The physicist's guide to one of biotechnology's hottest new topics: CRISPR-Cas

TL;DR

This paper reviews the biological mechanisms, evolution, and applications of CRISPR-Cas systems, emphasizing the importance of physical understanding to enhance biotechnological uses like gene editing, therapeutics, and resistance management.

Contribution

It synthesizes current research on CRISPR-Cas, highlighting the role of physics in advancing its applications and proposing future directions for interdisciplinary research.

Findings

CRISPR-Cas functions involve complex evolutionary and population dynamics.

Physical principles can improve the specificity and efficiency of gene editing.

CRISPR-Cas has potential in therapeutics and combating antibiotic resistance.

Abstract

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) constitute a multi-functional, constantly evolving immune system in bacteria and archaea cells. A heritable, molecular memory is generated of phage, plasmids, or other mobile genetic elements that attempt to attack the cell. This memory is used to recognize and interfere with subsequent invasions from the same genetic elements. This versatile prokaryotic tool has also been used to advance applications in biotechnology. Here we review a large body of CRISPR-Cas research to explore themes of evolution and selection, population dynamics, horizontal gene transfer, specific and cross-reactive interactions, cost and regulation, non-immunological CRISPR functions that boost host cell robustness, as well as applicable mechanisms for efficient and specific genetic engineering. We offer future directions that can be addressed by the physics community. Physical understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system will advance uses in biotechnology, such as developing cell lines and animal models, cell labeling and information storage, combatting antibiotic resistance, and human therapeutics.