The Biology, Engineering and Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 System

Microbes use diverse defense strategies that allow them to withstand exposure to a variety of genome
invaders such as bacteriophages and plasmids. One such defense strategy is the use of RNA guided
endonuclease called CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 protein. The Cas9 protein, derived from type II
CRISPR/Cas system, has been adapted as a versatile tool for genome targeting and engineering due
to its simplicity and high efficiency over the earlier tools such as ZFNs and TALENs. With recent
advancements, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has emerged as a revolutionary tool for modulating the
genome in living cells and inspires innovative translational applications in different fields. Here, we
review the developments and potential uses of CRISPR/Cas9 technology as well as recent
advancements in genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9.