Shinshinkenkoukagaku
Online ISSN : 1882-689X
Print ISSN : 1882-6881
ISSN-L : 1882-6881
Review Article
Applications and prospects of genome editing technologies in Health Science of Mind and Body
—Molecular mechanisms and future therapies for psychiatric disorders—
Katsuyoshi KUMAGAIHiroaki YAJIMA
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2026 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-13

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Abstract

Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have transformed the landscape of research into complex diseases by enabling precise and efficient genetic modification. Within the domain of mind-body health science, an interdisciplinary field emphasizing the dynamic interaction between mental and physical states, the application of genome editing represents a promising platform for unraveling the multifactorial mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. These disorders are influenced by not only genetic predispositions, but also a spectrum of environmental factors, including psychosocial stress, gut microbiota, autonomic nervous system function, and immune-endocrine responses. Recent advances in genome and epigenome editing have enabled the creation of in vitro and in vivo models that support functional analyses of disease-related genes under physiologically relevant conditions. Moreover, the convergence of genome editing with personalized medicine, artificial intelligence-driven analytics, and integrative behavioral strategies is paving the way toward future-oriented therapies that target both molecular pathologies and systemic dysregulations. The present review also considers the ethical and societal implications of genetic interventions in psychiatric research. Ultimately, integrating genome editing into the framework of mind-body health science offers a holistic, individualized, and socially responsible approach to understanding and managing psychiatric disorders.

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© 2026 The Japan Society of Health Sciences of Mind and Body
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