The CRISPR-associated Csx1 protein of Pyrococcus furiosus is an adenosine-specific endoribonuclease.

ABSTRACT: Prokaryotes are frequently exposed to potentially harmful invasive nucleic acids from phages, plasmids, and transposons. One method of defense is the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system. Diverse CRISPR-Cas systems form distinct ribonucleoprotein effector complexes that target and cleave invasive nucleic acids to provide immunity. The Type III-B Cmr effector complex has been found to target the RNA and DNA of the invader in the various bacterial and archaeal organisms where it has been characterized. Interestingly, the gene encoding the Csx1 protein is frequently located in close proximity to the Cmr1-6 genes in many genomes, implicating a role for Csx1 in Cmr function. However, evidence suggests that Csx1 is not a stably associated component of the Cmr effector complex, but is necessary for

SUBMITTER: Sheppard NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4712672 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature