Methods and Protocols (Feb 2025)

Simplified Protocol for the Purification of Native Cas Nucleases for DNA-Free Genome Editing

  • Margherita D’Amico,
  • Flavia Angela Maria Maggiolini,
  • Lucia Rosaria Forleo,
  • Maria Francesca Cardone,
  • Riccardo Velasco,
  • Teodora Basile,
  • Carlo Bergamini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/mps8010016
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 16

Abstract

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DNA-free genome editing by the direct delivery of CRISPR-associated nucleases has emerged as a promising technology due to its precision and reduced risk of off-target effects. However, existing purification protocols for native Cas proteins require the use of complex instrumentation, which limits their application. Here, we present a simplified protocol for the purification of native Cas9, Cas12RR and dCas9-VP64 nucleases optimized for DNA-free genome editing. Our approach leverages a streamlined affinity and ion exchange chromatography coupled with minimal downstream processing, ensuring a good yield and activity of the purified proteins. The in vitro analysis of the purified ribonucleoprotein complex demonstrated a good efficiency of DNA target cleavage. This simplified protocol increases the opportunity to adopt CRISPR technology, and enables broader access to DNA-free genome editing tools also for laboratories that are not specifically equipped for protein purification.

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