CRISPR–Cas: Complex Functional Networks and Multiple Roles beyond Adaptive Immunity. Issue 1 (4th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faure, Guilhem; Makarova, Kira S.; Koonin, Eugene V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of molecular biology. Volume 431:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2019-01-04
• Subjects: CRISPR–Cas -- programmed cell death -- DNA repair -- signal transduction -- transposable elements; HGT horizontal gene transfer -- MGE mobile genetic element -- DSB double-strand break -- NHEJ non-homologous end-joining -- PCD programmed cell death -- TA toxin–antitoxin -- HEPN higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding -- CARF CRISPR-associated Rossmann fold -- PAM protospacer-adjacent motif; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Bacteriology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Biologie -- Périodiques; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Moleculaire biologie; Biochemistry; Biology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.08.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2836

Abstract

Abstract: CRISPR–Cas is a prokaryotic adaptive immune system that functions by incorporating fragments of foreign DNA into CRISPR arrays. The arrays containing spacers derived from foreign DNA are transcribed, and the transcripts are processed to generate spacer-containing mature CRISPR-RNAs that are employed as guides to specifically recognize and cleave the DNA or RNA of the cognate parasitic genetic elements. The CRISPR–Cas systems show remarkable complexity and diversity of molecular organization and appear to be involved in various cellular functions that are distinct from, even if connected to, adaptive immunity. In this review, we discuss some of such functional links of CRISPR–Cas systems including their effect on horizontal gene transfer that can be either inhibitory or stimulatory, connections between CRISPR–Cas and DNA repair systems as well as programmed cell death and signal transduction mechanisms, and potential role of CRISPR–Cas in transposon integration and plasmid maintenance. The interplay between the primary function of CRISPR–Cas as an adaptive immunity mechanism and these other roles defines the richness of the biological effects of these systems and affects their spread among bacteria and archaea. Graphical Abstract: Highlights: Apart from their main function in adaptive immunity, CRISPR–Cas systems are involved in many functional networks. CRISPR–Cas activity is intertwined with repair processes. CRISPR–Cas immunity appears to be coupled to programmed cell death. CRISPR–Cas systems are connected to signal transduction pathways. CRISPR–Cas systems contribute to regulation of microbial gene expression.