How CRISPR Can Reshape Molecular Diagnostics

CRISPR based systems are enhancing the sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency of molecular diagnostics.

FREMONT, CA: CRISPR-based technologies are appropriate for detecting the nucleic acid sequences of distinct pathogenic strains with single-base precision in molecular diagnostics. This is a significant benefit over the produced primers used in PCR to amplify target sequences, which are susceptible to non-specific amplification and off-target effects. Because of the ability to cleave or "cut" nucleic acids, CRISPR-based technologies are well-known for their usage in gene editing and gene therapy applications. Researchers have just started harnessing bacteria-derived technology to produce the next generation of speedy, precise, and low-cost molecular diagnostic devices that can identify everything, including antibacterial resistance, viral breakout and cancer-causing mutations in moving tumor cells.

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How CRISPR is helping in diagnostics:

Viral

Cas13-based diagnostics have the benefit of directly targeting RNA. An RNA virus RT-PCR test necessitates amplification of the RNA into DNA before PCR, resulting in non-specific amplification and false-negative diagnosis. To identify target RNA molecules, the SHERLOCK platform employs Cas13a and a fluorescent reporter. To identify target RNA molecules, the SHERLOCK platform uses Cas13a and a fluorescent reporter. SHERLOCK has been recently improved to discover viral genetic material straight from patient