Light-Driven Activation of RNA-Guided Nucleic Acid Cleavage

Abstract

As one of the most favorable stimuli, photoactivation provides an advantageous way to manipulate biological objects. In the current study, we have successfully demonstrated the use of light activation guide RNA (gRNA) strategy for controlling CRISPR systems. By conjugating photolabile protecting groups, the CRISPR functions became minimal, but exposure of acylated gRNAs to 365 nm light triggers the removal of masking groups, leading to the rescue of CRISPR functions. Furthermore, our strategy has been successfully used to control gene editing in human cells. This proof-of-concept study therefore demonstrates the promising potential of our strategy to versatile applications in chemical biology.