Exploring the emerging role of CRISPR-Cas systems in probiotic development
4 affiliations
- 1Third World Center for Science and Technology, H.E.J Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
- 2Biotechnology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute-Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
- 3Faculty of Pharmacy, the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
- 4Department of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Modification of the gut microbiota by beneficial microbes can enhance an organism's lifespan, giving rise to the concept of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when taken in sufficient amounts. Owing to their outstanding health benefits, probiotics have experienced rapid expansion and gained interest for the development of new applications. The exploration of microbial applications via genetic modification is currently of great interest to researchers. Genetic engineering using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas system has received considerable attention and has established applications. Owing to these enhanced properties, the CRISPR-Cas system is currently used in medicine, agriculture, food, and biotechnology. Considering the adaptive immune system in bacteria, this genetic tool is used to alter the microbial genome. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely recognized for their probiotic potential, and over 40% of LAB species contain the CRISPR-Cas system. The rising demand for probiotics and their expanding applications necessitate the enhancement of their existing characteristics. The CRISPR-Cas system, recognized for its precision, accuracy, and speed, has enabled researchers to modify the genomes of probiotics, thereby enhancing their beneficial attributes. This system can enhance probiotic properties through additive, subtractive, or modulatory mechanisms. Various approaches have been developed to improve probiotic functionalities using the CRISPR-Cas system, such as substituting slow promoters with efficient alternatives, eliminating undesirable components, boosting metabolism, and increasing tolerance levels. Furthermore, CRISPR-engineered probiotics have emerged as next-generation probiotics with enhanced properties and advanced applications across diverse fields, including the food, medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors.
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BibTeX
@article{hussain2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring the emerging role of CRISPR-Cas systems in probiotic development}},
author = {Abrar Hussain and Naheed Mojgani and Maria Fareed Siddiqui and Mohammad Inam Khan and Syed Abid Ali},
journal = {Engineering Microbiology},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1016/j.engmic.2026.100279},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engmic.2026.100279},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring the emerging role of CRISPR-Cas systems in probiotic development
AU - Abrar Hussain
AU - Naheed Mojgani
AU - Maria Fareed Siddiqui
AU - Mohammad Inam Khan
AU - Syed Abid Ali
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/05
JO - Engineering Microbiology
DO - 10.1016/j.engmic.2026.100279
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engmic.2026.100279
AB - Modification of the gut microbiota by beneficial microbes can enhance an organism's lifespan, giving rise to the concept of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when taken in sufficient amounts. Owing to their outstanding health benefits, probiotics have experienced rapid expansion and gained interest for the development of new applications. The exploration of microbial applications via genetic modification is currently of great interest to researchers. Genetic engineering using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas system has received considerable attention and has established applications. Owing to these enhanced properties, the CRISPR-Cas system is currently used in medicine, agriculture, food, and biotechnology. Considering the adaptive immune system in bacteria, this genetic tool is used to alter the microbial genome. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely recognized for their probiotic potential, and over 40% of LAB species contain the CRISPR-Cas system. The rising demand for probiotics and their expanding applications necessitate the enhancement of their existing characteristics. The CRISPR-Cas system, recognized for its precision, accuracy, and speed, has enabled researchers to modify the genomes of probiotics, thereby enhancing their beneficial attributes. This system can enhance probiotic properties through additive, subtractive, or modulatory mechanisms. Various approaches have been developed to improve probiotic functionalities using the CRISPR-Cas system, such as substituting slow promoters with efficient alternatives, eliminating undesirable components, boosting metabolism, and increasing tolerance levels. Furthermore, CRISPR-engineered probiotics have emerged as next-generation probiotics with enhanced properties and advanced applications across diverse fields, including the food, medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors.
SN - 2667-3703
ER -