Introduction to CRISPR systems and their applications in yeasts

Abstract

The adaptive immunity system in bacteria and archaea, responsible for recognizing invasive DNA sequences, is characterized by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) and guide RNAs complementary to specific target DNA sequences are the most widely used gene-editing tools to modify organisms. Currently, the variety of CRISPR/Cas systems has increased, adapting to microorganisms such as yeasts with biotechnological potential. This review aims to facilitate understanding of the basic concepts of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and to recognize some of the varieties of this molecular tool that have been successfully implemented in different yeasts. Likewise, some of the new technologies that are revolutionizing research based on CRISPR are described