Super Tactics:

  • Researchers can use CRISPR to study and develop treatments for many diseases. For example, Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes colorblindness due to a mutation in the gene, Nrl. CRISPR/Cas9, and together with viral vectors like Adam the AAV, is being studied by scientists not only to understand the causes of RP, but also as a means of prevention. By hitching a ride with Adam, Captain CRISPR can cut up the Nrl, which can potentially stop the mutation and help people see better!

  • One big differences between prokaryotes and more complex life-forms, are that the latter have way more types of RNA polymerases. While that is important for conducting normal affairs, the problem is that some, like RNA Polymerase II, will get carried away and add extra chemical modifications to even Captain CRISPR’s gRNA cape. It’s like getting a gift that you might not really want, and unfortunately since the Captain is too nice to say “no, thanks,” his gRNA gets covered up on the ends. When that happens, Captain CRISPR can’t use it to find his target, and even worse, his gRNA will get sent along with the other modified RNAs, which is usually in the completely wrong section of the cell. What scientists have done to prevent that from happening, is that they add a special type of RNA on the ends of the gRNA, called ribozymes. These RNA serve as blockers for any modifications to the gRNA, because they take on the unwanted modifications themselves. After RNA polymerase II leaves, the ribozymes will cut themselves from the gRNA, which then permits Captain CRISPR to do his job uninterrupted. Everyone needs friends to help them out once in a while!

Super Facts:

  • CRISPRi: The Gene Silencer Extraordinaire

    • CRISPRi is like the superhero of gene silencing, using a simple combo of dCas9 protein and gRNAs to efficiently repress target genes in bacteria.

  • Tuning Genes is Like a Musical Instrument

    • CRISPRi is a gene maestro. You can adjust the efficiency of gene knockdown by changing the target loci and tweaking the base pairing between the gRNA and the target gene. Talk about personalized gene symphonies!

  • RNA Bodyguards of the Microbial World

    • Bacteria and archaea have their own superhero defense system known as CRISPR/Cas, equipped with RNA-mediated adaptive mechanisms. It's like having tiny RNA bodyguards protecting them from viral and plasmid invaders.

  • PAM: The Secret Password

    • To gain access to the target DNA party, Cas9 needs a secret password called PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif). It's like the VIP pass that allows Cas9 to precisely cleave the target DNA, making sure only the invited genes get the spotlight.

  • CRISPR: The Revolution of Genome Editing

    • CRISPR isn't just a defense mechanism; it's the revolution of genome editing. With the ability to precisely cut and edit DNA, CRISPR/Cas systems open the door to a new era of genetic engineering, where microbes play the leading role in rewriting the script of life. Move over Hollywood; microbes are the real stars of the genetic blockbuster!