Role of the CRISPR system in controlling gene transcription and monitoring cell fate (Review)

Abstract

Even though the accrual of transcripts is implicated in distinct disease states, our knowledge regarding their functional role remains obscure. The CRISPR system has surged at the forefront of genome engineering tools in the field of RNA modulation. In the present review, we discuss some exciting applications of the CRISPR system, including the manipulation of RNA sequences, the visualization of chromosomal loci in living cells and the modulation of transcription. The CRISPR system has been documented to be very reliable and specific in altering gene expression, via leveraging inactive catalytically dead CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). In the present review, the CRISPR system is presented as an eminent tool for the meticulous analysis of gene regulation, loci mapping and complex pathways.

Figure 1.

The CRISPR platform for gene editing, genomic regulation and imaging.

Figure 2.

(A) RNA editing at non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs, miRNAs. (B) Modulation of gene expression in a spatial-temporal manner and epigenetic regulation using dCas9 coupled to epigenetic modifiers. (C) Genomic imaging using dCas9 fused to a fluorescent marker. lncRNAs, long-noncoding RNAs; miRNAs, micro-RNAs; dCas9, inactivated Cas9.