Interference — CRISPR Primer

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 Interference

Type II Interference

Type II systems, also known as CRISPR-Cas9 systems, are widely-known because of their use as genetic engineering tools. Type II systems identify and cleave double-stranded DNA from phages. Learn more in our Type II Interference page.

Sarah StuderMay 12, 2021Type II, Interference

Type I Interference

Type I systems are the most wide-spread CRISPR systems in nature. Like the more-well known Type II systems, Type I systems identify and cleave double-stranded DNA from phages, but they use a multi-subunit CRISPR complex to do so. Read more to learn how Type I interference works.

Scott BaileyAugust 4, 2020Interference, Type I

Type III Interference

Type III CRISPR systems use a multi-subunit complex and are unique in that they only cleave phage DNA that is actively being transcribed. Type III interference is complex and allows for different outcomes depending on the conditions of an infection, including potentially triggering cell dormancy or death. Read more to learn how Type III interference works.

Scott BaileyAugust 4, 2020Interference, Type I

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