A Quebec research team led by Professor Frédéric Veyrier has identified a family of enzymes capable of specifically cutting simple bit DNA. This discovery opens up new perspectives for biotechnology and precision medicine.
A major advance after Crispr
CRISPR technology has marked a revolution in the field of genetics by allowing targeted cuts in double -strand DNA. She offered researchers the possibility of modifying genes with unprecedented precision, especially in vegetable, animal and human cells. However, the genetic edition of simple bit DNA has so far remained an unresolved challenge.
It is in this context that the breakthrough of Professor Frédéric Veyrier and his team from the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS). Researchers have discovered a new family of endonucleases, called SSN, which specifically targets simple bit of DNA – a world first. Their results were published in Nature Communications, stressing the importance of this innovation for basic research and biomedical applications.
Simple DNA strand, land to explore
Unlike better -known double strand DNA, simple strand DNA (ADNSB) is generally observed in certain viruses or in process such as replication and cellular repair. It is also widely used in technologies such as sequencing, molecular diagnosis or nanotechnologies.
However, so far, no natural enzyme has made it possible to recognize and cut an adnsb sequence in a targeted way. The absence of such a tool represented an important brake for several innovations.
Thanks to work carried out at the Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Center in INRS, the team has managed to isolate and characterize this new family of SSN enzymes, belonging to the Giy-Yig SuperFamille. More specifically, the researchers looked at an enzyme present in the bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis, better known as Méningococcus.
A discovery with genomic implications
“We have discovered that this enzyme recognizes a very precise sequence, presents multiple times in the genome of the bacteria, and that it plays an essential role in its natural transformation. She directly influences the dynamics of her genome, ”explains Professor Veyrier, specialist in genomic and evolution bacteriology.
In addition to this specific enzyme, researchers have identified thousands of similar enzymes with the ability to recognize and cut their own simple DNA sequence. This diversity offers a huge reservoir of possibilities for targeted applications.
“These enzymes have their own specificity and can become tailor-made tools for research and biotechnologies,” adds Alex Rivera-Millot, co-owner of the study.
New avenues for biotechnology and health
The potential applications of this discovery are large. On the medical level, these enzymes could:
• Improve high precision genetic publishing techniques;
• Contribute to the development of more sensitive diagnostic tests;
• Be integrated into pathogen detection or therapeutic targeting platforms.
In molecular biology, they could be used to better understand the mechanisms of viral replication or DNA repair. The tools developed could also be adapted to industrial environments or to bio-engineering processes.
A patent is being filled up to protect this discovery and allow its technological transfer.
A recognized publication and solid financial support
The study entitled Discovery of the Widespread Site-Specific Single-Stranded Nuclease Family SSN is co-signed by Mr. Chenal, A. Rivera-Millot, LB Harrison and their colleagues. It appeared in the journal Nature Communications (April 2025).
The project was supported by the Canada Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (CRSNG), Canada’s Health Research Institutes (IRSC) and the Quebec – Health Research Fund (FRQS).
About the INRS
The National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS) is a Quebec university establishment specializing in research and training in higher cycles. It brings together four multidisciplinary centers, including the Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Center, and ranks in Canadian in research intensity. For over 50 years, it has contributed to scientific innovation and socioeconomic development in Quebec.
Source: National Institute of Scientific Research / CNW
Publication Index Health: 2025-04-14
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