The CRISPR/Cas9 system forms a condensate in the yeast nucleus

MicroPubl Biol. 2024 Jan 9:2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001039. doi: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001039. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has revolutionized genetic engineering. However, the nuclear dynamics of Cas9 in eukaryotic cells, particularly in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae , remains poorly understood. Here, we constructed yeast strains expressing fluorescently tagged Cas9 variants, revealing their accumulation in the nucleus over time. Notably, Cas9 was non-uniformly distributed in the nucleoplasm during the initial hours, suggesting the formation of a condensate. This condensate often co-localizes with the nucleolus and associates the target site to its periphery. Our findings provide insights into Cas9 nuclear dynamics in yeast, advancing our understanding of CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic manipulation.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the grant PID2021-123716OB-I100 to F.M.