RNAi: prokaryotes get in on the act.

van der Oost, John; Brouns, Stan J J · Cell · 2009

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The small CRISPR-derived RNAs of bacteria and archaea provide adaptive immunity by targeting the DNA of invading viruses and plasmids. Hale et al. (2009) now report on a new variant CRISPR/Cas complex in the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus that uses guide RNAs to specifically target and cleave RNA not DNA.

Medical subject headings