Abeera Bhatti

Dr. Abeera Bhatti


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 January 2023 in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ABAbeera Bhatti
Abeera Bhatti
RDRobert K. Delong
Robert K. Delong

25 April 2023 in Bioengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LKLindy G. Karrer
Lindy G. Karrer
EMElza Neelima Mathew
Elza Neelima Mathew
JNJuliet Nava-Chavez
Juliet Nava-Chavez
ABAbeera Bhatti
Abeera Bhatti
RDRobert K. Delong
Robert K. Delong
Conserved omicron RNA (COR) is a 40 base long 99.9% conserved sequence in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, predicted to form a stable stem loop, the targeted cleavage of which can be an ideal next step in controlling the spread of variants. The Cas9 enzyme has been traditionally utilized for gene editing and DNA cleavage. Previously Cas9 has been shown to be capable of RNA editing under certain conditions. Here we investigated the ability of Cas9 to bind to single-stranded conserved omicron RNA (COR) and examined the effect of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and/or polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C) on the RNA cleavage ability of Cas9. The interaction of the Cas9 enzyme and COR with Cu NPs was shown by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements and was confirmed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS). The interaction with and enhanced cleavage of COR by Cas9 in the presence of Cu NPs and poly I:C was shown by agarose gel electrophoresis. These data suggest that Cas9-mediated RNA cleavage may be potentiated at the nanoscale level in the presence of nanoparticles and a secondary RNA component. Further explorations in vitro and in vivo may contribute to the development of a better cellular delivery platform for Cas9.