SpyCas9

SpyCas9 is a Class 2 Type II CRISPR-associated endonuclease derived from *Streptococcus pyogenes* that serves as the foundational component for many programmable genome-editing technologies. It functions as an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, forming a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to recognize and cleave double-stranded DNA targets. Recognition is mediated by a 20-nucleotide sequence complementary to the guide RNA and an adjacent 5'-NGG-3' protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). Upon binding, the enzyme's HNH and RuvC nuclease domains generate a double-strand break (DSB), which can be repaired by cellular mechanisms to introduce gene knockouts or precise sequence insertions. SpyCas9 is extensively utilized in clinical-stage gene therapies, such as those for sickle cell disease and transthyretin amyloidosis, and in the engineering of allogeneic cell therapies.

Other names

Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9Cas9 nucleaseCas-9 nucleaseCas 9 nucleaseSpyCas9WTSpyCas-9WTSpyCas 9WT