The Cas9 variant can target nearly all PAM sites in the genome, allowing the researchers to edit previously inaccessible disease-relevant genetic variants.
The screen, which multiplexes Cas9 and Cas12a, could be used for functional analysis of large genomic regions in mammalian cells, the researchers said.
The activity of the ABE8e editor is increased 590-fold compared to the activity of the ABE7.10, and it can be paired with a variety of Cas9 or Cas12 homologs.
Genes influencing NOTCH pathway activity were linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a mouse screen centered on genes with long tail mutations in human cases.
