Use of AAV vectors for CRISPR-mediated in vivo genome editing in the retina

Abstract

Degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) may lead to blindness without effective treatment. With the rapid advancement of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology, in vivo application of CRISPR/Cas9 holds immense potential for treatment of these diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are an ideal gene transfer tool for delivery of CRISPR components to the retina. Here, we describe a protocol for utilizing an AAV-based CRISPR/Cas9 system for in vivo genome editing in the retina.