Tiny CRISPR molecular switch tool opens a new world

In recent years, the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which has been applied in various living systems to cut a target gene and induce reprogrammed gene editing, has gained considerable attention. 1 Wang J.Y. Doudna J.A. CRISPR technology: A decade of genome editing is only the beginning. Science. 2023; 379eadd8643 Crossref Scopus (154) Google Scholar Building on these CRISPR systems, a new technology is being developed to improve the current systems and render them safe for in vivo application. This technology allows for the control of gene expression regulation without altering the DNA sequence. Commonly referred to as inactivating CRISPR-Cas9-based transcription activator (CRISPRa [CRISPR activator]) or inactivating CRISPR-Cas9-based transcription interference (CRISPRi [CRISPR interference]) systems, 2 Gilbert L.A. Larson M.H. Morsut L. Liu Z. Brar G.A. Torres S.E. Stern-Ginossar N. Brandman O. Whitehead E.H. Doudna J.A. et al. CRISPR-mediated modular RNA-guided regulation of transcription in eukaryotes. Cell. 2013; 154: 442-451 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2569) Google Scholar ,3 Qi L.S. Larson M.H. Gilbert L.A. Doudna J.A. Weissman J.S. Arkin A.P. Lim W.A. Repurposing CRISPR as an RNA-guided platform for sequence-specific control of gene expression. Cell. 2013; 152: 1173-1183 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3424) Google Scholar these advancements are designed to bind to sequences near the transcription start site of the target gene. This binding results in either amplification or repression of the expression of the target gene depending on the system used.