Work

Cas9 function and host genome sampling in Type II-A CRISPR–Cas adaptation

Year: 2015

Type: preprint

Abstract: To acquire the ability to recognize and destroy virus and plasmid invaders, prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems capture fragments of DNA within the host CRISPR locus. Our results indicate that the process of adaptation by a Type II-A CRISPR-Cas system in Streptococcus thermophilus requires Cas1, Cas2, and Csn2. Surprisingly, we found that Cas9, previously identified as the nuclease responsible for ultimate invader destruction, is also essential for adaptation. Cas9 nuclease activity is dispensable for adaptation. In addition, our studies revealed extensive, unbiased acquisition of the self-targeting host genome sequence by the CRISPR-Cas system that is masked in the presence of active target destruction.

Source: Genes & Development

DOI: 10.1101/gad.257550.114

Authors: Yunzhou Wei, Rebecca M. Terns, Michael P. Terns

Institution: University of Georgia

Language: English

Topic: CRISPR and Genetic Engineering

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: Molecular Mechanism of Adaptation in Crispr Systems, Delineation of CRISPR-Cas invader defense pathways in Streptococcus thermophilus