CRISPR-Cas Systems in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Status, Potentials, and Future Directions

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern that threatens antibiotic efficacy and public health. CRISPR-Cas systems have shown efficacy in combating AMR by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistance genes. CRISPR-Cas9 can effectively target and eliminate colistin resistance genes in MCR-1 plasmids, restoring susceptibility to carbapenems in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas systems varies due to variations in CRISPR loci among bacterial species. Challenges include optimizing delivery methods and addressing off-target effects to ensure safety and precision in clinical settings.