CRISPR-Cas based virus detection: Recent advances and perspectives.

Since the outbreak of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the control of virus spread has remained challenging given the pitfalls of the current diagnostic tests. Nevertheless, RNA amplification techniques have been the gold standard among other diagnostic methods for monitoring clinical samples for the presence of the virus. In the current paper, we review the shortcomings and strengths of RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) techniques for diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. We address the repercussions of false-negative and false-positive rates encountered in the test, summarize approaches to improve the overall sensitivity of this method. We discuss the barriers to the widespread use of the RT-PCR test, and some technical advances, such as RT-LAMP (reverse-transcriptase-loop mediated isothermal amplification). We also address how other molecular techniques, such as immunodiagnostic tests can be used to avoid incorrect interpretation of RT-PCR tests.

Recent advances and challenges of RT-PCR tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/11/4/110/pdf

Paper-Based Biosensors: Frontiers in Point-of-Care Detection of COVID-19 Disease.

Current state of Diagnostic, Screening and Surveillance Testing Methods for COVID-19 from an Analytical Chemistry Point of View.

Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in targeted cancer therapy. In precision oncology, molecular profiling of cancer patients enables the use of targeted cancer therapeutics. However, current diagnostic methods for molecular analysis of cancer are costly and require sophisticated equipment. Moreover, targeted cancer therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs may cause off-target effects and they are available for only a minority of cancer driver proteins. Therefore, there is still a need for versatile, efficient, and precise tools for cancer diagnostics and targeted cancer treatment. In recent years, the CRISPR-based genome and transcriptome engineering toolbox has expanded rapidly. Particularly, the RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 system has unique biochemical properties, making Cas13 a promising tool for cancer diagnosis, therapy, and research. Cas13-based diagnostic methods allow early detection and monitoring of cancer markers from liquid biopsy samples without the need for complex instrumentation. In addition, Cas13 can be used for targeted cancer therapy through degrading and manipulating cancer-associated transcripts with high efficiency and specificity. Moreover, Cas13-mediated programmable RNA manipulation tools offer invaluable opportunities for cancer research, identification of drug-resistance mechanisms, and discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we review and discuss the current use and potential applications of the CRISPR-Cas13 system in cancer diagnosis, therapy, and research. Thus, researchers will gain a deep understanding of CRISPR-Cas13 technologies, which have the potential to be used as next-generation cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

CRISPR-Cas13 System as a Promising and Versatile Tool for Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy, and Research.

CRISPR-based tools: Alternative methods for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

A retrospective observational cohort study of the clinical epidemiology of bloodstream infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an OXA-48 endemic setting.

3D printed materials for combating antimicrobial resistance

The novel coronavirus has infected millions of people all around the world and has posed a great risk to global health. Rapid and accurate tests are needed to take early precautions and control the disease. The most routinely used method is real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) which stands as the gold standard in the detection of SARS-COV-2 viral RNA. However, robust assays as accurate as RT-PCR have been developed for rapid diagnosis and efficient control of the spread of the disease. Reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is one of the time-saving, accurate and cost-effective alternative methods to RT-PCR. In this study, we study the improved RT-LAMP colorimetric assay (N-Fact) to detect SARS-COV-2 viral RNA within 30 minutes using a primer sets special to N gene. Moreover, RT-LAMP colorimetric assay is subjected to authorized clinical studies to test its ability to detect COVID-19 in its early phases. The results reveal RT-LAMP colorimetric assay is an efficient, robust, and rapid assay to be used as in vitro diagnostic tool display competitiveness compared to RT-PCR.

Abdullah Tozluyurt

Papers

CRISPR-based tools: Alternative methods for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

CRISPR-Cas13 System as a Promising and Versatile Tool for Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy, and Research.

A retrospective observational cohort study of the clinical epidemiology of bloodstream infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an OXA-48 endemic setting.

3D printed materials for combating antimicrobial resistance

Clinical validation and the evaluation of a colorimetric SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assay identify its robustness against RT-PCR