Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has received global attention due to the recent outbreak in China. In this work, we report a CRISPR-Cas12 based diagnostic tool to detect synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequences in a proof-of-principle evaluation. The test proved to be sensitive, rapid, and potentially portable. These key traits of the CRISPR method are critical for virus detection in regions that lack resources to use the currently available methods.

CRISPR-based systems for epigenetic editing are promising molecular tools that could be harnessed for directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. We used the CRISPR/dCas9-VP160, CRISPR/dCas9-TET1 and CRISPR/dCas9-P300 systems for multiplex epigenetic editing and activation of human beta pancreatic genes (PDX1, NEUROG3, PAX4 and INS). The CRISPR/dCas9-P300 system was the most effective at activating genes with reduced number of sgRNA. Using small number of sgRNA per gene was important to induce multiplex gene activation. Combined activation of transcription factors (TFs) involved in beta cell development resulted in INS gene expression; in which sequential TFs activation was more effective than simultaneous activation. Full CRISPR RNA-based delivery system was able to activate all targeted genes. Overall, this study shows the utility of CRISPR tools for epigenetic editing and directed cellular differentiation.