A CRISPR/LbCas12a system for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto detection in blacklegged ticks.

ABSTRACT: CRISPR/Cas systems have the potential to revolutionize DNA detection of vector-borne pathogens with highly specific and user-friendly assays. One such system, named DNA Endonuclease Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR), uses a guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas enzyme to bind to and cut DNA targets. Following cutting, Cas12a exhibits non-specific collateral cleavage of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). A ssDNA reporter in the reaction allows the trans-cleavage activity to be harnessed as an amplified output signal upon recognition of the target by the Cas12a/gRNA complex. We developed a DETECTR assay to detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the primary Lyme disease pathogen in the United States, in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) collected from forests in southern Vermont. We compared DETE

SUBMITTER: Landesman WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12699427 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature