Targeted Epigenetic Tools

Epigenetics tools: Schematic representation of the fused dCAS9-Tet1CD (or DNMT1 CD) and its actions modulating DNA methylation on specific genes.

(CD: catalytic domain; sgRNA: small guidance RNA; hmC : hydroxymethylcytosine; mC: methylcytosine)

Key features:

• A modified CRISPR-CAS system (Fused-dCAS9) can efficiently modulate the expression of individual genes, either by enhancing (e.g. Demethylation) or blocking (e.g. Methylation) its expression.
• Modifying the methylation status of the DNA does not alter the "biological information" encoded, but  the way this information is "accessed".
• Harnessing this mechanism could provide unique therapeutic and biotechnological strategies.