مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
CRISPR-Cas Mechanisms Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Novel Approach
CRISPR-Cas Mechanisms Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Novel Approach
Saba Soradi Mahkan,1,*
1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
Introduction: Recent studies show that the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is concerning for public health globally [1]. CRISPR-Cas-based system is used precisely for the elimination of targeted bacterial populations, which may provide a novel strategy for new antimicrobial agent design [1].CRISPR-based systems have various applications, for instance correcting mutations, developing diagnostics for diseases that are infectious, improving crop production, developing breeding techniques, etc. [2] In numerous research studies, the CRISPR-Cas mechanism exhibited a clear negative correlation with antibiotic resistance in some bacterial species, for example Enterococci, but not in others, such as E.coli [2].
The purpose of this article is to explain CRISPR-Cas-based system in targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, genes and microorganisms.
Methods: This review article was carried out by searching the PubMed database for relevant studies from the years 2020 to 2025.The keywords included are: CRISPR-Cas, antibiotic resistance, ARGs, pathogenic bacteria, diagnostics, and nanotechnology. Data were gathered to summarize current understanding of CRISPR-Cas systems in targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Results: CRISPR-Cas systems can be applied through two complementary strategies:
(i) To modify resistant bacteria, which can be done by sensitizing them to antibiotics or by lysing them directly, and
(ii) the development of innovative antibiotics that can replace existing ones and increase their production [3].
A typical CRISPR Cas system includes three parts: i) a leading sequence, ii) an operon that has a group of Cas genes, and iii) a CRISPR DNA array, moreover the system itself can be categorized into two classes, six types, and 33 subtypes defined by the Cas protein composition and Effect module sequence [4].
Class 1 systems (types I, III, and IV) rely on Cas protein complexes for both the recognition and cleavage of nucleic acids, whereas Class 2 systems (types II, V, and VI) use a single effector protein that conducts the tasks of target identification and nucleic acid-cutting [3].
In contrast to traditional antibiotics, CRISPR-Cas selectively targets antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and removes pathogenic bacteria without having an effect on other species in complex microbial populations. This direct killing effect is due to its ability to act on genes located on both chromosomes and plasmids [4].
Many CRISPR-Cas systems have been developed to recognize nucleic acids and biomarkers in bacteria and viruses. These systems enable the recognition of genotypes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pathogenic bacteria, the detection of ARGs and virulence genes in pathogenic bacteria, and the diagnosis of bacterial infections. A nanosized CRISPR complex can be utilized for quick on-site diagnosis, since there has been scientific progress in nanotechnology [4].
Conclusion: Effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas systems may be different among bacterial species, highlighting the importance of further research to fully realize their potential in combating antibiotic resistance [5].
Unlike conventional antibiotics, these systems can target resistance genes and pathogenic bacteria precisely while having moderate effect on non-pathogenic members of complex microbial communities, offering a promising strategy for next-generation antimicrobial therapies. Beyond therapeutics, CRISPR-based platforms show potential in rapid diagnostics, genotyping, and also in detecting virulence factors, especially when integrated with emerging nanotechnology tools.