# CRISPR/Cas-directed transposition in Tn7-like elements

> **NIH NIH R01** · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $301,674

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
 We are interested in the molecular mechanisms that lead to the acquisition of
pathogenesis functions and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. We are investigating one of
the ways genomes can be altered in a process called transposition. Transposons are
mobile DNA elements that can move within a cell and are found in nearly every type of
organism and are abundant in the human genome.
 The specific transposon we are working with also has important practical applications
for genome modification using CRISPR/Cas in bacteria (and potentially beyond).
CRISPR-Cas systems are revolutionizing our ability to genetically modify a wide array of
organisms. However, these systems suffer from a fundamental limitation when it comes
to inserting new genetic information; these systems make a precise break in the DNA,
but rely on endogenous host repair mechanisms to insert the desired new sequence
information (a second DNA strand transformed into the cell at the same time). CRISPR-
Cas systems are found naturally in bacteria and archaea for protection from viruses.
While all CRISPR-Cas systems utilize a guide RNA to target a virus for destruction they
are extremely diverse. Our preliminary work indicated the existence of a novel minimal
CRISPR-Cas system of unusual function in transposons.
 In this grant, we will establish the CRISPR/Cas transposon targeting system in E. coli,
a type of bacteria that is easy to manipulate in the lab to study its basic functioning. We
will also modify the system to work in different types of bacteria. We will study the basic
functioning of the system and isolate mutant components that will allow us to make the
system more efficient and more specific.
Relevance to Public Health: We will determine the molecular mechanisms that allow
the evolution of emerging pathogens and multi drug resistant bacteria though the
transfer of genetic information. This will lead to better treatments and strategies to limit
the evolution of more serious pathogens. Public health will also be served because we
will be developing an important new genome modification technique that will be broadly
applicable in bacteria and possibly other kinds of organisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9983095
- **Project number:** 5R01GM129118-02
- **Recipient organization:** CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Joseph E Peters
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $301,674
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9983095

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9983095, CRISPR/Cas-directed transposition in Tn7-like elements (5R01GM129118-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9983095. Licensed CC0.

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