CRISPRassisted

CRISPRassisted is a collective term for approaches and workflows that rely on CRISPR-based systems to enable genetic modification, functional genomics, and related biotechnologies. It covers methods that use programmable nucleases guided by RNA to alter DNA sequences, regulate gene expression, or detect biological signals, in cells, tissues, organisms, or environmental samples. The term emphasizes the assistance CRISPR provides to traditional techniques rather than a single protocol.

At the core are CRISPR-Cas systems, most commonly Cas9, Cas12a, or Cas13, which are directed by short guide RNAs to target sequences. DNA-sensing Cas enzymes can create breaks repaired by non-homologous end joining or homology-directed repair, enabling knockouts or precise edits. Catalytically inactive variants (dCas9, dCas12a) serve as platforms to recruit transcriptional regulators (CRISPRi/CRISPRa) or imaging/epigenetic tools. In diagnostics, CRISPR-based detectors exploit collateral cleavage to signal the presence of a target RNA or DNA.

Applications span basic research, therapeutic development, and agriculture. In medicine, CRISPRassisted approaches include ex vivo editing of patient-derived cells and, in limited cases, in vivo gene delivery. In research, CRISPR screens and perturbations map gene function. In diagnostics and environmental monitoring, CRISPR-based tests offer rapid, specific detection.

Challenges include off-target editing, delivery efficiency, immune responses, and regulatory and ethical considerations, especially for germline modifications. Ongoing work aims to improve specificity, safety, and accessibility, with governance and biosafety frameworks shaping clinical translation. See also CRISPR, genome editing, CRISPR-based diagnostics.