CRISPR-Cas13 allows selective modification of desired RNA in living cells /Jay Wilson

CRISPR-Cas13 is a powerful tool for selectively modifying RNA within living cells. It operates by using the Cas13 enzyme, which acts as RNA scissors that can cut RNA molecules at specific locations. The key to its programmable nature lies in the guide RNA, which directs Cas13 to target and cleave a specific RNA sequence.
The light-activated version of CRISPR-Cas13 uses light to control the activity of Cas13, adding a level of precision and temporality to RNA editing. In this system, Cas13 is engineered to remain inactive until it is exposed to light, at which point it becomes active and begins cutting RNA. This light-controlled activation allows for spatiotemporal control over when and where RNA is modified, making it highly useful for studying dynamic processes in living cells without causing unintended off-target effects.
This combination of CRISPR-Cas13's precision and the ability to control its activation with light provides a powerful means for researchers to explore the role of specific RNAs in cellular function and to manipulate RNA for "therapeutic" purposes.
CRISPR-Cas13 allows selective modification of desired RNA in living cells
https://phys.org/.../2025-06-crispr-cas13-modification...
Programmable RNA acetylation with CRISPR–Cas13
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-01922-3