CRISPR: Redefining Precision Medicine

CRISPR- Cas systems are a new game-changer in genetic engineering conceptually, as a technique that has much improved speed, specificity, and ease of use for editing genes. The impact of CRISPR has moved quickly from genotyping at your bench and research trials to now in clinical trials as a tool for moving forward with precision medicine. Precision medicine enables targeted therapies based on one's own genetics, environment, and lifestyle in the hopes of maximizing benefit, while limiting the side effects of therapy. CRISPR enables these types of therapies with various approaches including the ability to directly modify the targeted gene that is causing disease, to the use of personalized cellular therapies, and the ability to create patient-specific models of the disease allowing for drug testing. This review highlights CRISPR for the core mechanisms involved and its potential for use in treating monogenic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases, and its use for drug discovery. The review presents important challenges, including off target effects and limitations to effective delivery and ethical considerations. Continuing innovations are mentioned as prime editing is described and CRISPR-based diagnostics are first discussed. Over time CRISPR is apparently not only redefining therapeutic horizons but is also setting a new expectation for personalized medicine.