The physicist's guide to one of biotechnology's hottest new topics: CRISPR-Cas

摘要

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) andCRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) constitute a multi-functional, constantlyevolving immune system in bacteria and archaea cells. A heritable, molecularmemory is generated of phage, plasmids, or other mobile genetic elements thatattempt to attack the cell. This memory is used to recognize and interfere withsubsequent invasions from the same genetic elements. This versatile prokaryotictool has also been used to advance applications in biotechnology. Here wereview a large body of CRISPR-Cas research to explore themes of evolution andselection, population dynamics, horizontal gene transfer, specific andcross-reactive interactions, cost and regulation, as well as non-defensiveCRISPR functions that boost host cell robustness. Physical understanding of theCRISPR-Cas system will advance applications, such as efficient and specificgenetic engineering, cell labeling and information storage, and combatingantibiotic resistance.