Light-controlled CRISPR/Cas System: Regulatory Strategies, Applications and Challenges

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Acta Laser Biology Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (3) : 193-204.

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Abstract: In practical applications, precise spatiotemporal regulation of CRISPR/Cas system activity is often required. As a highly promising approach for activity modulation, light-controlled strategies have significantly enhanced the controllability of CRISPR/Cas systems. Given that native CRISPR/Cas systems inherently lack light-responsive properties, the integration of photosensitive agents is essential to endow them with optical regulatory capabilities. This article systematically details the working mechanisms of various photosensitive agents and their integration strategies with CRISPR/Cas systems. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of application scenarios for optically regulated CRISPR activity, conducts an in-depth analysis of current technical challenges, and discusses the future prospects of light-controlled CRISPR technology.
Keywords: light control; CRISPR/Cas system; gene editing; transcriptional regulation; molecular diagnosis
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(3): 193-204）

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ZHU Haotian, HU Menglu, ZHOU Xiaoming. Light-controlled CRISPR/Cas System: Regulatory Strategies, Applications and Challenges[J]. Acta Laser Biology Sinica. 2026, 35(3): 193-204