CRISPR-Based Functional Genomics in Pluripotent Stem Cells

The integration of CRISPR-based functional genomics with pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technologies has been recognized as a transformative approach for investigating gene function, modeling human disease, and advancing regenerative medicine. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of recent developments in CRISPR-Cas platforms, including gene knockouts, base and prime editing, and CRISPR activation or interference (CRISPRa/i), as applied to PSC systems. Studies employing human PSCs, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, have been examined to summarize methodologies for genome-wide screening, lineage tracing, and therapeutic engineering. Advances in editing efficiency, delivery strategies, and genomic safety have been reported, while limitations persist in the form of off-target modifications, epigenetic variability, and cell-type-specific responses. Notable applications include the generation of immune-evasive PSC lines, the development of organoid models for physiological and pathological studies, and the implementation of phenotypic screening for disease-relevant traits. Collectively, these technological and methodological advancements have established functional genomics of PSC-CRISPRSPR as a versatile and powerful framework for elucidating fundamental aspects of human biology, dissecting complex traits, and accelerating the translation of discoveries from experimental research to clinical implementation.