CRISPR Technology: From Bench to Bedside Applications

CRISPR-Cas genome editing represents one of the most transformative advances in modern molecular biology, enabling programmable site-specific genetic modification that has revolutionized functional genomics and precision therapeutic development. Beyond canonical Cas9 nucleases, the CRISPR toolkit has diversified into precision base editors, prime editors, CRISPR-associated transposases, and Cas12/Cas13 RNA-targeting effectors, each with distinct mechanistic properties. Clinically, ex vivo CRISPR therapies for hemoglobinopathies have secured regulatory approval, while base editing, prime editing, and in vivo Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T candidates are advancing through trials for a broad spectrum of hematologic, oncologic, and rare genetic disorders. However, existing reviews largely address technical innovation or clinical translation in isolation, lacking a holistic, up-to-date synthesis of the full bench-to-bedside trajectory of CRISPR technology. This review systematically dissects the molecular mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of core CRISPR editing platforms; summarizes pivotal clinical data across hemoglobinopathies, CAR-T immunotherapy, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, cardiometabolic diseases and rare monogenic diseases; evaluates delivery systems including lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors; and discusses key translational barriers such as off-target genotoxicity and immunogenicity alongside emerging optimization strategies. This work provides a holistic bench-to-bedside framework for CRISPR research, offering critical insights to advance next-generation precision genetic medicine.