The history and market impact of CRISPR RNA-guided nucleases

- Genes involved in genetic conflict are a source for biological and biotechnological innovation.
- Bacteria and archaea have evolved adaptive immune systems that rely on RNA-guided nucleases.
- Cas9 is an RNA-guided endonuclease that has been repurposed for genome engineering.
- Market valuations estimate Cas9 related technologies in the billions.

The interface between viruses and their hosts' are hot spots for biological and biotechnological innovation. Bacteria use restriction endonucleases to destroy invading DNA, and industry has exploited these enzymes for molecular cut-and-paste reactions that are central to many recombinant DNA technologies. Today, another class of nucleases central to adaptive immune systems that protect bacteria and archaea from invading viruses and plasmids are blazing a similar path from basic science to profound biomedical and industrial applications.