Advances in the use of Genome Editing Tools in Africa: A Review

Abstract

Africa is grappling with various challenges, particularly in agricultural production and disease prevention affecting humans, animals, and crops. Gene editing, or genome editing (GE), involves modifying, adding, or removing nearly any DNA sequence in various cells and organisms. Due to new techniques, GE is now quicker, less expensive, and more effective. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is based on RNA and has been more effectively tweaked than protein-based methods, enabling multi-site manipulation. The Type II CRISPR system protects DNA from plasmids and viruses that invade it through RNA-guided DNA cleavage by Cas proteins. Several diseases are currently being treated with CRISPR-based GE technology. The raising of livestock is vital to modern society, and it is directly impacted by disease resistance. Here, we provided a comprehensive review of how these GE tools have enhanced resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses, leading to increased yields. We elaborated on how GE has also facilitated the development of disease-resistant varieties of bananas, cassava, and maize, effectively addressing plant diseases like cassava mosaic and brown streak by targeting specific genes. We further emphasized the application of GE in animal breeding, exploring the successful creation of disease-resistant livestock and developing vaccines against diseases. Our findings explored the applications of GE in tackling human health challenges, including artemisinin resistance and hepatitis B treatment. Our summary highlighted limited adoption of GE technologies only in a few African countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Rwanda. We further reported the persistence of societal issues despite its advancement, including religious beliefs and concerns about the implications of GE in homes, leading to fear and discrimination against its use. We finally reported the efforts of scientists in advocating for policies and consensus on implementing GE in Africa to address these challenges.