Translation-dependent degradation of cas12 mRNA triggered by an anti-CRISPR

Translation-dependent degradation of cas12 mRNA triggered by an anti-CRISPR

Bacteria encode diverse defence systems, including CRISPR–Cas, to recognize and cleave the DNA of bacteriophages (phages) and other mobile genetic elements1. In response, phages encode anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins that inhibit CRISPR–Cas activity by blocking DNA binding or cleavage2. Here we report an unexpected mechanism by which the anti-CRISPR AcrVA2 inhibits Cas12a biogenesis. AcrVA2 binds conserved and functionally important amino acid residu…

Anti-CRISPR Sparks Cas12 mRNA Decay

In a groundbreaking study that uncovers a novel layer of microbial molecular warfare, researchers have identified an unexpected and sophisticated mechanism by which anti-CRISPR proteins sabotage bacterial immune defenses. Traditionally known for their role in inhibiting CRISPR–Cas systems through direct interference with DNA binding or cleavage, anti-CRISPR proteins now reveal a new frontier: the targeted, translation-dependent degradation of ca…