Speaker:
Title:
Exploring the Biochemical Diversity of the RNA-guided Nuclease TnpB
Abstract:
TnpB is an RNA-guided nuclease that is harbored in transposons. Previously, we showed that TnpB cleaves double- and single-stranded DNA substrates in an RNA-guided manner, but the biogenesis of the TnpB ribonucleoprotein complex is unknown. Using in vitro purified apo TnpB, we demonstrate the ability of TnpB to generate its guide RNA from its own mRNA via 5’ processing. This work reveals a new functionality, guide RNA biogenesis, of TnpB, and characterizes additional members of this biotechnologically useful family of programmable enzymes.