CRISPR protein Cas 13 is responsible for cutting RNA. Using a guide RNA, which is a programmable string of nucleotides consisting of around 30 bases, Cas 13 can navigate its way to a particular RNA sequence. These nucleotides are complementary to those that are present in the targeted section of an RNA strand. CRISPR Cas 13 genome editing workflow is shown in the picture:
The capacity to modify individual letters in RNA is very promising for future therapies. Many diseases are caused by a single "misspelled" letter in the genetic code, and fixing them in RNA offers the potential to provide a flexible and safe treatment without permanently modifying the genome.
Dr. Md. Monirul Islam
Senior Scientist
ASRBC, ACI Seed
