Applications of multiplexed CRISPR-Cas for genome engineering

Abstract

The CRISPR-Cas system has become a worldwide genome editing tool for various organisms. Its precision and efficiency have facilitated basic research, drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. In contrast to other genome editing agents, CRISPR-Cas is modulated by a short guide RNA. Due to its simplicity, CRISPR-Cas is recognized as the best candidate for multiplexed genome editing. With simultaneous targeting, efficient knockout of genes with large deletions is possible. In addition, CRISPR-Cas can induce complex structural variations, such as inversions, translocations and duplications. Moreover, by utilizing engineered CRISPR-Cas proteins specialized for direct repression or activation of gene expression, one can perform multiplexed epigenetic editing. Lastly, multiplexed targeting enables killing of specific types of cells by accumulating stress mediated by simultaneous DNA damages. Here we discuss how CRISPR-based editing technologies for multiple targets are applied in recent studies.