CRISPR-Cas۹: Structure and Function

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a bacterial defense against invading phages and plasmid transfer in the nature. But currently, it has become the best method for editing specific regions of DNA. Therefore, understanding this enzyme's function and structure can help us optimize this method and use it better in our research. RNA-guide and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) are well-known in this system for their vital to cas-۹ function. Cas-۹ is a multifunctional DNA endonuclease and because of its domains can cleavage the double-strand DNA. Each domain in this enzyme has its own function which finally enables this enzyme to have specific interaction with DNA. This genome engineering provides the best way to treat some genetic disorders, such as many forms of cancers, sickle cell anemia, cardiovascular disease and viral infections