CRISPR-associated nuclease Acidaminococcus sp. Cas12a, also known as AsCpf1, can recognize and cleave DNA sequences with a T-rich protospacer adjacent motif (T-PAM), making it a useful tool for genome editing in regions where the NGG PAM sequence is not present. Different from Cas9, AsCas12a leaves sticky ends with 5’ overhangs after the cleavage of both DNA strands, which provides a powerful tool for genetic engineering and other applications that require precise and specific DNA cleavage and editing.