This study identifies a cryptic divalent metal binding pocket that regulates Cas9's metal-dependent activity through conformational activation and catalytic efficiency.

Nature Communications · Oct 9, 2026Peer-reviewedBiophysics

Architecture of a DNA-guided Cas12a

Rodrigo Fregoso Ocampo, Carlos Orosco, Boyu Huang, Madeline S. West, Bay Parker, Piyush Jain, David Ward Taylor

The paper presents the cryo-EM structure of AsCas12a bound to a pseudo-DNA guide and RNA target, revealing its mechanism of DNA-guided RNA recognition.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology · Sep 9, 2026Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

Comparative characterization of Cas12f orthologs reveals mechanistic features underlying enhanced genome editing efficiency

Kaoling Guan, Rodrigo Fregoso Ocampo, Paula B. Matheus Carnevali, Cindy J. Castelle, Liliana Gonzalez‐Osorio, Dominic T. Castanzo, Nicole C. Thomas, Molly Brothers, Tyler L. Dangerfield, Matthew M. Hooper, Madeline S. West, Nathan M. Appleby, Isabella Krudop, Rebecca C. Lamothe, Daniela S. Aliaga Goltsman, , David Ward Taylor

The paper compares Cas12f orthologs to identify mechanistic features that enhance genome editing efficiency in human cells.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology · Apr 13, 2026Peer-reviewedBiochemistry