Abstract: The present invention is directed to modified CRISPR-cas guides that modulate the activity of Cas9 polypeptides to which the synthetic guides are complexed. In addition, methods of use of the modified CRISPR-guides are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for typing of Lactobacillus buchneri bacterial strains, detecting the presence of a L. buchneri in a sample, identifying a strain of L. buchneri having resistance to an invasive foreign genetic element, modifying the resistance of bacteria and archeae to an invasive foreign genetic element, and introducing nicks into or cleaving double stranded DNA for genome editing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising novel CRISPR polypeptides and polynucleotides for site-specific cleavage and nicking of nucleic acids, transcriptional control and genome editing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for binding to a target sequence of interest are provided. The compositions find use in cleaving or modifying a target sequence of interest, visualization of a target sequence of interest, and modifying the expression of a sequence of interest. Compositions comprise RNA-guided nuclease polypeptides, CRISPR RNAs, trans-activating CRISPR RNAs, guide RNAs, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also provided. Further provided are CRISPR systems for binding a target sequence of interest, wherein the CRISPR system comprises an RNA-guided nuclease polypeptide and one or more guide RNAs.