It acts as a sort of molecular fumigator to battle phages and plasmids.
CRISPR-Cas9 has long been likened to a kind of genetic scissors, thanks to its ability to snip out any desired section of DNA with elegant precision.
In both systems, guide RNAs identify problematic genetic material, and the enzymes begin snipping. However, the CRISPR-Cas10 complex also produces a burst of small second messenger molecules called cyclic-oligoadenylates , which helps shut down cell activity, thereby preventing the virus from spreading. This second line of attack is akin to fumigating one pest-ridden room, and then quickly shutting the door to keep the infestation contained so it can't spread to the rest of the house.
In the CRISPR-Cas10 system, Cad1 is alerted to the presence of a virus by the binding of cOAs to a part of the protein called the CARF domain. That in turn stimulates Cad1 to convert ATP into ITP , which then floods the cell. ITP turns toxic to cells in high doses, so as a result, cellular activity comes to a halt, putting the cell in a dormant state.
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