CRISPR–Cas enzymes have enabled us to manipulate the genetic code with unparalleled precision and efficiency. Here I explore the structural and biochemical intricacies that govern the functionality of CRISPR–Cas technologies, emphasizing the need for a nuanced mechanistic understanding to overcome current limitations and pave the way for safer and more effective genome-editing applications in medicine and research.

CRISPR–Cas enzymes have emerged as a molecular scalpel for scientists and physicians, who are now able to target and manipulate our genetic code efficiently and precisely. Over the past ten years, scientists have leveraged the ability of these enzymes to target specific genomic regions, beginning with cytosine and adenine base editors, and followed by prime and click editing technologies¹ that expanded editing to transversion mutations, insertions and deletions. CRISPR-based technologies have made detecting and treating disease, drug and genetic screening, and creating genetically modified crops more accessible than ever before.

CRISPR-Cas 酶使我们能够以无与伦比的精度和效率操纵遗传密码。在这里，我探讨了控制 CRISPR-Cas 技术功能的结构和生化复杂性，强调需要细致入微的机制理解，以克服当前的局限性，并为更安全、更有效的基因组编辑应用在医学和研究中铺平道路。

CRISPR-Cas 酶已成为科学家和医生的分子手术刀，他们现在能够高效、精确地靶向和操纵我们的遗传密码。在过去的十年中，科学家们利用这些酶靶向特定基因组区域的能力，从胞嘧啶和腺嘌碱基编辑器开始，然后是引物和点击编辑技术¹，将编辑扩展到反转突变、插入和缺失。基于 CRISPR 的技术使检测和治疗疾病、药物和基因筛查以及创造转基因作物比以往任何时候都更容易获得。