Yinong Yang

The bacterial cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein nuclease (Cas) system has recently emerged as an efficient and versatile genome editing tool for various animal, plant, and microbial organisms. The CRISPR/Cas technology is considered as the most important breakthrough in biotechnology so far this century and has broad applications in basic biological research, medicine and agriculture. During the past four years, my laboratory has developed bioinformatics tools and novel strategies to improve the CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology. Furthermore, we have utilized the CRISPR/Cas technology to facilitate plant genome engineering and precision breeding, including the creation of a new generation of genetically modified crops. This book is edited by Jennifer Doudna, who is a co-inventor of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and a recipient of 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.