“Cat1” CRISPR Immune Weapon Halts Viruses by Draining Cells’ Fuel

New York, USA: Researchers revealed a novel CRISPR-associated protein named “Cat1,” allowing bacteria to thwart viral invasions by rapidly depleting the cell’s NAD+ (its energy currency). Once activated, Cat1 essentially triggers a “cellular suicide,” preventing phages from replicating. Published in Science, the discovery broadens our understanding of CRISPR beyond DNA-cutting enzymes—some effectors sabotage metabolism instead. Such mechanisms may inspire future biotech approaches to selectively kill infected or cancerous cells by draining essential molecules.