CRISPR-Mediated Base Editing: From Precise Point Mutation to Genome-Wide Engineering in Nonmodel Microbes.

Area of Science:

• Synthetic Biology
• Microbial Engineering
• Gene Editing Technologies

Background:

• Nonmodel microbes possess unique metabolic capabilities crucial for synthetic biology.
• Limited gene engineering tools have historically hindered the exploitation of these microbes.
• Base editors offer a novel solution for precise genetic modification in diverse organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in base editor technology for microbial applications.
• To summarize current research on base editor applications in nonmodel microbes.
• To identify future directions and challenges in microbial base editing.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on base editor development and application in microbes.
• Compilation of existing research on base editors in various microbial species.
• Analysis of newly developed base editor systems and their functionalities.

Main Results:

• Base editors (BEs) have been successfully applied to engineer a range of nonmodel microbes.
• New base editor variants with enhanced efficiency and specificity have been developed.
• Applications span industrial, agricultural, and clinical fields, with potential for broader use.

Conclusions:

• Base editing is a powerful tool for advancing synthetic biology in nonmodel microbes.
• Further research is needed to establish base editing in under-explored microbial species.
• Genome-wide reprogramming using advanced base editors holds significant future potential for microbial engineering.