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CRISPR-based genomic tools for the manipulation of genetically intractable microorganisms

Abstract

Genetic manipulation of microorganisms has been crucial in understanding their biology, yet for many microbial species, robust tools for comprehensive genetic analysis were lacking until the advent of CRISPR–Cas-based gene editing techniques. In this Progress article, we discuss advances in CRISPR-based techniques for the genetic analysis of genetically intractable microorganisms, with an emphasis on mycobacteria, fungi and parasites. We discuss how CRISPR-based analyses in these organisms have enabled the discovery of novel gene functions, the investigation of genetic interaction networks and the identification of virulence factors.

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Fig. 1: Applications of different CRISPR technologies in diverse microorganisms.
Fig. 2: Future applications of CRISPR–Cas-based gene editing techniques.

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Acknowledgements

Work in the authors’ laboratory was supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency grant HDTRA1-15-1-0051, the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. A.C. acknowledges support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists.

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R.S.S. researched data for the article and wrote the article. J.J.C., A.C. and R.S.S. made substantial contributions to discussions of the content and reviewed and edited the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to James J. Collins.

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Shapiro, R.S., Chavez, A. & Collins, J.J. CRISPR-based genomic tools for the manipulation of genetically intractable microorganisms. Nat Rev Microbiol 16, 333–339 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-018-0002-7

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