CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and CAS (CRISPR Associated system) gene editing is a breakthrough technology that allows genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the DNA of living organisms. This powerful tool enables gene drives and is revolutionizing the fields of medicine, agriculture, and biology.
History and Discovery of CRISPR-Cas Systems
CRISPR loci were first observed in the E. coli genome in 1987 but their function remained unknown for many years. In 1993, Ishino and colleagues discovered repeats of similar DNA sequences in different strains of E. coli and other bacteria. In 2005, researchers found that the sequences between the repeats matched sequences of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) that the bacteria had encountered. They realized CRISPR was an adaptive immune system in prokaryotes that conferred resistance to foreign genetic elements like plasmids and phages.
The key components of the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system were then elucidated. The CRISPR loci contain short repeats interspersed with spacer sequences that are acquired from foreign genetic elements. These guide RNAs are used by Cas endonuclease proteins to target and degrade foreign nucleic acids matching the spacer sequences. This provides heritable, acquired immunity in prokaryotes. In 2012, it was discovered that CRISPR-Cas9 could be reprogrammed to edit genomes, harnessing nature’s own genome engineering system for biotechnological purposes.
How CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing Works
The core component of the CRISPR-Cas9 system that facilitates gene editing is the Cas9 endonuclease protein. A single guide RNA is designed that contains the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) sequence, which is complementary to the target DNA sequence, and a trans-activating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA) sequence. The crRNA-tracrRNA duplex, known as a single guide RNA or sgRNA, directs Cas9 to introduce a double-strand break at the desired target location within the genome.
The cell’s own DNA repair mechanisms can then be hijacked to introduce edits. Through non-homologous end joining, insertions or deletions may be introduced, disrupting the reading frame and potentially disabling gene function. Alternatively, the higher fidelity homology-directed repair pathway can be used to replace the target sequence with an alternative sequence by providing a repair template. This allows virtually any genetic change to be introduced at a target site with tremendous specificity.
Applications of CRISPR Gene Editing
Coherent Market Insights discusses applications of CRISPR Gene Editing in CRISPR and CAS Gene Market
Medicine
In medicine, CRISPR is being explored for therapeutic applications such as correcting genetic mutations that cause diseases like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and certain cancers. It also shows promise for developing new treatments and potentially cures for many incurable illnesses through precisely edited changes in DNA. An important milestone was achieved in 2019 when CRISPR was first used in a clinical trial to genetically modify T-cells from cancer patients.
Agriculture
In agriculture, CRISPR Technology allows specific, heritable traits to be added or removed from crops and livestock. This could aid efforts to develop drought-tolerant or pest-resistant crop varieties and enable more sustainable food production globally. Gene drives using CRISPR may help control pest populations and reduce transmitted diseases. The first genome-edited food approved for human consumption was the non-browning mushroom.
Biology Research
As a tool in biological research, CRISPR has transformed our ability to study gene function and gain a deeper understanding of genetics. It enables genetic modifications and manipulations in a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals at unprecedented speed and efficiency. New insights into developmental biology, neuroscience, immunology and countless other fields continue to emerge thanks to CRISPR’s powerful genome editing capabilities.
Market Outlook
The global market for CRISPR technology is growing rapidly and is poised for continued expansion as both research applications and commercial products come to market. According to the market research report published on Coherent Market Insights, the CRISPR market was valued at $792 million in 2020 and is projected to reach over $3 billion by 2028, growing at an impressive CAGR of 20.2% during the forecast period. North America currently dominates the CRISPR landscape, accounting for around 40% of global revenues, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. Factors driving this growth include increasing R&D investments, rising demand for gene and cell therapies and genome editing in medicine and biotech, as well as the promise of applications in molecular diagnostics, agriculture and more. CRISPR is expected to transform healthcare, food production and entire industries over the coming decades. Commercial launches of CRISPR-based treatments and products will further propel market growth and realize the technology’s tremendous potential to improve human and planetary health.
In summary, CRISPR-Cas gene editing is a remarkably versatile technology that enables precise modifications to genetic material for valuable applications across many sectors. Since its discovery less than ten years ago, CRISPR has already revolutionized molecular biology research and holds enormous promise to treat and prevent human diseases through gene therapies and advance sustainable agriculture. As both research use and commercialization continue to progress, CRISPR’s potential remains virtually limitless.