CRISPR/Cas: a Nobel Prize award-winning precise genome editing technology for gene therapy and crop improvement

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• CRISPR/Cas systems were initially identified as bacterial and archaeal defense mechanisms against viruses.
• Rapid advancements have transformed CRISPR/Cas into a powerful and adaptable genome editing technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current CRISPR/Cas technology development.
• To explore its diverse applications, advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects in various scientific fields.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CRISPR/Cas technology.
• Analysis of CRISPR/Cas applications in biomedical research, agriculture, and diagnostics.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas has been engineered into base editors, prime editors, epigenetic editors, and gene regulators (CRISPRi/CRISPRa).
• Applications include disease diagnostics (e.g., COVID-19), gene therapy development, drug discovery, and agricultural crop improvement (enhancing yield and stress tolerance).

Conclusions:

• CRISPR/Cas technology offers revolutionary potential across biology, medicine, and agriculture.
• Future research focuses on improving delivery efficiency, precision, and minimizing off-target effects for broader adoption.