Development of Light-Activated CRISPR Using Guide RNAs with Photocleavable Protectors

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2016 Sep 26;55(40):12440-4. doi: 10.1002/anie.201606123. Epub 2016 Aug 24.

Abstract

The ability to remotely trigger CRISPR/Cas9 activity would enable new strategies to study cellular events with greater precision and complexity. In this work, we have developed a method to photocage the activity of the guide RNA called "CRISPR-plus" (CRISPR-precise light-mediated unveiling of sgRNAs). The photoactivation capability of our CRISPR-plus method is compatible with the simultaneous targeting of multiple DNA sequences and supports numerous modifications that can enable guide RNA labeling for use in imaging and mechanistic investigations.

Keywords: CRISPR; DNA cleavage; gene technology; nucleic acids; photochemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Photolysis / radiation effects
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / chemistry
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins