When was crispr invented
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The Invention and Evolution of CRISPR Technology
Early Discoveries in Microbial Systems
The origins of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) can be traced back to 1987 when an unusual repetitive DNA sequence was discovered in the Escherichia coli genome during an analysis of genes involved in phosphate metabolism6. This discovery marked the first hint of what would later become a revolutionary genome editing tool.
Identification of CRISPR Function
The biological function of CRISPR as an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea was identified around 2012. This discovery established CRISPR-Cas systems as a novel means of adaptive immunity, deepening our understanding of the interplay between prokaryotes and their environment3. The recognition of CRISPR's role in microbial immunity was a critical step toward its functional characterization and subsequent repurposing for genome editing.
Development into a Genome Editing Tool
In 2012, scientists found a way to harness the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a genome editing tool, which allowed for precise and efficient modifications in living cells8. This breakthrough opened up numerous opportunities for research and applications in various fields, including biomedicine and agriculture7 10. By 2013, the application of CRISPR in plants was successfully achieved, further expanding its utility8.
Commercialization and Patent Battles
The commercialization of CRISPR technology began to take shape around 2013, leading to intense competition among researchers and institutions over intellectual property rights. This period saw significant investments from venture capital firms, pharmaceutical companies, and public stock offerings, resulting in a billion-dollar industry often referred to as "CRISPR Inc."1. The patent battles, particularly between the University of California and the Broad Institute, highlighted the high stakes involved in the development and application of CRISPR technology5.
CRISPR in Clinical Applications
Since its conception in 2012, CRISPR has made significant strides in clinical applications. By 2018, biotech firms were gearing up for the first industry-sponsored clinical trials to treat genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia9. These trials marked a significant milestone in the translation of CRISPR technology from research labs to clinical settings.
Conclusion
The invention of CRISPR technology in 2012 has revolutionized the field of genome editing, with its roots tracing back to the discovery of repetitive DNA sequences in bacteria in 1987. Over the past decade, CRISPR has evolved from a microbial immune system to a powerful tool for precise genome editing, with wide-ranging applications in biomedicine, agriculture, and beyond. The ongoing developments and applications of CRISPR continue to shape the future of genetic research and therapy.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Five big mysteries about CRISPR’s origins
CRISPR's origins remain a mystery, with some microbiologists still puzzled over its evolution and impact on microbial evolution.
Very Rigorous JournalA decade of discovery: CRISPR functions and applications
CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized genome editing in microbiology, enabling adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea, and enabling a revolution in understanding prokaryotes and their environment.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedHistory 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 CitedCRISPR/Cas: a Nobel Prize award-winning precise genome editing technology for gene therapy and crop improvement
CRISPR/Cas technology revolutionizes biomedical and agricultural fields by enhancing disease detection, gene therapy, and crop improvement.
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 comes to the clinic
CRISPR gene editing could potentially treat and potentially cure genetic diseases like sickle cell and -thalassemia, with three biotech firms gearing up for the first industry-sponsored clinical trials.
Application 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.
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