这个技术可能是现在及今后比较长的一段时间的研究及应用的热点技术。最新和最有代表性的是：CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology。“In the past 18 months, over 125 papers on the technology have been published. At least three commercial ventures have been founded around the platform.”（http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2879.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404）

   基因组编辑技术还有哪些？

“CRISPR-Cas is just the latest of several customizable genome-editing approaches. Other DNA-binding proteins, such as zinc finger nucleases and transcriptional activator like (TAL) effector nucleases, can also be targeted to specific genomic sites. Like CRISPR/Cas, they can be used to knock out genes or to introduce designed sequences into the genome with far greater efficiency than traditional genetic engineering strategies. Where CRISPR/Cas stands out is the simplicity with which it can be targeted. Zinc finger and TAL effector proteins require protein engineering to bind a desired DNA sequence, but with CRISPR/Cas all one needs to do is design and synthesize a guide RNA. The system also readily targets multiple genomic sites at once.”（http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2879.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404） 

   同期的Nature Biology关于CRISPR-CAS的文章：

Genome editing for all:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2879.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404

Gene editing at CRISPR speed:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2863.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404 

Does CRISPR/Cas open new possibilities for patents or present a moral maze?:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2843.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404

Recent patent applications in CRISPR-Cas systems

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2883.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404

Cas9 in close-up:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2872.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404 

CRISPR/Cas systems for editing, regulating and targeting genomes:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n4/full/nbt.2842.html?WT.ec_id=NBT-201404

      和CRISPR/Cas相比，有的基因组编辑技术可能要逐渐退出历史舞台了。如果把宝压在一种过时的技术上，似乎不是很合适。当然，CRISPR/Cas本身可能被更强大的技术所超越，但那是超越以后的事了。