When was crispr cas9 discovered
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Discovery and Development of CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
Initial Discovery of CRISPR Sequences in 1987
The journey of CRISPR-Cas9 technology began in 1987 when an unusual repetitive DNA sequence was discovered in the genome of Escherichia coli during an analysis of genes involved in phosphate metabolism1. This sequence, later defined as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), was subsequently identified in a variety of other bacteria and archaea, indicating its evolutionary significance1.
Linking CRISPR to Cas Proteins
A significant milestone in understanding CRISPR systems was the identification of associated Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins. Initially hypothesized to be involved in DNA repair, these proteins were later found to play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response of prokaryotes, defending against invading bacteriophages and plasmids1 4. This discovery laid the groundwork for the functional characterization of CRISPR-Cas systems.
Development of CRISPR-Cas9 as a Genome Editing Tool in 2012
The transformative leap for CRISPR-Cas9 came in 2012 when scientists adapted the system for genome editing. By harnessing the RNA-guided nuclease activity of Cas9, researchers developed a method to introduce site-specific double-strand breaks in DNA, enabling precise genetic modifications3 6 9. This breakthrough was pivotal in establishing CRISPR-Cas9 as a versatile and powerful tool for genetic engineering.
Application in Various Fields
Plant Biology and Agriculture
CRISPR-Cas9 technology was successfully applied to plants in 2013, revolutionizing plant biology and agriculture. It has been used to improve crop yield, enhance stress tolerance, and biofortify plants, with rice being one of the most extensively studied crops2 3. The ease of use and high efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 have made it a preferred method for plant genome editing.
Medical and Therapeutic Applications
In the medical field, CRISPR-Cas9 has shown immense potential for gene therapy. It has been used to correct mutations in monogenic disorders, engineer pathogen genomes, and develop cancer therapies by deactivating oncogenes and enhancing immune cell functions5 7 10. The technology's ability to target and modify specific genetic sequences has opened new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases.
Conclusion
The discovery of CRISPR sequences in 1987 and the subsequent development of CRISPR-Cas9 as a genome editing tool in 2012 have revolutionized genetic engineering. From its initial identification in bacteria to its widespread application in plants, animals, and human therapeutics, CRISPR-Cas9 continues to be a groundbreaking technology with far-reaching implications across various fields of biology and medicine.
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History of CRISPR-Cas from Encounter with a Mysterious Repeated Sequence to Genome Editing Technology
CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized genome editing and engineering, from their discovery in 1987 in Escherichia coli to their widespread use in bacteria and archaea.
Highly CitedApplication of CRISPR/Cas9 in plant biology
CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionizing technology in plant biology, with potential applications in gene mutation and transcriptional regulation, and its future prospects include the study of medicinal plants.
Highly CitedUse of CRISPR systems in plant genome editing: toward new opportunities in agriculture
CRISPR systems in plants can improve yield performance, biofortification, and stress tolerance, with rice being the most studied crop.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedCRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: An Unexplored Frontier for Forest Pathology
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has potential for use in forest pathology, but currently underutilized due to its complexity and limited applications.
CRISPR-Cas9: a new and promising player in gene therapy
CRISPR-Cas9 offers a cost-effective, convenient tool for gene therapy, enabling correction of causal mutations in monogenic disorders, engineering pathogen genomes, and potential in cancer gene therapy.
Highly CitedGenome editing: A perspective on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 to study human diseases (Review)
CRISPR/Cas9 technology shows potential in treating various diseases by modifying DNA, allowing for gene activation or suppression, and reducing off-target cuts.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCRISPR/Cas9 for cancer research and therapy.
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to accelerate cancer research and therapy by enabling efficient genome engineering, identifying targets for drug development, and potentially arming cells for cell-based therapies.
Highly CitedType II-C CRISPR-Cas9 Biology, Mechanism, and Application.
Type II-C CRISPR-Cas9 systems are simplest and most versatile, with unique properties like long PAMs, elevated temperatures, and smaller size, potentially benefiting genome editing applications.
Highly CitedThe new frontier of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9
CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables facile genome engineering in animals and plants, enabling targeted modifications to DNA sequences, enabling new applications in biology and medicine.
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