Diversification of the CRISPR Toolbox: Applications of CRISPR-Cas Systems Beyond Genome Editing

CRISPR J. 2021 Jun;4(3):400-415. doi: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0137.

Abstract

The discovery of CRISPR has revolutionized the field of genome engineering, but the potential of this technology is far from reaching its limits. In this review, we explore the broad range of applications of CRISPR technology to highlight the rapid expansion of the field beyond gene editing alone. It has been demonstrated that CRISPR technology can control gene expression, spatiotemporally image the genome in vivo, and detect specific nucleic acid sequences for diagnostics. In addition, new technologies are under development to improve CRISPR quality controls for gene editing, thereby improving the reliability of these technologies for therapeutics and beyond. These are just some of the many CRISPR tools that have been developed in recent years, and the toolbox continues to diversify.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats*
  • Gene Editing / methods*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Genome
  • Pathology, Molecular / methods
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems