ThermoCas9: Stable and efficient gene editing, even at high temperatures

The benefits
In short- ThermoCas9 as a genome editing tool
- Thermally stable
- High precision at lower temperatures
- Exceptionally wide editing window
CRISPR-Cas is a microbial adaptive immune system that uses RNA-guided nucleases to cleave foreign genetic elements. CRISPR-based genome editing tools have revolutionised fundamental research and biotechnological applications in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes due to their speed, cost-effectiveness, and precision.
About our tech offer
ThermoCas9 is a novel CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme derived from a heat-loving bacterium. Unlike the commonly used SpCas9, ThermoCas9 functions across a broad temperature range (20–65°C), making it a versatile and robust genome editing tool for use in harsh or variable conditions. We are looking for partners to support further development and application.
What makes ThermoCas9 unique?

Thermal stability
ThermoCas9 maintains stability and activity at elevated temperatures.

High precision
ThermoCas9 offers high precision and stricter target matching at lower temperatures.

Ideal performance range
New variants show improved performance at 20-37 °C - ideal for plant and human applications.

Wide editing window
ThermoCas9 has a strong cytosine base editing activity in human cells with exceptionally wide editing window.
More information
- Targeted genome editing for treating human blood or metabolic disorders;
- Breeding of stress-tolerant or high-yielding crop varieties;
- Genetic engineering of microbes and fungi;
- Fundamental gene function studies in plants, animals, and humans;
- Tools for nucleic acid detection and disease marker identification.
The test is currently between TRL 3 and 4 (proof of concept) and ready for further development. Wageningen University & Research offers access to cutting-edge tools and expertise to support further development and application.
- Zhao, Y. , Caspers, M.P. , Abee, T. , Siezen, R.J. , Kort, R. (2012) Journal of Bacteriology (2012), Volume: 194, Issue: 15 - ISSN 0021-9193 - p. 4118-4118. Complete genome sequence of Geobacillus thermoglucosidans TNO-09.020, a thermophilic sporeformer associated with a dairy-processing environment.
- Mougiakos, Ioannis , Mohanraju, Prarthana , Bosma, Elleke F. , Vrouwe, Valentijn , Finger Bou, Max , Naduthodi, Mihris I.S. , Gussak, Alex , Brinkman, Rudolf B.L. , Van Kranenburg, Richard , Van Der Oost, John (2017) Nature Communications (2017), Volume: 8, Issue: 1 - ISSN 2041-1723. Characterizing a thermostable Cas9 for bacterial genome editing and silencing.
- Trasanidou, Despoina , Barendse, Patrick , Bouzetos, Evgenios , de Haan, Laura , Bouwmeester, Hans , Staals, Raymond H.J. , Mougiakos, Ioannis , Van Der Oost, John (2023)CRISPR Journal (2023), Volume: 6, Issue: 3 - ISSN 2573-1599 - p. 278-288. Efficient Genome and Base Editing in Human Cells Using ThermoCas9.
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