Imaging genome dynamics in real time with CRISPR-based technologies

Gene expression is a fundamental aspect of cellular function, driving diverse biological processes and disease. Dynamic interactions between genomic loci play an essential role in gene regulation. Therefore, visualizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of these interactions is vital to elucidating their function. CRISPR-Cas technology has enabled many powerful techniques for dynamic genome imaging. Recently, new methods for imaging single and multiple loci in live cells have been developed. This review describes the most recent advancements in CRISPR-based genome imaging, covering background reduction, signal amplification, and guide RNA tiling approaches. Fluorescence microscopy techniques complementing CRISPR-based imaging methods are also discussed.