DECODING THE MOLECULAR WARFARE: ANTI-CRISPR PROTEINS AS GUARDIANS OF PRECISION IN CRISPR-CAS SYSTEMS

Abstract

The study explores the discovery, processes, evolution, and uses of anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, emphasizing the arms race between phage predation and bacterial defense mechanisms, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems. Acr proteins, identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibit multifaceted inhibitory actions on CRISPR-Cas systems, disrupting spacer formation, cas protein production, crRNA transcription, and active complex formation. This review categorizes Acr proteins hindering various CRISPR/Cas types and emphasizes their therapeutic potential in treating diseases, manipulating genomes, and refining prokaryotic research. Acr proteins function as on-off switches for regulated gene editing, crucial in improving the safety and accuracy of CRISPR-based therapies. Additionally, the review explores the application of Acr proteins in ecological engineering, specifically in modulating gene drives for responsible and controlled interventions. Acr proteins emerge as crucial tools in understanding and advancing genetic engineering, offering versatile solutions in the ongoing molecular warfare between organisms and their genomic invaders.

Keywords

• anti-crispr (acr) proteins
• crispr-cas systems
• ecological engineering
• gene editing
• pseudomonas aeruginosa
• therapeutic potential