How CRISPR-Cas12a processes guide RNA and targets DNA based on initial matching

Crystal structures of Cas12a reveal distinct mechanisms for guide RNA processing and target DNA cleavage.

• Cas12a exhibits two nuclease activities: processing its guide RNAs and cleaving target DNA.
• The structures show how guide RNA is processed and how its seed sequence is prepared for binding.
• An R-loop complex structure illustrates the mechanism of guide-target hybridization.
• The findings suggest a single active site mechanism for double-stranded DNA cleavage.
• Insights gained may enhance understanding of Cas12a enzymes for genome editing applications.

Simplified