Modern tools, such as CRISPR, have revolutionized genome editing. However, when it comes to their application in living organisms, their molecular size and editing activity can be limiting. The goal of this project is to engineer novel genome editors to overcome these limitations.
The candidate will use molecular biology and biochemistry to design and evaluate an array of new genome editing tools. Primarily, new hypercompact CRISPR systems will be used as a basis to engineer fusions with enzymatic domains that facilitate next generation applications, such as prime editing. Additionally, novel enzymes with nucleic acid modifying activities will be characterized and utilized for genome editing. To understand molecular mechanisms of novel enzymes, the PhD candidate will employ methods of structural biology (cryoEM), biochemistry and molecular biology.