RNP
Pronunciation: R-N-P
Also written as: RNP — Ribonucleoprotein
A complex of a Cas protein (such as Cas9) pre-assembled with its guide RNA, used as a delivery format for CRISPR editing that reduces off-target effects and immunogenicity compared with DNA-based delivery.
Full Definition
A ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in the CRISPR context refers to Cas9 (or another Cas variant) pre-assembled with a gRNA before cell delivery. Because the RNP is transiently active and rapidly degraded by cellular proteases and nucleases, it generates higher editing specificity with fewer off-target events than plasmid-based delivery, which sustains prolonged Cas9 expression. RNP delivery is particularly favoured in clinical-grade protocols for editing primary human cells. Editors should always capitalise 'RNP' and define it at first use. Distinguish from the broader biochemical definition of ribonucleoprotein (any RNA–protein complex).
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalised: 'RNP'. Define at first use. When specifying the Cas variant, write 'Cas9 RNP' or 'Cas12a RNP'. Distinguish from viral or plasmid delivery formats in methods descriptions.
In Context
- "Delivery of the Cas9 RNP resulted in efficient editing with minimal off-target activity in primary T cells." — Methods section
- "The RNP format was preferred over plasmid transfection for clinical-grade manufacturing of edited HSCs." — Regulatory manufacturing report