Overview development and applications of CRISPR-Cas systems after a decade of research with a glance at anti-CRISPR proteins

CRISPR and its associated proteins that are called, the CRISPR-Cas systems, confers adaptive immunity against exogenic elements in many bacteria and also most archaea. Unlike the restriction modification system that provides a defense against any foreign DNA lacking a protective methyl-tag in the target site, the CRISPR-Cas systems are invader-specific, adaptive, and heritable. This immunity is gained by integrating short fragments of foreign DNA into CRISPRloci. CRISPR-derived transcripts assemble with Cas proteins to target similar foreign nucleic acids for degradation. Moreover, in recent years investigation of anti-CRISPR proteins has provided important new insight into CRISPR-Cas systems. Here we review an update on the development and the applications of CRISPR-Cas systems and discuss the potential of these phage-resistance machineries. Copyright (C) 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.