CRISPR–Cas12a detection of DNA glycosylases via DNA modification switching

Abstract

A programmable CRISPR–Cas12a system for selective detection of various DNA glycosylases is described. By temporarily inactivating Cas12a through the introduction of specific DNA modifications in the complementary DNA strand of Cas12a's crRNA, the system is able to detect the target DNA glycosylases. This approach addresses critical gaps in current CRISPR–Cas12a diagnostics for non-nucleic acid detection beyond the limitations of aptamers.