Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Track21:CRISPR-Cas9 in Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease Research

CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking gene-editing tool, is revolutionizing the field of gastroenterology and hepatology by offering precise and targeted genetic modifications. In gastrointestinal research, CRISPR is used to investigate genetic mutations responsible for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and Celiac disease. By editing genes involved in immune responses and cell proliferation, researchers can uncover the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and develop targeted therapies.

In hepatology, CRISPR is advancing the understanding and treatment of liver diseases such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and liver fibrosis. The technology enables researchers to modify specific genes, offering potential for gene therapies aimed at correcting genetic mutations responsible for hereditary liver disorders like Wilson’s disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

This track will explore the latest advancements in using CRISPR-Cas9 for both gastrointestinal and liver diseases, highlighting its potential for genetic disease modeling, therapy development, and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, it will address the ethical and clinical challenges of translating CRISPR-based treatments into real-world applications, bringing us closer to precision medicine in the treatment of complex gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders.