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Adaptation processes that build CRISPR immunity: creative destruction, updated

Lau, CH; Reeves, R; Bolt, EL; (2019) Adaptation processes that build CRISPR immunity: creative destruction, updated. Essays in Biochemistry , 63 (2) pp. 227-235. 10.1042/EBC20180073. Green open access

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Abstract

Prokaryotes can defend themselves against invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs) by acquiring immune memory against them. The memory is a DNA database located at specific chromosomal sites called CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) that store fragments of MGE DNA. These are utilised to target and destroy returning MGEs, preventing re-infection. The effectiveness of CRISPR-based immune defence depends on ‘adaptation’ reactions that capture and integrate MGE DNA fragments into CRISPRs. This provides the means for immunity to be delivered against MGEs in ‘interference’ reactions. Adaptation and interference are catalysed by Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins, aided by enzymes well known for other roles in cells. We survey the molecular biology of CRISPR adaptation, highlighting entirely new developments that may help us to understand how MGE DNA is captured. We focus on processes in Escherichia coli, punctuated with reference to other prokaryotes that illustrate how common requirements for adaptation, DNA capture and integration, can be achieved in different ways. We also comment on how CRISPR adaptation enzymes, and their antecedents, can be utilised for biotechnology.

Type: Article
Title: Adaptation processes that build CRISPR immunity: creative destruction, updated
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1042/EBC20180073
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20180073
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: CRISPR, Cas1-Cas2, editing
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Developmental Biology and Cancer Dept
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10127034
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