All people interested in science have probably heard of the CRISPR genome editor more than once. It has already been used many times to make changes in the genetic code and in a number of other similar experiments. However, according to the publication Engadget, a group of scientists led by Dr. Jennifer Doudney has found an unexpected application of the known technology. They managed to use CRISPR as a diagnostic tool.
It should be noted right away that, as a rule, when people talk about editing the genome, they mean the use of CRISPR-Cas9. Scientists, however, used the CRISPR-Cas12a technology in their work, which is distinguished by the fact that during work it additionally cuts the single-stranded DNA located next to the investigated area. This feature was used to detect two types of human papillomavirus virus, which are responsible for the development of some types of cancer.
The new system is called DETECTR, and it works as follows: when CRISPR-Cas12a finds a piece of virally altered DNA in an infected cell, it cuts out a fluorescently labeled nucleic acid fragment with it. The emitted glow can be recorded, and thanks to this, the presence of the virus in the cell can be seen. According to the authors of the technology, the accuracy of detecting infected RNA is 92-100%. In addition, another group of scientists led by Dr. Feng Zhang was able to similarly adapt the use of CRISPR (namely versions of Cas13 and Csm6) to detect oncogenic mutations, Zika and Dengue viruses in a blood sample under study.
Vladimir Kuznetsov