Optical Manipulation of CRISPR/Cas9 Functions: From Ultraviolet to Near-Infrared Light
Yuxuan Chen, Xiaojie Yan, Ping Yuan
Abstract
Optical manipulation has been widely exploited as a noninvasive and precise means for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as controlled drug release and neuron activation. Recent efforts that have been dedicated to the optical regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 systems greatly impart spatiotemporal specificity, fast reversibility, and remote controllability to genome editing and transcriptional modulation. Herein, we summarize the recent progresses of various optical strategies for manipulating CRISPR/Cas9 systems. In particular, emerging material strategies for the near-infrared optical control of CRISPR/Cas9 functions are also highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future outlooks in this field from material perspectives are discussed.