Not just for editing

"Pocket CRISPR" quickly identifies dangerous viruses

Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+

The CRISPR gene editing tool is considered one of the most promising medical technologies. For example, researchers suggest using it for gene therapy of cancer and hereditary diseases, for example, sickle cell anemia.

However, CRISPR is suitable not only for the treatment of diseases, but also for their diagnosis. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, whose work is described in the CRISPR: More than just for gene editing? press release, used it as the basis for a biosensor that detects the presence of pathogenic viruses in the blood - for example, human papillomavirus (HPV) or parvovirus B19.

Scientists have configured CRISPR so that it recognizes the genetic sequences of these viruses, attaches to them and cuts them.

By reading the chemical activity of the enzyme, it is possible not only to determine the presence of the virus in a blood sample, but also to assess its concentration.

The authors hope that the technique, which they called E-CRISPR, will form the basis of a sensor resembling modern glucose meters and identifying the presence of a virus by a drop of blood within an hour. This will transform diagnostics: now it takes at least three days to detect HPV and parvovirus B19.

Article Dai et al. Exploring the Trans‐Cleavage Activity of CRISPR‐Cas12a (cpf1) for the Development of a Universal Electrochemical Biosensor is published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition – VM.

The human papillomavirus is considered dangerous because it stimulates the development of cervical cancer and some other cancers. However, it may also have useful properties. According to a new study, carriers of this infection are less likely to develop skin cancer due to stimulation of the immune system. However, we are talking only about some strains of the virus.

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