CRISPRi
Pronunciation: KRIS-per-eye
Also written as: CRISPRi — CRISPR interference
A CRISPR-based gene-silencing approach that uses dCas9 fused to a transcriptional repressor to reduce gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
Full Definition
CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) employs a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) tethered to a transcriptional repressor domain—most commonly KRAB—to block RNA polymerase or transcription factor binding at a target promoter, thereby silencing gene expression. Because the DNA sequence is not modified, CRISPRi effects are reversible. Editors should render it as 'CRISPRi' with a lowercase 'i', contrasting with 'CRISPRa' (CRISPR activation). Both terms retain 'CRISPR' in full capitals.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase 'i': 'CRISPRi'. Do not confuse with RNAi (RNA interference), which uses a different mechanism. Pair with 'CRISPRa' when discussing bidirectional gene regulation.
In Context
- "CRISPRi was used to reversibly silence PCSK9 expression in hepatocyte cell lines." — Results section
- "The manuscript used 'CRISPRi' and 'CRISPR-i' interchangeably; these were standardised to 'CRISPRi'." — Copy-editing note