8t78
SpRY-Cas9:gRNA complex bound to non-target DNA with 8 bp R-loop
Structural highlights
FunctionCAS9_STRP1 CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) is an adaptive immune system that provides protection against mobile genetic elements (viruses, transposable elements and conjugative plasmids). CRISPR clusters contain spacers, sequences complementary to antecedent mobile elements, and target invading nucleic acids. CRISPR clusters are transcribed and processed into CRISPR RNA (crRNA) (Probable). In type II CRISPR systems correct processing of pre-crRNA requires a trans-encoded small RNA (tracrRNA), endogenous ribonuclease 3 (rnc) and this protein. The tracrRNA serves as a guide for ribonuclease 3-aided processing of pre-crRNA. Subsequently Cas9/crRNA/tracrRNA endonucleolytically cleaves linear or circular dsDNA target complementary to the spacer. The target strand not complementary to crRNA is first cut endonucleolytically, then trimmed by 3'-5' exonucleolytically. DNA-binding requires protein and both RNA species. Cas9 probably recognizes a short motif in the CRISPR repeat sequences (the PAM or protospacer adjacent motif) to help distinguish self versus nonself.[1] [2] Publication Abstract from PubMedCRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool for genome editing, but the strict requirement for an NGG protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence immediately next to the DNA target limits the number of editable genes. Recently developed Cas9 variants have been engineered with relaxed PAM requirements, including SpG-Cas9 (SpG) and the nearly PAM-less SpRY-Cas9 (SpRY). However, the molecular mechanisms of how SpRY recognizes all potential PAM sequences remains unclear. Here, we combine structural and biochemical approaches to determine how SpRY interrogates DNA and recognizes target sites. Divergent PAM sequences can be accommodated through conformational flexibility within the PAM-interacting region, which facilitates tight binding to off-target DNA sequences. Nuclease activation occurs ~1000-fold slower than for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9, enabling us to directly visualize multiple on-pathway intermediate states. Experiments with SpG position it as an intermediate enzyme between Cas9 and SpRY. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of PAMless genome editing. Unraveling the mechanisms of PAMless DNA interrogation by SpRY-Cas9.,Hibshman GN, Bravo JPK, Hooper MM, Dangerfield TL, Zhang H, Finkelstein IJ, Johnson KA, Taylor DW Nat Commun. 2024 Apr 30;15(1):3663. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-47830-3. PMID:38688943[3] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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