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Abstract Cas9 is a metal-dependent nuclease that has revolutionized gene editing across diverse cells and organisms exhibiting varying ion uptake, metabolism, and concentrations. However, how divalent metals impact its catalytic function, and consequently its editing efficiency in different cells, remains unclear. Here, extensive molecular simulations, Markov State Models, biochemical and NMR experiments, demonstrate that divalent metals – Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Co²⁺– promote activation of the catalytic HNH domain by binding within a dynamically forming divalent metal binding pocket (DBP) at the HNH-RuvC interface. Mutations in DBP residues disrupt HNH activation and impair the coupled catalytic activity of both nucleases, identifying this cryptic DBP as a key regulator of Cas9’s metal-dependent activity. The ionic strength thereby promotes Cas9’s conformational activation, while its catalytic activity is metal-specific. These findings are critical to improving the metal-dependent function of Cas9 and its use for genome editing in different cells and organisms. 

Abstract CRISPR-Cas are adaptive immune systems in bacteria and archaea that utilize CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complexes to target complementary RNA or DNA for destruction^1–5. Target RNA cleavage at regular intervals is characteristic of type III effector complexes^6–8. Here, we determine the structures of theSynechocystistype III-Dv complex, an apparent evolutionary intermediate from multi-protein to single-protein type III effectors^9,10, in pre- and post-cleavage states. The structures show how multi-subunit fusion proteins in the effector are tethered together in an unusual arrangement to assemble into an active and programmable RNA endonuclease and how the effector utilizes a distinct mechanism for target RNA seeding from other type III effectors. Using structural, biochemical, and quantum/classical molecular dynamics simulation, we study the structure and dynamics of the three catalytic sites, where a 2′-OH of the ribose on the target RNA acts as a nucleophile for in line self-cleavage of the upstream scissile phosphate. Strikingly, the arrangement at the catalytic residues of most type III complexes resembles the active site of ribozymes, including the hammerhead, pistol, and Varkud satellite ribozymes. Our work provides detailed molecular insight into the mechanisms of RNA targeting and cleavage by an important intermediate in the evolution of type III effector complexes.