Cas9 nucleases from CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized the genome editing field by enabling genome engineering in different organisms at unprecedented simplicity, speed, and efficiency. However, the relatively large size, specificity, additional sequence requirements for DNA cleavage and reliance on cellular repair mechanisms for genome modification of the Cas9 nucleases, might become a bottleneck for efficient genome editing in vivo including the therapeutic applications. Therefore, an alternative genome engineering technologies, based on existing or novel RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas nucleases, recently discovered CRISPR-Cas associated transposases, integrases, and miniature TnpB and IscB family nucleases are actively developed. The proposed PhD project is focused on biochemical characterization of novel effectors and their development into novel genome editing tools thereby expanding the toolbox for targeted genome manipulation.