Am I ready for CRISPR? A user's guide to genetic screens

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• New technologies often face slow adoption due to complex instrumentation or required expertise.
• CRISPR gene editing technology, however, is characterized by its simplicity, leading to rapid development and diverse applications.
• This simplicity presents new users with a wide array of choices, potentially causing confusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a guide for researchers applying CRISPR technology.
• To assist users in navigating the choices for CRISPR applications.
• To focus on the use of CRISPR for large-scale gene function discovery.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes information on CRISPR technology applications.
• It categorizes and explains various CRISPR tools and approaches.
• The focus is on methods suitable for high-throughput gene function studies.

Main Results:

• CRISPR technology enables diverse applications due to its inherent simplicity.
• A wide range of CRISPR tools and modifications are available.
• The technology is particularly powerful for discovering gene function at scale.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR technology's ease of use accelerates its adoption and application development.
• Researchers can effectively utilize CRISPR for large-scale gene function discovery with proper guidance.
• Navigating the extensive CRISPR landscape is crucial for successful research outcomes.