Work

AcrIE7 inhibits the CRISPR-Cas system by directly binding to the R-loop single-stranded DNA

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The CRISPR-Cas system is a well-known adaptive immune system in bacteria, and a prominent mechanism for evading this immunity involves anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, which employ various methods to neutralize the CRISPR-Cas system. In this study, using structural and biochemical analyses, we revealed that AcrIE7 binds to the single-stranded DNA in the R-loop formed when Cascade encounters the target DNA, thereby preventing Cas3 from cleaving the DNA. This represents a different inhibition strategy distinct from previously reported Acr mechanisms and offers insights into CRISPR-Cas inhibition.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2423205122

Authors: Do Yeon Kim, So Yeon Lee, Hyun Ji Ha, Hyun Ho Park

Institution: Chung-Ang University

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 Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea

Award: G4655603066