Rapid and accurate species identification for ecological studies and monitoring using CRISPR-based SHERLOCK.

ABSTRACT: One of the most fundamental aspects of ecological research and monitoring is accurate species identification, but cryptic speciation and observer error can confound phenotype-based identification. The CRISPR-Cas toolkit has facilitated remarkable advances in many scientific disciplines, but the fields of ecology and conservation biology have yet to fully embrace this powerful technology. The recently developed CRISPR-Cas13a platform SHERLOCK (Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing) enables highly accurate taxonomic identification and has all the characteristics needed to transition to ecological and environmental disciplines. Here we conducted a series of "proof of principle" experiments to characterize SHERLOCK's ability to accurately, sensitively and rapidly distinguish t

SUBMITTER: Baerwald MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7497203 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature