RNA-Dependent RNA Targeting by CRISPR-Cas Systems: Characterizations and Applications

Genome editing technologies that are currently available and described have a fundamental impact on the development of molecular biology and medicine, industrial and agricultural biotechnology and other fields. However, genome editing based on detection and manipulation of the targeted RNA is a promising alternative to control the gene expression at the spatiotemporal transcriptomic level without complete elimination. The innovative CRISPR-Cas RNA-targeting systems changed the conception of biosensing systems and also allowed the RNA effectors to be used in various applications; for example, genomic editing, effective virus diagnostic tools, biomarkers, transcription regulations. In this review, we discussed the current state-of-the-art of specific CRISPR-Cas systems known to bind and cleave RNA substrates and summarized potential applications of the versatile RNA-targeting systems.

Automated summary

The currently available genome editing technologies have a significant impact on various fields such as molecular biology, medicine, and biotechnology. The use of RNA-targeting systems in genome editing provides a promising alternative for controlling gene expression without complete elimination. The innovative CRISPR-Cas RNA-targeting systems have revolutionized biosensing systems and opened up possibilities for various applications including genomic editing, virus diagnostics, biomarkers, and transcription regulations. This review discusses the state-of-the-art of specific CRISPR-Cas systems that bind and cleave RNA substrates, and summarizes the potential applications of versatile RNA-targeting systems.