Caszyme Publishes Research Demonstrating Potency of Novel Cas12l Nuclease in The CRISPR Journal

  • The new type of engineered nuclease, Asp2Cas12l M82, demonstrates a strong blend of characteristics.
  • M82 is compact, efficient, and accurate.
  • M82 could prove applicable to a wide range of gene editing scenarios where delivery method, target biology and edit type (insertion, correction, deletion) could vary.
  • Link to paper here The CRISPR Journal

 

VILNIUS, May 21, 2026 – Leading CRISPR gene editing company, Caszyme, has today published research in The CRISPR Journal detailing the performance characteristics of an engineered CRISPR-Cas12l nuclease, Asp2Cas12l M82 (hereby denoted as M82 for brevity). The publication positions M82 as a compelling new tool for the wider genome editing and genetic medicines spheres, and as a potential catalyst for renewed interest in the CRISPR approach.

“This a great example of the potential of continued mining for novel Cas effectors within the bacterial metagenomic diversity dark matter,” said Rodolphe Barrangou, PhD, Editor in Chief of The CRISPR Journal. “We need more diverse effectors to address the technical shortcomings of the CRISPR toolbox.”

Researchers found M82 to be a tool which combines the intrinsic benefits associated with Cas12l nuclease – unique protein sequence & structure, generation of long protruding DNA ends after cleavage, recognition of a C-rich PAM sequence – with high performance in human cells and other advantageous characteristics.

Central to genome editing is the balance between potency and deliverability with the most effective tools are often proving difficult to deliver, and vice versa. M82 introduces a different profile. With a length of 867 amino acids, M82 is suitable for use with more size-constrained delivery systems like adeno-associated viruses. Simultaneously, researchers found M82 capable of achieving similar editing efficiencies to more-established CRISPR nucleases – with indel rates reaching 75-100%.

Extending beyond editing efficiency in terms of stochastic indels, researchers found that the DNA double-strand breaks induced by M82 are efficiently repaired by homology-directed repair (HDR), with rates as high as 56%, depending on target. This implies that M82 could be especially effective at performing precise genetic modifications.

In terms of therapeutic angle, this could make M82 a reliable tool for restoration of a gene, rather than just switching off a dysregulated gene.

In parallel, specificity analysis for M82 using genome-wide methods indicated low levels of off-target activity, with secondary editing signals detected at or near the limits of assay sensitivity in most cases.

This level of specificity is increasingly critical as gene editing technologies move from research environments into therapeutic development, where safety considerations and regulatory expectations are paramount.

Moreover, the study further demonstrates the delivery versatility of M82. Deployable via methods including plasmid DNA, mRNA, and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, the flexibility of M82 aligns with a range of emerging therapeutic strategies from transient ex vivo editing through to systemic in vivo delivery using lipid nanoparticles or viral vectors.

Speaking on the paper’s findings, Caszyme co-founder and CEO, Dr. Giedrius Gasiunas said: “We are increasingly confident of Asp2Cas12l M82’s ability to stand out as a tool of choice in the CRISPR editing space. Reliable, precise and adaptable, M82 is suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications. It is no secret that the CRISPR space has faced challenges and concerns in recent years – as with all gene editing technologies – however we are confident in M82’s ability to create headroom for scientists to stand up and innovate within. Through our continued work exploring novel Cas systems, Caszyme is focused on advancing technologies that move beyond promise and into practical use, helping to translate genome editing into real-world treatments for patients.”

 

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About Caszyme

Caszyme is a gene editing company which combines its deep experience and dynamic platform to deliver world class CRISPR services and solutions. Caszyme was established in 2017 by pioneers in CRISPR-Cas gene editing research. Over the last 9 years, Caszyme has rapidly advanced its excellence and capabilities as an enabling expert partner in CRISPR gene editing solutions, collaborating with multiple life science organizations aiming to enter the CRISPR field or expand their gene editing capabilities. Company has a long-term expertise in discovery and development of novel gene editing tools, proteins evolution and engineering, mRNA synthesis and optimization. Also Caszyme has developed a platform of unique CRISPR nucleases. This enables Caszyme partners across various industries effectively apply CRISPR gene editing technology and tools for their market-ready products.

About The CRISPR Journal

The only peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the science and applications of gene editing provides a high-profile forum for cutting-edge international original research papers. It also includes a compelling mixture of frontmatter content— review articles, perspectives, profiles, and commentary spanning not only matters of research but the many social, ethical, and business issues confronting the field. The journal centralizes essential information and analysis on this revolutionary technology in a single location with the aim of solidifying and growing the community of innovative researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and activists who make up the field of gene editing.