CRISPR transposons on the move

CRISPR transposons (CASTs) represent unique mobile genetic elements that co-opted CRISPR-Cas immune systems for RNA-guided DNA transposition. However, CAST-encoded CRISPR arrays rarely match the CAST's chromosomal location. A recent publication in Cell helps resolve this paradox by revealing CRISPR-array-independent mechanisms of chromosomal homing unique to different CAST types.

Automated summary

CASTs are unique mobile genetic elements that utilize CRISPR-Cas immune systems for RNA-guided DNA transposition, but their CRISPR arrays rarely match their chromosomal location. A recent study in Cell reveals the chromosomal homing mechanisms unique to different types of CAST, independent of the CRISPR arrays, helping to resolve this paradox.