Partner Austin Walne of Artis Ventures hosts TechBio℠ Thursdays, bringing in experts to speak on a relevant topic in the TechBio℠ space. This week's guest was  Dave Ousterout, PhD of Locus Biosciences who presented to a small group of investors on the world of CRISPR systems outside of Cas9 . Locus Biosciences was also just named to Fierce Biotech's 2019 Fierce 15 for their work in arming bacteriophages with CRISPR-Cas3 systems to fight superbugs causing antimicrobial resistance.

CRISPR: More than Cas9

CRISPR-Cas systems are split into 2 classes:

• Class 1 - multiple proteins split function to "find and bind" and "cut" DNA
• Class 2 - single protein finds, binds and cuts DNA

Within these classes, there is enormous diversity across CRISPR-Cas Systems, with each Type defined by a signature effector (how protein acts on DNA) and each Subtype defined by the arrangement of proteins.

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While CRISPR systems are easy-to-use, making them attractive for gene editing therapeutics, researchers are still working to optimize delivery, eliminate off-target effects, and achieve therapeutic efficacy.

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If you're interested in learning more about CRISPR Systems, Locus Biosciences, and/ or future TechBio talks, please reach out to the Artis Ventures team.