Novel CRISPR enzymes and systems

Abstract

The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for targeting nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides non-naturally occurring or engineered DNA-targeting systems comprising a novel DNA-targeting CRISPR effector protein and at least one targeting nucleic acid component like a guide RNA. Methods for making and using and uses of such systems, methods, and compositions and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed. 20 24 20 20 07 28 M ar 2 02 4 1 0 0 5 1 8 4 4 1 0 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 0 0 7 2 8 M a r 2 0 2 4

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2021200010, which is a divisional of Australian application no. 2016278990, the entire disclosures of both of which have been incorporated herein by reference. This application claims benefit of and priority to US Provisional 62 / 181,739, filed on June 18, 2015; US Provisional 62 / 193,507, filed on July 16, 2015, US Provisional 62 / 201,542, filed August 5, 2015, U.S. Provisional 62 / 205,733, filed August 16, 2015, U.S. Provisional 62 / 232,067, filed September 24, 2015, U.S. Application Ser. No. 14 / 975,085, filed December 18, 2015, and European application No. 16150428.7.

[0002] The foregoing applications, and all documents cited therein or during their prosecution (“appln cited documents”) and all documents cited or referenced in herein cited documents, together with any manufacturer’s instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0003] This invention was made with government support under Grant No. MH100706, awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention. SEQUENCE LISTING

[0004] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in .xml format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said .xml copy, created on 3 March 2023, is named Sequence listing - M53304722.xml and is 2.06 megabytes in size. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to systems, methods and compositions used for the control of gene expression involving sequence targeting, such as perturbation of gene transcripts or nucleic acid editing, that may use vector systems related to Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and components thereof. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005a] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be combined with any other piece of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

[0006] Recent advances in genome sequencing techniques and analysis methods have significantly accelerated the ability to catalog and map genetic factors associated with a diverse range of biological functions and diseases. Precise genome targeting technologies are needed to enable systematic reverse engineering of causal genetic variations by allowing selective perturbation of individual genetic elements, as well as to advance synthetic biology, biotechnological, and medical applications. Although genome-editing techniques such as designer zinc fingers, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), or homing meganucleases are available for producing targeted genome perturbations, there remains a need for new genome engineering technologies that employ novel strategies and molecular mechanisms and are affordable, easy to set up, scalable, and amenable to targeting multiple positions within the eukaryotic genome. This would provide a major resource for new applications in genome engineering and biotechnology.

[0007] The CRISPR-Cas systems of bacterial and archaeal adaptive immunity show extreme diversity of protein composition and genomic loci architecture. The CRISPR-Cas system loci has more than 50 gene families and there is no strictly universal genes indicating fast evolution and extreme diversity of loci architecture. So far, adopting a multi-pronged approach, there is comprehensive cas gene identification of about 395 profiles for 93 Cas proteins. Classification includes signature gene profiles plus signatures of locus architecture. A new classification of CRISPR-Cas systems is proposed in which these systems are broadly divided into two classes, Class 1 with multisubunit effector complexes and Class 2 with single-subunit effector modules exemplified by the Cas9 protein. Novel effector proteins associated with Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems may be developed as powerful genome engineering tools and the prediction of putative novel effector proteins and their engineering and optimization is important.

[0008] Citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such document is available as prior art to the present invention. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] There exists a pressing need for alternative and robust systems and techniques for targeting nucleic acids or polynucleotides (e.g. DNA or RNA or any hybrid or derivative thereof) with a wide array of applications. This invention addresses this need and provides related advantages. Adding the novel DNA or RNA-targeting systems of the present application to the repertoire of genomic and epigenomic targeting technologies may transform the study and perturbation or editing of specific target sites through direct detection, analysis and manipulation. To utilize the DNA or RNA-targeting systems of the present application effectively for genomic or epigenomic targeting without deleterious effects, it is critical to understand aspects of engineering and optimization of these DNA or RNA targeting tools.

[0010] The invention provides a method of modifying sequences associated with or at a target locus of interest, the method comprising delivering to said locus a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising a putative Type V CRISPR-Cas loci effector protein and one or more nucleic acid components, wherein the effector protein forms a complex with the one or more nucleic acid components and upon binding of the said complex to the locus of interest the effector protein induces the modification of the sequences associated with or at the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the modification is the introduction of a strand break. In a preferred embodiment, the sequences associated with or at the target locus of interest comprises DNA and the effector protein is encoded by a subtype V-A CRISPR-Cas loci or a subtype V-B CRISPR-Cas loci.

[0011] It will be appreciated that the terms Cas enzyme, CRISPR enzyme, CRISPR protein Cas protein and CRISPR Cas are generally used interchangeably and at all points of reference herein refer by analogy to novel CRISPR effector proteins further described in this application, unless otherwise apparent, such as by specific reference to Cas9. The CRISPR effector proteins described herein are preferably Cpf1 effector proteins.

[0012] The invention provides a method of modifying sequences associated with or at a target locus of interest, the method comprising delivering to said sequences associated with or at the locus a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising a Cpf1 loci effector protein and one or more nucleic acid components, wherein the Cpf1 effector protein forms a complex with the one or more nucleic acid components and upon binding of the said complex to the locus of interest the effector protein induces the modification of the sequences associated with or at the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the modification is the introduction of a strand break. In a preferred embodiment the Cpf1 effector protein 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 forms a complex with one nucleic acid component; advantageously an engineered or non-naturally occurring nucleic acid component. The induction of modification of sequences associated with or at the target locus of interest can be Cpf1 effector protein-nucleic acid guided. In a preferred embodiment the one nucleic acid component is a CRISPR RNA (crRNA). In a preferred embodiment the one nucleic acid component is a mature crRNA or guide RNA, wherein the mature crRNA or guide RNA comprises a spacer sequence (or guide sequence) and a direct repeat sequence or derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment the spacer sequence or the derivative thereof comprises a seed sequence, wherein the seed sequence is critical for recognition and / or hybridization to the sequence at the target locus. In a preferred embodiment, the seed sequence of a FnCpf1 guide RNA is approximately within the first 5 nt on the 5’ end of the spacer sequence (or guide sequence). In a preferred embodiment the strand break is a staggered cut with a 5’ overhang. In a preferred embodiment, the sequences associated with or at the target locus of interest comprise linear or super coiled DNA.

[0013] Aspects of the invention relate to Cpf1 effector protein complexes having one or more non-naturally occurring or engineered or modified or optimized nucleic acid components. In a preferred embodiment the nucleic acid component of the complex may comprise a guide sequence linked to a direct repeat sequence, wherein the direct repeat sequence comprises one or more stem loops or optimized secondary structures. In a preferred embodiment, the direct repeat has a minimum length of 16 nts and a single stem loop. In further embodiments the direct repeat has a length longer than 16 nts, preferrably more than 17 nts, and has more than one stem loop or optimized secondary structures. In a preferred embodiment the direct repeat may be modified to comprise one or more protein-binding RNA aptamers. In a preferred embodiment, one or more aptamers may be included such as part of optimized secondary structure. Such aptamers may be capable of binding a bacteriophage coat protein. The bacteriophage coat protein may be selected from the group comprising QP, F2, GA, fr, JP501, MS2, M12, R17, BZ13, JP34, JP500, KU1, M11, MX1, TW18, VK, SP, FI, ID2, NL95, TW19, AP205, ^Cb5, ^Cb8r, ^Cb12r, ^Cb23r, 7s and PRR1. In a preferred embodiment the bacteriophage coat protein is MS2. The invention also provides for the nucleic acid component of the complex being 30 or more, 40 or more or 50 or more nucleotides in length.

[0014] The invention provides methods of genome editing wherein the method comprises two or more rounds of Cpf1 effector protein targeting and cleavage. In certain embodiments, a first round comprises the Cpf1 effector protein cleaving sequences associated with a target 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 locus far away from the seed sequence and a second round comprises the Cpf1 effector protein cleaving sequences at the target locus. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a first round of targeting by a Cpf1 effector protein results in an indel and a second round of targeting by the Cpf1 effector protein may be repaired via homology directed repair (HDR). In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more rounds of targeting by a Cpf1 effector protein results in staggered cleavage that may be repaired with insertion of a repair template.

[0015] The invention provides methods of genome editing or modifying sequences associated with or at a target locus of interest wherein the method comprises introducing a Cpf1 effector protein complex into any desired cell type, prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, whereby the Cpf1 effector protein complex effectively functions to integrate a DNA insert into the genome of the eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell. In preferred embodiments, the cell is a eukaryotic cell and the genome is a mammalian genome. In preferred embodiments the integration of the DNA insert is facilitated by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-based gene insertion mechanisms. In preferred embodiments, the DNA insert is an exogenously introduced DNA template or repair template. In one preferred embodiment, the exogenously introduced DNA template or repair template is delivered with the Cpf1 effector protein complex or one component or a polynucleotide vector for expression of a component of the complex. In a more preferred embodiment the eukaryotic cell is a non-dividing cell (e.g. a non-dividing cell in which genome editing via HDR is especially challenging). In preferred methods of genome editing in human cells, the Cpf1 effector proteins may include but are not limited to FnCpf1, AsCpf1 and LbCpf1 effector proteins.

[0016] The invention also provides a method of modifying a target locus of interest, the method comprising delivering to said locus a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising a C2c1 loci effector protein and one or more nucleic acid components, wherein the C2c1 effector protein forms a complex with the one or more nucleic acid components and upon binding of the said complex to the locus of interest the effector protein induces the modification of the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the modification is the introduction of a strand break.

[0017] In such methods the target locus of interest may be comprised in a DNA molecule in vitro. In a preferred embodiment the DNA molecule is a plasmid.

[0018] In such methods the target locus of interest may be comprised in a DNA molecule within a cell. The cell may be a prokaryotic cell or a eukaryotic cell. The cell may be a mammalian cell. The mammalian cell many be a non-human primate, bovine, porcine, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 rodent or mouse cell. The cell may be a non-mammalian eukaryotic cell such as poultry, fish or shrimp. The cell may also be a plant cell. The plant cell may be of a crop plant such as cassava, corn, sorghum, wheat, or rice. The plant cell may also be of an algae, tree or vegetable. The modification introduced to the cell by the present invention may be such that the cell and progeny of the cell are altered for improved production of biologic products such as an antibody, starch, alcohol or other desired cellular output. The modification introduced to the cell by the present invention may be such that the cell and progeny of the cell include an alteration that changes the biologic product produced.

[0019] The invention provides a method of modifying a target locus of interest, the method comprising delivering to said locus a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising a Type VI CRISPR-Cas loci effector protein and one or more nucleic acid components, wherein the effector protein forms a complex with the one or more nucleic acid components and upon binding of the said complex to the locus of interest the effector protein induces the modification of the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the modification is the introduction of a strand break.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the target locus of interest comprises DNA.

[0021] In such methods the target locus of interest may be comprised in a DNA molecule within a cell. The cell may be a prokaryotic cell or a eukaryotic cell. The cell may be a mammalian cell. The mammalian cell many be a non-human mammal, e.g., primate, bovine, ovine, porcine, canine, rodent, Leporidae such as monkey, cow, sheep, pig, dog, rabbit, rat or mouse cell. The cell may be a non-mammalian eukaryotic cell such as poultry bird (e.g., chicken), vertebrate fish (e.g., salmon) or shellfish (e.g., oyster, claim, lobster, shrimp) cell. The cell may also be a plant cell. The plant cell may be of a monocot or dicot or of a crop or grain plant such as cassava, corn, sorghum, soybean, wheat, oat or rice. The plant cell may also be of an algae, tree or production plant, fruit or vegetable (e.g., trees such as citrus trees, e.g., orange, grapefruit or lemon trees; peach or nectarine trees; apple or pear trees; nut trees such as almond or walnut or pistachio trees; nightshade plants; plants of the genus Brassica; plants of the genus Lactuca; plants of the genus Spinacia; plants of the genus Capsicum; cotton, tobacco, asparagus, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, eggplant, pepper, lettuce, spinach, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, grape, coffee, cocoa, etc).

[0022] In any of the described methods the target locus of interest may be a genomic or epigenomic locus of interest. In any of the described methods the complex may be delivered with multiple guides for multiplexed use. In any of the described methods more than one protein(s) may be used. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[0023] In preferred embodiments of the invention, biochemical or in vitro or in vivo cleavage of sequences associated with or at a target locus of interest results without a putative transactivating crRNA (tracr RNA) sequence, e.g. cleavage by an FnCpf1 effector protein. In other embodiments of the invention, cleavage may result with a putative transactivating crRNA (tracr RNA) sequence, e.g. cleavage by other CRISPR family effector proteins, however after evaluation of the FnCpf1 locus, Applicants concluded that target DNA cleavage by a Cpf1 effector protein complex does not require a tracrRNA. Applicants determined that Cpf1 effector protein complexes comprising only a Cpf1 effector protein and a crRNA (guide RNA comprising a direct repeat sequence and a guide sequence) were sufficient to cleave target DNA. Accordingly, the invention provides methods of modifying a target locus of interest as described herein above, wherein the effector protein is a Cpf1 protein and the effector protein complexes with the target sequence without the presence of a tracr.

[0024] In any of the described methods the effector protein (e.g., Cpf1) and nucleic acid components may be provided via one or more polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein and / or nucleic acid component(s), and wherein the one or more polynucleotide molecules are operably configured to express the protein and / or the nucleic acid component(s). The one or more polynucleotide molecules may comprise one or more regulatory elements operably configured to express the protein and / or the nucleic acid component(s). The one or more polynucleotide molecules may be comprised within one or more vectors. The invention comprehends such polynucleotide molecule(s), for instance such polynucleotide molecules operably configured to express the protein and / or the nucleic acid component(s), as well as such vector(s).

[0025] In any of the described methods the strand break may be a single strand break or a double strand break.

[0026] Regulatory elements may comprise inducible promotors. Polynucleotides and / or vector systems may comprise inducible systems.

[0027] In any of the described methods the one or more polynucleotide molecules may be comprised in a delivery system, or the one or more vectors may be comprised in a delivery system.

[0028] In any of the described methods the non-naturally occurring or engineered composition may be delivered via liposomes, particles (e.g. nanoparticles), exosomes, microvesicles, a gene-gun or one or more vectors, e.g., nucleic acid molecule or viral vectors. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[0029] The invention also provides a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition which is a composition having the characteristics as discussed herein or defined in any of the herein described methods.

[0030] The invention also provides a vector system comprising one or more vectors, the one or more vectors comprising one or more polynucleotide molecules encoding components of a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition which is a composition having the characteristics as discussed herein or defined in any of the herein described methods.

[0031] The invention also provides a delivery system comprising one or more vectors or one or more polynucleotide molecules, the one or more vectors or polynucleotide molecules comprising one or more polynucleotide molecules encoding components of a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition which is a composition having the characteristics as discussed herein or defined in any of the herein described methods.

[0032] The invention also provides a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition, or one or more polynucleotides encoding components of said composition, or vector or delivery systems comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding components of said composition for use in a therapeutic method of treatment. The therapeutic method of treatment may comprise gene or genome editing, or gene therapy.

[0033] The invention also encompasses computational methods and algorithms to predict new Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems and identify the components therein.

[0034] The invention also provides for methods and compositions wherein one or more amino acid residues of the effector protein may be modified, e,g, an engineered or non-naturally-occurring effector protein or Cpf1. In an embodiment, the modification may comprise mutation of one or more amino acid residues of the effector protein. The one or more mutations may be in one or more catalytically active domains of the effector protein. The effector protein may have reduced or abolished nuclease activity compared with an effector protein lacking said one or more mutations. The effector protein may not direct cleavage of one or other DNA or RNA strand at the target locus of interest. The effector protein may not direct cleavage of either DNA or RNA strand at the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more mutations may comprise two mutations. In a preferred embodiment the one or more amino acid residues are modified in a Cpf1 effector protein, e,g, an engineered or non-naturally-occurring effector protein or Cpf1. In a preferred embodiment the Cpf1 effector protein is an FnCpf1 effector protein. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more modified or mutated amino acid residues are D917A, E1006A or D1255A with reference to the amino acid position numbering of the FnCpf1 effector 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 protein. In further preferred embodiments, the one or more mutated amino acid residues are D908A, E993A, D1263A with reference to the amino acid positions in AsCpf1 or LbD832A, E925A, D947A or D1180A with reference to the amino acid positions in LbCpf1.

[0035] The invention also provides for the one or more mutations or the two or more mutations to be in a catalytically active domain of the effector protein comprising a RuvC domain. In some embodiments of the invention the RuvC domain may comprise a RuvCI, RuvCII or RuvCIII domain, or a catalytically active domain which is homologous to a RuvCI, RuvCII or RuvCIII domain etc or to any relevant domain as described in any of the herein described methods. The effector protein may comprise one or more heterologous functional domains. The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more nuclear localization signal (NLS) domains. The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise at least two or more NLS domains. The one or more NLS domain(s) may be positioned at or near or in promixity to a terminus of the effector protein (e.g., Cpf1) and if two or more NLSs, each of the two may be positioned at or near or in promixity to a terminus of the effector protein (e.g., Cpf1) The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more transcriptional activation domains. In a preferred embodiment the transcriptional activation domain may comprise VP64. The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more transcriptional repression domains. In a preferred embodiment the transcriptional repression domain comprises a KRAB domain or a SID domain (e.g. SID4X). The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more nuclease domains. In a preferred embodiment a nuclease domain comprises Fok1.

[0036] The invention also provides for the one or more heterologous functional domains to have one or more of the following activities: methylase activity, demethylase activity, transcription activation activity, transcription repression activity, transcription release factor activity, histone modification activity, nuclease activity, single-strand RNA cleavage activity, double-strand RNA cleavage activity, single-strand DNA cleavage activity, double-strand DNA cleavage activity and nucleic acid binding activity. At least one or more heterologous functional domains may be at or near the amino-terminus of the effector protein and / or wherein at least one or more heterologous functional domains is at or near the carboxyterminus of the effector protein. The one or more heterologous functional domains may be fused to the effector protein. The one or more heterologous functional domains may be tethered to the effector protein. The one or more heterologous functional domains may be linked to the effector protein by a linker moiety. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[0037] The invention also provides for the effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) comprising an effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) from an organism from a genus comprising Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Nitratifractor, Staphylococcus, Parvibaculum, Roseburia, Neisseria, Gluconacetobacter, Azospirillum, Sphaerochaeta, Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, Corynebacter, Carnobacterium, Rhodobacter, Listeria, Paludibacter, Clostridium, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaridium, Leptotrichia, Francisella, Legionella, Alicyclobacillus, Methanomethyophilus, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Helcococcus, Letospira, Desulfovibrio, Desulfonatronum, Opitutaceae, Tuberibacillus, Bacillus, Brevibacilus, Methylobacterium or Acidaminococcus.

[0038] The invention also provides for the effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) comprising an effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) from an organism from S. mutans, S. agalactiae, S. equisimilis, S. sanguinis, S. pneumonia; C. jejuni, C. coli; N. salsuginis, N. tergarcus; S. auricularis, S. carnosus; N. meningitides, N. gonorrhoeae; L. monocytogenes, L. ivanovii; C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. tetani, C. sordellii.

[0039] The effector protein may comprise a chimeric effector protein comprising a first fragment from a first effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) ortholog and a second fragment from a second effector (e.g., a Cpf1) protein ortholog, and wherein the first and second effector protein orthologs are different. At least one of the first and second effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) orthologs may comprise an effector protein (e.g., a Cpf1) from an organism comprising Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Nitratifractor, Staphylococcus, Parvibaculum, Roseburia, Neisseria, Gluconacetobacter, Azospirillum, Sphaerochaeta, Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, Corynebacter, Carnobacterium, Rhodobacter, Listeria, Paludibacter, Clostridium, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaridium, Leptotrichia, Francisella, Legionella, Alicyclobacillus, Methanomethyophilus, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Helcococcus, Letospira, Desulfovibrio, Desulfonatronum, Opitutaceae, Tuberibacillus, Bacillus, Brevibacilus, Methylobacterium or Acidaminococcus; e.g., a chimeric effector protein comprising a first fragment and a second fragment wherein each of the first and second fragments is selected from a Cpf1 of an organism comprising Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Nitratifractor, Staphylococcus, Parvibaculum, Roseburia, Neisseria, Gluconacetobacter, Azospirillum, Sphaerochaeta, Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, Corynebacter, Carnobacterium, Rhodobacter, Listeria, Paludibacter, Clostridium, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaridium, Leptotrichia, Francisella, Legionella, Alicyclobacillus, Methanomethyophilus, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Helcococcus, Letospira, Desulfovibrio, Desulfonatronum, Opitutaceae, Tuberibacillus, Bacillus, Brevibacilus, Methylobacterium or Acidaminococcus wherein the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 first and second fragments are not from the same bacteria; for instance a chimeric effector protein comprising a first fragment and a second fragment wherein each of the first and second fragments is selected from a Cpf1 of S. mutans, S. agalactiae, S. equisimilis, S. sanguinis, S. pneumonia; C. jejuni, C. coli; N. salsuginis, N. tergarcus; S. auricularis, S. carnosus; N. meningitides, N. gonorrhoeae; L. monocytogenes, L. ivanovii; C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. tetani, C. sordellii; Francisella tularensis 1, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2_44_17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens and Porphyromonas macacae, wherein the first and second fragments are not from the same bacteria.

[0040] In preferred embodiments of the invention the effector protein is derived from a Cpf1 locus (herein such effector proteins are also referred to as “Cpf1p”), e.g., a Cpf1 protein (and such effector protein or Cpf1 protein or protein derived from a Cpf1 locus is also called “CRISPR enzyme”). Cpf1 loci include but are not limited to the Cpf1 loci of bacterial species listed in Figure 64. In a more preferred embodiment, the Cpf1p is derived from a bacterial species selected from Francisella tularensis 1, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2 44 17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens and Porphyromonas macacae. In certain embodiments, the Cpf1p is derived from a bacterial species selected from Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020. In certain embodiments, the effector protein is derived from a subspecies of Francisella tularensis 1, including but not limited to Francisella tularensis subsp. Novicida.

[0041] In further embodiments of the invention a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) or PAM-like motif directs binding of the effector protein complex to the target locus of interest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the PAM is 5’ TTN, where N is A / C / G or T and the effector protein is FnCpf1p. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the PAM is 5’ TTTV, where V is A / C or G and the effector protein is AsCpf1, LbCpf1 or PaCpf1p. In certain embodiments, the PAM is 5’ TTN, where N is A / C / G or T, the effector protein is 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 FnCpf1p, and the PAM is located upstream of the 5’ end of the protospacer. In certain embodiments of the invention, the PAM is 5’ CTA, where the effector protein is FnCpf1p, and the PAM is located upstream of the 5’ end of the protospacer or the target locus. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides for an expanded targeting range for RNA guided genome editing nucleases wherein the T-rich PAMs of the Cpf1 family allow for targeting and editing of AT-rich genomes.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme is engineered and can comprise one or more mutations that reduce or eliminate a nuclease activity. The amino acid positions in the FnCpf1p RuvC domain include but are not limited to D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A, N1257A, D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A and N1257A. Applicants have also identified a putative second nuclease domain which is most similar to PD-(D / E)XK nuclease superfamily and HincII endonuclease like. The point mutations to be generated in this putative nuclease domain to substantially reduce nuclease activity include but are not limited to N580A, N584A, T587A, W609A, D610A, K613A, E614A, D616A, K624A, D625A, K627A and Y629A. In a preferred embodiment, the mutation in the FnCpf1p RuvC domain is D917A or E1006A, wherein the D917A or E1006A mutation completely inactivates the DNA cleavage activity of the FnCpf1 effector protein. In another embodiment, the mutation in the FnCpf1p RuvC domain is D1255A, wherein the mutated FnCpf1 effector protein has significantly reduced nucleolytic activity.

[0043] The amino acid positions in the AsCpf1p RuvC domain include but are not limited to 908, 993, and 1263. In a preferred embodiment, the mutation in the AsCpf1p RuvC domain is D908A, E993A, and D1263A, wherein the D908A, E993A, and D1263A mutations completely inactivates the DNA cleavage activity of the AsCpf1 effector protein. The amino acid positions in the LbCpf1p RuvC domain include but are not limited to832, 947 or 1180. In a preferred embodiment, the mutation in the LbCpf1p RuvC domain is LbD832A, E925A, D947A or D1180A, wherein the LbD832A E925A, D947A or D1180A mutations completely inactivates the DNA cleavage activity of the LbCpf1 effector protein.

[0044] Mutations can also be made at neighboring residues, e.g., at amino acids near those indicated above that participate in the nuclease acrivity. In some embodiments, only the RuvC domain is inactivated, and in other embodiments, another putative nuclease domain is inactivated, wherein the effector protein complex functions as a nickase and cleaves only one DNA strand. In a preferred embodiment, the other putative nuclease domain is a HincII-like endonuclease domain. In some embodiments, two FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 variants (each a different nickase) are used to increase specificity, two nickase variants are used to 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 cleave DNA at a target (where both nickases cleave a DNA strand, while miminizing or eliminating off-target modifications where only one DNA strand is cleaved and subsequently repaired). In preferred embodiments the Cpf1 effector protein cleaves sequences associated with or at a target locus of interest as a homodimer comprising two Cpf1 effector protein molecules. In a preferred embodiment the homodimer may comprise two Cpf1 effector protein molecules comprising a different mutation in their respective RuvC domains.

[0045] The invention contemplates methods of using two or more nickases, in particular a dual or double nickase approach. In some aspects and embodiments, a single type FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 nickase may be delivered, for example a modified FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 or a modified FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 nickase as described herein. This results in the target DNA being bound by two FnCpf1 nickases. In addition, it is also envisaged that different orthologs may be used, e.g, an FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 nickase on one strand (e.g., the coding strand) of the DNA and an ortholog on the non-coding or opposite DNA strand. The ortholog can be, but is not limited to, a Cas9 nickase such as a SaCas9 nickase or a SpCas9 nickase. It may be advantageous to use two different orthologs that require different PAMs and may also have different guide requirements, thus allowing a greater deal of control for the user. In certain embodiments, DNA cleavage will involve at least four types of nickases, wherein each type is guided to a different sequence of target DNA, wherein each pair introduces a first nick into one DNA strand and the second introduces a nick into the second DNA strand. In such methods, at least two pairs of single stranded breaks are introduced into the target DNA wherein upon introduction of first and second pairs of singlestrand breaks, target sequences between the first and second pairs of single-strand breaks are excised. In certain embodiments, one or both of the orthologs is controllable, i.e. inducible.

[0046] In certain embodiments of the invention, the guide RNA or mature crRNA comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a direct repeat sequence and a guide sequence or spacer sequence. In certain embodiments, the guide RNA or mature crRNA comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a direct repeat sequence linked to a guide sequence or spacer sequence. In certain embodiments the guide RNA or mature crRNA comprises 19 nts of partial direct repeat followed by 20-30 nt of guide sequence or spacer sequence, advantageously about 20 nt, 23-25 nt or 24 nt. In certain embodiments, the effector protein is a FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 effector protein and requires at least 16 nt of guide sequence to achieve detectable DNA cleavage and a minimum of 17 nt of guide sequence to achieve efficient DNA cleavage in vitro. In certain embodiments, the direct repeat sequence is located upstream (i.e., 5’) from the guide sequence or spacer sequence. In a preferred 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 embodiment the seed sequence (i.e. the sequence essential critical for recognition and / or hybridization to the sequence at the target locus) of the FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 guide RNA is approximately within the first 5 nt on the 5’ end of the guide sequence or spacer sequence.

[0047] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mature crRNA comprises a stem loop or an optimized stem loop structure or an optimized secondary structure. In preferred embodiments the mature crRNA comprises a stem loop or an optimized stem loop structure in the direct repeat sequence, wherein the stem loop or optimized stem loop structure is important for cleavage activity. In certain embodiments, the mature crRNA preferably comprises a single stem loop. In certain embodiments, the direct repeat sequence preferably comprises a single stem loop. In certain embodiments, the cleavage activity of the effector protein complex is modified by introducing mutations that affect the stem loop RNA duplex structure. In preferred embodiments, mutations which maintain the RNA duplex of the stem loop may be introduced, whereby the cleavage activity of the effector protein complex is maintained. In other preferred embodiments, mutations which disrupt the RNA duplex structure of the stem loop may be introduced, whereby the cleavage activity of the effector protein complex is completely abolished.

[0048] The invention also provides for the nucleotide sequence encoding the effector protein being codon optimized for expression in a eukaryote or eukaryotic cell in any of the herein described methods or compositions. In an embodiment of the invention, the codon optimized effector protein is FnCpf1p, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 and is codon optimized for operability in a eukaryotic cell or organism, e.g., such cell or organism as elsewhere herein mentioned, for instance, without limitation, a yeast cell, or a mammalian cell or organism, including a mouse cell, a rat cell, and a human cell or non-human eukaryote organism, e.g., plant.

[0049] In certain embodiments of the invention, at least one nuclear localization signal (NLS) is attached to the nucleic acid sequences encoding the Cpf1 effector proteins. In preferred embodiments at least one or more C-terminal or N-terminal NLSs are attached (and hence nucleic acid molecule(s) coding for the the Cpf1 effector protein can include coding for NLS(s) so that the expressed product has the NLS(s) attached or connected). In a preferred embodiment a C-terminal NLS is attached for optimal expression and nuclear targeting in eukaryotic cells, preferably human cells. In a preferred embodiment, the codon optimized effector protein is FnCpf1p, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1 and the spacer length of the guide RNA is from 15 to 35 nt. In certain embodiments, the spacer length of the guide RNA is at least 16 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 nucleotides, such as at least 17 nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the spacer length is from 15 to 17 nt, from 17 to 20 nt, from 20 to 24 nt, eg. 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 nt, from 23 to 25 nt, e.g., 23, 24, or 25 nt, from 24 to 27 nt, from 27-30 nt, from 30-35 nt, or 35 nt or longer. In certain embodiments of the invention, the codon optimized effector protein is FnCpf1p and the direct repeat length of the guide RNA is at least 16 nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the codon optimized effector protein is FnCpf1p and the direct repeat length of the guide RNA is from 16 to 20 nt, e.g., 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleotides. In certain preferred embodiments, the direct repeat length of the guide RNA is 19 nucleotides.

[0050] The invention also encompasses methods for delivering multiple nucleic acid components, wherein each nucleic acid component is specific for a different target locus of interest thereby modifying multiple target loci of interest. The nucleic acid component of the complex may comprise one or more protein-binding RNA aptamers. The one or more aptamers may be capable of binding a bacteriophage coat protein. The bacteriophage coat protein may be selected from the group comprising QP, F2, GA, fr, JP501, MS2, M12, R17, BZ13, JP34, JP500, KU1, M11, MX1, TW18, VK, SP, FI, ID2, NL95, TW19, AP205, ^Cb5, $Cb8r, $Cb12r, $Cb23r, 7s and PRR1. In a preferred embodiment the bacteriophage coat protein is MS2. The invention also provides for the nucleic acid component of the complex being 30 or more, 40 or more or 50 or more nucleotides in length.

[0051] The invention also encompasses the cells, components and / or systems of the present invention having trace amounts of cations present in the cells, components and / or systems. Advantageously, the cation is magnesium, such as Mg2+. The cation may be present in a trace amount. A preferred range may be about 1 mM to about 15 mM for the cation, which is advantageously Mg2+. A preferred concentration may be about 1 mM for human based cells, components and / or systems and about 10 mM to about 15 mM for bacteria based cells, components and / or systems. See, e.g., Gasiunas et al., PNAS, published online September 4, 2012, www.pnas.org / cgi / doi / 10.1073 / pnas.1208507109.

[0052] Accordingly, it is an aspect of the invention not to encompass within the invention any previously known product, process of making the product, or method of using the product such that Applicants reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimer of any previously known product, process, or method. It is further noted that the invention does not intend to encompass within the scope of the invention any product, process, or making of the product or method of using the product, which does not meet the written description and enablement requirements of the USPTO (35 U.S.C. §112, first paragraph) or the EPO (Article 83 of the EPC), such that Applicants reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimer of any 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 previously described product, process of making the product, or method of using the product. It may be advantageous in the practice of the invention to be in compliance with Art. 53(c) EPC and Rule 28(b) and (c) EPC. Nothing herein is to be construed as a promise.

[0053] It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and / or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised", "comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included", "including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law.

[0054] These and other embodiments are disclosed or are obvious from and encompassed by, the following Detailed Description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0056] FIGS. 1A-1B depict a new classification of CRISPR-Cas systems. Class 2 includes multisubunit crRNA-effector complexes (Cascade) and Class 2 includes Singlesubunit crRNA-effector complexes (Cas9-like).

[0057] FIG. 2 provides a molecular organization of CRISPR-Cas.

[0058] FIGS. 3A-3D provide structures of Type I and III effector complexes: common architecture / common ancestry despite extensive sequence divergence.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows CRISPR-Cas as a RNA recognition motif (RRM)-centered system.

[0060] FIGS. 5A-5D show Cas1 phylogeny where recombination of adaptation and crRNA-effector modules show a major aspect of CRISPR-Cas evolution.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a CRISPR-Cas census, specifically a distribution of CRISPR-Cas types / subtypes among archaea and bacteria

[0062] FIG. 7 depicts a pipeline for identifying Cas candidates.

[0063] FIGS. 8A-8D depict an organization of complete loci of Class 2 systems.

[0064] FIGS. 9A-9B depict C2c1 neighborhoods.

[0065] FIGS. 10A-10C depict a Cas1 tree.

[0066] FIGS. 11A-11B depict a domain organization of Class 2 families.

[0067] FIGS. 12A-12B depict TnpB homology regions in Class 2 proteins (SEQ ID NOS 246-428, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0068] FIGS. 13A-13B depict C2c2 neighborhoods. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[0069] FIGS. 14A-14E depict HEPN RxxxxH motif in C2c2 family (SEQ ID NOS 4291032, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0070] FIG. 15 depicts C2C1: 1. Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC 49025 (SEQ ID NOS 1034-1037, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0071] FIG. 16 depicts C2C1: 4. Desulfonatronum thiodismutans strain MLF-1 (SEQ ID NOS 1038-1041, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0072] FIG. 17 depicts C2C1: 5. Opitutaceae bacterium TAV5 (SEQ ID NOS 1042-1045, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0073] FIG. 18 depicts C2C1: 7. Bacillus thermoamylovorans strain B4166 (SEQ ID NOS 1046-1049, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0074] FIG. 19 depicts C2C1: 9. Bacillus sp. NSP2.1 (SEQ ID NOS 1050-1053, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0075] FIG. 20 depicts C2C2: 1. Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020 (SEQ ID NOS 1054-1057, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0076] FIG. 21 depicts C2C2: 2. Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 (SEQ ID NOS 1058-1064, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0077] FIG. 22 depicts C2C2: 3. [Clostridium] aminophilum DSM 10710 (SEQ ID NOS 10651068, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0078] FIG. 23 depicts C2C2: 4. Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A144 (SEQ ID NOS 1069 and 1070, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0079] FIG. 24 depicts C2C2: 5. Carnobacterium gallinarum DSM 4847 (SEQ ID NOS 1071-1074, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0080] FIG. 25 depicts C2C2: 6. Carnobacterium gallinarum DSM 4847 (SEQ ID NOS 1075-1081, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0081] FIG. 26 depicts C2C2: 7. Paludibacter propionicigenes WB4 (SEQ ID NO: 1082).

[0082] FIG. 27 depicts C2C2: 8. Listeria seeligeri serovar 1 / 2b (SEQ ID NOS 1083-1086, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0083] FIG. 28 depicts C2C2: 9. Listeria weihenstephanensis FSL R9-0317 (SEQ ID NO: 1087).

[0084] FIG. 29 depicts C2C2: 10. Listeria bacterium FSL M6-0635 (SEQ ID NOS 1088 and 1091, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0085] FIG. 30 depicts C2C2: 11. Leptotrichia wadei F0279 (SEQ ID NO: 1092).

[0086] FIG. 31 depicts C2C2: 12. Leptotrichia wadei F0279 (SEQ ID NOS 1093-1099, respectively, in order of appearance). 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[0087] FIG. 32 depicts C2C2: 14. Leptotrichia shahii DSM 19757 (SEQ ID NOS 11001103, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0088] FIG. 33 depicts C2C2: 15. Rhodobacter capsulatus SB 1003 (SEQ ID NOS 1104 and 1105, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0089] FIG. 34 depicts C2C2: 16. Rhodobacter capsulatus R121 (SEQ ID NOS 1106 and 1107, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0090] FIG. 35 depicts C2C2: 17. Rhodobacter capsulatus DE442 (SEQ ID NOS 1108 and 1109, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0091] FIG. 36 depicts a tree of DRs

[0092] FIG. 37 depicts a tree of C2C2s

[0093] FIGS. 38A-38BB show the sequence alignment of Cas-Cpf1 orthologs (SEQ ID NOS 1033 and 1110-1166, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0094] FIGS. 39A-39B show the overview of Cpf1 loci alignment

[0095] FIGS. 40A-40X shows the PACYC184 FnCpf1 (PY001) vector contruct (SEQ ID NO: 1167 and SEQ ID NOS 1168-1189, respectively, in order of appearance).

[0096] FIGS. 41A-41I shows the sequence of humanized PaCpf1, with the nucleotide sequence as SEQ ID NO: 1190 and the protein sequence as SEQ ID NO: 1191.

[0097] FIG. 42 depicts a PAM challenge assay

[0098] FIG. 43 depicts a schematic of an endogenous FnCpf1 locus. pY0001 is a pACY184 backbone (from NEB) with a partial FnCpf1 locus. The FnCpf1 locus was PCR amplified in three pieces and cloned into Xba1 and Hind3 cut pACYC184 using Gibson assembly. PY0001 contains the endogenous FnCpf1 locus from 255bp of the acetyltransferase 3’ sequence to the fourth spacer sequence. Only spacer 1-3 are potentially active since space 4 is no longer flanked by direct repeats.

[0099] FIG. 44 depicts PAM libraries, which discloses discloses SEQ ID NOS 11921195, respectively, in order of appearance.. Both PAM libraries (left and right) are in pUC19. The complexity of left PAM library is 48 ~ 65k and the complexity of the right PAM library is 47 ~ 16k. Both libraries were prepared with a representation of > 500.

[00100] FIG. 45A-4E depicts FnCpf1 PAM Screen Computational Analysis. After sequencing of the screen DNA, the regions corresponding to either the left PAM or the right PAM were extracted. For each sample, the number of PAMs present in the sequenced library were compared to the number of expected PAMs in the library (4A8 for the left library, 4A7 for the right). FIG. 44A depicts the left library showed PAM depletion. To quantify this depletion, an enrichment ratio was calculated. For both conditions (control pACYC or 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 FnCpf1 containing pACYC) the ratio was calculated for each PAM in the library as .             sample + 0.01 ratio = — log2 . . .----:--------------- initial liinaix 0.()1 . plotting the distribution shows little enrichment in the control sample and enrichment in both bioreps. FIGS. 44B-44D depict PAM ratio distributions. FIGS. 44E shows PAMs above a ratio of 8 were collected, and the frequency distributions were plotted, revealing a 5’ YYN PAM.

[00101] FIG. 46 depicts RNAseq analysis of the Francisella tolerances Cpf1 locus, which shows that the CRISPR locus is actively expressed. In addition to the Cpf1 and Cas genes, two small non-coding transcript are highly transcribed, which might be the putative tracrRNAs. The CRISPR array is also expressed. Both the putative tracrRNAs and CRISPR array are transcribed in the same direction as the Cpf1 and Cas genes. Here all RNA transcripts identified through the RNAseq experiment are mapped against the locus. After further evaluation of the FnCpf1 locus, Applicants concluded that target DNA cleavage by a Cpf1 effector protein complex does not require a tracrRNA. Applicants determined that Cpf1 effector protein complexes comprising only a Cpf1 effector protein and a crRNA (guide RNA comprising a direct repeat sequence and a guide sequence) were sufficient to cleave target DNA.

[00102] FIG. 47 depicts zooming into the Cpf1 CRISPR array. Many different short transcripts can be identified. In this plot, all identified RNA transcripts are mapped against the Cpf1 locus.

[00103] FIG. 48 depicts identifying two putative tracrRNAs after selecting transcripts that are less than 85 nucleotides long

[00104] FIG. 49 depicts zooming into putative tracrRNA 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1196) and the CRISPR array

[00105] FIG. 50 depicts zooming into putative tracrRNA 2 which discloses SEQ ID NOS 11971203, respectively, in order of appearance.

[00106] FIG. 51 depicts putative crRNA sequences (repeat in blue, spacer in black) (SEQ ID NOS 1205 and 1206, respectively, in order of appearance).

[00107] FIG. 52 shows a schematic of the assay to confirm the predicted FnCpf1 PAM in vivo.

[00108] FIG. 53 shows FnCpf1 locus carrying cells and control cells transformed with pUC19 encoding endogenous spacer 1 with 5’ TTN PAM.

[00109] FIG. 54 shows a schematic indicating putative tracrRNA sequence positions in the FnCpf1 locus, the crRNA (SEQ ID NO: 1207) and the pUC protospacer vector. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00110] FIG. 55 is a gel showing the PCR fragment with TTa PAM and proto-spacer1 sequence incubated in cell lysate.

[00111] FIG. 56 is a gel showing the pUC-spacer1 with different PAMs incubated in cell lysate.

[00112] FIG. 57 is a gel showing the BsaI digestion after incubation in cell lysate.

[00113] FIG. 58 is a gel showing digestion results for three putative crRNA sequences (SEQ ID NO: 1208).

[00114] FIG. 59 is a gel showing testing of different lengths of spacer against a piece of target DNA containing the target site: 5'-TTAgagaagtcatttaataaggccactgttaaaa-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1209). The results show that crRNAs 1-7 mediated successful cleavage of the target DNA in vitro with FnCpf1. crRNAs 8-13 did not facilitate cleavage of the target DNA. SEQ ID NOS 1210-1248 are disclosed, respectively, in order of appearance.

[00115] FIG. 60 is a schematic indicating the minimal FnCpf1 locus.

[00116] FIG. 61 is a schematic indicating the minimal Cpf1 guide (SEQ ID NO: 1249).

[00117] FIG. 62A-62E depicts PaCpf1 PAM Screen Computational Analysis. After sequencing of the screen DNA, the regions corresponding to either the left PAM or the right PAM were extracted. For each sample, the number of PAMs present in the sequenced library were compared to the number of expected PAMs in the library (4A7). (FIG. 62A) The left library showed very slight PAM depletion. To quantify this depletion, an enrichment ratio was calculated. For both conditions (control pACYC or PaCpf1 containing pACYC) the ratio was calculated for each PAM in the library as .      ,       sample + 0.01 ratio = — log.,----——----------- " initial library + 0.01 Plotting the distribution shows little enrichment in the control sample and enrichment in both bioreps. FIGS. 62B-62D depict PAM ratio distributions. FIG. 62E shows all PAMs above a ratio of 4.5 were collected, and the frequency distributions were plotted, revealing a 5’ TTTV PAM, where V is A or C or G.

[00118] FIG. 63 shows a vector map of the human codon optimized PaCpf1 sequence depicted as CBh-NLS-huPaCpf1-NLS-3xHA-pA.

[00119] FIGS. 64A-64B show a phylogenetic tree of 51 Cpf1 loci in different bacteria. Highlighted boxes indicate Gene Reference #s: 1-17. Boxed / numbered orthologs were tested for in vitro cleavage activity with predicted mature crRNA; orthologs with boxes around their numbers showed activity in the in vitro assay. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00120] FIGS. 65A-65H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1 Cpf1 having a gene length of 3849 nts (Ref #3 in FIG. 64). FIG. 65A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 65B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 65C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 65D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 65E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 65F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3849, GC% 54.70) (SEQ ID NO: 1250). FIG. 65H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1251).

[00121] FIGS. 66A-66H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus Cpf1 having a gene length of 3873 nts (Ref #4 in FIG. 64). FIG. 66A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 66B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 66C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 66D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 66E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 66F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3873, GC% 54.05) (SEQ ID NO: 1252). FIG. 66H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1253).

[00122] FIGS. 67A-67H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011GWA23310 Cpf1 having a gene length of 4581 nts (Ref #5 in FIG. 64). FIG. 67A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 67B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 expression organism. FIG. 67C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 67D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 67E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 67F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 4581, GC% 50.81) (SEQ ID NO: 1254). FIG. 67H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1255).

[00123] FIGS. 68A-68H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011GWC24417 Cpf1 having a gene length of 4206 nts (Ref #6 in FIG. 64). FIG. 68A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 68B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 68C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 68D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 68E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 68F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 4206, GC% 52.17) (SEQ ID NO: 1256). FIG. 68H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1257).

[00124] FIGS. 69A-69H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Smithella sp. SCADC Cpf1 having a gene length of 3900 nts (Ref #7 in FIG. 64). FIG. 69A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 69B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 69C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 69D: Restriction Enzymes and CISActing Elements. FIG. 69E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 69F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3900, GC% 51.56) (SEQ ID NO: 1258). FIG. 69H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1259).

[00125] FIGS. 70A-70H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6 Cpf1 having a gene length of 4071 nts (Ref #8 in FIG. 64). FIG. 70A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 70B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 70C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 70D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 70E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 70F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 4071, GC% 54.89) (SEQ ID NO: 1260). FIG. 70H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1261).

[00126] FIGS. 71A-71H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020 Cpf1 having a gene length of 3768 nts (Ref #9 in FIG. 64). FIG. 71A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 71B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 71C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 71D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 71E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 71F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3768, GC% 51.53) (SEQ ID NO: 1262). FIG. 71H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1263).

[00127] FIGS. 72A-72H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum Cpf1 having a gene length of 3864 nts (Ref #10 in FIG. 64). FIG. 72A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 72B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 72C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 72D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 72E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 72F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3864, GC% 52.67) (SEQ ID NO: 1264). FIG. 72H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1265).

[00128] FIGS. 73A-73H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Eubacterium eligens Cpf1 having a gene length of 3996 nts (Ref #11 in FIG. 64). FIG. 73A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 73B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 73C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 73D: Restriction Enzymes and CISActing Elements. FIG. 73E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 73F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3996, GC% 50.52) (SEQ ID NO: 1266). FIG. 73H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1267).

[00129] FIGS. 74A-74H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Moraxella bovoculi 237 Cpf1 having a gene length of 4269 nts (Ref #12 in FIG. 64). FIG. 74A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 74B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 74C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 74D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 74E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 74F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 4269, GC% 53.58) (SEQ ID NO: 1268). FIG. 74H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1269).

[00130] FIGS. 75A-75H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Leptospira inadai Cpf1 having a gene length of 3939 nts (Ref #13 in FIG. 64). FIG. 75A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 75B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 75C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 75D: Restriction Enzymes and CISActing Elements. FIG. 75E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 75F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3939, GC% 51.30) (SEQ ID NO: 1270). FIG. 75H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1271).

[00131] FIGS. 76A-76H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 Cpf1 having a gene length of 3834 nts (Ref #14 in FIG. 64). FIG. 76A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 76B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 76C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 76D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 76E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 76F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3834, GC% 51.06) (SEQ ID NO: 1272). FIG. 76H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1273).

[00132] FIGS. 77A-77H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3 Cpf1 having a gene length of 3930 nts (Ref #15 in FIG. 64). FIG. 77A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 77B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 77C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 77D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 77E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 77F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3930, GC% 54.42) (SEQ ID NO: 1274). FIG. 77H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1275). 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00133] FIGS. 78A-78H show the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Prevotella disiens Cpf1 having a gene length of 4119 nts (Ref #16 in FIG. 64). FIG. 78A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 78B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 78C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 78D: Restriction Enzymes and CISActing Elements. FIG. 78E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 78F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 4119, GC% 51.88) (SEQ ID NO: 1276). FIG. 78H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1277).

[00134] FIGS. 79A-79H shows the details of the human codon optimized sequence for Porphyromonas macacae Cpf1 having a gene length of 3888 nts (Ref #17 in FIG. 64). FIG. 79A: Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). The distribution of codon usage frequency along the length of the gene sequence. A CAI of 1.0 is considered to be perfect in the desired expression organism, and a CAI of > 0.8 is regarded as good, in terms of high gene expression level. FIG. 79B: Frequency of Optimal Codons (FOP). The percentage distribution of codons in computed codon quality groups. The value of 100 is set for the codon with the highest usage frequency for a given amino acid in the desired expression organism. FIG. 79C: GC Content Adjustment. The ideal percentage range of GC content is between 30-70%. Peaks of %GC content in a 60 bp window have been removed. FIG. 79D: Restriction Enzymes and CIS-Acting Elements. FIG. 79E: Remove Repeat Sequences. FIG. 79F-G: Optimized Sequence (Optimized Sequence Length: 3888, GC% 53.26) (SEQ ID NO: 1278). FIG. 79H: Protein Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1279).

[00135] FIG. 80A-80I shows direct repeat (DR) sequences for each ortholog (refer to numbering Ref # 3-17 in FIG. 64) and their predicted fold structure. SEQ ID NOS 12801313, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00136] FIG. 81 shows cleavage of a PCR amplicon of the human Emx1 locus. SEQ ID NOS 1314-1318, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00137] FIG. 82A-82B shows the effect of truncation in 5’ DR on cleavage Activity. FIG. 82A shows a gel in which cleavage results with 5 DR truncations is indicated. FIG. 82B shows a diagram in which crDNA deltaDR5 disrupted the stem loop at the 5’ end. This 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 indicates that the stemloop at the 5’ end is essential for cleavage activity. SEQ ID NOS 13191324, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00138] FIG. 83 shows the effect of crRNA-DNA target mismatch on cleavage efficiency. SEQ ID NOS 1325-1335, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00139] FIG. 84 shows the cleavage of DNA using purified Francisella and Prevotella Cpf1. SEQ ID NO: 1336 is disclosed.

[00140] FIG. 85A-85B show diagrams of DR secondary structures. FIG. 85A shows a FnCpf1 DR secondary structure (SEQ ID NO: 1337) (stem loop highlighted). FIG. 85B shows a PaCpf1 DR secondary structure (SEQ ID NO: 1338) (stem loop highlighted, identical except for a single base difference in the loop region).

[00141] FIG. 86 shows a further depiction of the RNAseq analysis of the FnCp1 locus.

[00142] FIG. 87A-87B show schematics of mature crRNA sequences. FIG. 87A shows a mature crRNA sequences for FnCpf1. FIG. 87B shows a mature crRNA sequences for PaCpf1. SEQ ID NOS 1339-1342, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00143] FIG. 88 shows cleavage of DNA using human codon optimized Francisella novicida FnCpf1. The top band corresponds to un-cleaved full length fragment (606bp). Expected cleavage product sizes of ~345bp and ~261bp are indicated by triangles.

[00144] FIG. 89 shows in vitro ortholog assay demonstrating cleavage by Cpf1 orthologs.

[00145] FIGS. 90A-90C show computationally derived PAMs from the in vitro cutting assay.

[00146] FIG. 91 shows Cpf1 cutting in a staggered fashion with 5’ overhangs. SEQ ID NOS 1343-1345, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00147] FIG. 92 shows effect of spacer length on cutting. SEQ ID NOS 1346-1352, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00148] FIG. 93 shows SURVEYOR data for FnCpf1 mediated indels in HEK293T cells.

[00149] FIGS. 94A-94F show the processing of transcripts when sections of the FnCpf1 locus are deleted as compared to the processing of transcripts in a wild type FnCpf1 locus. FIGS. 95B, 95D and 95F zoom in on the processed spacer. SEQ ID NOS 1353-1401, respectively, are disclosed in order of appearance.

[00150] FIGS. 95A-95E show the Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112 Cpf1 CRISPR locus provides immunity against transformation of plasmids containing protospacers flanked by a 5’-TTN PAM. FIG. 95A show the organization of two CRISPR loci found in Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112 (NC 008601). The domain organization of FnCas9 and FnCpf1 are compared. FIG. 95B provide a schematic illustration of the plasmid 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 depletion assay for discovering the PAM position and identity. Competent E. coli harboring either the heterologous FnCpf1 locus plasmid (pFnCpf1) or the empty vector control were transformed with a library of plasmids containing the matching protospacer flanked by randomized 5’ or 3’ PAM sequences and selected with antibiotic to deplete plasmids carrying successfully-targeted PAM. Plasmids from surviving colonies were extracted and sequenced to determine depleted PAM sequences. FIGS. 95C-95D show sequence logos for the FnCpf1 PAM as determined by the plasmid depletion assay. Letter height at position is determined by information content; error bars show 95% Bayesian confidence interval. FIG. 95Eshows E. coli harboring pFnCpf1 demonstrate robust interference against plasmids carrying 5’-TTN PAMs (n = 3, error bars represent mean ± S.E.M.).

[00151] FIGS. 96A-96C shows heterologous expression of FnCpf1 and CRISPR array in E. coli is sufficient to mediate plasmid DNA interference and crRNA maturation. Small RNA-seq of Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112 (FIG. 96A) reveals transcription and processing of the FnCpf1 CRISPR array. The mature crRNA begins with a 19 nt partial direct repeat followed by 23-25 nt of spacer sequence. Small RNA-seq of E. coli transformed with a plasmid carrying synthetic promoter-driven FnCpf1 and CRISPR array (FIG. 96B) shows crRNA processing independent of Cas genes and other sequence elements in the FnCpf1 locus. FIG. 96C depicts E. coli harboring different truncations of the FnCpf1 CRISPR locus and shows that only FnCpf1 and the CRISPR array are required for plasmid DNA interference (n = 3, error bars show mean ± S.E.M.). SEQ ID NO: 1580 is disclosed.

[00152] FIGS. 97A-97E shows FnCpf1 is targeted by crRNA to cleave DNA in vitro. FIG. 97A is a schematic of the FnCpf1 crRNA-DNA targeting complex. Cleavage sites are indicated by red arrows (SEQ ID NOS 1402 and 1403, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance). FnCpf1 and crRNA alone mediated RNA-guided cleavage of target DNA in a crRNA- and Mg2+-dependent manner (FIG. 97B). FIG. 97C shows FnCpf1 cleaves both linear and supercoiled DNA. FIG. 97D shows Sanger sequencing traces from FnCpf1-digested target show staggered overhangs (SEQ ID NOS 1404 and 1406, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance). The non-templated addition of an additional adenine, denoted as N, is an artifact of the polymerase used in sequencing. Reverse primer read represented as reverse complement to aid visualization. FIG. 97E shows cleavage is dependent on base-pairing at the 5’ PAM. FnCpf1 can only recognize the PAM in correctly Watson-Crick paired DNA.

[00153] FIGS. 98A-98B shows catalytic residues in the C-terminal RuvC domain of FnCpf1 are necessary for DNA cleavage. FIG. 98A shows the domain structure of FnCpf1 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 with RuvC catalytic residues highlighted. The catalytic residues were identified based on sequence homology to Thermus thermophilus RuvC (PDB ID: 4EP5). FIG. 98B depicts a native TBE PAGE gel showing that mutation of the RuvC catalytic residues of FnCpf1 (D917A and E1006A) and mutation of the RuvC (D10A) catalytic residue of SpCas9 prevents double stranded DNA cleavage. Denaturing TBE-Urea PAGE gel showing that mutation of the RuvC catalytic residues of FnCpf1 (D917A and E1006A) prevents DNA nicking activity, whereas mutation of the RuvC (D10A) catalytic residue of SpCas9 results in nicking of the target site.

[00154] FIGS. 99A-99E shows crRNA requirements for FnCpf1 nuclease activity in vitro. FIG. 99A shows the effect of spacer length on FnCpf1 cleavage activity. FIG. 99B shows the effect of crRNA-target DNA mismatch on FnCpf1 cleavage activity. FIG. 99C demonstrates the effect of direct repeat length on FnCpf1 cleavage activity. FIG. 99D shows FnCpf1 cleavage activity depends on secondary structure in the stem of the direct repeat RNA structure. FIG. 99E shows FnCpf1 cleavage activity is unaffected by loop mutations but is sensitive to mutation in the 3’-most base of the direct repeat. SEQ ID NOS 1407-1433, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00155] FIGS. 100A-100F provides an analysis of Cpf1-family protein diversity and function. FIGS. 100A-100B show a phylogenetic comparison of 16 Cpf1 orthologs selected for functional analysis. Conserved sequences are shown in dark gray. The RuvC domain, bridge helix, and zinc finger are highlighted. FIG. 100C shows an alignment of direct repeats from the 16 Cpf1-family proteins. Sequences that are removed post crRNA maturation are colored gray. Non-conserved bases are colored red. The stem duplex is highlighted in gray. FIG. 100D depicts RNAfold (Lorenz et al., 2011) prediction of the direct repeat sequence in the mature crRNA. Predictions for FnCpf1 along with three less-conserved orthologs shown. FIG. 100E shows ortholog crRNAs with similar direct repeat sequences are able to function with FnCpf1 to mediate target DNA cleavage. FIG. 100F shows PAM sequences for 8 Cpf1-family proteins identified using in vitro cleavage of a plasmid library containing randomized PAMs flanking the protospacer. SEQ ID NOS 1434-1453, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00156] FIGS. 101A-101E shows Cpf1 mediates robust genome editing in human cell lines. FIG. 101A is a schemative showing expression of individual Cpf1-family proteins in HEK 293FT cells using CMV-driven expression vectors. The corresponding crRNA is expressed using a PCR fragment containing a U6 promoter fused to the crRNA sequence. Transfected cells were analyzed using either Surveyor nuclease assay or targeted deep 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 sequencing. FIG. 101B (top) depicts the sequence of DNMT1-targeting crRNA 3, and sequencing reads (bottom) show representative indels. IG. 101B discloses SEQ ID NOS 1454-1465, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 101C provides a comparison of in vitro and in vivo cleavage activity. The DNMT1 target region was PCR amplified and the genomic fragment was used to test Cpf1-mediated cleavage. All 8 Cpf1-family proteins showed DNA cleavage in vitro (top). Candidates 7 - AsCpfl and 13 - Lb3Cpf1 facilitated robust indel formation in human cells (bottom). FIG. 101D shows Cpf1 and SpCas9 target sequences in the human DNMT1 locus (SEQ ID NOS 1466-1473, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance). FIG. 101E provides a comparison of Cpf1 and SpCas9 genome editing efficiency. Target sites correspond to sequences shown in FIG. 101D.

[00157] FIGS. 102A-102D shows a plasmid depletion assay for identifying FnCpf1 PAM. (See also FIG. 95). FIG. 102A: Transformation of E. coli harboring pFnCpf1 with a library of plasmids carrying randomized 5’ PAM sequences. A subset of plasmids were depleted. Plot shows depletion levels in ranked order. Depletion is measured as the negative log2 fold ratio of normalized abundance compared pACYC184 E. coli controls. PAMs above a threshold of 3.5 are used to generate sequence logos. FIG. 102B: Transformation of E. coli harboring pFnCpf1 with a library of plasmids carrying randomized 3’ PAM sequences. A subset of plasmids were depleted. Plot shows depletion levels in ranked order. Depletion is measured as the negative log2 fold ratio of normalized abundance compared pACYC184 E. coli controls and PAMs above a threshold of 3.5 are used to generate sequence logos. FIG. 102C: Input library of plasmids carrying randomized 5’ PAM sequences. Plot shows depletion levels in ranked order. Depletion is measured as the negative log2 fold ratio of normalized abundance compared pACYC184 E. coli controls. PAMs above a threshold of 3.5 are used to generate sequence logos. FIG. 102D: The number of unique PAMs passing significance threshold for pairwise combinations of bases at the 2 and 3 positions of the 5’ PAM.

[00158] FIGS. 103A-103D shows FnCpf1 Protein Purification. (See also FIG. 97). FIG. 103A depicts a Coomassie blue stained acrylamide gel of FnCpf1 showing stepwise purification. A band just above 160 kD eluted from the Ni-NTA column, consistent with the size of a MBP-FnCpf1 fusion (189.7 kD). Upon addition of TEV protease a lower molecular weight band appeared, consistent with the size of 147 kD free FnCpf1. FIG. 103B: Size exclusion gel filtration of fnCpf1. FnCpf1 eluted at a size approximately 300 kD (62.65 mL), suggesting Cpf1 may exist in solution as a dimer. FIG. 103C shows protein standards used to calibrate the Superdex 200 column. BDex = Blue Dextran (void volume), Ald = Aldolase (158 kD), Ov = Ovalbumin (44 kD), RibA = Ribonuclease A (13.7 kD), Apr = Aprotinin (6.5 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 kD). FIG. 103D: Calibration curve of the Superdex 200 column. Ka is calculated as (elution volume - void volume) / (geometric column volume - void volume). Standards were plotted and fit to a logarithmic curve.

[00159] FIGS. 104A-104E shows cleavage patterns of FnCpf1. (See also FIG. 97). Sanger sequencing traces from FnCpf1-digested DNA targets show staggered overhangs. The non-templated addition of an additional adenine, denoted as N, is an artifact of the polymerase used in sequencing. Sanger traces are shown for different TTN PAMs with protospacer 1 (FIG. 104A), protospacer 2 (FIG. 104B), and protospacer 3 (FIG. 104C) and targets DNMT1 and EMX1 (FIG. 104D). The (-) strand sequence is reverse-complemented to show the top strand sequence. Cleavage sites are indicated by red triangles. Smaller triangles indicate putative alternative cleavage sites. FIG. 104E shows the effect of PAM-distal crRNA-target DNA mismatch on FnCpf1 cleavage activity. SEQ ID NOS 1474-1494, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00160] FIGS. 105A-105B shows an amino acid sequence alignment of FnCpf1 (SEQ ID NO: 1495), AsCpf1 (SEQ ID NO: 1496), and LbCpf1 (SEQ ID NO: 1497). (See also FIG. 100). Residues that are conserved are highlighted with a red background and conserved mutations are highlighted with an outline and red font. Secondary structure prediction is highlighted above (FnCpf1) and below (LbCpf1) the alignment. Alpha helices are shown as a curly symbol and beta strands are shown as dashes. Protein domains identified in FIG. 95A are also highlighted.

[00161] FIGS. 106A-106D provides maps bacterial genomic loci corresponding to the 16 Cpf1-family proteins selected for mammalian experimentation. (See also FIG. 100). FIGS. 106A-106D disclose SEQ ID NOS 1498-1513, respectively, in order of appearance.

[00162] FIGS. 107A-107E shows in vitro characterization of Cpf1-family proteins. FIG. 107A is a schematic for in vitro PAM screen using Cpf1-family proteins. A library of plasmids bearing randomized 5’ PAM sequences were cleaved by individual Cpf1-family proteins and their corresponding crRNAs. Uncleaved plasmid DNA was purified and sequenced to identify specific PAM motifs that were depleted. FIG. 107B indicates the number of unique sequences passing significance threshold for pairwise combinations of bases at the 2 and 3 positions of the 5’ PAM for 7 - AsCpf1. FIG. 107C indicates the number of unique PAMs passing significance threshold for triple combinations of bases at the 2, 3, and 4 positions of the 5’ PAM for 13 - LbCpf1. FIGS. 107D-107E E and F show Sanger sequencing traces from 7 - AsCpf1-digested target (E) and 13 - LbCpf1-digested target (F) and show staggered overhangs. The non-templated addition of an additional adenine, denoted 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 as N, is an artifact of the polymerase used in sequencing. Cleavage sites are indicated by red triangles. Smaller triangles indicate putative alternative cleavage sites. FIG. 107D-E discloses SEQ ID NOS 1514-1519, respectively, in order of appearance.

[00163] FIGS. 108A-108F indicates human cell genome editing efficiency at additional loci. Surveyor gels show quantification of indel efficiency achieved by each Cpf1-family protein at DNMT1 target sites 1 (FIG. 108A), 2 (FIG. 108B), and 4 (FIG. 108C). FIGS. 108A-108C indicate human cell genome editing efficiency at additional loci and Sanger sequencing of cleaved of DNMT target sites. SURVEYOR gels show quantification of indel efficiency achieved by each Cpf1-family protein at EMX1 target sites 1 (FIG. 108D) and 2 (FIG. 108E). Indel distributions for AsCpf1 and LbCpf1 and DNMT1 target sites 2, 3, and 4 (FIG. 108F). Cyan bars represent total indel coverage; blue bars represent distribution of 3’ ends of indels. For each target, PAM sequence is in red and target sequence is in light blue.

[00164] FIGS. 109A-109C depicts a computational analysis of the primary structure of Cpf1 nucleases reveals three distinct regions. First a C-terminal RuvC like domain, which is the only functional characterized domain. Second an N-terminal alpha-helical region and thirst a mixed alpha and beta region, located between the RuvC like domain and the alphahelical region.

[00165] FIGS. 110A-110E depict an AsCpf1 Rad50 alignment (PDB 4W9M). SEQ ID NOS 1520 and 1521, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance. FIG. 110C depicts an AsCpf1 RuvC alignment (PDB 4LD0). SEQ ID NOS 1522 and 1523, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance. FIGS. 110D-110E depicts an alignment of AsCpf1 and FnCpf1 which identifies Rad50 domain in FnCpf1. SEQ ID NOS 1524 and 1525, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00166] FIG. 111 depicts a structure of Rad50 (4W9M) in complex with DNA. DNA interacting residues are highlighted (in red).

[00167] FIG. 112 depicts a structure of RuvC (4LD0) in complex with holiday junction. DNA interacting residues are highlighted in red.

[00168] FIG. 113 depicts a BLAST of AsCpf1 aligns to a region of the site specific recombinase XerD. An active site regions of XerD is LYWTGMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) with R being a catalytic residue. SEQ ID NOS 1526-1527, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00169] FIG. 114 depicts a region is conserved in Cpf1 orthologs (Yellow box) and although the R is not conserved, a highly conserved aspartic acid (orange box) is just C-terminal of this region and a nearby conserved region (blue box) with an absolutely 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 conserved arginine. The aspartic acid is D732 in LbCpf1. SEQ ID NOS 1204 and 1528-1579, respectively, disclosed in order of appearance.

[00170] FIG. 115A shows an experiment where 150,000 HEK293T cells were plated per 24-well 24h before transfection. Cells were transfected with 400ng huAsCpf1 plasmid and 100ng of tandem guide plasmid comprising one guide sequence directed to GRIN28 and one directed to EMX1 placed in tandem behind the U6 promoter, using Lipofectamin2000. Cells were harvested 72h after transfection and AsCpf1 activity mediated by tandem guides was assayed using the SURVEYOR nuclease assay.

[00171] FIG. 115B demonstrates INDEL formation in both the GRIN28 and the EMX1 gene.

[00172] FIG. 116 shows FnCpf1 cleavage of an array with increasing concentrations of EDTA (and decreasing concentrations of Mg2+). The buffer is 20 mM TrisHCl pH 7 (room temperature), 50 mM KCl, and includes a murine RNAse inhibitor to prevent degradation of RNA due to potential trace amount of non-specific RNase carried over from protein purification. [00172a] FIG. 117 shows sequence information.

[00173] The figures herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00174] The present application describes novel RNA-guided endonucleases (e.g. Cpf1 effector proteins) which are functionally distinct from the CRISPR-Cas9 systems described previously and hence the terminology of elements associated with these novel endonulceases are modified accordingly herein. Cpf1-associated CRISPR arrays described herein are processed into mature crRNAs without the requirement of an additional tracrRNA. The crRNAs described herein comprise a spacer sequence (or guide sequence) and a direct repeat sequence and a Cpf1p-crRNA complex by itself is sufficient to efficiently cleave target DNA. The seed sequence described herein, e.g. the seed sequence of a FnCpf1 guide RNA is approximately within the first 5 nt on the 5’ end of the spacer sequence (or guide sequence) and mutations within the seed sequence adversely affect cleavage activity of the Cpf1 effector protein complex.

[00175] In general, a CRISPR system is characterized by elements that promote the formation of a CRISPR complex at the site of a target sequence (also referred to as a protospacer in the context of an endogenous CRISPR system). In the context of formation of 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 a CRISPR complex, “target sequence” refers to a sequence to which a guide sequence is designed to target, e.g. have complementarity, where hybridization between a target sequence and a guide sequence promotes the formation of a CRISPR complex. The section of the guide sequence through which complementarity to the target sequence is important for cleavage acitivity is referred to herein as the seed sequence. A target sequence may comprise any polynucleotide, such as DNA or RNA polynucleotides and is comprised within a target locus of interest. In some embodiments, a target sequence is located in the nucleus or cytoplasm of a cell. The herein described invention encompasses novel effector proteins of Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems, of which Cas9 is an exemplary effector protein and hence terms used in this application to describe novel effector proteins, may correlate to the terms used to describe the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

[00176] The CRISPR-Cas loci has more than 50 gene families and there is no strictly universal genes. Therefore, no single evolutionary tree is feasible and a multi-pronged approach is needed to identify new families. So far, there is comprehensive cas gene identification of 395 profiles for 93 Cas proteins. Classification includes signature gene profiles plus signatures of locus architecture. A new classification of CRISPR-Cas systems is proposed in FIG. 1. Class 1 includes multisubunit crRNA-effector complexes (Cascade) and Class 2 includes Single-subunit crRNA-effector complexes (Cas9-like). FIG. 2 provides a molecular organization of CRISPR-Cas. FIG. 3 provides structures of Type I and III effector complexes: common architecture / common ancestry despite extensive sequence divergence. FIG. 4 shows CRISPR-Cas as a RNA recognition motif (RRM)-centered system. FIG. 5 shows Cas1 phylogeny where recombination of adaptation and crRNA-effector modules show a major aspect of CRISPR-Cas evolution. FIG. 6 shows a CRISPR-Cas census, specifically a distribution of CRISPR-Cas types / subtypes among archaea and bacteria.

[00177] The action of the CRISPR-Cas system is usually divided into three stages: (1) adaptation or spacer integration, (2) processing of the primary transcript of the CRISPR locus (pre-crRNA) and maturation of the crRNA which includes the spacer and variable regions corresponding to 5’ and 3’ fragments of CRISPR repeats, and (3) DNA (or RNA) interference. Two proteins, Cas1 and Cas2, that are present in the great majority of the known CRISPR-Cas systems are sufficient for the insertion of spacers into the CRISPR cassettes. These two proteins form a complex that is required for this adaptation process; the endonuclease activity of Cas1 is required for spacer integration whereas Cas2 appears to perform a nonenzymatic function. The Cas1-Cas2 complex represents the highly conserved “information processing” module of CRISPR-Cas that appears to be quasi-autonomous from 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 the rest of the system. (See Annotation and Classification of CRISPR-Cas Systems. Makarova KS, Koonin EV. Methods Mol Biol. 2015;1311:47-75).

[00178] The previously described Class 2 systems, namely Type II and the putative Type V, consisted of only three or four genes in the cas operon, namely the cas1 and cas2 genes comprising the adaptation module (the cas1-cas2 pair of genes are not involved in interference), a single multidomain effector protein that is responsible for interference but also contributes to the pre-crRNA processing and adaptation, and often a fourth gene with uncharacterized functions that is dispensable in at least some Type II systems (and in some cases the fourth gene is cas4 (biochemical or in silico evidence shows that Cas4 is a PD-(DE)xK superfamily nuclease with three-cysteine C-terminal cluster; possesses 5‘-ssDNA exonuclease activity) or csn2, which encodes an inactivated ATPase). In most cases, a CRISPR array and a gene for a distinct RNA species known as tracrRNA, a trans-encoded small CRISPR RNA, are adjacent to Class 2 cas operons. The tracrRNA is partially homologous to the repeats within the respective CRISPR array and is essential for the processing of pre-crRNA that is catalyzed by RNAse III, a ubiquitous bacterial enzyme that is not associated with the CRISPR-Cas loci.

[00179] Cas1 is the most conserved protein that is present in most of the CRISPR-Cas systems and evolves slower than other Cas proteins. Accordingly, Cas1 phylogeny has been used as the guide for CRISPR-Cas system classification. Biochemical or in silico evidence shows that Cas1 is a metal-dependent deoxyribonuclease. Deletion of Cas1 in E. coli results in increased sensitivity to DNA damage and impaired chromosomal segregation as described in “A dual function of the CRISPR-Cassystem in bacterial antivirus immunity and DNA repair,” Babu M et al. Mol Microbiol 79:484-502 (2011). Biochemical or in silico evidence shows that Cas 2 is a RNase specific to U-rich regions and is a double- stranded DNase.

[00180] Aspects of the invention relate to the identification and engineering of novel effector proteins associated with Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems. In a preferred embodiment, the effector protein comprises a single-subunit effector module. In a further embodiment the effector protein is functional in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells for in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo applications. An aspect of the invention encompasses computational methods and algorithms to predict new Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems and identify the components therein.

[00181] In one embodiment, a computational method of identifying novel Class 2 CRISPR-Cas loci comprises the following steps: detecting all contigs encoding the Cas1 protein; identifying all predicted protein coding genes within 20kB of the cas1 gene; comparing the identified genes with Cas protein-specific profiles and predicting CRISPR 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 arrays; selecting unclassified candidate CRISPR-Cas loci containing proteins larger than 500 amino acids (>500 aa); analyzing selected candidates using PSI-BLAST and HHPred, thereby isolating and identifying novel Class 2 CRISPR-Cas loci. In addition to the above mentioned steps, additional analysis of the candidates may be conducted by searching metagenomics databases for additional homologs.

[00182] In one aspect the detecting all contigs encoding the Cas1 protein is performed by GenemarkS which a gene prediction program as further described in “GeneMarkS: a selftraining method for prediction of gene starts in microbial genomes. Implications for finding sequence motifs in regulatory regions.” John Besemer, Alexandre Lomsadze and Mark Borodovsky, Nucleic Acids Research (2001) 29, pp 2607-2618, herein incorporated by reference.

[00183] In one aspect the identifying all predicted protein coding genes is carried out by comparing the identified genes with Cas protein-specific profiles and annotating them according to NCBI Conserved Domain Database (CDD) which is a protein annotation resource that consists of a collection of well-annotated multiple sequence alignment models for ancient domains and full-length proteins. These are available as position-specific score matrices (PSSMs) for fast identification of conserved domains in protein sequences via RPS-BLAST. CDD content includes NCBI-curated domains, which use 3D-structure information to explicitly define domain boundaries and provide insights into sequence / structure / function relationships, as well as domain models imported from a number of external source databases (Pfam, SMART, COG, PRK, TIGRFAM). In a further aspect, CRISPR arrays were predicted using a PILER-CR program which is a public domain software for finding CRISPR repeats as described in “PILER-CR: fast and accurate identification of CRISPR repeats”, Edgar, R.C., BMC Bioinformatics, Jan 20;8:18(2007), herein incorporated by reference.

[00184] In a further aspect, the case by case analysis is performed using PSI-BLAST (Position-Specific Iterative Basic Local Alignment Search Tool). PSI-BLAST derives a position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) or profile from the multiple sequence alignment of sequences detected above a given score threshold using protein-protein BLAST. This PSSM is used to further search the database for new matches, and is updated for subsequent iterations with these newly detected sequences. Thus, PSI-BLAST provides a means of detecting distant relationships between proteins.

[00185] In another aspect, the case by case analysis is performed using HHpred, a method for sequence database searching and structure prediction that is as easy to use as BLAST or PSI-BLAST and that is at the same time much more sensitive in finding remote homologs. In 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 fact, HHpred’s sensitivity is competitive with the most powerful servers for structure prediction currently available. HHpred is the first server that is based on the pairwise comparison of profile hidden Markov models (HMMs). Whereas most conventional sequence search methods search sequence databases such as UniProt or the NR, HHpred searches alignment databases, like Pfam or SMART. This greatly simplifies the list of hits to a number of sequence families instead of a clutter of single sequences. All major publicly available profile and alignment databases are available through HHpred. HHpred accepts a single query sequence or a multiple alignment as input. Within only a few minutes it returns the search results in an easy-to-read format similar to that of PSI-BLAST. Search options include local or global alignment and scoring secondary structure similarity. HHpred can produce pairwise query-template sequence alignments, merged query-template multiple alignments (e.g. for transitive searches), as well as 3D structural models calculated by the MODELLER software from HHpred alignments.

[00186] The term “nucleic acid-targeting system”, wherein nucleic acid is DNA or RNA, and in some aspects may also refer to DNA-RNA hybirds or derivatives thereof, refers collectively to transcripts and other elements involved in the expression of or directing the activity of DNA or RNA-targeting CRISPR-associated (“Cas”) genes, which may include sequences encoding a DNA or RNA-targeting Cas protein and a DNA or RNA-targeting guide RNA comprising a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) sequence and (in CRISPR-Cas9 system but not all systems) a trans-activating CRISPR-Cas system RNA (tracrRNA) sequence, or other sequences and transcripts from a DNA or RNA-targeting CRISPR locus. In the Cpf1 DNA targeting RNA-guided endonuclease systems described herein, a tracrRNA sequence is not required. In general, a RNA-targeting system is characterized by elements that promote the formation of a RNA-targeting complex at the site of a target RNA sequence. In the context of formation of a DNA or RNA-targeting complex, “target sequence” refers to a DNA or RNA sequence to which a DNA or RNA-targeting guide RNA is designed to have complementarity, where hybridization between a target sequence and a RNA-targeting guide RNA promotes the formation of a RNA-targeting complex. In some embodiments, a target sequence is located in the nucleus or cytoplasm of a cell.

[00187] In an aspect of the invention, novel DNA targeting systems also referred to as DNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas or the CRISPR-Cas DNA-targeting system of the present application are based on identified Type V(e.g. subtype V-A and subtype V-B) Cas proteins which do not require the generation of customized proteins to target specific DNA sequences but rather a single effector protein or enzyme can be programmed by a RNA molecule to 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 recognize a specific DNA target, in other words the enzyme can be recruited to a specific DNA target using said RNA molecule. Aspects of the invention particularly relate to DNA targeting RNA-guided Cpf1 CRISPR systems.

[00188] In an aspect of the invention, novel RNA targeting systems also referred to as RNA- or RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas or the CRISPR-Cas system RNA-targeting system of the present application are based on identified Type VI Cas proteins which do not require the generation of customized proteins to target specific RNA sequences but rather a single enzyme can be programmed by a RNA molecule to recognize a specific RNA target, in other words the enzyme can be recruited to a specific RNA target using said RNA molecule.

[00189] The nucleic acids-targeting systems, the vector systems, the vectors and the compositions described herein may be used in various nucleic acids-targeting applications, altering or modifying synthesis of a gene product, such as a protein, nucleic acids cleavage, nucleic acids editing, nucleic acids splicing; trafficking of target nucleic acids, tracing of target nucleic acids, isolation of target nucleic acids, visualization of target nucleic acids, etc.

[00190] As used herein, a Cas protein or a CRISPR enzyme refers to any of the proteins presented in the new classification of CRISPR-Cas systems. In an advantageous embodiment, the present invention encompasses effector proteins identified in a Type V CRISPR-Cas loci, e.g. a Cpf1- encoding loci denoted as subtype V-A. Presently, the subtype V-A loci encompasses cas1, cas2, a distinct gene denoted cpf1 and a CRISPR array. Cpf1(CRISPR-associated protein Cpf1, subtype PREFRAN) is a large protein (about 1300 amino acids) that contains a RuvC-like nuclease domain homologous to the corresponding domain of Cas9 along with a counterpart to the characteristic arginine-rich cluster of Cas9. However, Cpf1 lacks the HNH nuclease domain that is present in all Cas9 proteins, and the RuvC-like domain is contiguous in the Cpf1 sequence, in contrast to Cas9 where it contains long inserts including the HNH domain. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the CRISPR-Cas enzyme comprises only a RuvC-like nuclease domain.

[00191] The Cpf1 gene is found in several diverse bacterial genomes, typically in the same locus with cas1, cas2, and cas4 genes and a CRISPR cassette (for example, FNFX1 1431-FNFX1 1428 of Francisella cf . novicida Fx1). Thus, the layout of this putative novel CRISPR-Cas system appears to be similar to that of type II-B. Furthermore, similar to Cas9, the Cpf1 protein contains a readily identifiable C-terminal region that is homologous to the transposon ORF-B and includes an active RuvC-like nuclease, an arginine-rich region, and a Zn finger (absent in Cas9). However, unlike Cas9, Cpf1 is also present in several genomes without a CRISPR-Cas context and its relatively high similarity with ORF-B suggests that it 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 might be a transposon component. It was suggested that if this was a genuine CRISPR-Cas system and Cpf1 is a functional analog of Cas9 it would be a novel CRISPR-Cas type, namely type V (See Annotation and Classification of CRISPR-Cas Systems. Makarova KS, Koonin EV. Methods Mol Biol. 2015;1311:47-75). However, as described herein, Cpf1 is denoted to be in subtype V-A to distinguish it from C2c1p which does not have an identical domain structure and is hence denoted to be in subtype V-B.

[00192] In an advantageous embodiment, the present invention encompasses compositions and systems comprising effector proteins identified in a Cpf1 loci denoted as subtype V-A.

[00193] Aspects of the invention also encompass methods and uses of the compositions and systems described herein in genome engineering, e.g. for altering or manipulating the expression of one or more genes or the one or more gene products, in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo.

[00194] In embodiments of the invention the terms mature crRNA and guide RNA and single guide RNA are used interchangeably as in foregoing cited documents such as WO 2014 / 093622 (PCT / US2013 / 074667). In general, a guide sequence is any polynucleotide sequence having sufficient complementarity with a target polynucleotide sequence to hybridize with the target sequence and direct sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to the target sequence. In some embodiments, the degree of complementarity between a guide sequence and its corresponding target sequence, when optimally aligned using a suitable alignment algorithm, is about or more than about 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or more. Optimal alignment may be determined with the use of any suitable algorithm for aligning sequences, non-limiting example of which include the Smith-Waterman algorithm, the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm, algorithms based on the Burrows-Wheeler Transform (e.g., the Burrows Wheeler Aligner), ClustalW, Clustal X, BLAT, Novoalign (Novocraft Technologies; available at www.novocraft.com), ELAND (Illumina, San Diego, CA), SOAP (available at soap.genomics.org.cn), and Maq (available at maq.sourceforge.net). In some embodiments, a guide sequence is about or more than about 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, or more nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, a guide sequence is less than about 75, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 12, or fewer nucleotides in length. Preferably the guide sequence is 10 - 30 nucleotides long. The ability of a guide sequence to direct sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to a target sequence may be assessed by any suitable assay. For example, the components of a CRISPR system sufficient to form a CRISPR complex, including the guide sequence to be tested, may be provided to a host cell 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 having the corresponding target sequence, such as by transfection with vectors encoding the components of the CRISPR sequence, followed by an assessment of preferential cleavage within the target sequence, such as by Surveyor assay as described herein. Similarly, cleavage of a target polynucleotide sequence may be evaluated in a test tube by providing the target sequence, components of a CRISPR complex, including the guide sequence to be tested and a control guide sequence different from the test guide sequence, and comparing binding or rate of cleavage at the target sequence between the test and control guide sequence reactions. Other assays are possible, and will occur to those skilled in the art. A guide sequence may be selected to target any target sequence. In some embodiments, the target sequence is a sequence within a genome of a cell. Exemplary target sequences include those that are unique in the target genome.

[00195] In general, and throughout this specification, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked. Vectors include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid molecules that are single-stranded, double-stranded, or partially double-stranded; nucleic acid molecules that comprise one or more free ends, no free ends (e.g., circular); nucleic acid molecules that comprise DNA, RNA, or both; and other varieties of polynucleotides known in the art. One type of vector is a “plasmid,” which refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be inserted, such as by standard molecular cloning techniques. Another type of vector is a viral vector, wherein virally-derived DNA or RNA sequences are present in the vector for packaging into a virus (e.g., retroviruses, replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses, replication defective adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses). Viral vectors also include polynucleotides carried by a virus for transfection into a host cell. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) are integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively-linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors.” Vectors for and that result in expression in a eukaryotic cell can be referred to herein as “eukaryotic expression vectors.” Common expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids.

[00196] Recombinant expression vectors can comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory elements, which may be selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, that is operatively-linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed. Within a recombinant expression vector, “operably linked” is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory element(s) in a manner that allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence (e.g., in an in vitro transcription / translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell).

[00197] The term “regulatory element” is intended to include promoters, enhancers, internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES), and other expression control elements (e.g., transcription termination signals, such as polyadenylation signals and poly-U sequences). Such regulatory elements are described, for example, in Goeddel, GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY: METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). Regulatory elements include those that direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cell and those that direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory sequences). A tissuespecific promoter may direct expression primarily in a desired tissue of interest, such as muscle, neuron, bone, skin, blood, specific organs (e.g., liver, pancreas), or particular cell types (e.g., lymphocytes). Regulatory elements may also direct expression in a temporaldependent manner, such as in a cell-cycle dependent or developmental stage-dependent manner, which may or may not also be tissue or cell-type specific. In some embodiments, a vector comprises one or more pol III promoter (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more pol III promoters), one or more pol II promoters (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more pol II promoters), one or more pol I promoters (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more pol I promoters), or combinations thereof. Examples of pol III promoters include, but are not limited to, U6 and H1 promoters. Examples of pol II promoters include, but are not limited to, the retroviral Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR promoter (optionally with the RSV enhancer), the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (optionally with the CMV enhancer) [see, e.g., Boshart et al, Cell, 41:521-530 (1985)], the SV40 promoter, the dihydrofolate reductase promoter, the P-actin promoter, the phosphoglycerol kinase (PGK) promoter, and the EFla promoter. Also encompassed by the term “regulatory element” are enhancer elements, such as WPRE; CMV enhancers; the R-U5’ segment in LTR of HTLV-I (Mol. Cell. Biol., Vol. 8(1), p. 466-472, 1988); SV40 enhancer; and the intron sequence between exons 2 and 3 of rabbit P-globin (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., Vol. 78(3), p. 1527-31, 1981). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 host cell to be transformed, the level of expression desired, etc. A vector can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce transcripts, proteins, or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) transcripts, proteins, enzymes, mutant forms thereof, fusion proteins thereof, etc.).

[00198] Advantageous vectors include lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses, and types of such vectors can also be selected for targeting particular types of cells.

[00199] As used herein, the term “crRNA” or “guide RNA” or “single guide RNA” or “sgRNA” or “one or more nucleic acid components” of a Type V CRISPR-Cas locus effector protein comprises any polynucleotide sequence having sufficient complementarity with a target nucleic acid sequence to hybridize with the target nucleic acid sequence and direct sequence-specific binding of a nucleic acid-targeting complex to the target nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the degree of complementarity, when optimally aligned using a suitable alignment algorithm, is about or more than about 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or more. Optimal alignment may be determined with the use of any suitable algorithm for aligning sequences, non-limiting example of which include the Smith-Waterman algorithm, the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm, algorithms based on the Burrows-Wheeler Transform (e.g., the Burrows Wheeler Aligner), ClustalW, Clustal X, BLAT, Novoalign (Novocraft Technologies; available at www.novocraft.com), ELAND (Illumina, San Diego, CA), SOAP (available at soap.genomics.org.cn), and Maq (available at maq.sourceforge.net). The ability of a guide sequence (within a nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA) to direct sequence-specific binding of a nucleic acid-targeting complex to a target nucleic acid sequence may be assessed by any suitable assay. For example, the components of a nucleic acid-targeting CRISPR system sufficient to form a nucleic acid-targeting complex, including the guide sequence to be tested, may be provided to a host cell having the corresponding target nucleic acid sequence, such as by transfection with vectors encoding the components of the nucleic acid-targeting complex, followed by an assessment of preferential targeting (e.g., cleavage) within the target nucleic acid sequence, such as by Surveyor assay as described herein. Similarly, cleavage of a target nucleic acid sequence may be evaluated in a test tube by providing the target nucleic acid sequence, components of a nucleic acidtargeting complex, including the guide sequence to be tested and a control guide sequence different from the test guide sequence, and comparing binding or rate of cleavage at the target sequence between the test and control guide sequence reactions. Other assays are possible, and will occur to those skilled in the art. A guide sequence, and hence a nucleic acid-targeting 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 guide RNA may be selected to target any target nucleic acid sequence. The target sequence may be DNA. The target sequence may be any RNA sequence. In some embodiments, the target sequence may be a sequence within a RNA molecule selected from the group consisting of messenger RNA (mRNA), pre-mRNA, ribosomaal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), double stranded RNA (dsRNA), non coding RNA (ncRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and small cytoplasmatic RNA (scRNA). In some preferred embodiments, the target sequence may be a sequence within a RNA molecule selected from the group consisting of mRNA, pre-mRNA, and rRNA. In some preferred embodiments, the target sequence may be a sequence within a RNA molecule selected from the group consisting of ncRNA, and lncRNA. In some more preferred embodiments, the target sequence may be a sequence within an mRNA molecule or a pre-mRNA molecule.

[00200] In some embodiments, a nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA is selected to reduce the degree secondary structure within the RNA-targeting guide RNA. In some embodiments, about or less than about 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or fewer of the nucleotides of the nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA participate in self-complementary base pairing when optimally folded. Optimal folding may be determined by any suitable polynucleotide folding algorithm. Some programs are based on calculating the minimal Gibbs free energy. An example of one such algorithm is mFold, as described by Zuker and Stiegler (Nucleic Acids Res. 9 (1981), 133-148). Another example folding algorithm is the online webserver RNAfold, developed at Institute for Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Vienna, using the centroid structure prediction algorithm (see e.g., A.R. Gruber et al., 2008, Cell 106(1): 23-24; and PA Carr and GM Church, 2009, Nature Biotechnology 27(12): 115162).

[00201] The “tracrRNA” sequence or analogous terms includes any polynucleotide sequence that has sufficient complementarity with a crRNA sequence to hybridize. As indicated herein above, in embodiments of the present invention, the tracrRNA is not required for cleavage activity of Cpf1 effector protein complexes.

[00202] Applicants also perform a challenge experiment to verify the DNA targeting and cleaving capability of a Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2. This experiment closely parallels similar work in E. coli for the heterologous expression of StCas9 (Sapranauskas, R. et al. Nucleic Acids Res 39, 9275-9282 (2011)). Applicants introduce a plasmid containing both a PAM and a resistance gene into the heterologous E. coli, and then 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 plate on the corresponding antibiotic. If there is DNA cleavage of the plasmid, Applicants observe no viable colonies.

[00203] In further detail, the assay is as follows for a DNA target. Two E.coli strains are used in this assay. One carries a plasmid that encodes the endogenous effector protein locus from the bacterial strain. The other strain carries an empty plasmid (e.g.pACYC184, control strain). All possible 7 or 8 bp PAM sequences are presented on an antibiotic resistance plasmid (pUC19 with ampicillin resistance gene). The PAM is located next to the sequence of proto-spacer 1 (the DNA target to the first spacer in the endogenous effector protein locus). Two PAM libraries were cloned. One has a 8 random bp 5’ of the proto-spacer (e.g. total of 65536 different PAM sequences = complexity). The other library has 7 random bp 3’ of the proto-spacer (e.g. total complexity is 16384 different PAMs). Both libraries were cloned to have in average 500 plasmids per possible PAM. Test strain and control strain were transformed with 5’PAM and 3’PAM library in separate transformations and transformed cells were plated separately on ampicillin plates. Recognition and subsequent cutting / interference with the plasmid renders a cell vulnerable to ampicillin and prevents growth. Approximately 12h after transformation, all colonies formed by the test and control strains where harvested and plasmid DNA was isolated. Plasmid DNA was used as template for PCR amplification and subsequent deep sequencing. Representation of all PAMs in the untransfomed libraries showed the expected representation of PAMs in transformed cells. Representation of all PAMs found in control strains showed the actual representation. Representation of all PAMs in test strain showed which PAMs are not recognized by the enzyme and comparison to the control strain allows extracting the sequence of the depleted PAM.

[00204] In some embodiments of CRISPR-Cas9 systems, the degree of complementarity between the tracrRNA sequence and crRNA sequence is along the length of the shorter of the two when optimally aligned. As described herein, in embodiments of the present invention, the tracrRNA is not required. In some embodiments of previously described CRISPR-Cas systems (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9 systems), chimeric synthetic guide RNAs (sgRNAs) designs may incorporate at least 12 bp of duplex structure between the crRNA and tracrRNA, however in the Cpf1 CRISPR systems described herein such chimeric RNAs (chi-RNAs) are not possible as the system does not utilize a tracrRNA.

[00205] For minimization of toxicity and off-target effect, it will be important to control the concentration of nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA delivered. Optimal concentrations of nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA can be determined by testing different concentrations in a 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 cellular or non-human eukaryote animal model and using deep sequencing the analyze the extent of modification at potential off-target genomic loci. The concentration that gives the highest level of on-target modification while minimizing the level of off-target modification should be chosen for in vivo delivery. The nucleic acid-targeting system is derived advantageously from a Type V / Type VI CRISPR system. In some embodiments, one or more elements of a nucleic acid-targeting system is derived from a particular organism comprising an endogenous RNA-targeting system. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the RNA-targeting system is a Type V / Type VI CRISPR system. In particular embodiments, the Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting Cas enzyme is Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2. Nonlimiting examples of Cas proteins include Cas1, Cas1B, Cas2, Cas3, Cas4, Cas5, Cas6, Cas7, Cas8, Cas9 (also known as Csn1 and Csx12), Cas10, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, Cse1, Cse2, Csc1, Csc2, Csa5, Csn2, Csm2, Csm3, Csm4, Csm5, Csm6, Cmr1, Cmr3, Cmr4, Cmr5, Cmr6, Csb1, Csb2, Csb3, Csx17, Csx14, Csx10, Csx16, CsaX, Csx3, Csx1, Csx15, Csf1, Csf2, Csf3, Csf4, homologues thereof, or modified versions thereof.In embodiments, the Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 as referred to herein also encompasses a homologue or an orthologue of a Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2. The terms “orthologue” (also referred to as “ortholog” herein) and “homologue” (also referred to as “homolog” herein) are well known in the art. By means of further guidance, a “homologue” of a protein as used herein is a protein of the same species which performs the same or a similar function as the protein it is a homologue of. Homologous proteins may but need not be structurally related, or are only partially structurally related. An “orthologue” of a protein as used herein is a protein of a different species which performs the same or a similar function as the protein it is an orthologue of. Orthologous proteins may but need not be structurally related, or are only partially structurally related. Homologs and orthologs may be identified by homology modelling (see, e.g., Greer, Science vol. 228 (1985) 1055, and Blundell et al. Eur J Biochem vol 172 (1988), 513) or "structural BLAST" (Dey F, Cliff Zhang Q, Petrey D, Honig B. Toward a "structural BLAST": using structural relationships to infer function. Protein Sci. 2013 Apr;22(4):359-66. doi: 10.1002 / pro.2225.). See also Shmakov et al. (2015) for application in the field of CRISPR-Cas loci. Homologous proteins may but need not be structurally related, or are only partially structurally related. In particular embodiments, the homologue or orthologue of Cpf1 as referred to herein has a sequence homology or identity of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with Cpf1. In further embodiments, the homologue or orthologue of Cpf1 as referred to herein has a sequence identity of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with the wild type Cpf1. Where the Cpf1 has one or more mutations (mutated), the homologue or orthologue of said Cpf1 as referred to herein has a sequence identity of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with the mutated Cpf1.

[00206] In an ambodiment, the type V Cas protein may be an ortholog of an organism of a genus which includes, but is not limited to Acidaminococcus sp, Lachnospiraceae bacterium or Moraxella bovoculi; in particular embodiments, the type V Cas protein may be an ortholog of an organism of a species which includes, but is not limited to Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6; Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 (LbCpf1) or Moraxella bovoculi 237.In particular embodiments, the homologue or orthologue of Cpf1 as referred to herein has a sequence homology or identity of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with one or more of the Cpf1 sequences disclosed herein. In further embodiments, the homologue or orthologue of Cpf as referred to herein has a sequence identity of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with the wild type FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1.

[00207] In particular embodiments, the Cpf1 protein of the invention has a sequence homology or identity of at least 60%, more particularly at least 70, such as at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with FnCpf1, AsCpf1 or LbCpf1. In further embodiments, the Cpf1 protein as referred to herein has a sequence identity of at least 60%, such as at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, such as for instance at least 95% with the wild type AsCpf1 or LbCpf1. In particular embodiments, the Cpf1 protein of the present invention has less than 60% sequence identity with FnCpf1. The skilled person will understand that this includes truncated forms of the Cpf1 protein whereby the sequence identity is determined over the length of the truncated form.

[00208] Some methods of identifying orthologs of CRISPR-Cas system enzymes may involve identifying tracr sequences in genomes of interest. Identification of tracr sequences may relate to the following steps: Search for the direct repeats or tracr mate sequences in a database to identify a CRISPR region comprising a CRISPR enzyme. Search for homologous sequences in the CRISPR region flanking the CRISPR enzyme in both the sense and antisense directions. Look for transcriptional terminators and secondary structures. Identify any sequence that is not a direct repeat or a tracr mate sequence but has more than 50% identity to the direct repeat or tracr mate sequence as a potential tracr sequence. Take the potential tracr sequence and analyze for transcriptional terminator sequences associated therewith. In this system, RNA-sequencing data 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 revealed that the potential tracrRNAs identified computationally were only lowly expressed suggesting possibility that tracrRNA may not be necessary for function of the present system. After further evaluation of the FnCpf1 locus and addition of in vitro cleavage results, Applicants concluded that target DNA cleavage by a Cpf1 effector protein complex does not require a tracrRNA. Applicants determined that Cpf1 effector protein complexes comprising only a Cpf1 effector protein and a crRNA (guide RNA comprising a direct repeat sequence and a guide sequence) were sufficient to cleave target DNA.

[00209] It will be appreciated that any of the functionalities described herein may be engineered into CRISPR enzymes from other orthologs, incuding chimeric enzymes comprising fragments from multiple orthologs. Examples of such orthologs are described elsewhere herein. Thus, chimeric enzymes may comprise fragments of CRISPR enzyme orthologs of organisms of a genus which includes but is not limited to Corynebacter, Sutterella, Legionella, Treponema, Filifactor, Eubacterium, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Mycoplasma, Bacteroides, Flaviivola, Flavobacterium, Sphaerochaeta, Azospirillum, Gluconacetobacter, Neisseria, Roseburia, Parvibaculum, Staphylococcus, Nitratifractor, Mycoplasma and Campylobacter. A chimeric enzyme can comprise a first fragment and a second fragment, and the fragrments can be of CRISPR enzyme orthologs of organisms of genuses herein mentioned or of species herein mentioned; advantageously the fragments are from CRISPR enzyme orthologs of different species.

[00210] In embodiments, the Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting effector protein, in particular the Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 protein as referred to herein also encompasses a functional variant of Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or a homologue or an orthologue thereof. A “functional variant” of a protein as used herein refers to a variant of such protein which retains at least partially the activity of that protein. Functional variants may include mutants (which may be insertion, deletion, or replacement mutants), including polymorphs, etc. Also included within functional variants are fusion products of such protein with another, usually unrelated, nucleic acid, protein, polypeptide or peptide. Functional variants may be naturally occurring or may be man-made. Advantageous embodiments can involve engineered or non-naturally occurring Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting effector protein, e.g., Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or an ortholog or homolog thereof.

[00211] In an embodiment, nucleic acid molecule(s) encoding the Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting effector protein, in particular Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or an ortholog or homolog thereof, may be codon-optimized for expression in an eukaryotic cell. A eukaryote can be as herein discussed. Nucleic acid molecule(s) can be engineered or non-naturally occurring. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00212] In an embodiment, the Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting effector protein, in particular Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or an ortholog or homolog thereof, may comprise one or more mutations (and hence nucleic acid molecule(s) coding for same may have mutation(s)). The mutations may be artificially introduced mutations and may include but are not limited to one or more mutations in a catalytic domain. Examples of catalytic domains with reference to a Cas9 enzyme may include but are not limited to RuvC I, RuvC II, RuvC III and HNH domains.

[00213] In an embodiment, the Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or an ortholog or homolog thereof, may be used as a generic nucleic acid binding protein with fusion to or being operably linked to a functional domain. Exemplary functional domains may include but are not limited to translational initiator, translational activator, translational repressor, nucleases, in particular ribonucleases, a spliceosome, beads, a light inducible / controllable domain or a chemically inducible / controllable domain.

[00214] In some embodiments, the unmodified nucleic acid-targeting effector protein may have cleavage activity. In some embodiments, the RNA-targeting effector protein may direct cleavage of one or both nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) strands at the location of or near a target sequence, such as within the target sequence and / or within the complement of the target sequence or at sequences associated with the target sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein may direct cleavage of one or both DNA or RNA strands within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, or more base pairs from the first or last nucleotide of a target sequence. In some embodiments, the cleavage may be staggered, i.e. generating sticky ends. In some embodiments, the cleavage is a staggered cut with a 5’ overhang. In some embodiments, the cleavage is a staggered cut with a 5’ overhang of 1 to 5 nucleotides, preferably of 4 or 5 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the cleavage site is distant from the PAM, e.g., the cleavage occurs after the 18th nucleotide on the non-target strand and after the 23rd nucleotide on the targeted strand (Figure 97A). In some embodiments, the cleavage site occurs after the 18th nucleotide (counted from the PAM) on the non-target strand and after the 23rd nucleotide (counted from the PAM) on the targeted strand (Figure 97A). In some embodiments, a vector encodes a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein that may be mutated with respect to a corresponding wild-type enzyme such that the mutated nucleic acid-targeting effector protein lacks the ability to cleave one or both DNA or RNA strands of a target polynucleotide containing a target sequence. As a further example, two or more catalytic domains of a Cas protein (e.g. RuvC I, RuvC II, and RuvC III or the HNH domain of a Cas9 protein) may be mutated to produce a mutated Cas protein substantially lacking all DNA cleavage activity. As described 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 herein, corresponding catalytic domains of a Cpf1 effector protein may also be mutated to produce a mutated Cpf1 effector protein lacking all DNA cleavage activity or having substantially reduced DNA cleavage activity. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein may be considered to substantially lack all RNA cleavage activity when the RNA cleavage activity of the mutated enzyme is about no more than 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, or less of the nucleic acid cleavage activity of the non-mutated form of the enzyme; an example can be when the nucleic acid cleavage activity of the mutated form is nil or negligible as compared with the non-mutated form. An effector protein may be identified with reference to the general class of enzymes that share homology to the biggest nuclease with multiple nuclease domains from the Type V / Type VI CRISPR system. Most preferably, the effector protein is a Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2. In further embodiments, the effector protein is a Type V protein. By derived, Applicants mean that the derived enzyme is largely based, in the sense of having a high degree of sequence homology with, a wildtype enzyme, but that it has been mutated (modified) in some way as known in the art or as described herein.

[00215] Again, it will be appreciated that the terms Cas and CRISPR enzyme and CRISPR protein and Cas protein are generally used interchangeably and at all points of reference herein refer by analogy to novel CRISPR effector proteins further described in this application, unless otherwise apparent, such as by specific reference to Cas9. As mentioned above, many of the residue numberings used herein refer to the effector protein from the Type V / Type VI CRISPR locus. However, it will be appreciated that this invention includes many more effector proteins from other species of microbes. In certain embodiments, effector proteins may be constitutively present or inducibly present or conditionally present or administered or delivered. Effector protein optimization may be used to enhance function or to develop new functions, one can generate chimeric effector proteins. And as described herein effector proteins may be modified to be used as a generic nucleic acid binding proteins.

[00216] Typically, in the context of a nucleic acid-targeting system, formation of a nucleic acid-targeting complex (comprising a guide RNA hybridized to a target sequence and complexed with one or more nucleic acid-targeting effector proteins) results in cleavage of one or both DNA or RNA strands in or near (e.g., within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, or more base pairs from) the target sequence. As used herein the term “sequence(s) associated with a target locus of interest” refers to sequences near the vicinity of the target sequence 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 (e.g. within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, or more base pairs from the target sequence, wherein the target sequence is comprised within a target locus of interest).

[00217] An example of a codon optimized sequence, is in this instance a sequence optimized for expression in a eukaryote, e.g., humans (i.e. being optimized for expression in humans), or for another eukaryote, animal or mammal as herein discussed; see, e.g., SaCas9 human codon optimized sequence in WO 2014 / 093622 (PCT / US2013 / 074667) as an example of a codon optimized sequence (from knowledge in the art and this disclosure, codon optimizing coding nucleic acid molecule(s), especially as to effector protein (e.g., Cpf1) is within the ambit of the skilled artisan). Whilst this is preferred, it will be appreciated that other examples are possible and codon optimization for a host species other than human, or for codon optimization for specific organs is known. In some embodiments, an enzyme coding sequence encoding a DNA / RNA-targeting Cas protein is codon optimized for expression in particular cells, such as eukaryotic cells. The eukaryotic cells may be those of or derived from a particular organism, such as a plant or a mammal, including but not limited to human, or non-human eukaryote or animal or mammal as herein discussed, e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, livestock, or non-human mammal or primate. In some embodiments, processes for modifying the germ line genetic identity of human beings and / or processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering without any substantial medical benefit to man or animal, and also animals resulting from such processes, may be excluded. In general, codon optimization refers to a process of modifying a nucleic acid sequence for enhanced expression in the host cells of interest by replacing at least one codon (e.g., about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, or more codons) of the native sequence with codons that are more frequently or most frequently used in the genes of that host cell while maintaining the native amino acid sequence. Various species exhibit particular bias for certain codons of a particular amino acid. Codon bias (differences in codon usage between organisms) often correlates with the efficiency of translation of messenger RNA (mRNA), which is in turn believed to be dependent on, among other things, the properties of the codons being translated and the availability of particular transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The predominance of selected tRNAs in a cell is generally a reflection of the codons used most frequently in peptide synthesis. Accordingly, genes can be tailored for optimal gene expression in a given organism based on codon optimization. Codon usage tables are readily available, for example, at the “Codon Usage Database” available at www.kazusa.orjp / codon / and these tables can be adapted in a number of ways. See Nakamura, Y., et al. “Codon usage tabulated from the international DNA sequence 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 databases: status for the year 2000” Nucl. Acids Res. 28:292 (2000). Computer algorithms for codon optimizing a particular sequence for expression in a particular host cell are also available, such as Gene Forge (Aptagen; Jacobus, PA), are also available. In some embodiments, one or more codons (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, or more, or all codons) in a sequence encoding a DNA / RNA-targeting Cas protein corresponds to the most frequently used codon for a particular amino acid. As to codon usage in yeast, reference is made to the online Yeast Genome database available at http: / / www.yeastgenome.org / community / codon usage.shtml, or Codon selection in yeast, Bennetzen and Hall, J Biol Chem. 1982 Mar 25;257(6):3026-31. As to codon usage in plants including algae, reference is made to Codon usage in higher plants, green algae, and cyanobacteria, Campbell and Gowri, Plant Physiol. 1990 Jan; 92(1): 1-11.; as well as Codon usage in plant genes, Murray et al, Nucleic Acids Res. 1989 Jan 25;17(2):477-98; or Selection on the codon bias of chloroplast and cyanelle genes in different plant and algal lineages, Morton BR, J Mol Evol. 1998 Apr;46(4):449-59.

[00218] In some embodiments, a vector encodes a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein such as the Type V / Type VI RNA-targeting effector protein, in particular Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2 or an ortholog or homolog thereof comprising one or more nuclear localization sequences (NLSs), such as about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more NLSs. In some embodiments, the RNA-targeting effector protein comprises about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more NLSs at or near the amino-terminus, about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more NLSs at or near the carboxy-terminus, or a combination of these (e.g., zero or at least one or more NLS at the amino-terminus and zero or at one or more NLS at the carboxy terminus). When more than one NLS is present, each may be selected independently of the others, such that a single NLS may be present in more than one copy and / or in combination with one or more other NLSs present in one or more copies. In some embodiments, an NLS is considered near the N- or C-terminus when the nearest amino acid of the NLS is within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or more amino acids along the polypeptide chain from the N- or C-terminus. Non-limiting examples of NLSs include an NLS sequence derived from: the NLS of the SV40 virus large T-antigen, having the amino acid sequence PKKKRKV (SEQ ID NO: 2); the NLS from nucleoplasmin (e.g., the nucleoplasmin bipartite NLS with the sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 3)); the c-myc NLS having the amino acid sequence PAAKRVKLD (SEQ ID NO: 4) or RQRRNELKRSP (SEQ ID NO: 5); the hRNPA1 M9 NLS having the sequence NQSSNFGPMKGGNFGGRSSGPYGGGGQYFAKPRNQGGY (SEQ ID NO: 6); the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 sequence RMRIZFKNKGKDTAELRRRRVEVSVELRKAKKDEQILKRRNV (SEQ ID NO: 7) of the IBB domain from importin-alpha; the sequences VSRKRPRP (SEQ ID NO: 8) and PPKKARED (SEQ ID NO: 9) of the myoma T protein; the sequence PQPKKKPL (SEQ ID NO: 10) of human p53; the sequence SALIKKKKKMAP (SEQ ID NO: 11) of mouse c-abl IV; the sequences DRLRR (SEQ ID NO: 12) and PKQKKRK (SEQ ID NO: 13) of the influenza virus NS1; the sequence RKLKKKIKKL (SEQ ID NO: 14) of the Hepatitis virus delta antigen; the sequence REKKKFLKRR (SEQ ID NO: 15) of the mouse Mx1 protein; the sequence KRKGDEVDGVDEVAKKKSKK (SEQ ID NO: 16) of the human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; and the sequence RKCLQAGMNLEARKTKK (SEQ ID NO: 17) of the steroid hormone receptors (human) glucocorticoid. In general, the one or more NLSs are of sufficient strength to drive accumulation of the DNA / RNA-targeting Cas protein in a detectable amount in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. In general, strength of nuclear localization activity may derive from the number of NLSs in the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein, the particular NLS(s) used, or a combination of these factors. Detection of accumulation in the nucleus may be performed by any suitable technique. For example, a detectable marker may be fused to the nucleic acid-targeting protein, such that location within a cell may be visualized, such as in combination with a means for detecting the location of the nucleus (e.g., a stain specific for the nucleus such as DAPI). Cell nuclei may also be isolated from cells, the contents of which may then be analyzed by any suitable process for detecting protein, such as immunohistochemistry, Western blot, or enzyme activity assay. Accumulation in the nucleus may also be determined indirectly, such as by an assay for the effect of nucleic acid-targeting complex formation (e.g., assay for DNA or RNA cleavage or mutation at the target sequence, or assay for altered gene expression activity affected by DNA or RNA-targeting complex formation and / or DNA or RNA-targeting Cas protein activity), as compared to a control not exposed to the nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein or nucleic acid-targeting complex, or exposed to a nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein lacking the one or more NLSs. In preferred embodiments of the herein described Cpf1 effector protein complexes and systems the codon optimized Cpf1 effector proteins comprise an NLS attached to the C-terminal of the protein. In certain embodiments, other localization tags may be fused to the Cas protein, such as without limitation for localizing the Cas to particular sites in a cell, such as organells, such mitochondria, plastids, chloroplast, vesicles, golgi, (nuclear or cellular) membranes, ribosomes, nucleoluse, ER, cytoskeleton, vacuoles, centrosome, nucleosome, granules, centrioles, etc 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00219] In some embodiments, one or more vectors driving expression of one or more elements of a nucleic acid-targeting system are introduced into a host cell such that expression of the elements of the nucleic acid-targeting system direct formation of a nucleic acid-targeting complex at one or more target sites. For example, a nucleic acid-targeting effector enzyme and a nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA could each be operably linked to separate regulatory elements on separate vectors. RNA(s) of the nucleic acid-targeting system can be delivered to a transgenic nucleic acid-targeting effector protein animal or mammal, e.g., an animal or mammal that constitutively or inducibly or conditionally expresses nucleic acid-targeting effector protein; or an animal or mammal that is otherwise expressing nucleic acid-targeting effector proteins or has cells containing nucleic acid-targeting effector proteins, such as by way of prior administration thereto of a vector or vectors that code for and express in vivo nucleic acid-targeting effector proteins. Alternatively, two or more of the elements expressed from the same or different regulatory elements, may be combined in a single vector, with one or more additional vectors providing any components of the nucleic acid-targeting system not included in the first vector. nucleic acid-targeting system elements that are combined in a single vector may be arranged in any suitable orientation, such as one element located 5’ with respect to (“upstream” of) or 3’ with respect to (“downstream” of) a second element. The coding sequence of one element may be located on the same or opposite strand of the coding sequence of a second element, and oriented in the same or opposite direction. In some embodiments, a single promoter drives expression of a transcript encoding a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein and the nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA, embedded within one or more intron sequences (e.g., each in a different intron, two or more in at least one intron, or all in a single intron). In some embodiments, the nucleic acidtargeting effector protein and the nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA may be operably linked to and expressed from the same promoter. Delivery vehicles, vectors, particles, nanoparticles, formulations and components thereof for expression of one or more elements of a nucleic acid-targeting system are as used in the foregoing documents, such as WO 2014 / 093622 (PCT / US2013 / 074667). In some embodiments, a vector comprises one or more insertion sites, such as a restriction endonuclease recognition sequence (also referred to as a “cloning site”). In some embodiments, one or more insertion sites (e.g., about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more insertion sites) are located upstream and / or downstream of one or more sequence elements of one or more vectors. When multiple different guide sequences are used, a single expression construct may be used to target nucleic acid-targeting activity to multiple different, corresponding target sequences within a cell. For example, a single vector 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 may comprise about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or more guide sequences. In some embodiments, about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more such guide-sequence-containing vectors may be provided, and optionally delivered to a cell. In some embodiments, a vector comprises a regulatory element operably linked to an enzyme-coding sequence encoding a a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein. Nucleic acidtargeting effector protein or nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA or RNA(s) can be delivered separately; and advantageously at least one of these is delivered via a particle complex. nucleic acid-targeting effector protein mRNA can be delivered prior to the nucleic acidtargeting guide RNA to give time for nucleic acid-targeting effector protein to be expressed. Nucleic acid-targeting effector protein mRNA might be administered 1-12 hours (preferably around 2-6 hours) prior to the administration of nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA. Alternatively, nucleic acid-targeting effector protein mRNA and nucleic acid-targeting guide RNA can be administered together. Advantageously, a second booster dose of guide RNA can be administered 1-12 hours (preferably around 2-6 hours) after the initial administration of nucleic acid-targeting effector protein mRNA + guide RNA. Additional administrations of nucleic acid-targeting effector protein mRNA and / or guide RNA might be useful to achieve the most efficient levels of genome modification.

[00220] In one aspect, the invention provides methods for using one or more elements of a nucleic acid-targeting system. The nucleic acid-targeting complex of the invention provides an effective means for modifying a target DNA or RNA (single or double stranded, linear or super-coiled). The nucleic acid-targeting complex of the invention has a wide variety of utility including modifying (e.g., deleting, inserting, translocating, inactivating, activating) a target DNA or RNA in a multiplicity of cell types. As such the nucleic acid-targeting complex of the invention has a broad spectrum of applications in, e.g., gene therapy, drug screening, disease diagnosis, and prognosis. An exemplary nucleic acid-targeting complex comprises a DNA or RNA-targeting effector protein complexed with a guide RNA hybridized to a target sequence within the target locus of interest.

[00221] In one embodiment, this invention provides a method of cleaving a target RNA. The method may comprise modifying a target RNA using a nucleic acid-targeting complex that binds to the target RNA and effect cleavage of said target RNA. In an embodiment, the nucleic acid-targeting complex of the invention, when introduced into a cell, may create a break (e.g., a single or a double strand break) in the RNA sequence. For example, the method can be used to cleave a disease RNA in a cell. For example, an exogenous RNA template comprising a sequence to be integrated flanked by an upstream sequence and a downstream 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 sequence may be introduced into a cell. The upstream and downstream sequences share sequence similarity with either side of the site of integration in the RNA. Where desired, a donor RNA can be mRNA. The exogenous RNA template comprises a sequence to be integrated (e.g., a mutated RNA). The sequence for integration may be a sequence endogenous or exogenous to the cell. Examples of a sequence to be integrated include RNA encoding a protein or a non-coding RNA (e.g., a microRNA). Thus, the sequence for integration may be operably linked to an appropriate control sequence or sequences. Alternatively, the sequence to be integrated may provide a regulatory function. The upstream and downstream sequences in the exogenous RNA template are selected to promote recombination between the RNA sequence of interest and the donor RNA. The upstream sequence is a RNA sequence that shares sequence similarity with the RNA sequence upstream of the targeted site for integration. Similarly, the downstream sequence is a RNA sequence that shares sequence similarity with the RNA sequence downstream of the targeted site of integration. The upstream and downstream sequences in the exogenous RNA template can have 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% sequence identity with the targeted RNA sequence. Preferably, the upstream and downstream sequences in the exogenous RNA template have about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with the targeted RNA sequence. In some methods, the upstream and downstream sequences in the exogenous RNA template have about 99% or 100% sequence identity with the targeted RNA sequence. An upstream or downstream sequence may comprise from about 20 bp to about 2500 bp, for example, about 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, or 2500 bp. In some methods, the exemplary upstream or downstream sequence have about 200 bp to about 2000 bp, about 600 bp to about 1000 bp, or more particularly about 700 bp to about 1000 bp. In some methods, the exogenous RNA template may further comprise a marker. Such a marker may make it easy to screen for targeted integrations. Examples of suitable markers include restriction sites, fluorescent proteins, or selectable markers. The exogenous RNA template of the invention can be constructed using recombinant techniques (see, for example, Sambrook et al., 2001 and Ausubel et al., 1996). In a method for modifying a target RNA by integrating an exogenous RNA template, a break (e.g., double or single stranded break in double or single stranded DNA or RNA) is introduced into the DNA or RNA sequence by the nucleic acid-targeting complex, the break is repaired via homologous recombination with an exogenous RNA template such that the template is integrated into the RNA target. The presence of a double-stranded break facilitates integration of the template. In other 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 embodiments, this invention provides a method of modifying expression of a RNA in a eukaryotic cell. The method comprises increasing or decreasing expression of a target polynucleotide by using a nucleic acid-targeting complex that binds to the DNA or RNA (e.g., mRNA or pre-mRNA). In some methods, a target RNA can be inactivated to effect the modification of the expression in a cell. For example, upon the binding of a RNA-targeting complex to a target sequence in a cell, the target RNA is inactivated such that the sequence is not translated, the coded protein is not produced, or the sequence does not function as the wild-type sequence does. For example, a protein or microRNA coding sequence may be inactivated such that the protein or microRNA or pre-microRNA transcript is not produced. The target RNA of a RNA-targeting complex can be any RNA endogenous or exogenous to the eukaryotic cell. For example, the target RNA can be a RNA residing in the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell. The target RNA can be a sequence (e.g., mRNA or pre-mRNA) coding a gene product (e.g., a protein) or a non-coding sequence (e.g., ncRNA, lncRNA, tRNA, or rRNA). Examples of target RNA include a sequence associated with a signaling biochemical pathway, e.g., a signaling biochemical pathway-associated RNA. Examples of target RNA include a disease associated RNA. A “disease-associated” RNA refers to any RNA which is yielding translation products at an abnormal level or in an abnormal form in cells derived from a disease-affected tissues compared with tissues or cells of a non disease control. It may be a RNA transcribed from a gene that becomes expressed at an abnormally high level; it may be a RNA transcribed from a gene that becomes expressed at an abnormally low level, where the altered expression correlates with the occurrence and / or progression of the disease. A disease-associated RNA also refers to a RNA transcribed from a gene possessing mutation(s) or genetic variation that is directly responsible or is in linkage disequilibrium with a gene(s) that is responsible for the etiology of a disease. The translated products may be known or unknown, and may be at a normal or abnormal level. The target RNA of a RNA-targeting complex can be any RNA endogenous or exogenous to the eukaryotic cell. For example, the target RNA can be a RNA residing in the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell. The target RNA can be a sequence (e.g., mRNA or pre-mRNA) coding a gene product (e.g., a protein) or a non-coding sequence (e.g., ncRNA, lncRNA, tRNA, or rRNA).

[00222] In some embodiments, the method may comprise allowing a nucleic acid-targeting complex to bind to the target DNA or RNA to effect cleavage of said target DNA or RNA thereby modifying the target DNA or RNA, wherein the nucleic acid-targeting complex comprises a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein complexed with a guide RNA hybridized to a target sequence within said target DNA or RNA. In one aspect, the invention provides a 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 method of modifying expression of DNA or RNA in a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises allowing a nucleic acid-targeting complex to bind to the DNA or RNA such that said binding results in increased or decreased expression of said DNA or RNA; wherein the nucleic acid-targeting complex comprises a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein complexed with a guide RNA. Similar considerations and conditions apply as above for methods of modifying a target DNA or RNA. In fact, these sampling, culturing and re-introduction options apply across the aspects of the present invention. In one aspect, the invention provides for methods of modifying a target DNA or RNA in a eukaryotic cell, which may be in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro. In some embodiments, the method comprises sampling a cell or population of cells from a human or non-human animal, and modifying the cell or cells. Culturing may occur at any stage ex vivo. The cell or cells may even be reintroduced into the non-human animal or plant. For re-introduced cells it is particularly preferred that the cells are stem cells.

[00223] Indeed, in any aspect of the invention, the nucleic acid-targeting complex may comprise a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein complexed with a guide RNA hybridized to a target sequence.

[00224] The invention relates to the engineering and optimization of systems, methods and compositions used for the control of gene expression involving DNA or RNA sequence targeting, that relate to the nucleic acid-targeting system and components thereof. In advantageous embodiments, the effector enzyme is a Type V / Type VI protein such as Cpf1 / C2c1 / C2c2. An advantage of the present methods is that the CRISPR system minimizes or avoids off-target binding and its resulting side effects. This is achieved using systems arranged to have a high degree of sequence specificity for the target DNA or RNA.

[00225] In relation to a nucleic acid-targeting complex or system preferably, the crRNA sequence has one or more stem loops or hairpins and is 30 or more nucleotides in length, 40 or more nucleotides in length, or 50 or more nucleotides in length; the crRNA sequence is between 10 to 30 nucleotides in length, the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein is a Type V / Type VI Cas enzyme. In certain embodiments, the crRNA sequence is between 42 and 44 nucleotides in length, and the nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein is Cpf1 of Francisella tularensis subsp.novocida U112. In certain embodiments, the crRNA comprises, consists essentialy of, or consists of 19 nucleotides of a direct repeat and between 23 and 25 nucleotides of spacer sequence, and the nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein is Cpf1 of Francisella tularensis subsp.novocida U112. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00226] The use of two different aptamers (each associated with a distinct nucleic acidtargeting guide RNAs) allows an activator-adaptor protein fusion and a repressor-adaptor protein fusion to be used, with different nucleic acid-targeting guide RNAs, to activate expression of one DNA or RNA, whilst repressing another. They, along with their different guide RNAs can be administered together, or substantially together, in a multiplexed approach. A large number of such modified nucleic acid-targeting guide RNAs can be used all at the same time, for example 10 or 20 or 30 and so forth, whilst only one (or at least a minimal number) of effector protein molecules need to be delivered, as a comparatively small number of effector protein molecules can be used with a large number modified guides. The adaptor protein may be associated (preferably linked or fused to) one or more activators or one or more repressors. For example, the adaptor protein may be associated with a first activator and a second activator. The first and second activators may be the same, but they are preferably different activators. Three or more or even four or more activators (or repressors) may be used, but package size may limit the number being higher than 5 different functional domains. Linkers are preferably used, over a direct fusion to the adaptor protein, where two or more functional domains are associated with the adaptor protein. Suitable linkers might include the GlySer linker.

[00227] It is also envisaged that the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein-guide RNA complex as a whole may be associated with two or more functional domains. For example, there may be two or more functional domains associated with the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein, or there may be two or more functional domains associated with the guide RNA (via one or more adaptor proteins), or there may be one or more functional domains associated with the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein and one or more functional domains associated with the guide RNA (via one or more adaptor proteins).

[00228] The fusion between the adaptor protein and the activator or repressor may include a linker. For example, GlySer linkers GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18) can be used. They can be used in repeats of 3 ((GGGGS)3 (SEQ ID NO: 19)) or 6 (SEQ ID NO: 20), 9 (SEQ ID NO: 21) or even 12 (SEQ ID NO: 22) or more, to provide suitable lengths, as required. Linkers can be used between the guide RNAs and the functional domain (activator or repressor), or between the nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein (Cas) and the functional domain (activator or repressor). The linkers the user to engineer appropriate amounts of “mechanical flexibility”.

[00229] The invention comprehends a nucleic acid-targeting complex comprising a nucleic acid-targeting effector protein and a guide RNA, wherein the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein comprises at least one mutation, such that the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 has no more than 5% of the activity of the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein not having the at least one mutation and, optional, at least one or more nuclear localization sequences; the guide RNA comprises a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a RNA of interest in a cell; and wherein: the nucleic acid-targeting effector protein is associated with two or more functional domains; or at least one loop of the guide RNA is modified by the insertion of distinct RNA sequence(s) that bind to one or more adaptor proteins, and wherein the adaptor protein is associated with two or more functional domains; or the nucleic acid-targeting Cas protein is associated with one or more functional domains and at least one loop of the guide RNA is modified by the insertion of distinct RNA sequence(s) that bind to one or more adaptor proteins, and wherein the adaptor protein is associated with one or more functional domains.

[00230] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of generating a model eukaryotic cell comprising a mutated disease gene. In some embodiments, a disease gene is any gene associated an increase in the risk of having or developing a disease. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) introducing one or more vectors into a eukaryotic cell, wherein the one or more vectors drive expression of one or more of: a Cpf1 enzyme and a protected guide RNA comprising a guide sequence linked to a direct repeat sequence; and (b) allowing a CRISPR complex to bind to a target polynucleotide to effect cleavage of the target polynucleotide within said disease gene, wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the Cpf1 enzyme complexed with the guide RNA comprising the sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence within the target polynucleotide, thereby generating a model eukaryotic cell comprising a mutated disease gene. In some embodiments, said cleavage comprises cleaving one or two strands at the location of the target sequence by said Cpf1 enzyme. In some embodiments, said cleavage results in decreased transcription of a target gene. In some embodiments, the method further comprises repairing said cleaved target polynucleotide by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-based gene insertion mechanisms with an exogenous template polynucleotide, wherein said repair results in a mutation comprising an insertion, deletion, or substitution of one or more nucleotides of said target polynucleotide. In some embodiments, said mutation results in one or more amino acid changes in a protein expression from a gene comprising the target sequence.

[00231] In an aspect the invention provides methods as herein discussed wherein the host is a eukaryotic cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the host is a mammalian cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the host is a non-human eukaryote cell. In an aspect the invention 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the non-human eukaryote cell is a non-human mammal cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the non-human mammal cell may be including, but not limited to, primate bovine, ovine, procine, canine, rodent, Leporidae such as monkey, cow, sheep, pig, dog, rabbit, rat or mouse cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, the cell may be a a nonmammalian eukaryotic cell such as poultry bird (e.g., chicken), vertebrate fish (e.g., salmon) or shellfish (e.g., oyster, claim, lobster, shrimp) cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, the non-human eukaryote cell is a plant cell. The plant cell may be of a monocot or dicot or of a crop or grain plant such as cassava, corn, sorghum, soybean, wheat, oat or rice. The plant cell may also be of an algae, tree or production plant, fruit or vegetable (e.g., trees such as citrus trees, e.g., orange, grapefruit or lemon trees; peach or nectarine trees; apple or pear trees; nut trees such as almond or walnut or pistachio trees; nightshade plants; plants of the genus Brassica; plants of the genus Lactuca; plants of the genus Spinacia; plants of the genus Capsicum; cotton, tobacco, asparagus, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, eggplant, pepper, lettuce, spinach, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, grape, coffee, cocoa, etc).

[00232] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for developing a biologically active agent that modulates a cell signaling event associated with a disease gene. In some embodiments, a disease gene is any gene associated an increase in the risk of having or developing a disease. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) contacting a test compound with a model cell of any one of the above-described embodiments; and (b) detecting a change in a readout that is indicative of a reduction or an augmentation of a cell signaling event associated with said mutation in said disease gene, thereby developing said biologically active agent that modulates said cell signaling event associated with said disease gene.

[00233] In one aspect the invention provides for a method of selecting one or more cell(s) by introducing one or more mutations in a gene in the one or more cell (s), the method comprising: introducing one or more vectors into the cell (s), wherein the one or more vectors drive expression of one or more of: Cpf1, a guide sequence linked to a direct repeat sequence, and an editing template; wherein the editing template comprises the one or more mutations that abolish Cpf1 cleavage; allowing homologous recombination of the editing template with the target polynucleotide in the cell(s) to be selected; allowing a Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex to bind to a target polynucleotide to effect cleavage of the target polynucleotide within said gene, wherein the Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex comprises the Cpf1 complexed with (1) the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence within the target polynucleotide, and (2) the direct repeat sequence, wherein binding of the Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex to the target polynucleotide induces cell death, thereby allowing one or more cell(s) in which one or more mutations have been introduced to be selected; this includes the present split Cpf1. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the cell to be selected may be a eukaryotic cell. Aspects of the invention allow for selection of specific cells without requiring a selection marker or a two-step process that may include a counter-selection system. In particular embodiments, the model eukaryotic cell is comprised within a model eukaryotic organism.

[00234] In one aspect, the invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a guide sequence downstream of a direct repeat sequence, wherein the guide sequence when expressed directs sequence-specific binding of a Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex to a corresponding target sequence present in a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the target sequence is a viral sequence present in a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the target sequence is a proto-oncogene or an oncogene.

[00235] In one aspect, the invention provides a vector system or eukaryotic host cell comprising (a) a first regulatory element operably linked to a direct repeat sequence and one or more insertion sites for inserting one or more guide sequences (including any of the modified guide sequences as described herein) downstream of the DR sequence, wherein when expressed, the guide sequence directs sequence-specific binding of a Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex to a target sequence in a eukaryotic cell, wherein the Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex comprises Cpf1 (including any of the modified enzymes as described herein) complexed with the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence (and optionally the DR sequence); and / or (b) a second regulatory element operably linked to an enzyme-coding sequence encoding said Cpf1 enzyme comprising a nuclear localization sequence and / or NES. In some embodiments, the host cell comprises components (a) and (b). In some embodiments, component (a), component (b), or components (a) and (b) are stably integrated into a genome of the host eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, component (a) further comprises two or more guide sequences operably linked to the first regulatory element, wherein when expressed, each of the two or more guide sequences direct sequence specific binding of a Cpf1 CRISPR-Cas complex to a different target sequence in a eukaryotic cell. . In some embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme comprises one or more nuclear localization sequences and / or nuclear export sequences or NES of sufficient strength to drive accumulation of said CRISPR enzyme in a detectable amount in and / or out of the nucleus of 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is derived from Francisella tularensis 1, Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2 44 17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens, or Porphyromonas macacae Cpf1, including any of the modified enzymes as described herein, and may include further alteration or mutation of the Cpf1, and can be a chimeric Cpf1. . In some embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme is codon-optimized for expression in a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme directs cleavage of one or two strands at the location of the target sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the strand break is a staggered cut with a 5’ overhang. In some embodiments, the Cpf1 lacks DNA strand cleavage activity (e.g., no more than 5% nuclease activity as compared with a wild type enzyme or enzyme not having the mutation or alteration that decreases nuclease activity). In some embodiments, the first regulatory element is a polymerase III promoter. In some embodiments, the second regulatory element is a polymerase II promoter. In some embodiments, the direct repeat has a minimum length of 16 nts and a single stem loop. In further embodiments the direct repeat has a length longer than 16 nts, preferably more than 17 nts, and has more than one stem loop or optimized secondary structures. In some embodiments, the guide sequence is at least 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25 nucleotides, or between 16-30, or between 16-25, or between 16-20 nucleotides in length.

[00236] In one aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising one or more of the components described herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a vector system or host cell as described herein and instructions for using the kit. Modified Cpf1 enzymes

[00237] Computational analysis of the primary structure of Cpf1 nucleases reveals three distinct regions (Figure 1). First a C-terminal RuvC like domain, which is the only functional characterized domain. Second a N-terminal alpha-helical region and thirst a mixed alpha and beta region, located between the RuvC like domain and the alpha-helical region.

[00238] Several small stretches of unstructured regions are predicted within the Cpf1 primary structure. Unstructured regions, which are exposed to the solvent and not conserved within different Cpf1 orthologs, are preferred sides for splits and insertions of small protein sequences (Figure 2 and 3). In addition, these sides can be used to generate chimeric proteins between Cpf1 orthologs. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00239] Based on the above information, mutants can be generated which lead to inactivation of the enzyme or which modify the double strand nuclease to nickase activity. In alternative embodiments, this information is used to develop enzymes with reduced off-target effects (described elsewhere herein)

[00240] In certain of the above-described Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited to positions D917, E1006, E1028, D1227, D1255A, N1257, according to FnCpf1 protein or any corresponding ortholog. In an aspect the invention provides a herein-discussed composition wherein the Cpf1 enzyme is an inactivated enzyme which comprises one or more mutations selected from the group consisting of D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A, N1257A, D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A and N1257A according to FnCpf1 protein or corresponding positions in a Cpf1 ortholog. In an aspect the invention provides a herein-discussed composition, wherein the CRISPR enzyme comprises D917, or E1006 and D917, or D917 and D1255, according to FnCpf1 protein or a corresponding position in a Cpf1 ortholog.

[00241] In certain of the above-described Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues (in the RuvC domain) including but not limited to positions R909, R912, R930, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, K1002, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, K1035, K1054, K1072, K1086, R1094, K1095, K1109, K1118, K1142, K1150, K1158, K1159, R1220, R1226, R1242, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00242] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues (in the RAD50) domain including but not limited positions K324, K335, K337, R331, K369, K370, R386, R392, R393, K400, K404, K406, K408, K414, K429, K436, K438, K459, K460, K464, R670, K675, R681, K686, K689, R699, K705, R725, K729, K739, K748, and / or K752 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00243] In certain of the Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions R912, T923, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, K1072, K1086, F1103, R1226, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00244] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions R833, R836, K847, K879, K881, R883, R887, K897, K900, K932, R935, K940, K948, K953, K960, K984, K1003, K1017, R1033, R1138, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 R1165, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of LbCpf1 (Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006).

[00245] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, Q34, R43, K48, K51, R56, R84, K85, K87, N93, R103, N104, T118, K123, K134, R176, K177, R192, K200, K226, K273, K275, T291, R301, K307, K369, S404, V409, K414, K436, K438, K468, D482, K516, R518, K524, K530, K532, K548, K559, K570, R574, K592, D596, K603, K607, K613, C647, R681, K686, H720, K739, K748, K757, T766, K780, R790, P791, K796, K809, K815, T816, K860, R862, R863, K868, K897, R909, R912, T923, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, A1053, K1072, K1086, F1103, S1209, R1226, R1252, K1273, K1282, and / or K1288 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00246] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, R34, R43, K48, K51, K56, K87, K88, D90, K96, K106, K107, K120, Q125, K143, R186, K187, R202, K210, K235, K296, K298, K314, K320, K326, K397, K444, K449, E454, A483, E491, K527, K541, K581, R583, K589, K595, K597, K613, K624, K635, K639, K656, K660, K667, K671, K677, K719, K725, K730, K763, K782, K791, R800, K809, K823, R833, K834, K839, K852, K858, K859, K869, K871, R872, K877, K905, R918, R921, K932, I960, K962, R964, R968, K978, K981, K1013, R1016, K1021, K1029, K1034, K1041, K1065, K1084, and / or K1098 with reference to amino acid position numbering of FnCpf1 (Francisella novicida U112).

[00247] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, K34, R43, K48, K51, R56, K83, K84, R86, K92, R102, K103, K116, K121, R158, E159, R174, R182, K206, K251, K253, K269, K271, K278, P342, K380, R385, K390, K415, K421, K457, K471, A506, R508, K514, K520, K522, K538, Y548, K560, K564, K580, K584, K591, K595, K601, K634, K640, R645, K679, K689, K707, T716, K725, R737, R747, R748, K753, K768, K774, K775, K785, K787, R788, Q793, K821, R833, R836, K847, K879, K881, R883, R887, K897, K900, K932, R935, K940, K948, K953, K960, K984, K1003, K1017, R1033, K1121, R1138, R1165, K1190, K1199, and / or K1208 with reference to amino acid position numbering of LbCpf1 (Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006).

[00248] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K14, R17, R25, K33, M42, Q47, K50, D55, K85, N86, K88, K94, R104, K105, K118, K123, K131, R174, K175, R190, R198, I221, K267, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 Q269, K285, K291, K297, K357, K403, K409, K414, K448, K460, K501, K515, K550, R552, K558, K564, K566, K582, K593, K604, K608, K623, K627, K633, K637, E643, K780, Y787, K792, K830, Q846, K858, K867, K876, K890, R900, K901, M906, K921, K927, K928, K937, K939, R940, K945, Q975, R987, R990, K1001, R1034, I1036, R1038, R1042, K1052, K1055, K1087, R1090, K1095, N1103, K1108, K1115, K1139, K1158, R1172, K1188, K1276, R1293, A1319, K1340, K1349, and / or K1356 with reference to amino acid position numbering of MbCpf1 (Moraxella bovoculi 237). Deactivated / inactivated Cpfl protein

[00249] Where the Cpf1 protein has nuclease activity, the Cpf1 protein may be modified to have diminished nuclease activity e.g., nuclease inactivation of at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100% as compared with the wild type enzyme; or to put in another way, a Cpf1 enzyme having advantageously about 0% of the nuclease activity of the non-mutated or wild type Cpf1 enzyme or CRISPR enzyme, or no more than about 3% or about 5% or about 10% of the nuclease activity of the non-mutated or wild type Cpf1 enzyme, e.g. of the non-mutated or wild type Francisella novicida U112 (FnCpf1), Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6 (AsCpf1), Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 (LbCpf1) or Moraxella bovoculi 237 (MbCpf1 Cpf1 enzyme or CRISPR enzyme. This is possible by introducing mutations into the nuclease domains of the Cpf1 and orthologs thereof.

[00250] More particularly, the inactivated Cpf1 enzymes include enzymes mutated in amino acid positions As908, As993, As1263 of AsCpf1 or corresponding positions in Cpf1 orthologs. Additionally, the inactivated Cpf1 enzymes include enzymes mutated in amino acid position Lb832, 925, 947 or 1180 of LbCpf1 or corresponding positions in Cpf1 orthologs. More particularly, the inactivated Cpf1 enzymes include enzymes comprising one or more of mutations AsD908A, AsE993A, AsD1263A of AsCpf1 or corresponding mutations in Cpf1 orthologs. Additionally, the inactivated Cpf1 enzymes include enzymes comprising one or more of mutations LbD832A, E925A, D947A or D1180A of LbCpf1 or corresponding mutations in Cpf1 orthologs.

[00251] The inactivated Cpf1 CRISPR enzyme may have associated (e.g., via fusion protein) one or more functional domains, including for example, one or more domains from the group comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of methylase activity, demethylase activity, transcription activation activity, transcription repression activity, transcription release factor activity, histone modification activity, RNA cleavage activity, DNA cleavage activity, nucleic acid binding activity, and molecular switches (e.g., light inducible). Preferred domains are Fok1, VP64, P65, HSF1, MyoD1. In the event that Fok1 is 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 provided, it is advantageous that multiple Fok1 functional domains are provided to allow for a functional dimer and that gRNAs are designed to provide proper spacing for functional use (Fok1) as specifically described in Tsai et al. Nature Biotechnology, Vol. 32, Number 6, June 2014). The adaptor protein may utlilize known linkers to attach such functional domains. In some cases it is advantageous that additionally at least one NLS is provided. In some instances, it is advantageous to position the NLS at the N terminus. When more than one functional domain is included, the functional domains may be the same or different.

[00252] In general, the positioning of the one or more functional domain on the inactivated Cpf1 enzyme is one which allows for correct spatial orientation for the functional domain to affect the target with the attributed functional effect. For example, if the functional domain is a transcription activator (e.g., VP64 or p65), the transcription activator is placed in a spatial orientation which allows it to affect the transcription of the target. Likewise, a transcription repressor will be advantageously positioned to affect the transcription of the target, and a nuclease (e.g., Fok1) will be advantageously positioned to cleave or partally cleave the target. This may include positions other than the N- / C- terminus of the CRISPR enzyme. Destabilized Cpfl

[00253] In certain embodiments, the effector protein (CRISPR enzyme; Cpf1) according to the invention as described herein is associated with or fused to a destabilization domain (DD). In some embodiments, the DD is ER50. A corresponding stabilizing ligand for this DD is, in some embodiments, 4HT. As such, in some embodiments, one of the at least one DDs is ER50 and a stabilizing ligand therefor is 4HT or CMP8. In some embodiments, the DD is DHFR50. A corresponding stabilizing ligand for this DD is, in some embodiments, TMP. As such, in some embodiments, one of the at least one DDs is DHFR50 and a stabilizing ligand therefor is TMP. In some embodiments, the DD is ER50. A corresponding stabilizing ligand for this DD is, in some embodiments, CMP8. CMP8 may therefore be an alternative stabilizing ligand to 4HT in the ER50 system. While it may be possible that CMP8 and 4HT can / should be used in a competitive matter, some cell types may be more susceptible to one or the other of these two ligands, and from this disclosure and the knowledge in the art the skilled person can use CMP8 and / or 4HT.

[00254] In some embodiments, one or two DDs may be fused to the N- terminal end of the CRISPR enzyme with one or two DDs fused to the C- terminal of the CRISPR enzyme. In some embodiments, the at least two DDs are associated with the CRISPR enzyme and the DDs are the same DD, i.e. the DDs are homologous. Thus, both (or two or more) of the DDs could be ER50 DDs. This is preferred in some embodiments. Alternatively, both (or two or more) of the DDs could be DHFR50 DDs. This is also preferred in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the at least two DDs are associated with the CRISPR enzyme and the DDs are different DDs, i.e. the DDs are heterologous. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 Thus, one of the DDS could be ER50 while one or more of the DDs or any other DDs could be DHFR50. Having two or more DDs which are heterologous may be advantageous as it would provide a greater level of degradation control. A tandem fusion of more than one DD at the N or C-term may enhance degradation; and such a tandem fusion can be, for example ER50-ER50-C2c2 or DHFR-DHFR-Cpf1. It is envisaged that high levels of degradation would occur in the absence of either stabilizing ligand, intermediate levels of degradation would occur in the absence of one stabilizing ligand and the presence of the other (or another) stabilizing ligand, while low levels of degradation would occur in the presence of both (or two of more) of the stabilizing ligands. Control may also be imparted by having an N-terminal ER50 DD and a C-terminal DHFR50 DD.

[00255] In some embodiments, the fusion of the CRISPR enzyme with the DD comprises a linker between the DD and the CRISPR enzyme. In some embodiments, the linker is a GlySer linker. In some embodiments, the DD-CRISPR enzyme further comprises at least one Nuclear Export Signal (NES). In some embodiments, the DD-CRISPR enzyme comprises two or more NESs. In some embodiments, the DD-CRISPR enzyme comprises at least one Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS). This may be in addition to an NES. In some embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme comprises or consists essentially of or consists of a localization (nuclear import or export) signal as, or as part of, the linker between the CRISPR enzyme and the DD. HA or Flag tags are also within the ambit of the invention as linkers. Applicants use NLS and / or NES as linker and also use Glycine Serine linkers as short as GS up to (GGGGS)3.

[00256] Destabilizing domains have general utility to confer instability to a wide range of proteins; see, e.g., Miyazaki, J Am Chem Soc. Mar 7, 2012; 134(9): 3942-3945, incorporated herein by reference. CMP8 or 4-hydroxytamoxifen can be destabilizing domains. More generally, A temperature-sensitive mutant of mammalian DHFR (DHFRts), a destabilizing residue by the N-end rule, was found to be stable at a permissive temperature but unstable at 37 °C. The addition of methotrexate, a high-affinity ligand for mammalian DHFR, to cells expressing DHFRts inhibited degradation of the protein partially. This was an important demonstration that a small molecule ligand can stabilize a protein otherwise targeted for degradation in cells. A rapamycin derivative was used to stabilize an unstable mutant of the FRB domain of mTOR (FRB*) and restore the function of the fused kinase, GSK-3p.6,7 This system demonstrated that ligand-dependent stability represented an attractive strategy to regulate the function of a specific protein in a complex biological environment. A system to control protein activity can involve the DD becoming functional when the ubiquitin complementation occurs by rapamycin induced dimerization of FK506-binding protein and FKBP12. Mutants of human FKBP12 or ecDHFR protein can be engineered to be metabolically unstable in the absence of their high-affinity ligands, Shield-1 or trimethoprim (TMP), respectively. These mutants are some of the possible destabilizing domains (DDs) useful in the practice of the invention and instability of a DD as a fusion with a CRISPR enzyme confers to the CRISPR protein degradation of the entire fusion protein by the proteasome. Shield-1 and TMP bind to and stabilize the DD in a dose- 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 dependent manner. The estrogen receptor ligand binding domain (ERLBD, residues 305-549 of ERS1) can also be engineered as a destabilizing domain. Since the estrogen receptor signaling pathway is involved in a variety of diseases such as breast cancer, the pathway has been widely studied and numerous agonist and antagonists of estrogen receptor have been developed. Thus, compatible pairs of ERLBD and drugs are known. There are ligands that bind to mutant but not wildtype forms of the ERLBD. By using one of these mutant domains encoding three mutations (L384M, M421G, G521R)12, it is possible to regulate the stability of an ERLBD-derived DD using a ligand that does not perturb endogenous estrogen-sensitive networks. An additional mutation (Y537S) can be introduced to further destabilize the ERLBD and to configure it as a potential DD candidate. This tetra-mutant is an advantageous DD development. The mutant ERLBD can be fused to a CRISPR enzyme and its stability can be regulated or perturbed using a ligand, whereby the CRISPR enzyme has a DD. Another DD can be a 12-kDa (107-amino-acid) tag based on a mutated FKBP protein, stabilized by Shield1 ligand; see, e.g., Nature Methods 5, (2008). For instance a DD can be a modified FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) that binds to and is reversibly stabilized by a synthetic, biologically inert small molecule, Shield-1; see, e.g., Banaszynski LA, Chen LC, Maynard-Smith LA, Ooi AG, Wandless TJ. A rapid, reversible, and tunable method to regulate protein function in living cells using synthetic small molecules. Cell. 2006;126:995-1004; Banaszynski LA, Sellmyer MA, Contag CH, Wandless TJ, Thorne SH. Chemical control of protein stability and function in living mice. Nat Med. 2008;14:1123-1127; Maynard-Smith LA, Chen LC, Banaszynski LA, Ooi AG, Wandless TJ. A directed approach for engineering conditional protein stability using biologically silent small molecules. The Journal of biological chemistry. 2007;282:24866-24872; and Rodriguez, Chem Biol. Mar 23, 2012; 19(3): 391-398—all of which are incorporated herein by reference and may be employed in the practice of the invention in selected a DD to associate with a CRISPR enzyme in the practice of this invention. As can be seen, the knowledge in the art includes a number of DDs, and the DD can be associated with, e.g., fused to, advantageously with a linker, to a CRISPR enzyme, whereby the DD can be stabilized in the presence of a ligand and when there is the absence thereof the DD can become destabilized, whereby the CRISPR enzyme is entirely destabilized, or the DD can be stabilized in the absence of a ligand and when the ligand is present the DD can become destabilized; the DD allows the CRISPR enzyme and hence the CRISPR-Cas complex or system to be regulated or controlled—turned on or off so to speak, to thereby provide means for regulation or control of the system, e.g., in an in vivo or in vitro environment. For instance, when a protein of interest is expressed as a fusion with the DD tag, it is destabilized and rapidly degraded in the cell, e.g., by proteasomes. Thus, absence of stabilizing ligand leads to a D associated Cas being degraded. When a new DD is fused to a protein of interest, its instability is conferred to the protein of interest, resulting in the rapid degradation of the entire fusion protein. Peak activity for Cas is sometimes beneficial to reduce off-target effects. Thus, short bursts of high activity are preferred. The present invention is able to provide such peaks. In some senses the system is inducible. In some other senses, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 the system repressed in the absence of stabilizing ligand and de-repressed in the presence of stabilizing ligand. Enzyme mutations reducing off-target effects

[00257] In one aspect, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring or engineered CRISPR enzyme, preferably a class 2 CRISPR enzyme, preferably a Type V or VI CRISPR enzyme as described herein, such as preferably, but without limitation Cpf1 as described herein elsewhere, having one or more mutations resulting in reduced off-target effects, i.e. improved CRISPR enzymes for use in effecting modifications to target loci but which reduce or eliminate activity towards off-targets, such as when complexed to guide RNAs, as well as improved improved CRISPR enzymes for increasing the activity of CRISPR enzymes, such as when complexed with guide RNAs. It is to be understood that mutated enzymes as described herein below may be used in any of the methods according to the invention as described herein elsewhere. Any of the methods, products, compositions and uses as described herein elsewhere are equally applicable with the mutated CRISPR enzymes as further detailed below. It is to be understood, that in the aspects and embodiments as described herein, when referring to or reading on Cpf1 as the CRISPR enzyme, reconstitution of a functional CRISPR-Cas system preferably does not require or is not dependent on a tracr sequence and / or direct repeat is 5’ (upstream) of the guide (target or spacer) sequence.

[00258] By means of further guidance, the following particular aspects and embodiments are provided.

[00259] The inventors have surprisingly determined that modifications may be made to CRISPR enzymes which confer reduced off-target activity compared to unmodified CRISPR enzymes and / or increased target activity compared to unmodified CRISPR enzymes. Thus, in certain aspects of the invention provided herein are improved CRISPR enzymes which may have utility in a wide range of gene modifying applications. Also provided herein are CRISPR complexes, compositions and systems, as well as methods and uses, all comprising the herein disclosed modified CRISPR enzymes.

[00260] In this disclosure, the term “Cas” can mean “Cpf1” or a CRISPR enzyme. In the context of this aspect of the invention, a Cpf1 or CRISPR enzyme is mutated or modified, “whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme” (or like expressions); and, when reading this specification, the terms “Cpf1” or “Cas” or “CRISPR enzyme and the like are meant to include mutated or modified Cpf1 or Cas or CRISPR enzyme in accordance with the invention, i.e., “whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme” (or like expressions).

[00261] In an aspect, there is provided an engineered Cpf1 protein as defined herein, such as Cpf1, wherein the protein complexes with a nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA to form a CRISPR complex, wherein when in the CRISPR complex, the nucleic acid molecule targets one or more target polynucleotide loci, the protein comprises at least one modification compared to unmodified Cpf1 protein, and wherein the CRISPR complex comprising the modified protein has altered activity as compared to the complex comprising the unmodified Cpf1 protein. It is to be understood that when referring herein to CRISPR “protein”, the Cpf1 protein preferably is a modified CRISPR enzyme (e.g. having increased or decreased (or no) enzymatic activity, such as without limitation including Cpf1. The term “CRISPR protein” may be used interchangeably with “CRISPR enzyme”, irrespective of whether the CRISPR protein has altered, such as increased or decreased (or no) enzymatic activity, compared to the wild type CRISPR protein.

[00262] In an aspect, the altered activity of the engineered CRISPR protein comprises an altered binding property as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci, altered binding kinetics as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci, or altered binding specificity as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci compared to off-target polynucleotide loci.

[00263] In some embodiments, the unmodified Cas has DNA cleavage activity, such as Cpf1. In some embodiments, the Cas directs cleavage of one or both strands at the location of a target sequence, such as within the target sequence and / or within the complement of the target sequence. In some embodiments, the Cas directs cleavage of one or both strands within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, or more base pairs from the first or last nucleotide of a target sequence. In some embodiments, a vector encodes a Cas that is mutated to with respect to a corresponding wild-type enzyme such that the mutated Cas lacks the ability to cleave one or both strands of a target polynucleotide containing a target sequence. In some embodiments, a Cas is considered to substantially lack all DNA cleavage activity when the DNA cleavage activity of the mutated enzyme is about no more than 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, or less of the DNA cleavage activity of the nonmutated form of the enzyme; an example can be when the DNA cleavage activity of the mutated form is nil or negligible as compared with the non-mutated form. Thus, the Cas may comprise one or more mutations and may be used as a generic DNA binding protein with or without fusion to a functional domain. The mutations may be artificially introduced 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 mutations or gain- or loss-of-function mutations. In one aspect of the invention, the Cas enzyme may be fused to a protein, e.g., a TAG, and / or an inducible / controllable domain such as a chemically inducible / controllable domain. The Cas in the invention may be a chimeric Cas proteins; e.g., a Cas having enhanced function by being a chimera. Chimeric Cas proteins may be new Cas containing fragments from more than one naturally occurring Cas. These may comprise fusions of N-terminal fragment(s) of one Cas9 homolog with C-terminal fragment(s) of another Cas homolog. The Cas can be delivered into the cell in the form of mRNA. The expression of Cas can be under the control of an inducible promoter. It is explicitly an aspect of the invention to avoid reading on known mutations. Indeed, the phrase “whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme” (or like expressions) is not intended to read upon mutations that only result in a nickase or dead Cas or known Cas9 mutations. HOWEVER, this is not to say that the instant invention modification(s) or mutation(s) “whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme” (or like expressions) cannot be combined with mutations that result in the enzyme being a nickase or dead. Such a dead enzyme can be an enhanced nucleic acid molecule binder. And such a nickase can be an enhanced nickase. For instance, changing neutral amino acid(s) in and / or near the groove and / or other charged residues in other locations in Cas that are in close proximity to a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, cDNA, RNA, gRNA to positive charged amino acid(s) may result in “whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme”, e.g., more cutting. As this can be both enhanced on- and off-target cutting (a super cutting Cpf1), using such with what is known in the art as a tru-guide or tru-sgRNAs (see, e.g., Fu et al., “Improving CRISPR-Cas nuclease specificity using truncated guide RNAs,” Nature Biotechnology 32, 279-284 (2014) doi:10.1038 / nbt.2808 Received 17 November 2013 Accepted 06 January 2014 Published online 26 January 2014 Corrected online 29 January 2014) to have enhanced on target activity without higher off target cutting or for making 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 super cutting nickases, or for combination with a mutation that renders the Cas dead for a super binder.

[00264] In certain embodiments, the altered activity of the engineered Cpf1 protein comprises increased targeting efficiency or decreased off-target binding. In certain embodiments, the altered activity of the engineered Cpf1 protein comprises modified cleavage activity.

[00265] In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises altered binding property as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci, altered binding kinetics as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci, or altered binding specificity as to the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA or the target polynucleotide loci compared to off-target polynucleotide loci.

[00266] In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises increased targeting efficiency or decreased off-target binding. In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises modified cleavage activity. In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises increased cleavage activity as to the target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises decreased cleavage activity as to the target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises decreased cleavage activity as to off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the altered activity comprises increased cleavage activity as to off-target polynucleotide loci.

[00267] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, there is increased specificity for target polynucleotide loci as compared to off-target polynucleotide loci. In other embodiments, there is reduced specificity for target polynucleotide loci as compared to off-target polynucleotide loci.

[00268] In an aspect of the invention, the altered activity of the engineered Cpf1 protein comprises altered helicase kinetics.

[00269] In an aspect of the invention, the engineered Cpf1 protein comprises a modification that alters association of the protein with the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In an aspect of the invention, the engineered Cpf1 protein comprises a modification that alters formation of the CRISPR complex.

[00270] In certain embodiments, the modified Cpf1 protein comprises a modification that alters targeting of the nucleic acid molecule to the polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification comprises a mutation in a region of the protein that associates with the nucleic acid molecule. In certain embodiments, the modification comprises a 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 mutation in a region of the protein that associates with a strand of the target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification comprises a mutation in a region of the protein that associates with a strand of the off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises decreased positive charge in a region of the protein that associates with the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises decreased negative charge in a region of the protein that associates with the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises increased positive charge in a region of the protein that associates with the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises increased negative charge in a region of the protein that associates with the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation increases steric hindrance between the protein and the nucleic acid molecule comprising RNA, or a strand of the target polynucleotide loci, or a strand of off-target polynucleotide loci. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises a substitution of Lys, His, Arg, Glu, Asp, Ser, Gly, or Thr. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises a substitution with Gly, Ala, Ile, Glu, or Asp. In certain embodiments, the modification or mutation comprises an amino acid substitution in a binding groove.

[00271] In as aspect, the present invention provides: a non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme as defined herein, such as Cpf1, wherein: the enzyme complexes with guide RNA to form a CRISPR complex, when in the CRISPR complex, the guide RNA targets one or more target polynucleotide loci and the enzyme alters the polynucleotide loci, and the enzyme comprises at least one modification, whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme, and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00272] In any such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme, the modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues of the enzyme.

[00273] In any such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme, the modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues located in a region which comprises residues which are positively charged in the unmodified enzyme.

[00274] In any such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme, the modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are positively charged in the unmodified enzyme.

[00275] In any such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme, the modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are not positively charged in the unmodified enzyme.

[00276] The modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are uncharged in the unmodified enzyme.

[00277] The modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are negatively charged in the unmodified enzyme.

[00278] The modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are are hydrophobic in the unmodified enzyme.

[00279] The modification may comprise modification of one or more amino acid residues which are polar in the unmodified enzyme.

[00280] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the modification may comprise modification of one or more residues located in a groove.

[00281] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the modification may comprise modification of one or more residues located outside of a groove.

[00282] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the modification comprises a modification of one or more residues wherein the one or more residues comprises arginine, histidine or lysine.

[00283] In any of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme may be modified by mutation of said one or more residues.

[00284] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with an alanine residue.

[00285] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with aspartic acid or glutamic acid.

[00286] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with serine, threonine, asparagine or glutamine.

[00287] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with alanine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine or valine.

[00288] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with a polar amino acid residue.

[00289] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with an amino acid residue which is not a polar amino acid residue.

[00290] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with a negatively charged amino acid residue.

[00291] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with an amino acid residue which is not a negatively charged amino acid residue.

[00292] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with an uncharged amino acid residue

[00293] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with with an amino acid residue which is not an uncharged amino acid residue. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00294] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with a hydrophobic amino acid residue

[00295] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of said one or more residues, and wherein the mutation comprises substitution of a residue in the unmodified enzyme with an amino acid residue which is not a hydrophobic amino acid residue.

[00296] In some embodiments, the CRISPR enzyme, such as preferably Cpf1 enzyme is derived Francisella tularensis 1, Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2_44_17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens, or Porphyromonas macacae Cpf1(e.g., a Cpf1 of one of these organisms modified as described herein), and may include further mutations or alterations or be a chimeric Cpf1.

[00297] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 protein comprises one or more nuclear localization signal (NLS) domains. In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 protein comprises at least two or more NLSs.

[00298] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 protein comprises a chimeric CRISPR protein, comprising a first fragment from a first CRISPR orthologue and a second fragment from a second CIRSPR orthologue, and the first and second CRISPR orthologues are different.

[00299] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by or comprises modification, e.g., comprises, consists essentially of or consists of modification by mutation of any one of the residues listed herein or a corresponding residue in the respective orthologue; or the enzyme comprises, consists essentially of or consists of modification in any one (single), two (double), three (triple), four (quadruple) or more position(s) in accordance with the disclosure throughout this application, or a corresponding residue or position in the CRISPR enzyme orthologue, e.g., an enzyme comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of modification in any one of the Cpf1 residues recited herein, or a corresponding residue or position in the CRISPR enzyme orthologue. In such an enzyme, each residue may be modified by substitution with an alanine residue. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00300] Applicants recently described a method for the generation of Cas9 orthologues with enhanced specificity (Slaymaker et al. 2015 “Rationally engineered Cas9 nucleases with improved specificity”). This strategy can be used to enhance the specificity of Cpf1 orthologues. Primary residues for mutagenesis are preferably all positive charges residues within the RuvC domain. Additional residues are positive charged residues that are conserved between different orthologues.

[00301] In certain embodiments, specificity of Cpf1 may be improved by mutating residues that stabilize the non-targeted DNA strand.

[00302] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues (in the RuvC domain) including but not limited positions R909, R912, R930, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, K1002, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, K1035, K1054, K1072, K1086, R1094, K1095, K1109, K1118, K1142, K1150, K1158, K1159, R1220, R1226, R1242, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00303] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues (in the RAD50) domain including but not limited positions K324, K335, K337, R331, K369, K370, R386, R392, R393, K400, K404, K406, K408, K414, K429, K436, K438, K459, K460, K464, R670, K675, R681, K686, K689, R699, K705, R725, K729, K739, K748, and / or K752 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00304] In certain of the above-described non-naturally-occurring Cpf1 enzymes, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions R912, T923, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, K1072, K1086, F1103, R1226, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00305] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions R833, R836, K847, K879, K881, R883, R887, K897, K900, K932, R935, K940, K948, K953, K960, K984, K1003, K1017, R1033, R1138, R1165, and / or R1252 with reference to amino acid position numbering of LbCpf1 (Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006).

[00306] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, Q34, R43, K48, K51, R56, R84, K85, K87, N93, R103, N104, T118, K123, K134, R176, K177, R192, K200, K226, K273, K275, T291, R301, K307, K369, S404, V409, K414, K436, K438, K468, D482, K516, R518, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 K524, K530, K532, K548, K559, K570, R574, K592, D596, K603, K607, K613, C647, R681, K686, H720, K739, K748, K757, T766, K780, R790, P791, K796, K809, K815, T816, K860, R862, R863, K868, K897, R909, R912, T923, R947, K949, R951, R955, K965, K968, K1000, R1003, K1009, K1017, K1022, K1029, A1053, K1072, K1086, F1103, S1209, R1226, R1252, K1273, K1282, and / or K1288 with reference to amino acid position numbering of AsCpf1 (Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6).

[00307] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, R34, R43, K48, K51, K56, K87, K88, D90, K96, K106, K107, K120, Q125, K143, R186, K187, R202, K210, K235, K296, K298, K314, K320, K326, K397, K444, K449, E454, A483, E491, K527, K541, K581, R583, K589, K595, K597, K613, K624, K635, K639, K656, K660, K667, K671, K677, K719, K725, K730, K763, K782, K791, R800, K809, K823, R833, K834, K839, K852, K858, K859, K869, K871, R872, K877, K905, R918, R921, K932, I960, K962, R964, R968, K978, K981, K1013, R1016, K1021, K1029, K1034, K1041, K1065, K1084, and / or K1098 with reference to amino acid position numbering of FnCpf1 (Francisella novicida U112).

[00308] In certain embodiments, the Cpf1 enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K15, R18, K26, K34, R43, K48, K51, R56, K83, K84, R86, K92, R102, K103, K116, K121, R158, E159, R174, R182, K206, K251, K253, K269, K271, K278, P342, K380, R385, K390, K415, K421, K457, K471, A506, R508, K514, K520, K522, K538, Y548, K560, K564, K580, K584, K591, K595, K601, K634, K640, R645, K679, K689, K707, T716, K725, R737, R747, R748, K753, K768, K774, K775, K785, K787, R788, Q793, K821, R833, R836, K847, K879, K881, R883, R887, K897, K900, K932, R935, K940, K948, K953, K960, K984, K1003, K1017, R1033, K1121, R1138, R1165, K1190, K1199, and / or K1208 with reference to amino acid position numbering of LbCpf1 (Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006).

[00309] In certain embodiments, the enzyme is modified by mutation of one or more residues including but not limited positions K14, R17, R25, K33, M42, Q47, K50, D55, K85, N86, K88, K94, R104, K105, K118, K123, K131, R174, K175, R190, R198, I221, K267, Q269, K285, K291, K297, K357, K403, K409, K414, K448, K460, K501, K515, K550, R552, K558, K564, K566, K582, K593, K604, K608, K623, K627, K633, K637, E643, K780, Y787, K792, K830, Q846, K858, K867, K876, K890, R900, K901, M906, K921, K927, K928, K937, K939, R940, K945, Q975, R987, R990, K1001, R1034, I1036, R1038, R1042, K1052, K1055, K1087, R1090, K1095, N1103, K1108, K1115, K1139, K1158, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 R1172, K1188, K1276, R1293, A1319, K1340, K1349, and / or K1356 with reference to amino acid position numbering of MbCpf1 (Moraxella bovoculi 237).

[00310] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes: a single mismatch may exist between the target and a corresponding sequence of the one or more off-target loci; and / or two, three or four or more mismatches may exist between the target and a corresponding sequence of the one or more off-target loci, and / or wherein in (ii) said two, three or four or more mismatches are contiguous.

[00311] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes the enzyme in the CRISPR complex may have reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and wherein the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the said target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme.

[00312] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, when in the CRISPR complex the relative difference of the modifying capability of the enzyme as between target and at least one off-target locus may be increased compared to the relative difference of an unmodified enzyme.

[00313] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme may comprise one or more additional mutations, wherein the one or more additional mutations are in one or more catalytically active domains.

[00314] In such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme may have reduced or abolished nuclease activity compared with an enzyme lacking said one or more additional mutations.

[00315] In some such non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme does not direct cleavage of one or other DNA strand at the location of the target sequence.

[00316] Where the CRISPR enzyme comprises one or more additional mutations in one or more catalytically active domains, the one or more additional mutations may be in a catalytically active domain of the CRISPR enzyme comprising RuvCI, RuvCII or RuvCIII.

[00317] Without being bound by theory, in an aspect of the invention, the methods and mutations described provide for enhancing conformational rearrangement of CRISPR enzyme domains (e.g. Cpf1 domains) to positions that results in cleavage at on-target sits and avoidance of those conformational states at off-target sites. CRISPR enzymes cleave target DNA in a series of coordinated steps. First, the PAM-interacting domain recognizes the PAM sequence 5’ of the target DNA. After PAM binding, the first 10-12 nucleotides of the target sequence (seed sequence) are sampled for gRNA:DNA complementarity, a process 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 dependent on DNA duplex separation. If the seed sequence nucleotides complement the gRNA, the remainder of DNA is unwound and the full length of gRNA hybridizes with the target DNA strand. nt-grooves may stabilize the non-targeted DNA strand and facilitate unwinding through non-specific interactions with positive charges of the DNA phosphate backbone. RNA:cDNA and CRISPR enzyme:ncDNA interactions drive DNA unwinding in competition against cDNA:ncDNA rehybridization. Other CRISPR enzyme domains may affect the conformation of nuclease domains as well, for example linkers connecting different domains. Accordingly, the methods and mutations provided encompass, without limitation, RuvCI, RuvCIII, RuvCIII and linkers. Conformational changes in for instance Cpf1 brought about by target DNA binding, including seed sequence interaction, and interactions with the target and non-target DNA strand determine whether the domains are positioned to trigger nuclease activity. Thus, the mutations and methods provided herein demonstrate and enable modifications that go beyond PAM recognition and RNA-DNA base pairing.

[00318] In an aspect, the invention provides CRISPR nucleases as defined herein, such as Cpf1, that comprise an improved equilibrium towards conformations associated with cleavage activity when involved in on-target interactions and / or improved equilibrium away from conformations associated with cleavage activity when involved in off-target interactions. In one aspect, the invention provides Cas (e.g. Cpf1) nucleases with improved proof-reading function, i.e. a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) nuclease which adopts a conformation comprising nuclease activity at an on-target site, and which conformation has increased unfavorability at an off-target site. Sternberg et al., Nature 527(7576):110-3, doi: 10.1038 / nature15544, published online 28 October 2015. Epub 2015 Oct 28, used Forster resonance energy transfer FRET) experiments to detect relative orientations of the Cas (e.g. Cpf1) catalytic domains when associated with on- and off-target DNA, and which may be extrapolated to the CRISPR enzymes of the present invention (e.g. Cpf1).

[00319] The invention further provides methods and mutations for modulating nuclease activity and / or specificity using modified guide RNAs. As discussed, on-target nuclease activity can be increased or decreased. Also, off-target nuclease activity can be increased or decreased. Further, there can be increased or decreased specificity as to on-target activity vs. off-target activity. Modified guide RNAs include, without limitation, truncated guide RNAs, dead guide RNAs, chemically modified guide RNAs, guide RNAs associated with functional domains, modified guide RNAs comprising functional domains, modified guide RNAs comprising aptamers, modified guide RNAs comprising adapter proteins, and guide RNAs comprising added or modified loops. In some embodiments, one or more functional domains 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 are associated with an dead gRNA (dRNA). In some embodiments, a dRNA complex with the CRISPR enzyme directs gene regulation by a functional domain at on gene locus while an gRNA directs DNA cleavage by the CRISPR enzyme at another locus. In some embodiments, dRNAs are selected to maximize selectivity of regulation for a gene locus of interest compared to off-target regulation. In some embodiments, dRNAs are selected to maximize target gene regulation and minimize target cleavage.

[00320] For the purposes of the following discussion, reference to a functional domain could be a functional domain associated with the CRISPR enzyme or a functional domain associated with the adaptor protein.

[00321] In the practice of the invention, loops of the gRNA may be extended, without colliding with the Cas (e.g. Cpf1) protein by the insertion of distinct RNA loop(s) or disctinct sequence(s) that may recruit adaptor proteins that can bind to the distinct RNA loop(s) or distinct sequence(s). The adaptor proteins may include but are not limited to orthogonal RNA-binding protein / aptamer combinations that exist within the diversity of bacteriophage coat proteins. A list of such coat proteins includes, but is not limited to: QP, F2, GA, fr, JP501, M12, R17, BZ13, JP34, JP500, KU1, M11, MX1, TW18, VK, SP, FI, ID2, NL95, TW19, AP205, $Cb5, $Cb8r, $Cb12r, $Cb23r, 7s and PRR1. These adaptor proteins or orthogonal RNA binding proteins can further recruit effector proteins or fusions which comprise one or more functional domains. In some embodiments, the functional domain may be selected from the group consisting of: transposase domain, integrase domain, recombinase domain, resolvase domain, invertase domain, protease domain, DNA methyltransferase domain, DNA hydroxylmethylase domain, DNA demethylase domain, histone acetylase domain, histone deacetylases domain, nuclease domain, repressor domain, activator domain, nuclear-localization signal domains, transcription-regulatory protein (or transcription complex recruiting) domain, cellular uptake activity associated domain, nucleic acid binding domain, antibody presentation domain, histone modifying enzymes, recruiter of histone modifying enzymes; inhibitor of histone modifying enzymes, histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase, histone kinase, histone phosphatase, histone ribosylase, histone deribosylase, histone ubiquitinase, histone deubiquitinase, histone biotinase and histone tail protease. In some preferred embodiments, the functional domain is a transcriptional activation domain, such as, without limitation, VP64, p65, MyoD1, HSF1, RTA, SET7 / 9 or a histone acetyltransferase. In some embodiments, the functional domain is a transcription repression domain, preferably KRAB. In some embodiments, the transcription repression domain is SID, or concatemers of SID (eg SID4X). In some embodiments, the functional 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 domain is an epigenetic modifying domain, such that an epigenetic modifying enzyme is provided. In some embodiments, the functional domain is an activation domain, which may be the P65 activation domain. In some embodiments, the functional domain is a deaminase, such as a cytidine deaminase. Cytidine deaminese may be directed to a target nucleic acid to where it directs conversion of cytidine to uridine, resulting in C to T substitutions (G to A on the complementary strand). In such an embodiment, nucleotide substitutions can be effected without DNA cleavage.

[00322] In an aspect, the invention also provides methods and mutations for modulating Cas (e.g. Cpf1) binding activity and / or binding specificity. In certain embodiments Cas (e.g. Cpf1) proteins lacking nuclease activity are used. In certain embodiments, modified guide RNAs are employed that promote binding but not nuclease activity of a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) nuclease. In such embodiments, on-target binding can be increased or decreased. Also, in such embodiments off-target binding can be increased or decreased. Moreover, there can be increased or decreased specificity as to on-target binding vs. off-target binding.

[00323] In particular embodiments, a reduction of off-target cleavage is ensured by destabilizing strand separation, more particularly by introducing mutations in the Cpf1 enzyme decreasing the positive charge in the DNA interacting regions (as described herein and further exemplified for Cas9 by Slaymaker et al. 2016 (Science, 1;351(6268):84-8). In further embodiments, a reduction of off-target cleavage is ensured by introducing mutations into Cpf1 enzyme which affect the interaction between the target strand and the guide RNA sequence, more particularly disrupting interactions between Cpf1 and the phosphate backbone of the target DNA strand in such a way as to retain target specific activity but reduce off-target activity (as described for Cas9 by Kleinstiver et al. 2016, Nature, 28;529(7587):490-5). In particular embodiments, the off-target activity is reduced by way of a modified Cpf1 wherein both interaction with target strand and non-target strand are modified compared to wild-type Cpf1.

[00324] The methods and mutations which can be employed in various combinations to increase or decrease activity and / or specificity of on-target vs. off-target activity, or increase or decrease binding and / or specificity of on-target vs. off-target binding, can be used to compensate or enhance mutations or modifications made to promote other effects. Such mutations or modifications made to promote other effects include mutations or modification to the Cas (e.g. Cpf1) and or mutation or modification made to a guide RNA. In certain embodiments, the methods and mutations are used with chemically modified guide RNAs. Examples of guide RNA chemical modifications include, without limitation, incorporation of 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 2‘-O-methyl (M), 2‘-O-methyl 3‘phosphorothioate (MS), or 2‘-O-methyl 3‘thioPACE (MSP) at one or more terminal nucleotides. Such chemically modified guide RNAs can comprise increased stability and increased activity as compared to unmodified guide RNAs, though on-target vs. off-target specificity is not predictable. (See, Hendel, 2015, Nat Biotechnol. 33(9):985-9, doi: 10.1038 / nbt.3290, published online 29 June 2015). Chemically modified guide RNAs futher include, without limitation, RNAs with phosphorothioate linkages and locked nucleic acid (LNA) nucleotides comprising a methylene bridge between the 2’ and 4’ carbons of the ribose ring. The methods and mutations of the invention are used to modulate Cas (e.g. Cpf1) nuclease activity and / or binding with chemically modified guide RNAs.

[00325] In an aspect, the invention provides methods and mutations for modulating binding and / or binding specificity of Cas (e.g. Cpf1) proteins according to the invention as defined herein comprising functional domains such as nucleases, transcriptional activators, transcriptional repressors, and the like. For example, a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) protein can be made nuclease-null, or having altered or reduced nuclease activity by introducing mutations such as for instance Cpf1 mutations described herein elsewhere, and include for instance D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A, N1257A, D917A, E1006A, E1028A, D1227A, D1255A and N1257A with reference to the amino acid positions in the FnCpf1p RuvC domain; or for instance N580A, N584A, T587A, W609A, D610A, K613A, E614A, D616A, K624A, D625A, K627A and Y629A with reference to the putative second nuclease domain as described herein elsewhere. Nuclease deficient Cas (e.g. Cpf1) proteins are useful for RNA-guided target sequence dependent delivery of functional domains. The invention provides methods and mutations for modulating binding of Cas (e.g. Cpf1) proteins. In one embodiment, the functional domain comprises VP64, providing an RNA-guided transcription factor. In another embodiment, the functional domain comprises Fok I, providing an RNA-guided nuclease activity. Mention is made of U.S. Pat. Pub. 2014 / 0356959, U.S. Pat. Pub. 2014 / 0342456, U.S. Pat. Pub. 2015 / 0031132, and Mali, P. et al., 2013, Science 339(6121):823-6, doi: 10.1126 / science.1232033, published online 3 January 2013 and through the teachings herein the invention comprehends methods and materials of these documents applied in conjunction with the teachings herein. In certain embodiments, on-target binding is increased. In certain embodiments, off-target binding is decreased. In certain embodiments, on-target binding is decreased. In certain embodiments, off-target binding is increased. Accordingly, the invention also provides for increasing or decreasing specificity of on-target binding vs. off-target binding of functionalized Cas (e.g. Cpf1) binding proteins. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00326] The use of Cas (e.g. Cpf1) as an RNA-guided binding protein is not limited to nuclease-null Cas (e.g. Cpf1). Cas (e.g. Cpf1) enzymes comprising nuclease activity can also function as RNA-guided binding proteins when used with certain guide RNAs. For example short guide RNAs and guide RNAs comprising nucleotides mismatched to the target can promote RNA directed Cas (e.g. Cpf1) binding to a target sequence with little or no target cleavage. (See, e.g., Dahlman, 2015, Nat Biotechnol. 33(11):1159-1161, doi: 10.1038 / nbt.3390, published online 05 October 2015). In an aspect, the invention provides methods and mutations for modulating binding of Cas (e.g. Cpf1) proteins that comprise nuclease activity. In certain embodiments, on-target binding is increased. In certain embodiments, off-target binding is decreased. In certain embodiments, on-target binding is decreased. In certain embodiments, off-target binding is increased. In certain embodiments, there is increased or decreased specificity of on-target binding vs. off-target binding. In certain embodiments, nuclease activity of guide RNA-Cas (e.g. Cpf1) enzyme is also modulated.

[00327] RNA-DNA heteroduplex formation is important for cleavage activity and specificity throughout the target region, not only the seed region sequence closest to the PAM. Thus, truncated guide RNAs show reduced cleavage activity and specificity. In an aspect, the invention provides method and mutations for increasing activity and specificity of cleavage using altered guide RNAs.

[00328] The invention also demonstrates that modifications of Cas (e.g. Cpf1) nuclease specificity can be made in concert with modifications to targeting range. Cas (e.g. Cpf1) mutants can be designed that have increased target specificity as well as accommodating modifications in PAM recognition, for example by choosing mutations that alter PAM specificity and combining those mutations with nt-groove mutations that increase (or if desired, decrease) specificity for on-target sequences vs. off-target sequences. In one such embodiment, a PI domain residue is mutated to accommodate recognition of a desired PAM sequence while one or more nt-groove amino acids is mutated to alter target specificity. The Cas (e.g. Cpf1) methods and modifications described herein can be used to counter loss of specificity resulting from alteration of PAM recognition, enhance gain of specificity resulting from alteration of PAM recognition, counter gain of specificity resulting from alteration of PAM recognition, or enhance loss of specificity resulting from alteration of PAM recognition. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00329] The methods and mutations can be used with any Cas (e.g. Cpf1) enzyme with altered PAM recognition. Non-limiting examples of PAMs included are as described herein elsewhere.

[00330] In further embodiments, the methods and mutations are used modified proteins.

[00331] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme may comprise one or more heterologous functional domains.

[00332] The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more nuclear localization signal (NLS) domains. The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise at least two or more NLSs.

[00333] The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more transcriptional activation domains. A transcriptional activation domain may comprise VP64.

[00334] The one or more heterologous functional domains may comprise one or more transcriptional repression domains. A transcriptional repression domain may comprise a KRAB domain or a SID domain.

[00335] The one or more heterologous functional domain may comprise one or more nuclease domains. The one or more nuclease domains may comprise Fok1.

[00336] The one or more heterologous functional domains may have one or more of the following activities: methylase activity, demethylase activity, transcription activation activity, transcription repression activity, transcription release factor activity, histone modification activity, nuclease activity, single-strand RNA cleavage activity, double-strand RNA cleavage activity, single-strand DNA cleavage activity, double-strand DNA cleavage activity and nucleic acid binding activity.

[00337] The at least one or more heterologous functional domains may be at or near the amino-terminus of the enzyme and / or at or near the carboxy-terminus of the enzyme.

[00338] The one or more heterologous functional domains may be fused to the CRISPR enzyme, or tethered to the CRISPR enzyme, or linked to the CRISPR enzyme by a linker moiety.

[00339] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme may comprise a CRISPR enzyme from an organism from a genus comprising Francisella tularensis 1, Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2 44 17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens, or Porphyromonas macacae (e.g., a Cpf1 of one of these organisms modified as described herein), and may include further mutations or alterations or be a chimeric Cas (e.g. Cpf1).

[00340] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the CRISPR enzyme may comprise a chimeric Cas (e.g. Cpf1) enzyme comprising a first fragment from a first Cas (e.g. Cpf1) ortholog and a second fragment from a second Cas (e.g. Cpf1) ortholog, and the first and second Cas (e.g. Cpf1) orthologs are different. At least one of the first and second Cas (e.g. Cpf1) orthologs may comprise a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) from an organism comprising Francisella tularensis 1, Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida, Prevotella albensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MC2017 1, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium GW2011 GWA2 33 10, Parcubacteria bacterium GW2011 GWC2_44_17, Smithella sp. SCADC, Acidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi 237, Leptospira inadai, Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, Porphyromonas crevioricanis 3, Prevotella disiens, or Porphyromonas macacae.

[00341] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, a nucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme may be codon optimized for expression in a eukaryote.

[00342] In any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes, the cell may be a eukaryotic cell or a prokaryotic cell; wherein the CRISPR complex is operable in the cell, and whereby the enzyme of the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci of the cell as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme.

[00343] Accordingly, in an aspect, the invention provides a eukaryotic cell comprising the engineered CRISPR protein or the system as defined herein.

[00344] In certain embodiments, the methods as described herein may comprise providing a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) transgenic cell in which one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more guide RNAs are provided or introduced operably connected in the cell with a regulatory element comprising a promoter of one or more gene of interest. As used herein, the term “Cas transgenic cell” refers to a cell, such as a eukaryotic cell, in which a Cas gene has been genomically integrated. The nature, type, or origin of the cell are not particularly limiting according to the present invention. Also the way how the Cas transgene is introduced in the cell is may vary and can be any method as is known in the art. In certain embodiments, the Cas transgenic cell is obtained by introducing the Cas transgene in an isolated cell. In certain 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 other embodiments, the Cas transgenic cell is obtained by isolating cells from a Cas transgenic organism. By means of example, and without limitation, the Cas transgenic cell as referred to herein may be derived from a Cas transgenic eukaryote, such as a Cas knock-in eukaryote. Reference is made to WO 2014 / 093622 (PCT / US13 / 74667), incorporated herein by reference. Methods of US Patent Publication Nos. 20120017290 and 20110265198 assigned to Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. directed to targeting the Rosa locus may be modified to utilize the CRISPR Cas system of the present invention. Methods of US Patent Publication No. 20130236946 assigned to Cellectis directed to targeting the Rosa locus may also be modified to utilize the CRISPR Cas system of the present invention. By means of further example reference is made to Platt et. al. (Cell; 159(2):440-455 (2014)), describing a Cas9 knock-in mouse, which is incorporated herein by reference, and which can be extrapolated to the CRISPR enzymes of the present invention as defined herein. The Cas transgene can further comprise a Lox-Stop-polyA-Lox(LSL) cassette thereby rendering Cas expression inducible by Cre recombinase. Alternatively, the Cas transgenic cell may be obtained by introducing the Cas transgene in an isolated cell. Delivery systems for transgenes are well known in the art. By means of example, the Cas transgene may be delivered in for instance eukaryotic cell by means of vector (e.g., AAV, adenovirus, lentivirus) and / or particle and / or nanoparticle delivery, as also described herein elsewhere.

[00345] It will be understood by the skilled person that the cell, such as the Cas transgenic cell, as referred to herein may comprise further genomic alterations besides having an integrated Cas gene or the mutations arising from the sequence specific action of Cas when complexed with RNA capable of guiding Cas to a target locus, such as for instance one or more oncogenic mutations, as for instance and without limitation described in Platt et al. (2014), Chen et al., (2014) or Kumar et al.. (2009).

[00346] The invention also provides a composition comprising the engineered CRISPR protein as described herein, such as described in this section.

[00347] The invention also provides a non-naturally-occurring, engineered composition comprising a CRISPR-Cas complex comprising any the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme described above.

[00348] In an aspect, the invention provides in a vector system comprising one or more vectors, wherein the one or more vectors comprises: a) a first regulatory element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding the engineered CRISPR protein as defined herein; and optionally 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 b) a second regulatory element operably linked to one or more nucleotide sequences encoding one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising a guide RNA comprising a guide sequence, a direct repeat sequence , optionally wherein components (a) and (b) are located on same or different vectors.

[00349] The invention also provides a non-naturally-occurring, engineered composition comprising: a delivery system operably configured to deliver CRISPR-Cas complex components or one or more polynucleotide sequences comprising or encoding said components into a cell, and wherein said CRISPR-Cas complex is operable in the cell, CRISPR-Cas complex components or one or more polynucleotide sequences encoding for transcription and / or translation in the cell the CRISPR-Cas complex components, comprising: (I) the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme (e.g. engineered Cpf1) as described herein; (II) CRISPR-Cas guide RNA comprising: the guide sequence, and a direct repeat sequence, wherein the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme.

[00350] In an aspect, the invention also provides in a system comprising the engineered CRISPR protein as described herein, such as described in this section.

[00351] In any such compositions, the delivery system may comprise a yeast system, a lipofection system, a microinjection system, a biolistic system, virosomes, liposomes, immunoliposomes, polycations, lipid:nucleic acid conjugates or artificial virions, as defined herein elsewhere.

[00352] In any such compositions, the delivery system may comprise a vector system comprising one or more vectors, and wherein component (II) comprises a first regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence which comprises the guide sequence, the direct repeat sequence and optionally, and wherein component (I) comprises a second regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00353] In any such compositions, the delivery system may comprise a vector system comprising one or more vectors, and wherein component (II) comprises a first regulatory element operably linked to the guide sequence and the direct repeat sequence, and wherein component (I) comprises a second regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme.

[00354] In any such compositions, the composition may comprise more than one guide RNA, and each guide RNA has a different target whereby there is multiplexing.

[00355] In any such compositions, the polynucleotide sequence(s) may be on one vector.

[00356] The invention also provides an engineered, non-naturally occurring Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) (CRISPR-Cas) vector system comprising one or more vectors comprising: a) a first regulatory element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme of any one of the inventive constructs herein; and b) a second regulatory element operably linked to one or more nucleotide sequences encoding one or more of the guide RNAs, the guide RNA comprising a guide sequence, a direct repeat sequence, wherein: components (a) and (b) are located on same or different vectors, the CRISPR complex is formed; the guide RNA targets the target polynucleotide loci and the enzyme alters the polynucleotide loci, and the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme.

[00357] In such a system, component (II) may comprise a first regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence which comprises the guide sequence, the direct repeat sequence, and wherein component (II) may comprise a second regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme. In such a system, where applicable the guide RNA may comprise a chimeric RNA.

[00358] In such a system, component (I) may comprise a first regulatory element operably linked to the guide sequence and the direct repeat sequence, and wherein component (II) may comprise a second regulatory element operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme. Such a system may comprise more than one guide RNA, and each 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 guide RNA has a different target whereby there is multiplexing. Components (a) and (b) may be on the same vector.

[00359] In any such systems comprising vectors, the one or more vectors may comprise one or more viral vectors, such as one or more retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus or herpes simplex virus.

[00360] In any such systems comprising regulatory elements, at least one of said regulatory elements may comprise a tissue-specific promoter. The tissue-specific promoter may direct expression in a mammalian blood cell, in a mammalian liver cell or in a mammalian eye.

[00361] In any of the above-described compositions or systems the direct repeat sequence, may comprise one or more protein-interacting RNA aptamers. The one or more aptamers may be located in the tetraloop. The one or more aptamers may be capable of binding MS2 bacteriophage coat protein.

[00362] In any of the above-described compositions or systems the cell may a eukaryotic cell or a prokaryotic cell; wherein the CRISPR complex is operable in the cell, and whereby the enzyme of the CRISPR complex has reduced capability of modifying one or more off-target loci of the cell as compared to an unmodified enzyme and / or whereby the enzyme in the CRISPR complex has increased capability of modifying the one or more target loci as compared to an unmodified enzyme.

[00363] The invention also provides a CRISPR complex of any of the above-described compositions or from any of the above-described systems.

[00364] The invention also provides a method of modifying a locus of interest in a cell comprising contacting the cell with any of the herein-described engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1), compositions or any of the herein-described systems or vector systems, or wherein the cell comprises any of the herein-described CRISPR complexes present within the cell. In such methods the cell may be a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, preferably a eukaryotic cell. In such methods, an organism may comprise the cell. In such methods the organism may not be a human or other animal.

[00365] Any such method may be ex vivo or in vitro.

[00366] In certain embodiments, a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one of said guide RNA or Cas protein is operably connected in the cell with a regulatory element comprising a promoter of a gene of interest, whereby expression of at least one CRISPR-Cas system component is driven by the promoter of the gene of interest. “operably connected” is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence encoding the guide RNA and / or the Cas is linked to the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 regulatory element(s) in a manner that allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence, as also referred to herein elsewhere. The term “regulatory element” is also described herein elsewhere. According to the invention, the regulatory element comprises a promoter of a gene of interest, such as preferably a promoter of an endogenous gene of interest. In certain embodiments, the promoter is at its endogenous genomic location. In such embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CRISPR and / or Cas is under transcriptional control of the promoter of the gene of interest at its native genomic location. In certain other embodiments, the promoter is provided on a (separate) nucleic acid molecule, such as a vector or plasmid, or other extrachromosomal nucleic acid, i.e. the promoter is not provided at its native genomic location. In certain embodiments, the promoter is genomically integrated at a non-native genomic location.

[00367] Any such method, said modifying may comprise modulating gene expression. Said modulating gene expression may comprise activating gene expression and / or repressing gene expression. Accordingly, in an aspect, the invention provides in a method of modulating gene expression, wherein the method comprises introducing the engineered CRISPR protein or system as described herein into a cell.

[00368] The invention also provides a method of treating a disease, disorder or infection in an individual in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of any of the engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1), compositions, systems or CRISPR complexes described herein. The disease, disorder or infection may comprise a viral infection. The viral infection may be HBV.

[00369] The invention also provides the use of any of the engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1), compositions, systems or CRISPR complexes described above for gene or genome editing.

[00370] The invention also provides a method of altering the expression of a genomic locus of interest in a mammalian cell comprising contacting the cell with the engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1), compositions, systems or CRISPR complexes described herein and thereby delivering the CRISPR-Cas (vector) and allowing the CRISPR-Cas complex to form and bind to target, and determining if the expression of the genomic locus has been altered, such as increased or decreased expression, or modification of a gene product.

[00371] The invention also provides any of the engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1), compositions, systems or CRISPR complexes described above for use as a therapeutic. The therapeutic may be for gene or genome editing, or gene therapy. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00372] In certain embodiments the activity of engineered CRISPR enzymes (e.g. engineered Cpf1) as described herein comprises genomic DNA cleavage, optionally resulting in decreased transcription of a gene.

[00373] In an aspect, the invention provides in an isolated cell having altered expression of a genomic locus from the method s as described herein, wherein the altered expression is in comparison with a cell that has not been subjected to the method of altering the expression of the genomic locus. In a related aspect, the invention provides in a cell line established from such cell.

[00374] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of modifying an organism or a non-human organism by manipulation of a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest of for instance an HSC(hematopoietic stem cell), e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, comprising: delivering to an HSC, e.g., via contacting an HSC with a particle containing, a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising: I. a CRISPR-Cas system guide RNA (gRNA) polynucleotide sequence, comprising: (a) a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a HSC, (b) a direct repeat sequence, and II. a CRISPR enzyme, optionally comprising at least one or more nuclear localization sequences, wherein, the guide sequence directs sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to the target sequence, and wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with (1) the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence,; and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or non-human organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism.

[00375] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of modifying an organism or a non-human organism by manipulation of a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest of for instance a HSC, e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, comprising: delivering to an HSC, e.g., via contacting an HSC with a particle containing, a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising: I. (a) a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a HSC, and (b) at least one or more direct repeat sequences, and II. a CRISPR enzyme optionally having one or more NLSs,, and the guide sequence directs sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to the target sequence, and wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence,; and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or non-human organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism.

[00376] The delivery can be of one or more polynucleotides encoding any one or more or all of the CRISPR-complex, advantageously linked to one or more regulatory elements for in vivo expression, e.g. via particle(s), containing a vector containing the polynucleotide(s) operably linked to the regulatory element(s). Any or all of the polynucleotide sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme, guide sequence, direct repeat sequence, may be RNA. It will be appreciated that where reference is made to a polynucleotide, which is RNA and is said to ‘comprise’ a feature such a direct repeat sequence, the RNA sequence includes the feature. Where the polynucleotide is DNA and is said to comprise a feature such a direct repeat sequence, the DNA sequence is or can be transcribed into the RNA including the feature at issue. Where the feature is a protein, such as the CRISPR enzyme, the DNA or RNA sequence referred to is, or can be, translated (and in the case of DNA transcribed first). 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00377] In certain embodiments the invention provides a method of modifying an organism, e.g., mammal including human or a non-human mammal or organism by manipulation of a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest of an HSC e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, comprising delivering, e.g., via contacting of a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition with the HSC, wherein the composition comprises one or more particles comprising viral, plasmid or nucleic acid molecule vector(s) (e.g. RNA) operably encoding a composition for expression thereof, wherein the composition comprises: (A) I. a first regulatory element operably linked to a CRISPR-Cas system RNA polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprises (a) a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a eukaryotic cell, (b) a direct repeat sequence and II. a second regulatory element operably linked to an enzyme-coding sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme comprising at least one or more nuclear localization sequences (or optionally at least one or more nuclear localization sequences as some embodiments can involve no NLS), wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in a 5’ to 3’ orientation, wherein components I and II are located on the same or different vectors of the system, wherein when transcribed and the guide sequence directs sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to the target sequence, and wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence, or (B) a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising a vector system comprising one or more vectors comprising I. a first regulatory element operably linked to (a) a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a eukaryotic cell, and (b) at least one or more direct repeat sequences, II. a second regulatory element operably linked to an enzyme-coding sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme, and optionally, where applicable, wherein components I, and II are located on the same or different vectors of the system, wherein when transcribed and the guide sequence directs sequence-specific binding of a CRISPR complex to the target sequence, and wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence; the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or non-human organism, optionally expanding the HSC 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism. In some embodiments, components I, II and III are located on the same vector. In other embodiments, components I and II are located on the same vector, while component III is located on another vector. In other embodiments, components I and III are located on the same vector, while component II is located on another vector. In other embodiments, components II and III are located on the same vector, while component I is located on another vector. In other embodiments, each of components I, II and III is located on different vectors. The invention also provides a viral or plasmid vector system as described herein.

[00378] By manipulation of a target sequence, Applicants also mean the epigenetic manipulation of a target sequence. This may be f the chromatin state of a target sequence, such as by modification of the methylation state of the target sequence (i.e. addition or removal of methylation or methylation patterns or CpG islands), histone modification, increasing or reducing accessibility to the target sequence, or by promoting 3D folding. It will be appreciated that where reference is made to a method of modifying an organism or mammal including human or a non-human mammal or organism by manipulation of a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest, this may apply to the organism (or mammal) as a whole or just a single cell or population of cells from that organism (if the organism is multicellular). In the case of humans, for instance, Applicants envisage, inter alia, a single cell or a population of cells and these may preferably be modified ex vivo and then reintroduced. In this case, a biopsy or other tissue or biological fluid sample may be necessary. Stem cells are also particularly preferred in this regard. But, of course, in vivo embodiments are also envisaged. And the invention is especially advantageous as to HSCs.

[00379] The invention in some embodiments comprehends a method of modifying an organism or a non-human organism by manipulation of a first and a second target sequence on opposite strands of a DNA duplex in a genomic locus of interest in a HSC e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, comprising delivering, e.g., by contacting HSCs with particle(s) comprising a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising : I. a first CRISPR-Cas (e.g. Cpf1) system RNA polynucleotide sequence, wherein the first polynucleotide sequence comprises: 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 (a) a first guide sequence capable of hybridizing to the first target sequence, (b) a first direct repeat sequence, and II. a second CRISPR-Cas (e.g. Cpf1) system guide RNA polynucleotide sequence, wherein the second polynucleotide sequence comprises: (a) a second guide sequence capable of hybridizing to the second target sequence, (b) a second direct repeat sequence, and III. a polynucleotide sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme comprising at least one or more nuclear localization sequences and comprising one or more mutations, wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in a 5’ to 3’ orientation; or IV. expression product(s) of one or more of I. to III., e.g., the the first and the second direct repeat sequence, the CRISPR enzyme; wherein when transcribed, the first and the second guide sequence directs sequencespecific binding of a first and a second CRISPR complex to the first and second target sequences respectively, wherein the first CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with (1) the first guide sequence that is hybridized to the first target sequence, wherein the second CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with (1) the second guide sequence that is hybridized to the second target sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme is DNA or RNA, and wherein the first guide sequence directs cleavage of one strand of the DNA duplex near the first target sequence and the second guide sequence directs cleavage of the other strand near the second target sequence inducing a double strand break, thereby modifying the organism or the nonhuman organism; and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or nonhuman organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism. In some methods of the invention any or all of the polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme, the first and the second guide sequence, the first 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 and the second direct repeat sequence. In further embodiments of the invention the polynucleotides encoding the sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme, the first and the second guide sequence, the first and the second direct repeat sequence, is / are RNA and are delivered via liposomes, nanoparticles, exosomes, microvesicles, or a gene-gun; but, it is advantageous that the delivery is via a particle. In certain embodiments of the invention, the first and second direct repeat sequence share 100% identity. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides may be comprised within a vector system comprising one or more vectors. In preferred embodiments, the first CRISPR enzyme has one or more mutations such that the enzyme is a complementary strand nicking enzyme, and the second CRISPR enzyme has one or more mutations such that the enzyme is a non-complementary strand nicking enzyme. Alternatively the first enzyme may be a non-complementary strand nicking enzyme, and the second enzyme may be a complementary strand nicking enzyme. In preferred methods of the invention the first guide sequence directing cleavage of one strand of the DNA duplex near the first target sequence and the second guide sequence directing cleavage of the other strand near the second target sequence results in a 5’ overhang. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at most 200 base pairs, preferably at most 100 base pairs, or more preferably at most 50 base pairs. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at least 26 base pairs, preferably at least 30 base pairs or more preferably 34-50 base pairs.

[00380] The invention in some embodiments comprehends a method of modifying an organism or a non-human organism by manipulation of a first and a second target sequence on opposite strands of a DNA duplex in a genomic locus of interest in for instance a HSC e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, comprising delivering, e.g., by contacting HSCs with particle(s) comprising a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition comprising : I. a first regulatory element operably linked to (a) a first guide sequence capable of hybridizing to the first target sequence, and (b) at least one or more direct repeat sequences, II. a second regulatory element operably linked to (a) a second guide sequence capable of hybridizing to the second target sequence, and (b) at least one or more direct repeat sequences, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 III. a third regulatory element operably linked to an enzyme-coding sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme (e.g. Cpf1), and V. expression product(s) of one or more of I. to IV., e.g., the the first and the second direct repeat sequence, the CRISPR enzyme; wherein components I, II, III and IV are located on the same or different vectors of the system, when transcribed, and the first and the second guide sequence direct sequencespecific binding of a first and a second CRISPR complex to the first and second target sequences respectively, wherein the first CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with (1) the first guide sequence that is hybridized to the first target sequence, wherein the second CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with the second guide sequence that is hybridized to the second target sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding a CRISPR enzyme is DNA or RNA, and wherein the first guide sequence directs cleavage of one strand of the DNA duplex near the first target sequence and the second guide sequence directs cleavage of the other strand near the second target sequence inducing a double strand break, thereby modifying the organism or the nonhuman organism; and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or nonhuman organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism.

[00381] The invention also provides a vector system as described herein. The system may comprise one, two, three or four different vectors. Components I, II, III and IV may thus be located on one, two, three or four different vectors, and all combinations for possible locations of the components are herein envisaged, for example: components I, II, III and IV can be located on the same vector; components I, II, III and IV can each be located on different vectors; components I, II, II I and IV may be located on a total of two or three different vectors, with all combinations of locations envisaged, etc. In some methods of the invention any or all of the polynucleotide sequence encoding the CRISPR enzyme, the first and the second guide sequence, the first and the second direct repeat sequence is / are RNA. In 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 further embodiments of the invention the first and second direct repeat sequence share 100% identity. In preferred embodiments, the first CRISPR enzyme has one or more mutations such that the enzyme is a complementary strand nicking enzyme, and the second CRISPR enzyme has one or more mutations such that the enzyme is a non-complementary strand nicking enzyme. Alternatively the first enzyme may be a non-complementary strand nicking enzyme, and the second enzyme may be a complementary strand nicking enzyme. In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more of the viral vectors are delivered via liposomes, nanoparticles, exosomes, microvesicles, or a gene-gun; but, particle delivery is advantageous.

[00382] In preferred methods of the invention the first guide sequence directing cleavage of one strand of the DNA duplex near the first target sequence and the second guide sequence directing cleavage of other strand near the second target sequence results in a 5’ overhang. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at most 200 base pairs, preferably at most 100 base pairs, or more preferably at most 50 base pairs. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at least 26 base pairs, preferably at least 30 base pairs or more preferably 3450 base pairs.

[00383] The invention in some embodiments comprehends a method of modifying a genomic locus of interest in for instance HSC e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, by introducing into the HSC, e.g., by contacting HSCs with particle(s) comprising, a Cas protein having one or more mutations and two guide RNAs that target a first strand and a second strand of the DNA molecule respectively in the HSC, whereby the guide RNAs target the DNA molecule and the Cas protein nicks each of the first strand and the second strand of the DNA molecule, whereby a target in the HSC is altered; and, wherein the Cas protein and the two guide RNAs do not naturally occur together and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or non-human organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism. In preferred methods of the invention the Cas protein nicking each of the first strand and the second strand of the 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 DNA molecule results in a 5’ overhang. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at most 200 base pairs, preferably at most 100 base pairs, or more preferably at most 50 base pairs. In embodiments of the invention the 5’ overhang is at least 26 base pairs, preferably at least 30 base pairs or more preferably 34-50 base pairs. In an aspect of the invention the Cas protein is codon optimized for expression in a eukaryotic cell, preferably a mammalian cell or a human cell. Aspects of the invention relate to the expression of a gene product being decreased or a template polynucleotide being further introduced into the DNA molecule encoding the gene product or an intervening sequence being excised precisely by allowing the two 5’ overhangs to reanneal and ligate or the activity or function of the gene product being altered or the expression of the gene product being increased. In an embodiment of the invention, the gene product is a protein.

[00384] The invention in some embodiments comprehends a method of modifying a genomic locus of interest in for instance HSC e.g., wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with a mutation associated with an aberrant protein expression or with a disease condition or state, by introducing into the HSC, e.g., by contacting HSCs with particle(s) comprising, a) a first regulatory element operably linked to each of two CRISPR-Cas system guide RNAs that target a first strand and a second strand respectively of a double stranded DNA molecule of the HSC, and b) a second regulatory element operably linked to a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) protein, or c) expression product(s) of a) or b), wherein components (a) and (b) are located on same or different vectors of the system, whereby the guide RNAs target the DNA molecule of the HSC and the Cas protein nicks each of the first strand and the second strand of the DNA molecule of the HSC; and, wherein the Cas protein and the two guide RNAs do not naturally occur together; and the method may optionally include also delivering a HDR template, e.g., via the particle contacting the HSC containing or contacting the HSC with another particle containing, the HDR template wherein the HDR template provides expression of a normal or less aberrant form of the protein; wherein “normal” is as to wild type, and “aberrant” can be a protein expression that gives rise to a condition or disease state; and optionally the method may include isolating or obtaining HSC from the organism or non-human organism, optionally expanding the HSC population, performing contacting of the particle(s) with the HSC to obtain a modified HSC population, optionally expanding the population of modified HSCs, and optionally 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 administering modified HSCs to the organism or non-human organism. In aspects of the invention the guide RNAs may comprise a guide sequence fused to a direct repeat sequence. Aspects of the invention relate to the expression of a gene product being decreased or a template polynucleotide being further introduced into the DNA molecule encoding the gene product or an intervening sequence being excised precisely by allowing the two 5’ overhangs to reanneal and ligate or the activity or function of the gene product being altered or the expression of the gene product being increased. In an embodiment of the invention, the gene product is a protein. In preferred embodiments of the invention the vectors of the system are viral vectors. In a further embodiment, the vectors of the system are delivered via liposomes, nanoparticles, exosomes, microvesicles, or a gene-gun; and particles are preferred. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of modifying a target polynucleotide in a HSC. In some embodiments, the method comprises allowing a CRISPR complex to bind to the target polynucleotide to effect cleavage of said target polynucleotide thereby modifying the target polynucleotide, wherein the CRISPR complex comprises a CRISPR enzyme complexed with a guide sequence hybridized to a target sequence within said target polynucleotide, wherein said guide sequence is linked to a direct repeat sequence. In some embodiments, said cleavage comprises cleaving one or two strands at the location of the target sequence by said CRISPR enzyme. In some embodiments, said cleavage results in decreased transcription of a target gene. In some embodiments, the method further comprises repairing said cleaved target polynucleotide by homologous recombination with an exogenous template polynucleotide, wherein said repair results in a mutation comprising an insertion, deletion, or substitution of one or more nucleotides of said target polynucleotide. In some embodiments, said mutation results in one or more amino acid changes in a protein expressed from a gene comprising the target sequence. In some embodiments, the method further comprises delivering one or more vectors or expression product(s) thereof, e.g., via particle(s), to for instance said HSC, wherein the one or more vectors drive expression of one or more of: the CRISPR enzyme, the guide sequence linked to the direct repeat sequence. In some embodiments, said vectors are delivered to for instance the HSC in a subject. In some embodiments, said modifying takes place in said HSC in a cell culture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises isolating said HSC from a subject prior to said modifying. In some embodiments, the method further comprises returning said HSC and / or cells derived therefrom to said subject.

[00385] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of generating for instance a HSC comprising a mutated disease gene. In some embodiments, a disease gene is any gene 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 associated with an increase in the risk of having or developing a disease. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) introducing one or more vectors or expression product(s) thereof, e.g., via particle(s), into a HSC, wherein the one or more vectors drive expression of one or more of: a CRISPR enzyme, a guide sequence linked to a direct repeat sequence; and (b) allowing a CRISPR complex to bind to a target polynucleotide to effect cleavage of the target polynucleotide within said disease gene, wherein the CRISPR complex comprises the CRISPR enzyme complexed with the guide sequence that is hybridized to the target sequence within the target polynucleotide, and optionally, where applicable, thereby generating a HSC comprising a mutated disease gene. In some embodiments, said cleavage comprises cleaving one or two strands at the location of the target sequence by said CRISPR enzyme. In some embodiments, said cleavage results in decreased transcription of a target gene. In some embodiments, the method further comprises repairing said cleaved target polynucleotide by homologous recombination with an exogenous template polynucleotide, wherein said repair results in a mutation comprising an insertion, deletion, or substitution of one or more nucleotides of said target polynucleotide. In some embodiments, said mutation results in one or more amino acid changes in a protein expression from a gene comprising the target sequence. In some embodiments the modified HSC is administered to an animal to thereby generate an animal model.

[00386] In one aspect, the invention provides for methods of modifying a target polynucleotide in for instance a HSC. In some embodiments, the method comprises allowing a CRISPR complex to bind to the target polynucleotide to effect cleavage of said target polynucleotide thereby modifying the target polynucleotide, wherein the CRISPR complex comprises a CRISPR enzyme complexed with a guide sequence hybridized to a target sequence within said target polynucleotide, wherein said guide sequence is linked to a direct repeat sequence. In other embodiments, this invention provides a method of modifying expression of a polynucleotide in a eukaryotic cell that arises from for instance an HSC. The method comprises increasing or decreasing expression of a target polynucleotide by using a CRISPR complex that binds to the polynucleotide in the HSC; advantageously the CRISPR complex is delivered via particle(s).

[00387] In some methods, a target polynucleotide can be inactivated to effect the modification of the expression in for instance an HSC. For example, upon the binding of a CRISPR complex to a target sequence in a cell, the target polynucleotide is inactivated such that the sequence is not transcribed, the coded protein is not produced, or the sequence does not function as the wild-type sequence does. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00388] In some embodiments the RNA of the CRISPR-Cas system, e.g., the guide or gRNA, can be modified; for instance to include an aptamer or a functional domain. An aptamer is a synthetic oligonucleotide that binds to a specific target molecule; for instance a nucleic acid molecule that has been engineered through repeated rounds of in vitro selection or SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) to bind to various molecular targets such as small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and even cells, tissues and organisms. Aptamers are useful in that they offer molecular recognition properties that rival that of antibodies. In addition to their discriminate recognition, aptamers offer advantages over antibodies including that they elicit little or no immunogenicity in therapeutic applications. Accordingly, in the practice of the invention, either or both of the enzyme or the RNA can include a functional domain.

[00389] In some embodiments, the functional domain is a transcriptional activation domain, preferably VP64. In some embodiments, the functional domain is a transcription repression domain, preferably KRAB. In some embodiments, the transcription repression domain is SID, or concatemers of SID (eg SID4X). In some embodiments, the functional domain is an epigenetic modifying domain, such that an epigenetic modifying enzyme is provided. In some embodiments, the functional domain is an activation domain, which may be the P65 activation domain. In some embodiments, the functional domain comprises nuclease activity. In one such embodiment, the functional domain comprises Fok1.

[00390] The invention also provides an in vitro or ex vivo cell comprising any of the modified CRISPR enzymes, compositions, systems or complexes described above, or from any of the methods described above. The cell may be a eukaryotic cell or a prokaryotic cell. The invention also provides progeny of such cells. The invention also provides a product of any such cell or of any such progeny, wherein the product is a product of the said one or more target loci as modified by the modified CRISPR enzyme of the CRISPR complex. The product may be a peptide, polypeptide or protein. Some such products may be modified by the modified CRISPR enzyme of the CRISPR complex. In some such modified products, the product of the target locus is physically distinct from the product of the said target locus which has not been modified by the said modified CRISPR enzyme.

[00391] The invention also provides a polynucleotide molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding any of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzymes described above. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00392] Any such polynucleotide may further comprise one or more regulatory elements which are operably linked to the polynucleotide sequence encoding the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme.

[00393] In any such polynucleotide which comprises one or more regulatory elements, the one or more regulatory elements may be operably configured for expression of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme in a eukaryotic cell. The eukaryotic cell may be a human cell. The eukaryotic cell may be a rodent cell, optionally a mouse cell. The eukaryotic cell may be a yeast cell. The eukaryotic cell may be a chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell. The eukaryotic cell may be an insect cell.

[00394] In any such polynucleotide which comprises one or more regulatory elements, the one or more regulatory elements may be operably configured for expression of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme in a prokaryotic cell.

[00395] In any such polynucleotide which comprises one or more regulatory elements, the one or more regulatory elements may operably configured for expression of the non-naturally-occurring CRISPR enzyme in an in vitro system.

[00396] The invention also provides an expression vector comprising any of the abovedescribed polynucleotide molecules. The invention also provides such polynucleotide molecule(s), for instance such polynucleotide molecules operably configured to express the protein and / or the nucleic acid component(s), as well as such vector(s).

[00397] The invention further provides for a method of making muations to a Cas (e.g. Cpf1) or a mutated or modified Cas (e.g. Cpf1) that is an ortholog of the CRISPR enzymes according to the invention as described herein, comprising ascertaining amino acid(s) in that ortholog may be in close proximity or may touch a nucleic acid molecule, e.g., DNA, RNA, gRNA, etc., and / or amino acid(s) analogous or corresponding to herein-identified amino acid(s) in CRISPR enzymes according to the invention as described herein for modification and / or mutation, and synthesizing or preparing or expressing the orthologue comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of modification(s) and / or mutation(s) or mutating as herein-discussed, e.g., modifying, e.g., changing or mutating, a neutral amino acid to a charged, e.g., positively charged, amino acid, e.g., from alanine to, e.g., lysine. The so modified ortholog can be used in CRISPR-Cas systems; and nucleic acid molecule(s) expressing it may be used in vector or other delivery systems that deliver molecules or or encoding CRISPR-Cas system components as herein-discussed.

[00398] In an aspect, the invention provides efficient on-target activity and minimizes off target activity. In an aspect, the invention provides efficient on-target cleavage by a CRISPR 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 protein and minimizes off-target cleavage by the CRISPR protein. In an aspect, the invention provides guide specific binding of a CRISPR protein at a gene locus without DNA cleavage. In an aspect, the invention provides efficient guide directed on-target binding of a CRISPR protein at a gene locus and minimizes off-target binding of the CRISPR protein. Accordingly, in an aspect, the invention provides target-specific gene regulation. In an aspect, the invention provides guide specific binding of a CRISPR enzyme at a gene locus without DNA cleavage. Accordingly, in an aspect, the invention provides for cleavage at one gene locus and gene regulation at a different gene locus using a single CRISPR enzyme. In an aspect, the invention provides orthogonal activation and / or inhibition and / or cleavage of multiple targets using one or more CRISPR protein and / or enzyme.

[00399] In another aspect, the present invention provides for a method of functional screening of genes in a genome in a pool of cells ex vivo or in vivo comprising the administration or expression of a library comprising a plurality of CRISPR-Cas system guide RNAs (gRNAs) and wherein the screening further comprises use of a CRISPR enzyme, wherein the CRISPR complex is modified to comprise a heterologous functional domain. In an aspect the invention provides a method for screening a genome comprising the administration to a host or expression in a host in vivo of a library. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed further comprising an activator administered to the host or expressed in the host. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the activator is attached to a CRISPR protein. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the activator is attached to the N terminus or the C terminus of the CRISPR protein. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the activator is attached to a gRNA loop. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed further comprising a repressor administered to the host or expressed in the host. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the screening comprises affecting and detecting gene activation, gene inhibition, or cleavage in the locus.

[00400] In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the host is a eukaryotic cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the host is a mammalian cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the host is a non-human eukaryote cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the non-human eukaryote cell is a non-human mammal cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, wherein the non-human mammal cell may be including, but not limited to, primate bovine, ovine, procine, 2024202007   28 Mar 2024 canine, rodent, Leporidae such as monkey, cow, sheep, pig, dog, rabbit, rat or mouse cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, the cell may be a a nonmammalian eukaryotic cell such as poultry bird (e.g., chicken), vertebrate fish (e.g., salmon) or shellfish (e.g., oyster, claim, lobster, shrimp) cell. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed, the non-human eukaryote cell is a plant cell. The plant cell may be of a monocot or dicot or of a crop or grain plant such as cassava, corn, sorghum, soybean, wheat, oat or rice. The plant cell may also be of an algae, tree or production plant, fruit or vegetable (e.g., trees such as citrus trees, e.g., orange, grapefruit or lemon trees; peach or nectarine trees; apple or pear trees; nut trees such as almond or walnut or pistachio trees; nightshade plants; plants of the genus Brassica; plants of the genus Lactuca; plants of the genus Spinacia; plants of the genus Capsicum; cotton, tobacco, asparagus, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, eggplant, pepper, lettuce, spinach, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, grape, coffee, cocoa, etc).

[00401] In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed comprising the delivery of the CRISPR-Cas complexes or component(s) thereof or nucleic acid molecule(s) coding therefor, wherein said nucleic acid molecule(s) are operatively linked to regulatory sequence(s) and expressed in vivo. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the expressing in vivo is via a lentivirus, an adenovirus, or an AAV. In an aspect the invention provides a method as herein discussed wherein the delivery is via a particle, a nanoparticle, a lipid or a cell penetrating peptide (CPP).

[00402] In particular embodiments it can be of interest to target the CRISPR-Cas complex to the chloroplast. In many cases, this targeting may be achieved by the presence of an N -terminal extension, called a chloroplast transit peptide (CTP) or plastid transit peptide. Chromosomal transgenes from bacterial sources must have a sequence encoding a CTP sequence fused to a sequence encoding an expressed polypeptide if the expressed polypeptide is to be compartmentalized in the plant plastid (e.g. chloroplast). Accordingly, localization of an exogenous polypeptide to a chloroplast is often 1 accomplished by means of operably linking a polynucleotide sequence encoding a CTP sequence to the 5' region of a polynucleotide encoding the exogenous polypeptide. The CTP is removed in a processing step during translocation into the plastid. Processing efficiency may, however, be affected by the amino acid sequence of the CTP and nearby sequences at the NH 2 terminus of the peptide. Other options for targeting to the chloroplast which have been described are the maize cab-m7 signal sequence (U. S. Patent 7,022,896, WO 97 / 41228) a pea glutathione reductase signal sequence (WO 97 / 41228) and the CTP described in US2009029861. 2024202007   28 Mar 2024

[00403] In an aspect the invention provides a pair of CRISPR-Cas complexes, each comprising a guide RNA (gRNA) comprising a guide sequence capable of hybridizing to a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest in a cell, wherein at least one loop of each sgRNA is modified by the insertion of distinct RNA sequence(s) that bind to one or more adaptor proteins, and wherein the adaptor protein is associated with one or more functional domains, wherein each gRNA of each CRISPR-Cas comprises a functional domain having a DNA cleavage activity. In an aspect the invention provides a paired CRISPR-Cas complexes as herein-discussed, wherein the DNA cleavage activity is due to a Fok1 nuclease.

[00404] In an aspect the invention provides a method for cutting a target sequence in a genomic locus of interest comprising delivery to a cell of t...

Claims

2024202007   23 Jun 2026WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. An in vitro or ex vivo method of modifying a eukaryotic cell, comprising delivering tothe eukaryotic cell a CRISPR-Cas system comprisinga Type V Cas protein comprising a RuvC domain but not a HNH domain, or a nucleic acid encoding the Type V Cas protein, anda CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide engineered to hybridize with a target sequence of a genomic locus of interest in the eukaryotic cell, or a nucleic acid encoding the CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide,wherein the CRISPR-Cas system does not comprise a tracrRNA, wherein the guide polynucleotide forms a CRISPR-Cas complex with the Type V Cas protein and directs sequencespecific binding of the CRISPR-Cas complex to the target sequence in the eukaryotic cell, wherein the genomic locus of interest is cleaved or edited to produce a modified eukaryotic cell.

2. A method of modifying a eukaryotic cell, comprising delivering to the eukaryotic cell aCRISPR-Cas system comprisinga Type V Cas protein comprising a RuvC domain but not a HNH domain, or a nucleic acid encoding the Type V Cas protein, anda CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide engineered to hybridize with a target sequence of a genomic locus of interest in the eukaryotic cell, or a nucleic acid encoding the CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide,wherein the CRISPR-Cas system does not comprise a tracrRNA, wherein the guide polynucleotide forms a CRISPR-Cas complex with the Type V Cas protein and directs sequencespecific binding of the CRISPR-Cas complex to the target sequence in the eukaryotic cell, wherein the genomic locus of interest is cleaved or edited to produce a modified eukaryotic cell, wherein the eukaryotic cell is not a totipotent cell.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the eukaryotic cell is a mammalian cell or a humancell.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method comprises delivering one ormore viral vectors comprising or encoding the guide polynucleotide and the Type V Cas protein.2024202007   23 Jun 20265.     The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method comprises delivering a lipidparticle comprising the guide polynucleotide and an mRNA encoding the Type V Cas protein.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method comprises delivering aribonucleoprotein comprising the guide polynucleotide in complex with the Type V Cas protein.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the ribonucleoprotein is delivered to the eukaryotic cellby electroporation or microinjection.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising delivering a donor template tothe eukaryotic cell for targeted integration of a transgene by homology-directed repair.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the eukaryotic cell is a T cell, an NK cell,a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, a regulatory T cell, or an induced pluripotent stem cell.

10. Use of a composition comprising a CRISPR-Cas system in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a genetic disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, wherein the CRISPR-Cas system comprises:a Type V Cas protein comprising a RuvC domain but not a HNH domain, or a nucleic acid encoding the Type V Cas protein, anda CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide engineered to hybridize with a target sequence of a genomic locus of interest in the eukaryotic cell, wherein the genomic locus of interest is associated with the genetic disease or disorder, or a nucleic acid encoding the CRISPR-Cas guide polynucleotide,wherein the CRISPR-Cas system does not comprise a tracrRNA, wherein the guide polynucleotide is capable of forming a CRISPR-Cas complex with the Type V Cas protein and directing sequence-specific binding of the CRISPR-Cas complex to the target sequence in the eukaryotic cell, thereby cleaving or editing the genomic locus of interest.

11. The use of claim 10, wherein the composition comprises one or more viral vectors comprising or encoding the guide polynucleotide and the Type V Cas protein.2024202007   23 Jun 202612. The use of claim 11 or the method of claim 4, wherein the one or more viral vectors are adenoviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, or adeno-associated viral vectors.

13. The use of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises a lipid particle comprising the guide polynucleotide and an mRNA encoding the Type V Cas protein.

14. The use of claim 13 or the method of claim 5, wherein the lipid particle is a lipid nanoparticle, a liposome, an exosome, or a microvesicle.

15. The use of claim 10, wherein the composition comprises a ribonucleoprotein comprising the guide polynucleotide in complex with the Type V Cas protein.

16. The use or method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the Type V Cas protein is fused to one or more heterologous nuclear localization signals, optionally wherein the Type V Cas protein is fused to two or more heterologous nuclear localization signals.

17. The use or method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the Type V Cas protein comprises RuvC-I, RuvC-II, and RuvC-III domains.

18. The use or method of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the Type V Cas protein comprises at least one mutation in a catalytic domain and has reduced catalytic activity.

19. The use or method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the Type V Cas protein is fused to one or more heterologous protein domains.

20. The use or method of claim 19, wherein the one or more heterologous protein domains have one or more of the following activities: methylase activity, demethylase activity, transcription activation activity, transcription repression activity, transcription release factor activity, histone modification activity, nuclease activity, single-strand RNA cleavage activity, double-strand RNA cleavage activity, single-strand DNA cleavage activity, double-strand DNA cleavage activity and nucleic acid binding activity.

21. The use or method of claim 20, wherein the one or more heterologous protein domains are selected from the group consisting of transposase domain, integrase domain, recombinase domain, resolvase domain, invertase domain, protease domain, DNA methyltransferase domain,2024202007   23 Jun 2026DNA hydroxylmethylase domain, DNA demethylase domain, histone acetylase domain, histone deacetylases domain, nuclease domain, transcriptional repressor domain, transcriptional activator domain, deaminase domain, transcription-regulatory protein domain, cellular uptake activity associated domain, nucleic acid binding domain, antibody presentation domain, histone modifying enzyme, recruiter of histone modifying enzyme, inhibitor of histone modifying enzyme, histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase, histone kinase, histone phosphatase, histone ribosylase, histone deribosylase, histone ubiquitinase, histone deubiquitinase, histone biotinase, and histone tail protease.

22. The use or method of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the Type V Cas protein is a Type V-A Cas protein.

23. The use or method of claim 22, wherein the Type V-A Cas protein comprises a VIGIDRG or IIGIDRG motif in RuvC-I domain and / or a DANGAY motif in RuvC-III domain.

24. The use or method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the Type V-A Cas protein is derived from Francisella, Prevotella, Acidaminococcus, Lachnospiraceae, Moraxella, Eubacterium, Smithella, Butyrivibrio, Peregrinibacteria, Parcubacteria, Candidatus, Leptospira, or Porphyromonas.

25. The use or method of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the guide polynucleotide comprises, from 5’ to 3’, a direct repeat sequence linked to a guide sequence; wherein the direct repeat sequence comprises, from 5’ to 3’, a stem left region, a loop region, a stem right region, and a Uracil immediately 5’ of the guide sequence.

26. The use or method of claim 25, wherein the loop region comprises the sequence of UGUU, UAUU, UCUU, UUUU, UGCU, UUCG, UCUUU, UGUUU, UAAGU, UUU, or UU; wherein the stem left region and the stem right region comprise respectively the sequences of UCUAC and GUAGA, CCUAC and GUAGG, UCCAC and GUGGA, or UCUGC and GCAGA.

27. The use or method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the direct repeat sequence further comprises AAUU or AUU immediately 5’ of the stem left region, optionally wherein the direct repeat sequence further comprises GG at the 5’ end.2024202007   23 Jun 202628. The use or method of claim 25, wherein the direct repeat sequence is any of SEQ ID NOs:1434, 1437-1438 and 1440-1449, or the direct repeat sequence is encoded by any of SEQ ID NOs:195, 198-199 and 201-210.

29. The use or method of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the guide polynucleotide comprises at least one chemical modification.

30. The use or method of claim 29, wherein the chemical modification comprises pseudo-U, 5-methyl-C, a methylated nucleotide, or a nucleotide analog.

31. The use or method of claim 29 or 28, wherein the chemical modification comprises 2'-O-methyl, 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate, or 2'-O-methyl 3' thioPACE.

32. The use or method of any one of claims 29-31, wherein the chemical modification comprises a phosphorothioate linkage or a methylene bridge between 2’ and 4’ carbons of a ribose ring.

33. The use or method of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the target sequence is adjacent to a T-rich protospacer motif (PAM) in the genome of the eukaryotic cell.

34. The use or method of claim 33, wherein the PAM comprises 5’-TTN or 5’-TTTV.

35. The use or method of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the genomic locus of interest iscleaved to generate a staggered double stranded break, optionally wherein the staggered double stranded break has a 4-nt or 5-nt 5’ overhang.

36. The method of claim 2 or the use of any one of claims 10-35, wherein the composition further comprises a donor template for targeted integration of a transgene by homology-directed repair.

37. The method of claim 2 or the use of any one of claims 10-36, wherein the genetic disease or disorder is a blood disease or disorder, an ocular disease or disorder, a liver disease or disorder, a muscle disease or disorder, or a neurological disease or disorder.2024202007   23 Jun 202638. The method or use of claim 37, wherein the genetic disease or disorder is sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Leber congenital amaurosis, Usher syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, transthyretin amyloidosis, hereditary angioedema, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, glycogen storage disease, hypercholesterolemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, leukemia, lymphoma, or a solid tumor.

39. The method of claim 2 or the use of any one of claims 10-38, wherein the subject is a mammalian subject or a human subject.

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