The core mechanism of CRISPR-based diagnostics relies on the ability of the CRISPR-Cas complex to recognize and bind to specific sequences of DNA or RNA. When the target nucleic acid is present, the Cas protein (such as Cas12 or Cas13) activates and produces a detectable signal, often through fluorescence. This principle is utilized in various diagnostic platforms, like SHERLOCK and DETECTR, which can be applied directly to tissue samples for rapid analysis.
