Key points from article :
MIT scientists have uncovered a vast array of programmable DNA-cutting enzymes called Fanzors in diverse organisms like algae, snails, and amoebas.
These RNA-guided enzymes, similar to CRISPR, can be programmed to precisely cut DNA at specific sites, opening new avenues for research and medicine.
The study, published in Science Advances, identified over 3,600 Fanzors, expanding the known diversity of these enzymes tenfold.
Researchers traced the evolutionary history of Fanzors, suggesting they evolved from bacterial enzymes called TnpBs.
Fanzors exhibit distinct DNA-cutting mechanisms, potentially offering more precise genome editing tools.
The discovery of Fanzors in eukaryotic organisms expands the realm of RNA-guided biology, offering a new platform for research and therapeutic development.
