CRISPR-Cas9: A Paradigm Shift in Gene Editing Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

The development of traditional antibiotics has stalled due to an escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Generating new antibiotic development paradigms is critically important. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, originally derived from the bacteria's immune system, is now being repurposed to target and neutralize antimicrobial resistance, effectively turning the bacteria's defence mechanisms against them. In this editorial, we outline the opportunities for CRISPRCas9 technology to break the microbial resistance paradigm through specific gene disruption, plasmid targeting, phage therapy, and population-based interventions. We summarize some advances related to CRISPR-Cas9 technology, including a brief overview of the technology, its component technologies, potential applications of genetic targeting, recent research related to the technology, near-future developments, and challenges. As we face an era that has been termed the "postantibiotics" era, CRISPR-Cas9 technology not only represents exciting technology, but also a necessary transitional change for antimicrobial products. This editorial explores recent innovations and data highlighting CRISPR-Cas9's role in addressing AMR, and the scientific, regulatory, and ethical pathways to realizing its full potential in clinical settings.