Cas12a

CRISPR-associated protein 12a
Acidaminococcus sp. Cas12a PDB: 5B43​
Identifiers
Symbol	Cas12a
InterPro	IPR027620

Cas12a (CRISPR-associated protein 12a, previously known as Cpf1) is a subtype of Cas12 proteins and an RNA-guided endonuclease that forms part of the CRISPR system in some bacteria and archaea. In CRISPR systems, Cas12a serves to destroy the genetic material of viruses and other foreign DNA, thereby protecting the cell from infection. Like other Cas enzymes, Cas12a binds to an RNA (termed a crRNA in the case of Cas12a) to target nucleic acid in a specific and programmable matter. In the host organism, the crRNA contains a constant region that is recognized by the Cas12a protein and a spacer region that is complementary to a piece of foreign nucleic acid (i.e., phage) that previously infected the cell.^[1]

The programmable nature of Cas12a makes this enzyme a useful tool for biotechnology and biological research. By modifying the spacer sequence in the crRNA, researchers can target Cas12a to specific DNA sequences, allowing for the creation of highly targeted modifications of DNA, similar to CRISPR-Cas9 system.^[2] Cas12a is distinguished from Cas9 by a its single RuvC endonuclease active site, its 5' protospacer adjacent motif preference, and for creating sticky rather than blunt ends at the cut site. These and other differences may make it more suitable in certain applications. Beyond its use in basic research, CRISPR-Cas12a could have applications in the treatment of genetic illnesses and in implementing gene drives.^[2]