Pooled screening creates a pool of cells with genetic variants, allowing for the simultaneous examination for changes in behavior or function. By selectively inducing mutations or perturbing expression, it enables scientists to systematically investigate the function of genes or genetic elements. Emerging gene editing tools, such as CRISPR, coupled with advances in sequencing and computational capabilities, provide growing opportunities to understand biological processes in humans, animals, and plants as well as to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions and agricultural research. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of pooled screens using next-generation gene editing tools along with relevant challenges and describe potential future directions of this technology.
Keywords: CRISPR; CRISPR screen; Cell engineering; Gene editing; Gene regulation.