The Biology, Engineering and Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 System

Bilal Ahmad Lone; Shibendra Kumar Lal Karna; Faiz Ahmad; Nerina Shahi; Yuba Raj Pokharel

Bilal Ahmad Lone Cancer Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
Shibendra Kumar Lal Karna Cancer Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
Faiz Ahmad Cancer Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
Nerina Shahi Cancer Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.
Yuba Raj Pokharel South Asian University, New Delhi 110021, India.

Keywords: CRISPR, Cas9, guide RNA, PAM

Abstract

Microbes use diverse defense strategies that allow them to withstand exposure to a variety of genome invaders such as bacteriophages and plasmids. One such defense strategy is the use of RNA guided endonuclease called CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 protein. The Cas9 protein, derived from type II CRISPR/Cas system, has been adapted as a versatile tool for genome targeting and engineering due to its simplicity and high efficiency over the earlier tools such as ZFNs and TALENs. With recent advancements, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has emerged as a revolutionary tool for modulating the genome in living cells and inspires innovative translational applications in different fields. Here, we review the developments and potential uses of CRISPR/Cas9 technology as well as recent advancements in genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9.