Description

This model represents an engineered CRISPR–Cas9 molecular effector designed for targeted epigenetic activation. It comprises a catalytically inactive Cas9 protein bound to a single-guide RNA, which directs the complex to a specific genomic target sequence. The model also includes the catalytic core of the human acetyltransferase p300 and the target DNA. Once recruited to the target site, the p300 catalytic domain promotes acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac), an epigenetic mark associated with active regulatory regions and increased gene expression. The model was developed for a nonprofit scientific animation (https://visual-science.com/projects/crispr-cas-mechanism-of-action-animation) project exploring the CRISPR–Cas system and its potential applications. The animation was created for educational and scientific communication purposes and was endorsed for its "stunning imagery and attention to detail" by Dr. Jennifer A. Doudna and Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, recipients of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of a method for genome editing. The structure was generated by the Visual Science team using PDB entries 5LKU and 5FW2 as structural references, together with the I-TASSER server and MODELLER software. For questions regarding the modeling methodology or potential educational applications of this model, please contact [email protected]