Applications of Anti-CRISPR Proteins in Genome Editing and Biotechnology

In the ten years since the discovery of the first anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, the number of validated Acrs has expanded rapidly, as has our understanding of the diverse mechanisms they employ to suppress nat-ural CRISPR-Cas immunity. Many, though not all, function via direct, specific interaction with Cas protein effectors. The abilities of Acr proteins to modulate the activities and properties of CRISPR-Cas effectors have been exploited for an ever-increasing spectrum of biotechnological uses, most of which involve the establishment of control over genome editing systems. This control can be used to minimize off-target editing, restrict editing based on spatial, temporal, or conditional cues, limit the spread of gene drive sys-tems, and select for genome-edited bacteriophages. Anti-CRISPRs have also been developed to over-come bacterial immunity, facilitate viral vector production, control synthetic gene circuits, and other purposes. The impressive and ever-growing diversity of Acr inhibitory mechanisms will continue to allow the tailored applications of Acrs. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In the ten years since the discovery of the first anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, the number of validated Acrs has rapidly expanded, along with our understanding of the diverse mechanisms they use to suppress natural CRISPR-Cas immunity. Acr proteins can directly interact with Cas protein effectors, allowing them to modulate the activities and properties of CRISPR-Cas effectors. These abilities have been harnessed for a wide range of biotechnological applications, primarily for controlling and improving genome editing systems.