Precision gene editing: The power of CRISPR-Cas in modern genetics

Gene editing has transformed molecular biology by enabling precise modifications to genomic DNA across a wide variety of organisms. Gene editing technologies make it possible to add, remove, or modify specific DNA sequences, with a range of applications including gene knockouts, therapeutic gene correction, and the design of targeted genetic traits. These techniques depend on two main DNA repair mechanisms: homology-directed repair (HDR), which facilitates precise changes to the genome, and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), which often results in mutations such as deletions or frameshift errors. Among the diverse gene-editing platforms, the CRISPR-Cas system has emerged as the most extensively employed, owing to its simplicity, low cost, and efficiency. This review presents the evolution of gene-editing technologies, with a particular emphasis on the CRISPR-Cas system and its expanding applications in genetics, biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. Furthermore, advanced gene editing approaches are discussed, offering an overview of emerging trends.