Guide RNA

The Guide RNA, commonly referred to as the gRNA, is a specific RNA sequence that recognizes the target region of the DNA and directs the Cas nuclease there for editing.  

There are two main parts of the gRNA: the crRNA and the tracr RNA

• • The crRNA (crispr RNA) is the complementary nucleotide sequence running parallel to the target DNA.

    • • The crRNA is the customizable part of the CRISPR technology that allows for specificity in the experiment.

  • The tracr RNA serves as the binding platform for the Cas nuclease.

sgRNA (single guide RNA) is another common term used in CRISPR technology that refers to the custom crRNA sequence fused to the platform tracrRNA sequence.

• • sgRNA and gRNA are commonly used interchangeably when discussing CRISPR/Cas9 technology