.

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This story was posted in Europe, Shared News Europe and tagged biennial General Meeting, General Meeting, International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation, ITBF, Newmarket.

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ITBF Conference In Newmarket A Success - Thoroughbred Daily News

From Michael Crichtons original best-seller in 1991 to the upcoming movie of Jurassic World: Dominion, the Jurassic Park legacy has been a pop culture landmark. Inspiring the public to fall in love with dinosaurs all over again, Steven Spielbergs 1993 blockbuster adaptation only strengthened the entire Jurassic universes foothold on the imagination of the entire planet.

Which means that theres a lot of stuff to keep up with over the course of almost 30 years, as books, video games, and even a TV show have become part of that very dino dynasty. If youre looking for a guide to not just the movies, but also the fun Jurassic lore thats waiting to be discovered in other media, youve come to the right place.

Naturally, this isnt everything, as this is a pretty expansive universe, but we spared few details in including the notable properties you should dig into as a Jurassic Park fan. Hold onto your butts, as the tours about to start!

It all started with a duology of books that best-selling author Michael Crichton would pen throughout his storied career. While one would set the table for the Jurassic Park craze, another was written directly as a result.

Jurassic Park (1990)Written throughout the 80s, Jurassic Park was the novel that helped catapult Crichton further into literary stardom. There are some stark Jurassic differences between the book and the movie, especially when it comes to tone and characters. The novel is a bit more horrific in its events. Also, Ian Malcolm was heavily implied to have died at the end.

The Lost World (1995)Surprise! Ian Malcolm isnt dead, and returns in 1995s The Lost World! This book exists because of the success of Jurassic Park the movie. Its Crichtons only sequel to one of his novels, with the main difference between book and movie taking place in a battle between Dr. Malcolm and his companions vs. Lewis Dodgson and BioSyn - inGens main competitor.

The decades-long friendship between Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton led to the key business deal that would make Jurassic Park happen. As mentioned in the book, Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Visual History (opens in new tab), this partnership was one of mutual respect, as Crichton really wanted Spielberg to direct the adaptation of that first book.

Jurassic Park (1993)Drs. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) are brought as endorsements for John Hammonds (Sir Richard Attenborough) unique amusement park. Unfortunately for all involved, life finds a way to turn the entire experience into a genetically engineered nightmare from hell. Jurassic Park landed itself in the history books as a massive hit, and as an adaptation some argue is better than Michael Crichton's book.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)Four years after the events on Isla Nublar, something has survived. Isla Sorna, also known as Site B, is now overrun with the dinosaurs bred for Jurassic Park. Dr. Ian Malcolm returns, in order to prevent John Hammonds scheming nephew, Peter Ludlow (Arliss Howard), from apprehending the remaining creatures.

Jurassic Park III (2001)Another four years sees Dr. Alan Grant lured to Isla Sorna on a search and rescue mission. Lessons in Raptor communication, a vicious Spinosaurus, and a small detour into how Alan and Dr. Ellie Sattler broke up, all take place.

Throughout the years after Jurassic Park III, there were several attempts to revive the franchise. Some of the resulting story ideas were wild, like a Jurassic Park IV involving human/dino hybrids. Eventually, Jurassic World would be revealed as the start of the new era in the franchises history, with director Colin Trevorrow kicking things off.

Jurassic World (2015)Twenty-two years after John Hammonds dream seemingly collapsed, the park is open. Introducing trilogy stars Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), another day in the park is ruined by a psychotic genetic hybrid.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)After the Jurassic World incident, Owen and Claire are recruited to head back to the ruins of Isla Nublar to recover the dinosaurs still living on the island. Yet again, humanitys bright ideas involving genetic engineering and profiteering backfire, with dinosaurs left to run rampant around the world.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022)Taking place during events in the Jurassic World trilogy, Camp Cretaceous uses a TV show to throw its young campers into dino-danger. Theres as much cuteness as there is horror, and though the series is ending this July, Jurassic Park fans should totally watch this Netflix show.

Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)The end of the Jurassic era, this summers big blockbuster reunites Owen and Claire, as well as introduces them to Drs. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm. Needless to say, were not going to reveal much about this one, because spoilers; but heres a hint: theres more dinosaurs.

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There was another common practice that the Jurassic Park movies werent immune to: tie-in video games. While theres plenty more than what were about to mention, here are the more notable entries in the Jurassic gaming canon.

Jurassic Park (1993)Depending on what sort of gamer you were, Jurassic Parks adaptation was a wildly different experience. The Super Nintendo version apparently included first person shooter sequences, as well as other tasks like rebooting the computers. Meanwhile, the Sega Genesis version of Jurassic Park was a side-scrolling shooter/fighter, where you could play as Dr. Alan Grant or a Velociraptor!

Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition (Sega Genesis - 1994)Heres another case of the consoles diverging wildly in their approach. Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition sees Alan Grant crashing back onto Isla Nublar, with our Velociraptor friend remaining on the island as well. Both fight off dinosaurs and inGen personnel in a slightly more brutal follow-up.

Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues (Super Nintendo - 1994)Taking the side-scrolling approach from its Genesis counterpart, Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues has Alan Grant trying to stop BioSyn employees from raiding the island for dinosaurs/specimens. It should be noted that both this and the Rampage Edition were released about a year before The Lost World novel would find its way into the world

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)While not exactly a direct adaptation of the film, The Lost Worlds video game allowed you to play as several dinosaurs, and Julianne Moores character from the film, Dr. Sarah Harding. This title is notable for two reasons: its music was one of the projects that put young Michael Giacchino on the worlds radar, and of course, the snarky Jeff Goldblum video that basically tells players to touch grass.

Trespasser (1998)Most excitingly, The Lost World: Jurassic Park had a digital sequel, the 1998 game Tresspasser. A woman named Anne (Minnie Driver) crash lands on Isla Sorna, years after The Lost World, and has to survive the dinosaurs still on the island. The game was janky, but ambitious, and theres a community thats still keeping it alive to this day.

Warpath: Jurassic Park (1999)Two words sum up the officially licensed Jurassic Park fighting game: dino fights. It may not have done much back in the day, but it may have influenced some of the prize fights in the Jurassic World saga.

Perhaps the best part of the video game angle of the Jurassic world are the park sims!

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (2003)This is pretty much the only game from the Jurassic Park III era that is worth mentioning. Acting as a sort of Roller Coaster Tycoon in the Jurassic saga, you could build your own Jurassic Park, and take part in both the business and maintenance end. Good luck finding an affordable copy, but if you can get your hands on it, its worth it.

The Jurassic World: Evolution Games (2018/2021)If you dont want to spend the massive cash on getting Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis, then you can snag the more modern, massively more affordable versions! 2018s beautiful Jurassic World: Evolution, and the 2022 sequel, Jurassic World: Evolution 2, both allow you to build and maintain your own dinosaur park; but with new and exciting challenges. Also, Jeff Goldblum and Bryce Dallas Howard take part in some of the voice acting throughout the games, which really helps sell that Jurassic World feeling.

Almost 30 years of history in the books and Jurassic Parks legacy is stuffed with a ton of proof to show its impact on pop culture. Again, this isnt even close to everything we could have discussed. If you really want to dig into the history of the first three Jurassic movies, then check out Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Visual History (opens in new tab)! And dont forget, Jurassic World: Dominion is currently in theaters, continuing the tradition of dinosaurs snacking on humanity.

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The Jurassic Park Universe Explained: Your Guide To The Movies, Books, And More - CinemaBlend