Recent Advance in Light-controlled CRISPR Technology

The CRISPR-Cas system provides a versatile tool for programmable genome editing. The collision of CRISPR with optogenetics and photochemical biology has produced a brilliant spark. The photoactivated CRISPR-Cas system enables better spatial and temporal regulation of RNA-guided nuclease activity. In recent years, scientists have developed a range of light-activated CRISPR tools using a combination of CRISPR and a variety of optical techniques. These tools allow researchers to conduct high-resolution studies of life activities in spatial, temporal and genomic coordinates. In this review, research progress of the CRISPR system, gene editing technology, optogenetics and photochemical biology are briefly summarized, and the development of light-induced CRISPR technology is prospected.