How the Cas12i enzyme finds and cuts its RNA targets

Cas12i can cleave DNA with high specificity through its distinct mechanisms of target recognition and activation.

• Cas12i predominantly cleaves the non-target strand of double-stranded DNA.
• A seven-nucleotide seed sequence of the crRNA is pre-ordered by Cas12i for target recognition.
• Activation of Cas12i occurs in two steps, beginning with crRNA-DNA hybridization.
• Formation of 14 base pairs activates the nickase activity of Cas12i.
• Cleavage of the target strand is promoted by 28-bp hybridization.

Simplified