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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Cas purification
• ribonucleoprotein
• genome editing
• affinity chromatography
• ion exchange chromatography