Nucleic acid detection with CRISPR-Cas13a/C2c2
This paper introduced SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection platform built on the collateral RNase activity of Cas13a (C2c2). Upon recognizing a target sequence, Cas13a indiscriminately cleaves nearby reporter RNAs; combined with isothermal amplification, this yields highly sensitive, specific detection. The authors demonstrated attomolar sensitivity and single-base discrimination, with applications in detecting viruses (Zika, dengue), bacteria, and human genotypes.