Structural basis for RNA-mediated assembly of type V CRISPR-associated transposons

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Abstract

CRISPR systems have been co-opted by Tn7-like elements to direct RNA-guided transposition. Type V-K CRISPR-associated transposons rely on the concerted activities of the pseudonuclease Cas12k, the AAA+ ATPase TnsC, the Zn-finger protein TniQ, and the transposase TnsB. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopic structure of a target DNA-bound Cas12k-transposon recruitment complex comprising RNA-guided Cas12k, TniQ, TnsC and, unexpectedly, the ribosomal protein S15. Complex assembly on target DNA results in complete R-loop formation mediated by critical interactions between TniQ and the trans-activating crRNA, and is coupled with TniQ-dependent nucleation of a TnsC filament. In vivo transposition assays corroborate our structural findings, and biochemical and functional analyses of S15 supports its role as a bona fide component of the type V crRNA-guided transposition machinery. Altogether, our work uncovers key aspects of the mechanisms underpinning RNA-mediated assembly of CRISPR-associated transposons that will guide their development as programmable site-specific gene insertion tools.

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  1. Review coordinated via ASAPbio’s crowd preprint review

    This review reflects comments and contributions by Ruchika Bajaj and Michael Robichaux. Review synthesized by Michael Robichaux.


    The manuscript presents a cryo-electron microscopy focused study of a recombinant type V-K CRISPR-associated Cas12k transposon recruitment complex from Scytonema hofmanni that is DNA-bound and includes a complete R-loop formation. In addition to mapping the assembly and interactions within this transposon complex, the study also details the discovery of ribosomal protein S15 as an essential component for the transposition activity of the complex. The work presented in this manuscript may contribute to the development of new programmable CRISPR-associated genome-engineering tools in eukaryotic cells.

    Major comments

    • The figures in the manuscript are …