The past decade has been one of rapid innovation in genome-editing technology. Targeted genome editing using artificial nucleases has the potential to accelerate basic research as well as plant breeding by providing the means to modify genomes rapidly in a precise and predictable manner. I will describe the CRISPR/Cas9* system, a recently developed tool for the introduction of site-specific double-stranded DNA breaks and its benefits compared to other artificial nucleases. I will summarize recent results obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and applications of this system beyond genome editing. Indeed, in addition to targeted genome editing, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology is suitable for other interesting applications as gene regulation or cargo delivery. Given the speed at which this technology has developed since the first reports of genome editing only 2 years ago, further advances in our understanding and control of the system are likely to come rapidly, potentially leading to the design of a new generation of genome editing tools.

*clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)

Contact :

Anne-Cécile Meunier