Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
10:10
HOX Loci Focused CRISPR/sgRNA Library Screening Identifying Critical CTCF Boundaries
Published on: March 31, 2019
8.9K
A Comprehensive Review on CRISPR-Based Screening and Its Applications
Ali Saber Sichani1, Mahmoud Hassani2, Fatemeh Gila3
1Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
Molecular Biotechnology
|April 19, 2026
Summary
CRISPR screens are powerful tools for studying gene function in cells. This review covers CRISPR library design, delivery, and selection methods for various applications like drug response and cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- CRISPR-based tools are now standard in biology and medicine.
- CRISPR screens are essential for large-scale loss-of-function and perturbation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of pooled CRISPR screens for interrogating gene function in living cells.
- To contrast pooled and arrayed CRISPR screening formats.
- To discuss recent applications and future directions of CRISPR screening.
Main Methods:
- Focus on pooled CRISPR screens analyzing cell fitness or selectable markers.
- Contrast with arrayed formats offering richer molecular readouts like transcriptome-wide changes.
- Discuss library design, delivery, and selection strategies using various Cas nucleases (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13).
Main Results:
- Different Cas nucleases expand the scope of genome and transcriptome perturbations that can be studied.
- CRISPR screens have diverse applications in drug response, viral infection, and cancer biology.
- Advancements in high-content technologies and data analysis are enhancing screening capabilities.
Conclusions:
- CRISPR screening is a versatile technology for gene function analysis.
- Improvements are driving the next generation of CRISPR-based screening studies.
- Emerging diagnostic uses highlight the expanding role of CRISPR technology.
Related Concept Videos
01:59CRISPR
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 Short...
02:31Homologous Recombination
The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
02:53CRISPR and crRNAs
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...
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
01:59CRISPR
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 Short...
01:28CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
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...