Gene editing therapy ready for cardiovascular diseases: opportunities, challenges, and perspectives

Gene editing nucleases(GENs),represented by CRISPR/Cas9,have become major tools in biomedical research and offer potential cures for many human diseases.Gene editing therapy(GETx)studies in animal models targeting genes such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9),apolipoprotein C3(APOC3),angiopoietin Like 3(ANGPTL3)and inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor(IDOL)have demonstrated the benefits and advantages of GETx in managing atherosclerosis.Here we present our views on this brand new therapeutic option for cardiovascular diseases(CVD).