The progress of CRISPR/Cas-based RNA detection

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993 marked a crucial milestone in the field of molecular biology. Presently, they function as indispensable biomarkers for precision medicine, serving as regulators of gene expression. However, miRNAs are in very low abundance in body fluids, which challenges their precise detection. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas)-based detection, as a cutting-edge technique, has become an immensely effective tool for molecular diagnosis owing to its outstanding advantages, such as high sensitivity, sequence-targeted single-base specificity, and rapid turnover time of cleavage. This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of the recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas-based RNA detection, which includes amplification-free and amplification-involved fluorescence biosensors, single-molecule platforms, and material-assisted biosensors. We emphasize technology advancements, evaluate performance indicators, and address problems in clinical translation, offering a framework for future research in precision diagnostics.