CRISPR Cas system: A strategic approach in detection of nucleic acids

Abstract

Over the decades, rapid nucleic acid detection has been difficult for scientists, especially in microbiology, biotechnology and immunology. Most technologies are finite in sensitivity, specificity or both. Early diagnosis of disease allows swift response, disease monitoring and control of the rapid spread of the disease. However, limited access to test kits, specialized laboratory equipment, and the need for highly skilled personnel has led to a detection downshift. CRISPR-based diagnostic techniques, based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), have recently altered molecular diagnosis. This modern technology is combined or paired with other methods like SHERLOCK, DETECTR, HUDSON, CDetection and so on to detect viruses, bacteria infection and other pathogenic agents, due to its precision and versatility, it can also detect diseases directly from patient samples. Rapid, sensitive, accurate and advanced molecular techniques are much needed since they soothe researchers in diagnosis and detection, and can also be employed in therapeutic treatments. In this review, detailed CRISPR Cas variants were discussed, emphasizing the use of CRISPR system as a tool in diagnostics and nucleic acids detection and the benefits of this robust tool over other amplification methods.

Keywords: CRISPR; Cas protein; Detection; Diagnostics; Nucleic acids and molecular techniques.