ThermoCas9: Stable and efficient gene editing, even at high temperatures
CRISPR-Cas is a microbial adaptive immune system that uses RNA-guided nucleases to cleave foreign genetic elements. CRISPR-based genome editing tools have revolutionised fundamental research and biotechnological applications in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes due to their speed, cost-effectiveness, and precision
New CRISPR applications for humans, plants, animals, fungi and microbes
ThermoCas9 is a novel CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme derived from a heat-loving bacterium. Unlike the commonly used SpCas9, ThermoCas9 functions across a broad temperature range (20–65°C), making it a versatile and robust genome editing tool for use in harsh or variable conditions.
What makes ThermoCas9 unique?
- Maintains stability and activity at elevated temperatures.
- Offers high precision and stricter target matching at lower temperatures.
- New variants show improved performance at 20–37 °C — ideal for plant and human applications.
- Strong cytosine base editing activity in human cells with exceptionally wide editing window
Potential applications
- Targeted genome editing for treating human blood or metabolic disorders.
- Breeding of stress-tolerant or high-yielding crop varieties.
- Genetic engineering of microbes and fungi
- Fundamental gene function studies in plants, animals, and humans.
- Tools for nucleic acid detection and disease marker identification.
Development stage & collaboration opportunities
The test is currently between TRL 3 and 4 (proof of concept) and ready for further development. Wageningen University & Research offers access to cutting-edge tools and expertise to support further development and application.
Contact
Interested? Get in touch with:
dr. N (Nikita) Sajeev
Biotech Knowledge Transfer and Outreach officer
Publications & Patents
- Complete genome sequence of Geobacillus thermoglucosidans TNO-09.020, a thermophilic sporeformer associated with a dairy-processing environment
Zhao, Y. , Caspers, M.P. , Abee, T. , Siezen, R.J. , Kort, R. (2012) Journal of Bacteriology (2012), Volume: 194, Issue: 15 - ISSN 0021-9193 - p. 4118-4118. - Characterizing a thermostable Cas9 for bacterial genome editing and silencing
Mougiakos, Ioannis , Mohanraju, Prarthana , Bosma, Elleke F. , Vrouwe, Valentijn , Finger Bou, Max , Naduthodi, Mihris I.S. , Gussak, Alex , Brinkman, Rudolf B.L. , Van Kranenburg, Richard , Van Der Oost, John (2017) Nature Communications (2017), Volume: 8, Issue: 1 - ISSN 2041-1723 - Efficient Genome and Base Editing in Human Cells Using ThermoCas9
Trasanidou, Despoina , Barendse, Patrick , Bouzetos, Evgenios , de Haan, Laura , Bouwmeester, Hans , Staals, Raymond H.J. , Mougiakos, Ioannis , Van Der Oost, John (2023)CRISPR Journal (2023), Volume: 6, Issue: 3 - ISSN 2573-1599 - p. 278-288.