Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
08:20
A New Toolkit for Evaluating Gene Functions using Conditional Cas9 Stabilization
Published on: September 2, 2021
4.6K
Programmable spatiotemporal control of CRISPR-Cas12a: Engineering precision for next-generation gene editing and
Anmol Seelan1, Labdhi Shah2, Samer Shamshad3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS), NMIMS, 7th Floor Mithibai College Building, SDSOS office, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile-Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology
|March 5, 2026
Summary
CRISPR-Cas12a offers gene editing advantages but needs better control. New strategies allow precise spatiotemporal activation, enhancing safety and specificity for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Genome Engineering
Background:
- CRISPR-Cas12a is a versatile gene editing tool with unique features like staggered DNA breaks and collateral ssDNA cleavage.
- Its immediate activation upon target binding can lead to off-target effects and reduced tissue specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for achieving programmable spatiotemporal control of CRISPR-Cas12a activity.
- To discuss mechanistic insights and translational considerations for safe and precise genome engineering.
Main Methods:
- Photocaged repeat-recognition sequence designs
- Split-guide RNA (crRNA) architectures
- Chemically inducible systems
- Kinetic optimization approaches
Main Results:
- These strategies enable precise modulation of Cas12a activation, improving temporal and spatial control.
- Controlled activation enhances signal fidelity in diagnostics and enables tissue-restricted editing in therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Programmable spatiotemporal control is crucial for advancing CRISPR-Cas12a applications.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize safety and precision in genome engineering.
Related Concept Videos
01:28CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
2.2K
The CRISPR-Cas system serves as a bacterial defense mechanism against invading genetic elements such as viruses and plasmids, forming the foundation for its adaptation as a powerful genome-editing tool. Originally discovered in prokaryotes, this system has been repurposed to revolutionize genetic engineering across a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. The core component, Cas9, is an endonuclease derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, capable of introducing...
2.2K
01:59CRISPR
58.4K
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced...
58.4K
02:53CRISPR and crRNAs
19.4K
Bacteria and archaea are susceptible to viral infections just like eukaryotes; therefore, they have developed a unique adaptive immune system to protect themselves. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) are present in more than 45% of known bacteria and 90% of known archaea.
The CRISPR-Cas system stores a copy of foreign DNA in the host genome and uses it to identify the foreign DNA upon reinfection. CRISPR-Cas has three different...
The CRISPR-Cas system stores a copy of foreign DNA in the host genome and uses it to identify the foreign DNA upon reinfection. CRISPR-Cas has three different...
19.4K