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Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system may benefit from a hierarchical regulatory framework for improved control and precision.
- Traditional CRISPR tools are associated with off-target effects and cytotoxicity due to constant nuclease activity.
- Anti-CRISPR proteins (Acr) can suppress the function of Cas proteins at the protein level.
- The CRISPR interference/activation (CRISPRi/a) system utilizes inactive Cas proteins for specific gene transcription regulation.
- Quorum sensing (QS) networks can dynamically regulate gene expression based on cell density and environmental signals.
- A proposed multi-tiered regulatory framework suggests that QS networks drive CRISPRi/a, while Acr proteins fine-tune CRISPR activity.
- The integration of Acr proteins with other regulatory modules remains preliminary and requires further empirical research.
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