CRISPR - A Genome Engineering Tool
Crystal structure of a CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complex, Cascade, bound to a ssDNA target. CRISPR system Cascade protein subunits CasA, CasB, CasC, CasD, and CasE (cyan) bound to CRISPR RNA (green) and viral DNA (red) based on PDB 4QYZ and rendered with PyMOL. By Boghog - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68597347
A featured presenter at the Plant Genomics 2019, Thomas Brutnell is the founder of Viridis Genomics Consulting. Through his work Thomas Brutnell has been instrumental in the push for genome engineering technologies in the creation of novel genetic variations in plants, and the use of genome-wide association studies to identify targets for genome editing.
Discovered in the early 1990s, CRISPR, also known as clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is a powerful and simple tool used by scientists and researchers for editing genomes in an attempt to modify gene function. In essence, CRISPRs are specialized RNA molecules that find a unique address within the genome and with an associated protein known as Cas9, are capable of acting as molecular scissors by cutting strands of DNA. Since the discovery of CRISPR, researchers have developed many additional applications of the genetic engineering tool by exploiting the honing mechanism of CRISPR and coupling new enzymatic activities to the Cas9 protein. This had led to the correction of genetic defects, treatment of diseases, and genetic enhancement of crops.
Initially, CRISPR technology was discovered in bacteria and archaea while scientists were studying the natural defense mechanisms of these organisms. They found that these organisms make use of CRISPR-derived RNA and many different Cas proteins such as Cas9, to counter attacks by viruses and many other foreign bodies. Soon other researchers adapted the technologies to work in multiple organisms including humans and plants.
Discovered in the early 1990s, CRISPR, also known as clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is a powerful and simple tool used by scientists and researchers for editing genomes in an attempt to modify gene function. In essence, CRISPRs are specialized RNA molecules that find a unique address within the genome and with an associated protein known as Cas9, are capable of acting as molecular scissors by cutting strands of DNA. Since the discovery of CRISPR, researchers have developed many additional applications of the genetic engineering tool by exploiting the honing mechanism of CRISPR and coupling new enzymatic activities to the Cas9 protein. This had led to the correction of genetic defects, treatment of diseases, and genetic enhancement of crops.
Initially, CRISPR technology was discovered in bacteria and archaea while scientists were studying the natural defense mechanisms of these organisms. They found that these organisms make use of CRISPR-derived RNA and many different Cas proteins such as Cas9, to counter attacks by viruses and many other foreign bodies. Soon other researchers adapted the technologies to work in multiple organisms including humans and plants.
