Biosci Rep 2015[Jun]; 35 (3): ä PMID26182359show ga
We have used genetic and protein biochemical analyses in two archaeal species to identify that Cas8 is essential for CRISPR interference. We provide evidence that Cas8 functions as part of archaeal Cascade, an R-loop forming nucleoprotein complex, recognizing protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) on invader DNA. An RNA nuclease activity of Cas8 is also described.