51
|
Akram F, Ikram Ul Haq, Ahmed Z, Khan H, Ali MS. CRISPR-Cas9, A Promising Therapeutic Tool for Cancer Therapy: A Review. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 27:931-944. [PMID: 32264803 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200407112432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most leading causes of mortality all over the world and remains a foremost social and economic burden. Mutations in the genome of individuals are taking place more frequently due to the excessive progress of xenobiotics and industrialization in the present world. With the progress in the field of molecular biology, it is possible to alter the genome and to observe the functional changes derived from genetic modulation using gene-editing technologies. Several therapies have been applied for the treatment of malignancy which affect the normal body cells; however, more effort is required to develop vsome latest therapeutic approaches for cancer biology and oncology exploiting these molecular biology advances. Recently, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has emerged as a powerful technology for cancer therapy because of its great accuracy and efficiency. Genome editing technologies have demonstrated a plethora of benefits to the biological sciences. CRISPR- Cas9, a versatile gene editing tool, has become a robust strategy for making alterations to the genome of organisms and a potent weapon in the arsenal of tumor treatment. It has revealed an excellent clinical potential for cancer therapy by discovering novel targets and has provided the researchers with the perception about how tumors respond to drug therapy. Stern efforts are in progress to enhance its efficiency of sequence specific targeting and consequently repressing offtarget effects. CRISPR-Cas9 uses specific proteins to convalesce mutations at genetic level. In CRISPR-Cas9 system, RNA-guided Cas9 endonuclease harnesses gene mutation, DNA deletion or insertion, transcriptional activation or repression, multiplex targeting only by manipulating 20-nucleotide components of RNA. Originally, CRISPR-Cas9 system was used by bacteria for their defense against different bacteriophages, and recently this system is receiving noteworthy appreciation due to its emerging role in the treatment of genetic disorders and carcinogenesis. CRISPR-Cas9 can be employed to promptly engineer oncolytic viruses and immune cells for cancer therapeutic applications. More notably, it has the ability to precisely edit genes not only in model organisms but also in human being that permits its use in therapeutic analysis. It also plays a significant role in the development of complete genomic libraries for cancer patients. In this review, we have highlighted the involvement of CRISPR-Cas9 system in cancer therapy accompanied by its prospective applications in various types of malignancy and cancer biology. In addition, some other conspicuous functions of this unique system have also been discussed beyond genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Ahmed
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
| | - Hamza Khan
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|
52
|
Liu H, Wang J, Zeng H, Liu X, Jiang W, Wang Y, Ouyang W, Tang X. RPA-Cas12a-FS: A frontline nucleic acid rapid detection system for food safety based on CRISPR-Cas12a combined with recombinase polymerase amplification. Food Chem 2021; 334:127608. [PMID: 32711280 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Food analysis to ensure food safety and quality are relevant to all countries. This study aimed to develop a detection technique by combining recombinase polymerase amplification with CRISPR-Cas12a for food safety (termed RPA-Cas12a-FS). Our data showed that this novel method could be detected via fluorescence intensity for the molecular identification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, genetically modified crops, and meat adulteration. After optimization, the sensitivity and stability of RPA-Cas12a-FS was further enhanced. The RPA-Cas12a-FS system could specifically detect target gene levels as low as 10 copies in 45 min at 37 °C. The RPA-Cas12a-FS system was sensitive both using standard samples in the lab and using samples from the field, which indicated that this detection method was practical. In conclusion, a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive detection method based on CRISPR-Cas12a was developed for molecular identification in the food safety field without requiring technical expertise or ancillary equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China; Crops Ecological Environment Security Inspection and Supervision Center (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R.C., 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jinbin Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China; Crops Ecological Environment Security Inspection and Supervision Center (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R.C., 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China.
| | - Haijuan Zeng
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China; Crops Ecological Environment Security Inspection and Supervision Center (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R.C., 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China; Crops Ecological Environment Security Inspection and Supervision Center (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R.C., 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Wanbao Ouyang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xueming Tang
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China; Crops Ecological Environment Security Inspection and Supervision Center (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R.C., 2901 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Hazafa A, Mumtaz M, Farooq MF, Bilal S, Chaudhry SN, Firdous M, Naeem H, Ullah MO, Yameen M, Mukhtiar MS, Zafar F. CRISPR/Cas9: A powerful genome editing technique for the treatment of cancer cells with present challenges and future directions. Life Sci 2020; 263:118525. [PMID: 33031826 PMCID: PMC7533657 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most leading causes of death and a major public health problem, universally. According to accumulated data, annually, approximately 8.5 million people died because of the lethality of cancer. Recently, a novel RNA domain-containing endonuclease-based genome engineering technology, namely the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 (Cas9) have been proved as a powerful technique in the treatment of cancer cells due to its multifunctional properties including high specificity, accuracy, time reducing and cost-effective strategies with minimum off-target effects. The present review investigates the overview of recent studies on the newly developed genome-editing strategy, CRISPR/Cas9, as an excellent pre-clinical therapeutic option in the reduction and identification of new tumor target genes in the solid tumors. Based on accumulated data, we revealed that CRISPR/Cas9 significantly inhibited the robust tumor cell growth (breast, lung, liver, colorectal, and prostate) by targeting the oncogenes, tumor-suppressive genes, genes associated to therapies by inhibitors, genes associated to chemotherapies drug resistance, and suggested that CRISPR/Cas9 could be a potential therapeutic target in inhibiting the tumor cell growth by suppressing the cell-proliferation, metastasis, invasion and inducing the apoptosis during the treatment of malignancies in the near future. The present review also discussed the current challenges and barriers, and proposed future recommendations for a better understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Hazafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Mumtaz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fras Farooq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Bilal
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sundas Nasir Chaudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Musfira Firdous
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Huma Naeem
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Obaid Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yameen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Shahid Mukhtiar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Zafar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Sundara Rajan S, Ludwig KR, Hall KL, Jones TL, Caplen NJ. Cancer biology functional genomics: From small RNAs to big dreams. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1343-1361. [PMID: 33043516 PMCID: PMC7702050 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first publications reporting the discovery of the gene silencing mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Along with the many studies that delineated the proteins and substrates that form the RNAi pathway, this finding changed our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression. Furthermore, the development of methods that exploited the RNAi pathway began the technological revolution that eventually enabled the interrogation of mammalian gene function-from a single gene to the whole genome-in only a few days. The needs of the cancer research community have driven much of this progress. In this perspective, we highlight milestones in the development and application of RNAi-based methods to study carcinogenesis. We discuss how RNAi-based functional genetic analysis of exemplar tumor suppressors and oncogenes furthered our understanding of cancer initiation and progression and explore how such studies formed the basis of genome-wide scale efforts to identify cancer or cancer-type specific vulnerabilities, including studies conducted in vivo. Furthermore, we examine how RNAi technologies have revealed new cancer-relevant molecular targets and the implications for cancer of the first RNAi-based drugs. Finally, we discuss the future of functional genetic analysis, highlighting the increasing availability of complementary approaches to analyze cancer gene function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katelyn R. Ludwig
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katherine L. Hall
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Tamara L. Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Antao AM, Karapurkar JK, Lee DR, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. Disease modeling and stem cell immunoengineering in regenerative medicine using CRISPR/Cas9 systems. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3649-3665. [PMID: 33304462 PMCID: PMC7710510 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas systems are popular genome editing tools that belong to a class of programmable nucleases and have enabled tremendous progress in the field of regenerative medicine. We here outline the structural and molecular frameworks of the well-characterized type II CRISPR system and several computational tools intended to facilitate experimental designs. The use of CRISPR tools to generate disease models has advanced research into the molecular aspects of disease conditions, including unraveling the molecular basis of immune rejection. Advances in regenerative medicine have been hindered by major histocompatibility complex-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which pose a major barrier to cell- or tissue-based transplantation. Based on progress in CRISPR, including in recent clinical trials, we hypothesize that the generation of universal donor immune-engineered stem cells is now a realistic approach to tackling a multitude of disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainsley Mike Antao
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
- CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Hu M, Cherkaoui I, Misra S, Rutter GA. Functional Genomics in Pancreatic β Cells: Recent Advances in Gene Deletion and Genome Editing Technologies for Diabetes Research. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:576632. [PMID: 33162936 PMCID: PMC7580382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.576632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inheritance of variants that lead to coding changes in, or the mis-expression of, genes critical to pancreatic beta cell function can lead to alterations in insulin secretion and increase the risk of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recently developed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing tools provide a powerful means of understanding the impact of identified variants on cell function, growth, and survival and might ultimately provide a means, most likely after the transplantation of genetically "corrected" cells, of treating the disease. Here, we review some of the disease-associated genes and variants whose roles have been probed up to now. Next, we survey recent exciting developments in CRISPR/Cas9 technology and their possible exploitation for β cell functional genomics. Finally, we will provide a perspective as to how CRISPR/Cas9 technology may find clinical application in patients with diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Hu
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Cherkaoui
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shivani Misra
- Metabolic Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guy A. Rutter
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Shi J, Yang X, Li Y, Wang D, Liu W, Zhang Z, Liu J, Zhang K. MicroRNA-responsive release of Cas9/sgRNA from DNA nanoflower for cytosolic protein delivery and enhanced genome editing. Biomaterials 2020; 256:120221. [PMID: 32738651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems hold great promise for specific and precise treatment of genetic disorder diseases. Herein, we developed a DNA nanoflower-based platform for microRNA-responsive cytosolic delivery of Cas9/sgRNA complex into tumor cells. The biocompatible DNA nano-vehicles can efficiently load Cas9/sgRNA by sequence hybridization. Importantly, this hybridization can be replaced by a tumor specific miRNA through toehold-mediated strand displacement process and achieve cell-type-specific release of Cas9/sgRNA from the DNA nanoflowers. We have verified that this miRNA-responsive releasing process can significantly improve the genome editing efficiency comparing with non-responsive control. This strategy suggests a versatile way for designing more specific and efficient CRISPR-based genome therapy system by incorporating stimuli-responsive Cas9/sgRNA release process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xue Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yanan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Danyu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Kaixiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Miri SM, Tafsiri E, Cho WCS, Ghaemi A. CRISPR-Cas, a robust gene-editing technology in the era of modern cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:456. [PMID: 32973401 PMCID: PMC7493839 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been emerged as a promising strategy for treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies ranging from hematological to solid tumors. One of the principal approaches of cancer immunotherapy is transfer of natural or engineered tumor-specific T-cells into patients, a so called "adoptive cell transfer", or ACT, process. Construction of allogeneic T-cells is dependent on the employment of a gene-editing tool to modify donor-extracted T-cells and prepare them to specifically act against tumor cells with enhanced function and durability and least side-effects. In this context, CRISPR technology can be used to produce universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), through multiplex genome engineering using Cas nucleases. The robust potential of CRISPR-Cas in preparing the building blocks of ACT immunotherapy has broaden the application of such therapies and some of them have gotten FDA approvals. Here, we have collected the last investigations in the field of immuno-oncology conducted in partnership with CRISPR technology. In addition, studies that have addressed the challenges in the path of CRISPR-mediated cancer immunotherapy, as well as pre-treatment applications of CRISPR-Cas have been mentioned in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Tafsiri
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, P.O.Box: 1316943551, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Jolany vangah S, Katalani C, Booneh HA, Hajizade A, Sijercic A, Ahmadian G. CRISPR-Based Diagnosis of Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases. Biol Proced Online 2020; 22:22. [PMID: 32939188 PMCID: PMC7489454 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-020-00135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in CRISPR technology, an instrumental component of prokaryotic adaptive immunity which enables prokaryotes to detect any foreign DNA and then destroy it, has gained popularity among members of the scientific community. This is due to CRISPR's remarkable gene editing and cleaving abilities. While the application of CRISPR in human genome editing and diagnosis needs to be researched more fully, and any potential side effects or ambiguities resolved, CRISPR has already shown its capacity in an astonishing variety of applications related to genome editing and genetic engineering. One of its most currently relevant applications is in diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Since its initial discovery, 6 types and 22 subtypes of CRISPR systems have been discovered and explored. Diagnostic CRISPR systems are most often derived from types II, V, and VI. Different types of CRISPR-Cas systems which have been identified in different microorganisms can target DNA (e.g. Cas9 and Cas12 enzymes) or RNA (e.g. Cas13 enzyme). Viral, bacterial, and non-infectious diseases such as cancer can all be diagnosed using the cleavage activity of CRISPR enzymes from the aforementioned types. Diagnostic tests using Cas12 and Cas13 enzymes have already been developed for detection of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus. Additionally, CRISPR diagnostic tests can be performed using simple reagents and paper-based lateral flow assays, which can potentially reduce laboratory and patient costs significantly. In this review, the classification of CRISPR-Cas systems as well as the basis of the CRISPR/Cas mechanisms of action will be presented. The application of these systems in medical diagnostics with emphasis on the diagnosis of COVID-19 will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Jolany vangah
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, P.O.BOX: 14155-6343 Iran
| | - Camellia Katalani
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Agricultural Science, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resource University, Sari, Iran
| | - Hannah A. Booneh
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske Revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adna Sijercic
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske Revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, P.O.BOX: 14155-6343 Iran
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Delgado
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Samira Kiani
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Wu SS, Li QC, Yin CQ, Xue W, Song CQ. Advances in CRISPR/Cas-based Gene Therapy in Human Genetic Diseases. Theranostics 2020; 10:4374-4382. [PMID: 32292501 PMCID: PMC7150498 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas genome editing is a simple, cost effective, and highly specific technique for introducing genetic variations. In mammalian cells, CRISPR/Cas can facilitate non-homologous end joining, homology- directed repair, and single-base exchanges. Cas9/Cas12a nuclease, dCas9 transcriptional regulators, base editors, PRIME editors and RNA editing tools are widely used in basic research. Currently, a variety of CRISPR/Cas-based therapeutics are being investigated in clinical trials. Among many new findings that have advanced the field, we highlight a few recent advances that are relevant to CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapies for monogenic human genetic diseases.
Collapse
|
62
|
Broeders M, Herrero-Hernandez P, Ernst MPT, van der Ploeg AT, Pijnappel WWMP. Sharpening the Molecular Scissors: Advances in Gene-Editing Technology. iScience 2020; 23:100789. [PMID: 31901636 PMCID: PMC6941877 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to precisely modify human genes has been made possible by the development of tools such as meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas. These now make it possible to generate targeted deletions, insertions, gene knock outs, and point variants; to modulate gene expression by targeting transcription factors or epigenetic machineries to DNA; or to target and modify RNA. Endogenous repair mechanisms are used to make the modifications required in DNA; they include non-homologous end joining, homology-directed repair, homology-independent targeted integration, microhomology-mediated end joining, base-excision repair, and mismatch repair. Off-target effects can be monitored using in silico prediction and sequencing and minimized using Cas proteins with higher accuracy, such as high-fidelity Cas9, enhanced-specificity Cas9, and hyperaccurate Cas9. Alternatives to Cas9 have been identified, including Cpf1, Cas12a, Cas12b, and smaller Cas9 orthologs such as CjCas9. Delivery of gene-editing components is performed ex vivo using standard techniques or in vivo using AAV, lipid nanoparticles, or cell-penetrating peptides. Clinical development of gene-editing technology is progressing in several fields, including immunotherapy in cancer treatment, antiviral therapy for HIV infection, and treatment of genetic disorders such as β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, lysosomal storage disorders, and retinal dystrophy. Here we review these technological advances and the challenges to their clinical implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Broeders
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pablo Herrero-Hernandez
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn P T Ernst
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans T van der Ploeg
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Hernández-Lemus E, Reyes-Gopar H, Espinal-Enríquez J, Ochoa S. The Many Faces of Gene Regulation in Cancer: A Computational Oncogenomics Outlook. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E865. [PMID: 31671657 PMCID: PMC6896122 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease at many different levels. The molecular phenomenology of cancer is also quite rich. The mutational and genomic origins of cancer and their downstream effects on processes such as the reprogramming of the gene regulatory control and the molecular pathways depending on such control have been recognized as central to the characterization of the disease. More important though is the understanding of their causes, prognosis, and therapeutics. There is a multitude of factors associated with anomalous control of gene expression in cancer. Many of these factors are now amenable to be studied comprehensively by means of experiments based on diverse omic technologies. However, characterizing each dimension of the phenomenon individually has proven to fall short in presenting a clear picture of expression regulation as a whole. In this review article, we discuss some of the more relevant factors affecting gene expression control both, under normal conditions and in tumor settings. We describe the different omic approaches that we can use as well as the computational genomic analysis needed to track down these factors. Then we present theoretical and computational frameworks developed to integrate the amount of diverse information provided by such single-omic analyses. We contextualize this within a systems biology-based multi-omic regulation setting, aimed at better understanding the complex interplay of gene expression deregulation in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico.
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
| | - Helena Reyes-Gopar
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico.
| | - Jesús Espinal-Enríquez
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico.
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
| | - Soledad Ochoa
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Francisella novicida Cas9 interrogates genomic DNA with very high specificity and can be used for mammalian genome editing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20959-20968. [PMID: 31570623 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818461116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to make precise heritable changes in the DNA of organisms. Although the widely used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and its engineered variants have been efficiently harnessed for numerous gene-editing applications across different platforms, concerns remain regarding their putative off-targeting at multiple loci across the genome. Here we report that Francisella novicida Cas9 (FnCas9) shows a very high specificity of binding to its intended targets and negligible binding to off-target loci. The specificity is determined by its minimal binding affinity with DNA when mismatches to the target single-guide RNA (sgRNA) are present in the sgRNA:DNA heteroduplex. FnCas9 produces staggered cleavage, higher homology-directed repair rates, and very low nonspecific genome editing compared to SpCas9. We demonstrate FnCas9-mediated correction of the sickle cell mutation in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and propose that it can be used for precise therapeutic genome editing for a wide variety of genetic disorders.
Collapse
|
65
|
Miller JC, Patil DP, Xia DF, Paine CB, Fauser F, Richards HW, Shivak DA, Bendaña YR, Hinkley SJ, Scarlott NA, Lam SC, Reik A, Zhou Y, Paschon DE, Li P, Wangzor T, Lee G, Zhang L, Rebar EJ. Enhancing gene editing specificity by attenuating DNA cleavage kinetics. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:945-952. [PMID: 31359006 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nucleases have gained broad appeal for their ability to mediate highly efficient genome editing. However the specificity of these reagents remains a concern, especially for therapeutic applications, given the potential mutagenic consequences of off-target cleavage. Here we have developed an approach for improving the specificity of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) that engineers the FokI catalytic domain with the aim of slowing cleavage, which should selectively reduce activity at low-affinity off-target sites. For three ZFN pairs, we engineered single-residue substitutions in the FokI domain that preserved full on-target activity but showed a reduction in off-target indels of up to 3,000-fold. By combining this approach with substitutions that reduced the affinity of zinc fingers, we developed ZFNs specific for the TRAC locus that mediated 98% knockout in T cells with no detectable off-target activity at an assay background of ~0.01%. We anticipate that this approach, and the FokI variants we report, will enable routine generation of nucleases for gene editing with no detectable off-target activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danny F Xia
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Li
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Gary Lee
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
66
|
Pena SA, Iyengar R, Eshraghi RS, Bencie N, Mittal J, Aljohani A, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements. J Drug Target 2019; 28:111-128. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1630415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Pena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aljohani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Stark JC, Huang A, Hsu KJ, Dubner RS, Forbrook J, Marshalla S, Rodriguez F, Washington M, Rybnicky GA, Nguyen PQ, Hasselbacher B, Jabri R, Kamran R, Koralewski V, Wightkin W, Martinez T, Jewett MC. BioBits Health: Classroom Activities Exploring Engineering, Biology, and Human Health with Fluorescent Readouts. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1001-1009. [PMID: 30925042 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology have resulted in biological technologies with the potential to reshape the way we understand and treat human disease. Educating students about the biology and ethics underpinning these technologies is critical to empower them to make informed future policy decisions regarding their use and to inspire the next generation of synthetic biologists. However, hands-on, educational activities that convey emerging synthetic biology topics can be difficult to implement due to the expensive equipment and expertise required to grow living cells. We present BioBits Health, an educational kit containing lab activities and supporting curricula for teaching antibiotic resistance mechanisms and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in high school classrooms. This kit links complex biological concepts to visual, fluorescent readouts in user-friendly freeze-dried cell-free reactions. BioBits Health represents a set of educational resources that promises to encourage teaching of cutting-edge, health-related synthetic biology topics in classrooms and other nonlaboratory settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Stark
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
| | - Ally Huang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Karen J. Hsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute B224, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
| | - Rachel S. Dubner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Hogan Hall 2144, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jason Forbrook
- Waukegan High School, 2325 Brookside Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois 60085, United States
| | - Suzanne Marshalla
- Round Lake Senior High School, 800 Panther Blvd, Round Lake, Illinois 60073, United States
| | - Faith Rodriguez
- Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60626, United States
| | - Mechelle Washington
- Mather High School, 5835 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60659, United States
| | - Grant A. Rybnicky
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Hogan Hall 2100, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Peter Q. Nguyen
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Brenna Hasselbacher
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Ramah Jabri
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Rijha Kamran
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Veronica Koralewski
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Will Wightkin
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Thomas Martinez
- Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, United States
| | - Michael C. Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, United States
- Member, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3068, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Suite 11-131, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2875, United States
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
CRISPR/Cas Systems towards Next-Generation Biosensing. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:730-743. [PMID: 30654914 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Beyond its remarkable genome editing ability, the CRISPR/Cas9 effector has also been utilized in biosensing applications. The recent discovery of the collateral RNA cleavage activity of the Cas13a effector has sparked even greater interest in developing novel biosensing technologies for nucleic acid detection and promised significant advances in CRISPR diagnostics. Now, along with the discovery of Cas12 collateral cleavage activities on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), several CRISPR/Cas systems have been established for detecting various targets, including bacteria, viruses, cancer mutations, and others. Based on key Cas effectors, we provide a detailed classification of CRISPR/Cas biosensing systems and propose their future utility. As the field continues to mature, CRISPR/Cas systems have the potential to become promising candidates for next-generation diagnostic biosensing platforms.
Collapse
|
69
|
Memi F, Ntokou A, Papangeli I. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing: Research technologies, clinical applications and ethical considerations. Semin Perinatol 2018; 42:487-500. [PMID: 30482590 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy carries the potential to treat more than 10,000 human monogenic diseases and benefit an even greater number of complex polygenic conditions. The repurposing of CRISPR/Cas9, an ancient bacterial immune defense system, into a gene-editing technology has armed researchers with a revolutionary tool for gene therapy. However, as the breadth of research and clinical applications of this technology continues to expand, outstanding technical challenges and ethical considerations will need to be addressed before clinical applications become commonplace. Here, we review CRISPR/Cas9 technology and discuss its benefits and limitations in research and the clinical context, as well as ethical considerations surrounding the use of CRISPR gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fani Memi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE London, UK.
| | - Aglaia Ntokou
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George, 7(th) Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
| | - Irinna Papangeli
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George, 7(th) Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Mintz RL, Gao MA, Lo K, Lao YH, Li M, Leong KW. CRISPR Technology for Breast Cancer: Diagnostics, Modeling, and Therapy. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 2:1800132. [PMID: 32832592 PMCID: PMC7437870 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecularly, breast cancer represents a highly heterogenous family of neoplastic disorders, with substantial interpatient variations regarding genetic mutations, cell composition, transcriptional profiles, and treatment response. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for alternative diagnostic approaches aimed at the molecular annotation of the disease on a patient-by-patient basis and the design of more personalized treatments. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) technology enables the development of such novel approaches. For instance, in diagnostics, the use of the RNA-specific C2c2 system allows ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection and could be used to characterize the mutational repertoire and transcriptional breast cancer signatures. In disease modeling, CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be applied to selectively engineer oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes involved in disease pathogenesis. In treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to develop gene-therapy, while its catalytically-dead variant (dCas9) can be applied to reprogram the epigenetic landscape of malignant cells. As immunotherapy becomes increasingly prominent in cancer treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can engineer the immune cells to redirect them against cancer cells and potentiate antitumor immune responses. In this review, CRISPR strategies for the advancement of breast cancer diagnostics, modeling, and treatment are highlighted, culminating in a perspective on developing a precision medicine-based approach against breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Mintz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Madeleine A. Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kahmun Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|