Tools — CRISPR Primer — The Bailey Lab

How do CRISPR systems target and destroy foreign genetic material?

In the Interference stage of the CRISPR process, the CRISPR complexes containing crRNA find and destroy nucleic acids that match the crRNA sequence. CRISPR systems are diverse, and the specific steps involved and the details of the process vary. For example, in some systems the CRISPR complex uses a single protein, while others have multiple protein subunits. The targets also vary - some systems target double-stranded DNA, others target RNA, and one type targets both RNA and DNA in a transcription-dependent process. To learn more about Interference in Type I and Type III systems, check out the entries below.

How do different systems compare?

CRISPR systems are diverse, and while all share certain characteristics, they can vary significantly in many ways. Learn about how Type I, II and III systems compare in their distribution, complex composition, and their processes for surveillance and targeting, prevention of autoimmunity, and interference.

Behind the CRISPR Toolbox: How basic biology connects to CRISPR tools

CRISPR has become well-known as a gene editing tool, and most people who have heard of CRISPR are likely unaware of its role as a prokaryotic immune system. But even as the number of CRISPR based molecular biology tools continue to rise, the ability of researchers to create these tools rests on the basic biology research that has revealed details about those immune systems. These discoveries are ongoing – while the understanding of CRISPR biology has greatly expanded in recent years, there are many details that remain unclear in even the most well-studied systems, and new subtypes and variant systems are still being discovered. Check out below to learn about how the basic biology characteristics of Type I and Type III systems - are being used to create tools.

Posts tagged Tools

Type II Tools

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools took off rapidly because of their simplicity, flexibility and precision, characteristics that are rooted in the basic biology of the Type II CRISPR systems. Learn more on our Type II Tools page.

Sarah StuderMay 12, 2021Type II, Tools

Type I Tools

Type I systems are the most abundant CRISPR systems and were the first to be studied. While the Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems have been popular for tool development, some researchers are taking advantage of certain features of Type I system basic biology to develop molecular biology tools. Learn more on our Type I Tools page.

Sarah StuderAugust 4, 2020Type I, Tools

Type III Tools

Type III systems are unique in that they cleave both RNA and DNA in a transcription-dependent manner, and some tools taking advantage of their basic biology and distribution have been created. Learn more on our Type III Tools page.

Sarah StuderAugust 4, 2020Type III, Tools

CRISPR Primer

What is CRISPR?

What are the components of CRISPR systems?

How do CRISPR systems target and destroy foreign genetic material?

How do different systems compare?

Behind the CRISPR Toolbox: How basic biology connects to CRISPR tools

Full list of CRISPR Primer pages