M. Jinek

DNA end sensing and cleavage by the Shedu anti-phage defense system

This study characterizes the Shedu anti-phage defense system, revealing its DNA end recognition and cleavage mechanism, and shows how phages evade it by altering DNA replication.

Molecular mechanism of plasmid elimination by the DdmDE defense system

This study uses cryo-EM to elucidate the mechanism of plasmid elimination by the DdmDE defense system in Vibrio cholerae.

RNA-guided RNA silencing by an Asgard archaeal Argonaute

The paper identifies an Asgard archaeal Argonaute, HrAgo1, that performs RNA-guided RNA silencing, bridging the gap between prokaryotic and eukaryotic Argonaute mechanisms.

Target DNA-dependent activation mechanism of the prokaryotic immune system SPARTA

This study reveals how SPARTA, a prokaryotic immune system, is activated by target DNA through structural changes that enable oligomerization and catalytic activity.

Substrate selectivity and catalytic activation of the type III CRISPR ancillary nuclease Can2

This study investigates the substrate selectivity and catalytic activation mechanisms of the type III CRISPR ancillary nuclease Can2 using structural and biochemical analyses.

Mechanistic basis for oxidative stress protection of the human tRNA ligase complex by the oxidoreductase PYROXD1

The paper identifies how PYROXD1 protects the tRNA ligase complex from oxidative stress through structural and functional interactions.

An Alpha-helical Lid Guides the Target DNA toward Catalysis in CRISPR-Cas12a

This study reveals how the alpha-helical lid in CRISPR-Cas12a guides the DNA target strand toward the RuvC catalytic core through molecular dynamics simulations and experiments.

Structural basis for RNA-mediated assembly of type V CRISPR-associated transposons

This study presents a cryo-EM structure of a CRISPR-associated transposon complex, revealing RNA-mediated assembly mechanisms and the role of ribosomal protein S15 in transposition.

Fip1 is a multivalent interaction scaffold for processing factors in human mRNA 3' end biogenesis

This study reports two crystal structures of human Fip1 interacting with CPSF30 and CstF77, showing its role in mRNA 3' end processing by scaffolding and regulating PAP recruitment.

Structural basis for Cas9 off-target activity

This study identifies structural mechanisms enabling Cas9 off-target activity through non-canonical base pairing and conformational changes.

Mechanism of R-loop formation and conformational activation of Cas9

This study reports cryo-EM structures of Cas9 during R-loop formation, revealing conformational changes that activate the nuclease domain and improve understanding of its specificity.

Molecular architecture of the human tRNA ligase complex

This study presents biochemical and structural analysis of the human tRNA ligase complex, revealing its molecular architecture and catalytic mechanism.

Molecular mechanism of target site selection and remodeling by type V CRISPR-associated transposons

This study elucidates the molecular mechanism of RNA-directed DNA transposition by type V-K CRISPR-associated transposons using cryo-EM structures and biochemical assays.

Activation and self-inactivation mechanisms of the cyclic oligoadenylate-dependent CRISPR ribonuclease Csm6

This study investigates how EiCsm6 degrades its activator cA6 and uses structural and functional analyses to reveal activation and self-inactivation mechanisms of the CRISPR ribonuclease.

Molecular mechanism of off-target effects in CRISPR-Cas9

This paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to uncover the molecular mechanism of off-target effects in CRISPR-Cas9, identifying how DNA mismatches affect HNH domain activation and cleavage.

Mechanistic Insights into the Cis- and Trans-acting Deoxyribonuclease Activities of Cas12a

This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of Cas12a's cis- and trans-acting deoxyribonuclease activities through structural and biochemical analyses.

Type III CRISPR-Cas systems generate cyclic oligoadenylate second messengers to activate Csm6 RNases