Engineered CRISPR-Cas12a variants with increased activities and improved targeting ranges for gene, epigenetic and base editing

Kleinstiver et al. (2019). Nat Biotechnol DOI: 10.1038/s41587-018-0011-0 Citations: 756

Parts used

enAsCas12a NucleaseCas12a Nuclease

Key findings

  • Developed enAsCas12a with substantially expanded targeting range, enabling editing at many previously inaccessible PAMs beyond canonical TTTV. Created high-fidelity variant (enAsCas12a-HF1) with reduced off-target effects. Enhanced multiplex gene editing, endogenous gene activation, and C-to-T base editing efficiency.