biostudies-literatureUnknown17(1)Park HMRNA-protein interactions are crucial for diverse biological processes. In prokaryotes, RNA-protein interactions enable adaptive immunity through CRISPR-Cas systems. These defence systems utilize CRISPR RNA (crRNA) templates acquired from past infections to destroy foreign genetic elements through crRNA-mediated nuclease activities of Cas proteins. Thanks to the programmability and specificity of CRISPR-Cas systems, CRISPR-based antimicrobials have the potential to be repurposed as new types of antibiotics. Unlike traditional antibiotics, these CRISPR-based antimicrobials can be designed to target specific bacteria and minimize detrimental effects on the human microbiome during antibacterial therapy. In this study, we explore the potential of CRISPR-based antimicrobials by optimizing the RNBiology direct27https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9547417biostudies-literatureIn silico optimization of RNA-protein interactions for CRISPR-Cas13-based antimicrobials.PMC9547417De Neve WPark YVankerschaver JBerani UBang EPark HMShim HVan Messem AfalseIn silico optimization of RNA-protein interactions for CRISPR-Cas13-based antimicrobials.RNA-protein interactions are crucial for diverse biological processes. In prokaryotes, RNA-protein interactions enable adaptive immunity through CRISPR-Cas systems. These defence systems utilize CRISPR RNA (crRNA) templates acquired from past infections to destroy foreign genetic elements through crRNA-mediated nuclease activities of Cas proteins. Thanks to the programmability and specificity of CRISPR-Cas systems, CRISPR-based antimicrobials have the potential to be repurposed as new types of antibiotics. Unlike traditional antibiotics, these CRISPR-based antimicrobials can be designed to target specific bacteria and minimize detrimental effects on the human microbiome during antibacterial therapy. In this study, we explore the potential of CRISPR-based antimicrobials by optimizing the RN2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Oct2026-05-31T16:05:19.863Z2025-02-19T01:27:44.552ZS-EPMC95474173620775610.1186/s13062-022-00339-5