Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications

Mubaraq Damilare Yussuf; Ogochukwu Mercy Ezeh; Ejikeme Peter Igwe; Ifeoma Roseline Ezeanolue; Ogbonna Pascal Chiemerie; Splendor Agomuo; Chimaobi Divine Gigam-ozuzu

doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Eu J Sci Res Rev. 2026; 4(3): 246-260

doi: 10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications

Mubaraq Damilare Yussuf, Ogochukwu Mercy Ezeh, Ejikeme Peter Igwe, Ifeoma Roseline Ezeanolue, Ogbonna Pascal Chiemerie, Splendor Agomuo, Chimaobi Divine Gigam-ozuzu.

Abstract
Bacterial toxins, once regarded solely as pathogenic agents, have emerged as powerful tools in genome editing and cellular biology. Their intrinsic properties—including receptor-specific binding, membrane permeabilization, and precise enzymatic activity—enable highly targeted intracellular delivery and modulation of genetic material. This review examines the biological mechanisms of bacterial toxins and their integration into modern genome editing platforms, including Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas systems. Toxin-assisted delivery strategies, such as pore-forming toxins and receptor-mediated endocytosis, have significantly improved cellular uptake and cytoplasmic release of genome-editing components, opening new therapeutic avenues for correcting genetic disorders and developing disease models. Although challenges such as immunogenicity and cytotoxicity remain, advances in protein engineering and delivery technologies continue to enhance the safety and efficacy of toxin-based systems. The review also explores emerging applications in regenerative medicine and synthetic biology, highlighting the potential of engineered bacterial toxins to provide programmable control over cellular processes. Collectively, these developments underscore the dual role of bacterial toxins as both biological threats and repurposed tools for innovative biomedical research and therapeutic intervention

Key words: Bacterial Toxin, Genome Editing, CRISPR-Cas Systems, Therapeutic Applications, Molecular Mechanisms, Cellular Delivery, Synthetic Biology, Protein Engineering

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How to Cite this Article

Pubmed Style

Yussuf MD, Ezeh OM, Igwe EP, Ezeanolue IR, Chiemerie OP, Agomuo S, Gigam-ozuzu CD. Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. Eu J Sci Res Rev. 2026; 4(3): 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Web Style

Yussuf MD, Ezeh OM, Igwe EP, Ezeanolue IR, Chiemerie OP, Agomuo S, Gigam-ozuzu CD. Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. https://www.wisdomgale.com/ejsrr/?mno=261423 [Access: September 12, 2026]. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Yussuf MD, Ezeh OM, Igwe EP, Ezeanolue IR, Chiemerie OP, Agomuo S, Gigam-ozuzu CD. Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. Eu J Sci Res Rev. 2026; 4(3): 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Yussuf MD, Ezeh OM, Igwe EP, Ezeanolue IR, Chiemerie OP, Agomuo S, Gigam-ozuzu CD. Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. Eu J Sci Res Rev. (2026), [cited September 12, 2026]; 4(3): 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Harvard Style

Yussuf, M. D., Ezeh, . O. M., Igwe, . E. P., Ezeanolue, . I. R., Chiemerie, . O. P., Agomuo, . S. & Gigam-ozuzu, . C. D. (2026) Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. Eu J Sci Res Rev, 4 (3), 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Turabian Style

Yussuf, Mubaraq Damilare, Ogochukwu Mercy Ezeh, Ejikeme Peter Igwe, Ifeoma Roseline Ezeanolue, Ogbonna Pascal Chiemerie, Splendor Agomuo, and Chimaobi Divine Gigam-ozuzu. 2026. Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, 4 (3), 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

Chicago Style

Yussuf, Mubaraq Damilare, Ogochukwu Mercy Ezeh, Ejikeme Peter Igwe, Ifeoma Roseline Ezeanolue, Ogbonna Pascal Chiemerie, Splendor Agomuo, and Chimaobi Divine Gigam-ozuzu. "Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications." European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews 4 (2026), 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Yussuf, Mubaraq Damilare, Ogochukwu Mercy Ezeh, Ejikeme Peter Igwe, Ifeoma Roseline Ezeanolue, Ogbonna Pascal Chiemerie, Splendor Agomuo, and Chimaobi Divine Gigam-ozuzu. "Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications." European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews 4.3 (2026), 246-260. Print. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Yussuf, M. D., Ezeh, . O. M., Igwe, . E. P., Ezeanolue, . I. R., Chiemerie, . O. P., Agomuo, . S. & Gigam-ozuzu, . C. D. (2026) Bacterial Toxins as Innovative Tools for Genome Editing: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Therapeutic Applications. European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, 4 (3), 246-260. doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20250529091404