The application of CRISPR /Cas mediated gene editing in synthetic biology: Challenges and optimizations

作者：Wenqian Li, Can Huang, Jingyu Chen · 发表于：Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.3389/fbioe.2022.890155 · 被引用次数：15 · 研究领域：CRISPR and Genetic Engineering、Innovation and Socioeconomic Development、Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and its associated enzymes (Cas) is a simple and convenient genome editing tool that has been used in various cell factories and emerging synthetic biology in the recent past. However, several problems, including off-target effects, cytotoxicity, and low efficiency of multi-gene editing, are associated with the CRISPR/Cas system, which have limited its application in new species. In this review, we briefly describe the mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas engineering and propose strategies to optimize the system based on its defects, including, but not limited to, enhancing targeted specificity, reducing toxicity related to Cas protein, and improving multi-point editing efficiency. In addition, some examples of improvements in synthetic biology are also highlighted. Finally, future perspectives of system optimization are discussed, providing a reference for developing safe genome-editing tools for new species.