ABSTRACT
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing technology won the 2020 Nobel prize in chemistry. CRISPR was discovered in the genome of prokaryotes, where it functions as their adaptive immune system. Evolution of CRISPR/Cas9 into a novel gene editing tool offers scientists cheaper and easier-to-use methods than previously existing gene-editing instruments such as zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) or transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). With CRISPR, we can precisely edit genomes to understand gene function, correct mutations or even activate/deactivate specific genes. This can also be used to study multiple parts of the genome at once, which enables understanding the synergistic effect of different genes on any phenotype. CRISPR technology has also been used in humans to treat cancers and other inherited diseases. This review discusses the use of this technology in aiding research in medical biotechnology.
