Targeting G-quadruplex Forming Sequences with Cas9.

ABSTRACT: Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, particularly Cas9, have provided unprecedented control on targeting and editing specific DNA sequences. If the target sequences are prone to folding into noncanonical secondary structures, such as G-quadruplex (GQ), the conformational states and activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex may be influenced, but the impact has not been assessed. Using single molecule FRET, we investigated structural characteristics of the complex formed by CRISPR-Cas9 and target DNA, which contains a potentially GQ forming sequence (PQS) in either the target or the nontarget strand (TS or NTS). We observed different conformational states and dynamics depending on the stability of the GQ and the position of PQS. When P

SUBMITTER: Balci H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8056391 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature