How has CRISPR impacted research when it comes to studying gene alterations and function?

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) has revolutionized several research fields as it provides a DNA-free gene-editing platform with minimal off-target effects. Its ability to activate endogenous genes as well as permanently or transiently silence genes with minimal labor enables this rapidly growing field to become more prevalent in all areas of science technology. In addition, CRISPR-based genetic engineering is especially vital in generating transgenic animals for use in pathological conditions, as well as creating embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed inducible pluripotent stem cells.1

Reference:
1. F.A. Ran, et al., “Genome engineering using the CRISPR-Cas9 system,” Nat Prot 8(11):2281-2308, 2013.