Primed CRISPR adaptation in Escherichia coli cells does not depend on conformational changes in the Cascade effector complex detected in Vitro

In type I CRISPR–Cas systems, primed adaptation of new spacers into CRISPR arrays occurs when the effector Cascade–crRNA complex recognizes imperfectly matched targets that are not subject to efficient CRISPR interference. Thus, primed adaptation allows cells to acquire additional protection against mobile genetic elements that managed to escape interference. Biochemical and biophysical studies suggested that Cascade–crRNA complexes formed on fully matching targets (subject to efficient interference) and on partially mismatched targets that promote primed adaption are structurally different. Here, we probed Escherichia coli Cascade–crRNA complexes bound to matched and mismatched DNA targets using a magnetic tweezers assay. Significant differences in complex stabilities were observed consistent with the presence of at least two distinct conformations. Surprisingly, in vivo analysis demonstrated that all mismatched targets stimulated robust primed adaptation irrespective of conformational states observed in vitro. Our results suggest that primed adaptation is a direct consequence of a reduced interference efficiency and/or rate and is not a consequence of distinct effector complex conformations on target DNA.