This natural mechanism has been adapted for use in gene editing. The most commonly used system, CRISPR/Cas9, involves a guide RNA (gRNA) that matches the target DNA sequence and the Cas9 enzyme, which acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA at the desired location. This break in the DNA can then be repaired by the cell's natural repair mechanisms, allowing for the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes. Since its adaptation for gene editing, CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced. Researchers have developed various modifications of the original CRISPR/Cas9 system to improve specificity, efficiency, and versatility. For example, CRISPR/Cas12 and CRISPR/Cas13 target different nucleic acids, expanding the range of possible applications. Base editing techniques allow for precise conversion of single DNA bases without introducing double-strand breaks, reducing the risk of unwanted mutations. Prime editing represents a more recent advancement that combines aspects of CRISPR and reverse transcriptase to directly write new genetic information into a DNA site without causing double-strand breaks. The potential therapeutic applications of CRISPR are vast and encompass a wide range of diseases. Monogenic disorders, i.e., diseases caused by mutations in a single gene, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are prime targets for CRISPR-based therapies. Early clinical trials have shown promise in correcting these genetic defects. CRISPR is being explored to enhance cancer immunotherapy by editing immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. It is also being used to identify and validate new drug targets. CRISPR has potential applications in combating viral infections, such as HIV, by targeting and disabling viral DNA within the host genome. The future of CRISPR therapeutics is bright, with ongoing research aimed at overcoming current limitations and expanding its applications. Innovations such as CRISPR-based diagnostics, CRISPRa/i (CRISPR activation/interference for gene regulation), and combination therapies hold promise for broadening the impact of this technology. CRISPR therapeutics represent a transformative advance in medical science, offering the potential to treat and even cure a wide array of diseases. As research progresses and challenges are addressed, CRISPR-based therapies are poised to become a cornerstone of precision medicine, revolutionizing how we approach genetic disorders and complex diseases.