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CRISPR diagnostics: a revolution in the accuracy and speed of disease detection
Until recently, CRISPR was associated exclusively with genome editing. However, today this tool is used not only for changing DNA, but also for extremely accurate, fast and affordable diagnosis of diseases. CRISPR diagnostics is a new stage in the development of molecular medicine, which promises to significantly change the approach to detecting viruses, bacterial infections, cancer mutations and even genetic diseases.
«CRISPR is like the Swiss Army knife of molecular biology. It not only edits, but can also instantly detect changes in the DNA or RNA of pathogens,» says molecular biologist Richard Dylan of the UCL Genetics Institute.
What is CRISPR diagnostics?
The CRISPR/Cas system is a bacterial «immunity» that scientists have adapted to work with genetic material. In diagnostics, CRISPR is used not to change DNA, but to recognize it. Thanks to the Cas12 or Cas13 proteins, which are activated when a target sequence is detected, it is possible to «see» the presence of a pathogen or mutation.
Basic principles:
determination of a specific DNA or RNA sequence
instant response of the cleaver protein (Cas) to the target
visualization of the result through fluorescence or color change
What are the advantages of technology?
1. High accuracy
CRISPR looks for a specific genetic target, which helps avoid false positives.
2. Speed
Most tests take less than an hour, and some - 20–30 minutes.
3. Ease of implementation
The methods can be adapted for portable devices, making testing possible in the field.
4. Versatility
CRISPR diagnostics applied to viruses (SARS-CoV-2, HIV, flu), bacteria, cancer markers, hereditary mutations.
«CRISPR tests could be as simple as a pregnancy test — and just as affordable,» says Dr. Sarah Chang of the Broad Institute. «We’re moving towards an era of rapid diagnostics right in the pharmacy or at home.».
How it works in practice
The sample (saliva, blood, urine, swab) is placed in the reaction mixture.
The Cas protein, with a guide (RNA probe), searches for a target genetic sequence.
When it is detected, Cas is activated and cuts a special marker.
The result appears as a color change or glow in the test, which looks like a strip.
Application of CRISPR diagnostics
| Region | Application examples |
|---|---|
| Infectious diseases | SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis |
| Oncology | Detection of KRAS, BRAF, EGFR mutations |
| Genetic diseases | Beta-thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hereditary disorder syndromes |
| Veterinary medicine | Animal diagnostics in the field |
| Agrobiotechnologies | Checking for GMOs, phytopathogens in plants |
Example: CRISPR and COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several CRISPR tests (e.g. SHERLOCK, DETECTR) were developed that detected the virus with an accuracy of more than 95%, without the need for complex laboratory equipment. The test gave a result in 30 minutes, and only biomaterial and a simple reaction tube were required for its execution.
The future of CRISPR diagnostics
Among the prospects:
development of portable devices for daily health monitoring
personalized cancer marker tests, right in the clinic
creation of CRISPR chips - devices integrated into gadgets that analyze biomaterials
reducing the cost of tests to $1–2
«In the next 5 years, CRISPR diagnostics will become part of the annual checkup. We will be able to detect diseases before symptoms appear,» predicts Dr. Leila Morales, a geneticist at UCSF.
Limitations and challenges
difficulty of certifying new tests
the need for fine-tuning of each diagnostic set
sensitivity to storage and transportation conditions of reagents
risk of errors in unqualified use
CRISPR diagnostics is a combination of precision, speed, and innovation. Its emergence makes laboratory tests more accessible, adaptable, and personalized. This is not just a technology — it is a paradigm shift in global medicine.
