Identification and structure determination of a type III-Bv CRISPR complex that post-translationally modifies an associated toxin

Cas7-family proteins form the scaffolds of multi-subunit CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complexes. To explore how Cas7 diversification expands CRISPR function, we identified Cas7 fusion proteins linked to diverse accessory domains, including a type III-B variant (III-Bv) in which a Cas7 homolog (Cmr1) is fused to the MntA antitoxin and encoded adjacent to a HEPN-family toxin. Structures reveal that the core Cas proteins assemble into a stable surveillance complex in the absence of crRNA, whereas incorporation of the Cmr1-MntA fusion is crRNA-dependent. Target RNA recognition triggers conformational changes that expose the Cas10 cyclase active site and promote cyclic oligoadenylate synthesis. Biochemical analyses show that the CRISPR-associated MntA is enzymatically active and AMPylates the associated HEPN protein. Together, these findings establish the structural basis for assembly of a type III-Bv surveillance complex containing an enzymatically active toxin-antitoxin module.

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