Structure and mechanism of CRISPR-Cas type IV systems

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gert Bange
• Subject Area: Structural Biology ; Biochemistry
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405858511

CRISPR-Cas systems are structurally and mechanistically highly diverse prokaryotic adaptive immune systems that protect against mobile genetic elements. Class I CRISPR-Cas systems feature multi-subunit effector complexes. We could recently demonstrate that even closely related subtypes, i.e. the type I-F and I-F variant (I-Fv), differ substantially in their structure and DNA surveillance mechanism. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas systems have been implied to function in non-canonical processes, such as e.g. transcriptional control, stress response and pathogenicity development. Others and we could show that the CRISPR adaptation protein Cas1 interacts with the redox-stress sensing and signaling two-component system YedVW. The aim of this proposal is to produce an en-detail structural, mechanistic and functional understanding of poorly understood class I CRISPR-Cas systems, such as e.g. the Shewanella putrefaciens type I-Fv and the plasmid borne Aromatoleum aromaticum type IV system. Moreover, we aim at a structural, mechanistic and functional understanding of the interaction of Cas1 and YedVW in the redox-stress induced stress response of Escherichia coli.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2141: Much more than defence: the multiple functions and facets of CRISPR-Cas