Next-Generation Diagnostic with CRISPR/Cas: Beyond Nucleic Acid Detection

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• Emerging infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) require advanced diagnostic tools.
• The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system is a powerful gene-targeting technology.
• CRISPR-Cas systems, particularly Cas12a and Cas13a, exhibit collateral cleavage activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the integration of CRISPR-Cas technology for onsite clinical diagnostics.
• To highlight advancements in CRISPR bio-sensing for various targets.
• To discuss current applications of CRISPR-Cas technologies in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Review of CRISPR-Cas system mechanisms, including Cas enzymes and guide RNA (gRNA).
• Exploration of collateral cleavage for sensitive and rapid point-of-care diagnostics.
• Analysis of CRISPR/Cas applications for nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid targets.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas systems enable precise detection of specific genes, proteins, analytes, and hormones.
• Repurposed CRISPR-Cas effectors facilitate instrument-free, sensitive, and rapid diagnostics.
• CRISPR/Cas technology allows for simultaneous multiplexed detections.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR-Cas technology presents significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Overcoming technical challenges is key to integrating CRISPR-Cas into onsite clinical assessments.
• CRISPR bio-sensing offers versatile applications for diverse diagnostic needs.