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Janowski M, Milewska M, Zare P, Pękowska A. Chromatin Alterations in Neurological Disorders and Strategies of (Epi)Genome Rescue. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:765. [PMID: 34451862 PMCID: PMC8399958 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders (NDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions that affect the function of the nervous system. Often incurable, NDs have profound and detrimental consequences on the affected individuals' lives. NDs have complex etiologies but commonly feature altered gene expression and dysfunctions of the essential chromatin-modifying factors. Hence, compounds that target DNA and histone modification pathways, the so-called epidrugs, constitute promising tools to treat NDs. Yet, targeting the entire epigenome might reveal insufficient to modify a chosen gene expression or even unnecessary and detrimental to the patients' health. New technologies hold a promise to expand the clinical toolkit in the fight against NDs. (Epi)genome engineering using designer nucleases, including CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, can potentially help restore the correct gene expression patterns by targeting a defined gene or pathway, both genetically and epigenetically, with minimal off-target activity. Here, we review the implication of epigenetic machinery in NDs. We outline syndromes caused by mutations in chromatin-modifying enzymes and discuss the functional consequences of mutations in regulatory DNA in NDs. We review the approaches that allow modifying the (epi)genome, including tools based on TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, and we highlight how these new strategies could potentially change clinical practices in the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aleksandra Pękowska
- Dioscuri Centre for Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.J.); (M.M.); (P.Z.)
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52
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Arnesen JA, Hoof JB, Kildegaard HF, Borodina I. Genome Editing of Eukarya. Metab Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527823468.ch10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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53
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Abstract
The field of epigenetics has exploded over the last two decades, revealing an astonishing level of complexity in the way genetic information is stored and accessed in eukaryotes. This expansion of knowledge, which is very much ongoing, has been made possible by the availability of evermore sensitive and precise molecular tools. This review focuses on the increasingly important role that chemistry plays in this burgeoning field. In an effort to make these contributions more accessible to the nonspecialist, we group available chemical approaches into those that allow the covalent structure of the protein and DNA components of chromatin to be manipulated, those that allow the activity of myriad factors that act on chromatin to be controlled, and those that allow the covalent structure and folding of chromatin to be characterized. The application of these tools is illustrated through a series of case studies that highlight how the molecular precision afforded by chemistry is being used to establish causal biochemical relationships at the heart of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Bagert
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
| | - Tom W Muir
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
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54
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Pacheco MB, Camilo V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic Editing in Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities. Epigenetics 2021; 17:564-588. [PMID: 34130596 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1939477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing consists of fusing a predesigned DNA recognition unit to the catalytic domain of a chromatin modifying enzyme leading to the introduction or removal of an epigenetic mark at a specific locus. These platforms enabled the study of the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic changes in several research domains such as those addressing pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Despite the continued efforts required to overcome some limitations, which include specificity, off-target effects, efficacy, and longevity, these tools have been rapidly progressing and improving.Since prostate cancer is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect different signalling pathways, epigenetic editing constitutes a promising strategy to hamper cancer progression. Therefore, by modulating chromatin structure through epigenome editing, its conformation might be better understood and events that drive prostate carcinogenesis might be further unveiled.This review describes the different epigenome engineering tools, their mechanisms concerning gene's expression and regulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities concerning prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Brütt Pacheco
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Camilo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. DR. António Bernardino De Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
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55
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Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile sequences that engender widespread mutations and thus are a major hazard that must be silenced. The most abundant active class of TEs in mammalian genomes is long interspersed element class 1 (LINE1). Here, we report that LINE1 transposition is suppressed in the male germline by transcription factors encoded by a rapidly evolving X-linked homeobox gene cluster. LINE1 transposition is repressed by many members of this RHOX transcription factor family, including those with different patterns of expression during spermatogenesis. One family member-RHOX10-suppresses LINE1 transposition during fetal development in vivo when the germline would otherwise be susceptible to LINE1 activation because of epigenetic reprogramming. We provide evidence that RHOX10 suppresses LINE transposition by inducing Piwil2, which encodes a key component in the Piwi-interacting RNA pathway that protects against TEs. The ability of RHOX transcription factors to suppress LINE1 is conserved in humans but is lost in RHOXF2 mutants from several infertile human patients, raising the possibility that loss of RHOXF2 causes human infertility by allowing uncontrolled LINE1 expression in the germline. Together, our results support a model in which the Rhox gene cluster is in an evolutionary arms race with TEs, resulting in expansion of the Rhox gene cluster to suppress TEs in different biological contexts.
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56
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Balderston S, Clouse G, Ripoll JJ, Pratt GK, Gasiunas G, Bock JO, Bennett EP, Aran K. Diversification of the CRISPR Toolbox: Applications of CRISPR-Cas Systems Beyond Genome Editing. CRISPR J 2021; 4:400-415. [PMID: 34152221 PMCID: PMC8418451 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of CRISPR has revolutionized the field of genome engineering, but the potential of this technology is far from reaching its limits. In this review, we explore the broad range of applications of CRISPR technology to highlight the rapid expansion of the field beyond gene editing alone. It has been demonstrated that CRISPR technology can control gene expression, spatiotemporally image the genome in vivo, and detect specific nucleic acid sequences for diagnostics. In addition, new technologies are under development to improve CRISPR quality controls for gene editing, thereby improving the reliability of these technologies for therapeutics and beyond. These are just some of the many CRISPR tools that have been developed in recent years, and the toolbox continues to diversify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Balderston
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cardea, San Diego, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juan-José Ripoll
- Cardea, San Diego, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grace K. Pratt
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giedrius Gasiunas
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Biopharm Research, Gene Therapy Department, Måløv, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CasZyme, Vilnius, Lithuania; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens-Ole Bock
- Cobo Technologies ApS, Maaloev, Denmark; and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eric Paul Bennett
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Biopharm Research, Gene Therapy Department, Måløv, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kiana Aran
- Keck Graduate Institute, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cardea, San Diego, California, USA; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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57
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Nuñez JK, Chen J, Pommier GC, Cogan JZ, Replogle JM, Adriaens C, Ramadoss GN, Shi Q, Hung KL, Samelson AJ, Pogson AN, Kim JYS, Chung A, Leonetti MD, Chang HY, Kampmann M, Bernstein BE, Hovestadt V, Gilbert LA, Weissman JS. Genome-wide programmable transcriptional memory by CRISPR-based epigenome editing. Cell 2021; 184:2503-2519.e17. [PMID: 33838111 PMCID: PMC8376083 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A general approach for heritably altering gene expression has the potential to enable many discovery and therapeutic efforts. Here, we present CRISPRoff-a programmable epigenetic memory writer consisting of a single dead Cas9 fusion protein that establishes DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications. Transient CRISPRoff expression initiates highly specific DNA methylation and gene repression that is maintained through cell division and differentiation of stem cells to neurons. Pairing CRISPRoff with genome-wide screens and analysis of chromatin marks establishes rules for heritable gene silencing. We identify single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) capable of silencing the large majority of genes including those lacking canonical CpG islands (CGIs) and reveal a wide targeting window extending beyond annotated CGIs. The broad ability of CRISPRoff to initiate heritable gene silencing even outside of CGIs expands the canonical model of methylation-based silencing and enables diverse applications including genome-wide screens, multiplexed cell engineering, enhancer silencing, and mechanistic exploration of epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Nuñez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Greg C Pommier
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - J Zachery Cogan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joseph M Replogle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, USA
| | - Carmen Adriaens
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Gokul N Ramadoss
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Quanming Shi
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - King L Hung
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Avi J Samelson
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Angela N Pogson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, USA
| | - James Y S Kim
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Amanda Chung
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Bradley E Bernstein
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Volker Hovestadt
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Luke A Gilbert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Weissman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, USA.
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58
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Policarpi C, Dabin J, Hackett JA. Epigenetic editing: Dissecting chromatin function in context. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000316. [PMID: 33724509 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
How epigenetic mechanisms regulate genome output and response to stimuli is a fundamental question in development and disease. Past decades have made tremendous progress in deciphering the regulatory relationships involved by correlating aggregated (epi)genomics profiles with global perturbations. However, the recent development of epigenetic editing technologies now enables researchers to move beyond inferred conclusions, towards explicit causal reasoning, through 'programing' precise chromatin perturbations in single cells. Here, we first discuss the major unresolved questions in the epigenetics field that can be addressed by programable epigenome editing, including the context-dependent function and memory of chromatin states. We then describe the epigenetic editing toolkit focusing on CRISPR-based technologies, and highlight its achievements, drawbacks and promise. Finally, we consider the potential future application of epigenetic editing to the study and treatment of specific disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Policarpi
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Juliette Dabin
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Jamie A Hackett
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
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59
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Feiner LK, Tierling S, Holländer S, Glanemann M, Rubie C. An aging and p53 related marker: HOXA5 promoter methylation negatively correlates with mRNA and protein expression in old age. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:4831-4849. [PMID: 33547267 PMCID: PMC7950283 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The process of aging has been associated with differential patterns of DNA methylation which relate to changes in gene expression. Hence, we aimed to identify genes with significant age-related methylation differences and to study their mRNA and protein expression profile. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed with the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip Microarray on bisulfite-converted DNA prepared from monocytes derived from young (average age: 23.8 yrs) and old (average age: 81.5 yrs) volunteers that are separated by at least 50 years of age difference, n=4, respectively. Differentially methylated CpG sites were assigned to the associated genes and validated by deep sequencing analysis (n=20). Demonstrating an age-associated significant increase of methylation in the promoter region (p=1x10-8), Homeobox A5 (HOXA5), also known to activate p53, emerged as an interesting candidate for further expression analyses by Realtime PCR, ELISA and Western Blot Analysis (n=30, respectively). Consistent with its hypermethylation we observed significant HOXA5 mRNA downregulation (p=0.0053) correlating with significant p53 downregulation (p=0.0431) in the old cohort. Moreover, we observed a significant change in HOXA5 protein expression (p=3x10-5) negatively correlating with age and promoter methylation thus qualifying HOXA5 for an eligible p53-related aging marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Kim Feiner
- Department of General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Pediatric Surgery, University of Saarland Medical Center, Homburg 66421, Saar, Germany
| | - Sascha Tierling
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Sebastian Holländer
- Department of General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Pediatric Surgery, University of Saarland Medical Center, Homburg 66421, Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias Glanemann
- Department of General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Pediatric Surgery, University of Saarland Medical Center, Homburg 66421, Saar, Germany
| | - Claudia Rubie
- Department of General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Pediatric Surgery, University of Saarland Medical Center, Homburg 66421, Saar, Germany
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60
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Novel Approaches to Epigenetic Therapies: From Drug Combinations to Epigenetic Editing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020208. [PMID: 33572577 PMCID: PMC7911730 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development involves both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Aberrant epigenetic modifications are reversible, allowing excellent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Nowadays, several epigenetic drugs are used worldwide to treat, e.g., myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias. However, overcoming resistance and widening the therapeutic profiles are the most important challenges faced by traditional epigenetic drugs. Recently, novel approaches to epigenetic therapies have been proposed. Next-generation epigenetic drugs, with longer half-life and better bioavailability, are being developed and tested. Since epigenetic phenomena are interdependent, treatment modalities include co-administration of two different epigenetic drugs. In order to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, epigenetic drugs are administered prior to chemotherapy, or both epigenetic drug and chemotherapy are used together to achieve synergistic effects and maximize treatment efficacy. The combinations of epigenetic drug with immunotherapy are being tested, because they have proved to enhance antitumor immune responses. The next approach involves targeting the metabolic causes of epigenetic changes, i.e., enzymes which, when mutated, produce oncometabolites. Finally, epigenome editing makes it possible to modify individual chromatin marks at a defined region with unprecedented specificity and efficiency. This review summarizes the above attempts in fulfilling the promise of epigenetic drugs in the effective cancer treatment.
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61
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Sgro A, Blancafort P. Epigenome engineering: new technologies for precision medicine. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:12453-12482. [PMID: 33196851 PMCID: PMC7736826 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin adopts different configurations that are regulated by reversible covalent modifications, referred to as epigenetic marks. Epigenetic inhibitors have been approved for clinical use to restore epigenetic aberrations that result in silencing of tumor-suppressor genes, oncogene addictions, and enhancement of immune responses. However, these drugs suffer from major limitations, such as a lack of locus selectivity and potential toxicities. Technological advances have opened a new era of precision molecular medicine to reprogram cellular physiology. The locus-specificity of CRISPR/dCas9/12a to manipulate the epigenome is rapidly becoming a highly promising strategy for personalized medicine. This review focuses on new state-of-the-art epigenome editing approaches to modify the epigenome of neoplasms and other disease models towards a more 'normal-like state', having characteristics of normal tissue counterparts. We highlight biomolecular engineering methodologies to assemble, regulate, and deliver multiple epigenetic effectors that maximize the longevity of the therapeutic effect, and we discuss limitations of the platforms such as targeting efficiency and intracellular delivery for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Sgro
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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62
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Abstract
Methylation of DNA at cytosine bases is an important DNA modification underlying normal development and disease states. Despite decades of research into the biological function of DNA methylation, most of the observations so far have relied primarily on associative data between observed changes in DNA methylation states and local changes in transcriptional activity or chromatin state processes. This is primarily due to the lack of molecular tools to precisely modify DNA methylation in the genome. Recent advances in genome editing technologies have allowed repurposing the CRISPR-Cas9 system for epigenome editing by fusing the catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) to epigenome modifying enzymes. Moreover, methods of recruiting multiple protein domains, including the SunTag system, have increased the efficacy of epigenome editing at target sites. Here, we describe an end-to-end protocol for efficient targeted removal of DNA methylation by recruiting multiple catalytic domain of TET1 enzymes to the target sites with the dCas9-SunTag system, including sgRNA design, molecular cloning, delivery of plasmid into mammalian cells, and targeted DNA methylation analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Viet Nguyen
- ARC Center of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- ARC Center of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia.
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63
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Kondrashov A, Karpova E. Notes on Functional Modules in the Assembly of CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Epigenetic Modifiers. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2198:401-428. [PMID: 32822047 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0876-0_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/cas9 is a popular tool, widely used today for genome editing. However, the modular organization of this tool allows it to be used not only for DNA modifications but also for introducing epigenetic modifications both in DNA (methylation/demethylation) and in histones (acetylation/deacetylation). In these notes we will concentrate on the ways to adapt the CRISPR/cas9 system for epigenetic DNA modification of specific regions of interest. The modular organization represents a universal principal, that allows to create infinite number of functions with a limited number of tools. CRISPR/cas9, in which each subunit can be adapted for a particular task, is an excellent example of this rule. Made of two main subunits, it can be modified for targeted delivery of foreign activity (effector, an epigenetic enzyme in our case) to a selected part of the genome. In doing this the CRISPR/cas9 system represents a unique method that allows the introduction of both genomic and epigenetic modifications. This chapter gives a detailed review of how to prepare DNA for the fully functional CRISPR/cas9 system, able to introduce required modifications in the region of interest. We will discuss specific requirements for each structural component of the system as well as for auxiliary elements (modules), which are needed to ensure efficient expression of the elements of the system within the cell and the needs of selection and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kondrashov
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK.
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64
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Anani M, Nobuhisa I, Taga T. Sry-related High Mobility Group Box 17 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Antagonizing the Wingless-related Integration Site Pathway. J Cancer Prev 2020; 25:204-212. [PMID: 33409253 PMCID: PMC7783240 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2020.25.4.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A transcription factor Sry-related high mobility group box (Sox) 17 is involved in developmental processes including spermatogenesis, cardiovascular system, endoderm formation, and so on. In this article, we firstly review the studies on the relation between the Sox17 expression and tumor malignancy. Although Sox17 positively promotes various tissue development, most of the cancers associated with Sox17 show decreased expression levels of Sox17, and an inverse correlation between Sox17 expression and malignancy is revealed. We briefly discuss the mechanism of such Sox17 down-regulation by focusing on DNA methylation of CpG sites located in the Sox17 gene promoter. Next, we overview the function of Sox17 in the fetal hematopoiesis, particularly in the dorsal aorta in midgestation mouse embryos. The Sox17 expression in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-containing intra-aortic hematopoietic cell cluster (IAHCs) is important for the cluster formation with the hematopoietic ability. The sustained expression of Sox17 in adult bone marrow HSCs and the cells in IAHCs of the dorsal aorta indicate abnormalities that are low lymphocyte chimerism and the aberrant proliferation of common myeloid progenitors in transplantation experiments. We then summarize the perspectives of Sox17 research in cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Anani
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ikuo Nobuhisa
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Taga
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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65
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Alikhani M, Karamzadeh R, Rahimi P, Adib S, Baharvand H, Salekdeh GH. Human Proteome Project and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Odd Bedfellows or a Perfect Match? J Proteome Res 2020; 19:4747-4753. [PMID: 33124832 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) aims at the identification of missing proteins (MPs) and the functional characterization of functionally unannotated PE1 (uPE1) proteins. A major challenge in addressing this goal is that many human proteins and MPs are silent in adult cells. A promising approach to overcome such challenge is to exploit the advantage of novel tools such as pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which are capable of differentiation into three embryonic germ layers, namely, the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Here we present several examples of how the Human Y Chromosome Proteome Project (Y-HPP) benefited from this approach to meet C-HPP goals. Furthermore, we discuss how integrating CRISPR engineering, human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived disease modeling systems, and organoid technologies provides a unique platform for Y-HPP and C-HPP for MP identification and the functional characterization of human proteins, especially uPE1s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Alikhani
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Razieh Karamzadeh
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Pardis Rahimi
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Samane Adib
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran 146196815, Iran
| | - Ghasem Hosseini Salekdeh
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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66
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Farris MH, Texter PA, Mora AA, Wiles MV, Mac Garrigle EF, Klaus SA, Rosfjord K. Detection of CRISPR-mediated genome modifications through altered methylation patterns of CpG islands. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:856. [PMID: 33267773 PMCID: PMC7709351 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and application of CRISPR technologies for the modification of the genome are rapidly expanding. Advances in the field describe new CRISPR components that are strategically engineered to improve the precision and reliability of CRISPR editing within the genome sequence. Genome modification using induced genome breaks that are targeted and mediated by CRISPR components leverage cellular mechanisms for repair like homology directed repair (HDR) to incorporate genomic edits with increased precision. RESULTS In this report, we describe the gain of methylation at typically hypomethylated CpG island (CGI) locations affected by the CRISPR-mediated incorporation of donor DNA using HDR mechanisms. With characterization of CpG methylation patterns using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, these CGI methylation disruptions trace the insertion of the donor DNA during the genomic edit. These insertions mediated by homology-directed recombination disrupt the generational methylation pattern stability of the edited CGI within the cells and their cellular lineage within the animal strain, persisting across generations. Our approach describes a statistically based workflow for indicating locations of modified CGIs and provides a mechanism for evaluating the directed modification of the methylome of the affected CGI at the CpG-level. CONCLUSIONS With advances in genome modification technology comes the need to detect the level and persistence of methylation change that modifications to the genomic sequence impose upon the collaterally edited methylome. Any modification of the methylome of somatic or germline cells could have implications for gene regulation mechanisms governed by the methylation patterns of CGI regions in the application of therapeutic edits of more sensitively regulated genomic regions. The method described here locates the directed modification of the mouse epigenome that persists over generations. While this observance would require supporting molecular observations such as direct sequence changes or gene expression changes, the observation of epigenetic modification provides an indicator that intentionally directed genomic edits can lead to collateral, unintentional epigenomic changes post modification with generational persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Heath Farris
- The MITRE Corporation, 7515 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA.
| | - Pamela A Texter
- The MITRE Corporation, 7515 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA
| | - Agustin A Mora
- The MITRE Corporation, 7515 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA
| | - Michael V Wiles
- The Jackson Laboratory, Technology Evaluation and Development, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | | | - Sybil A Klaus
- The MITRE Corporation, 7515 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA
| | - Kristine Rosfjord
- The MITRE Corporation, 7515 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102, USA
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67
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Dong Z, Dai L, Zhang Y, Fang C, Shi G, Chen Y, Li J, Wang Q, Fu J, Yu Y, Wang W, Cheng L, Liu Y, Lin Y, Wang Y, Wang Q, Wang H, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Su X, Zhang S, Wang F, Qiu M, Zhou Z, Deng H. Hypomethylation of GDNF family receptor alpha 1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts metastasis of colorectal cancer. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009159. [PMID: 33175846 PMCID: PMC7682896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of poor prognosis and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC is currently difficult. In the present study, we screened for a novel biomarker, GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1) based on the expression and methylation data in CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Altlas (TCGA), followed by further analysis of the correlation between the GFRA1 expression, methylation, and prognosis of patients. Our results show DNA hypomethylation-mediated upregulation of GFRA1 in invasive CRC, and it was found to be correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, GFRA1 methylation-modified sequences were found to have potential as methylation diagnostic markers of highly metastatic CRC. The targeted demethylation of GFRA1 by dCas9-TET1CD and gRNA promoted CRC metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, demethylation of GFRA1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by promoting AKT phosphorylation and increasing c-Jun expression in CRC cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that GFRA1 hypomethylation can promote CRC invasion via inducing EMT, and thus, GFRA1 methylation can be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of highly metastasis CRC. Abnormal DNA methylation, one of important characteristics in tumor cells, is exploited as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC will be helpful for the clinical management, thus prolongs patient survival. However, it is currently difficult to make early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC in clinical practice. Currently, we screened a novel biomarker gene, GFRA1, which associated with the invasion and poor prognosis of CRC. The targeted demethylation of GFRA1 exerted a significant promoting effect on CRC metastasis, and GFRA1 methylation-modified sequences are valuable diagnostic biomarker for CRC metastasis risk assessment. Mechanically, demethylation of GFRA1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating AKT phosphorylation and c-Jun expression in CRC cells. Our results demonstrate the promoting effect of GFRA1 demethylation on CRC invasion and GFRA1 methylation may be a potential prognostic marker for predicting metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Junshu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiamei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Hantao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongguang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Chen M, Zhu H, Mao YJ, Cao N, Yu YL, Li LY, Zhao Q, Wu M, Ye M. Regulation of IL12B Expression in Human Macrophages by TALEN-mediated Epigenome Editing. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:900-909. [PMID: 33123904 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the exact etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear, exaggerated immune response in genetically predisposed individuals has been reported. Th1 and Th17 cells mediate IBD development. Macrophages produce IL-12 and IL-23 that share p40 subunit encoded by IL12B gene as heteromer partner to drive Th1 and Th17 differentiation. The available animal and human data strongly support the pathogenic role of IL-12/IL-23 in IBD development and suggest that blocking p40 might be the potential strategy for IBD treatment. Furthermore, aberrant alteration of some cytokines expression via epigenetic mechanisms is involved in pathogenesis of IBD. In this study, we analyzed core promoter region of IL12B gene and investigated whether IL12B expression could be regulated through targeted epigenetic modification with gene editing technology. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are widely used in the field of genome editing and can specifically target DNA sequence in the host genome. We synthesized the TALE DNA-binding domains that target the promoter of human IL12B gene and fused it with the functional catalytic domains of epigenetic enzymes. Transient expression of these engineered enzymes demonstrated that the TALE-DNMT3A targeted the selected IL12B promoter region, induced loci-specific DNA methylation, and down-regulated IL-12B expression in various human cell lines. Collectively, our data suggested that epigenetic editing of IL12B through methylating DNA on its promoter might be developed as a potential therapeutic strategy for IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu-Juan Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Nan Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ya-Li Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lian-Yun Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Min Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mei Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Duarte F, Déglon N. Genome Editing for CNS Disorders. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:579062. [PMID: 33192264 PMCID: PMC7642486 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.579062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders have a social and economic burden on modern societies, and the development of effective therapies is urgently required. Gene editing may prevent or cure a disease by inducing genetic changes at endogenous loci. Genome editing includes not only the insertion, deletion or replacement of nucleotides, but also the modulation of gene expression and epigenetic editing. Emerging technologies based on ZFs, TALEs, and CRISPR/Cas systems have extended the boundaries of genome manipulation and promoted genome editing approaches to the level of promising strategies for counteracting genetic diseases. The parallel development of efficient delivery systems has also increased our access to the CNS. In this review, we describe the various tools available for genome editing and summarize in vivo preclinical studies of CNS genome editing, whilst considering current limitations and alternative approaches to overcome some bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Duarte
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
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70
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Neja SA. Site-Specific DNA Demethylation as a Potential Target for Cancer Epigenetic Therapy. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720964808. [PMID: 35036833 PMCID: PMC8756105 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720964808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI) attract DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) that hypermethylates and silence the genes. As epigenetic alterations are potentially reversible, they make attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The currently used decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA) are DNMT inhibitors that follow the passive demethylation pathway. However, they lead to genome-wide demethylation of CpGs in cells, which makes difficult to use it for causal effect analysis and treatment of specific epimutations. Demethylation through specific demethylase enzymes is thus critical for epigenetic resetting of silenced genes and modified chromatins. Yet DNA-binding factors likely play a major role to guide the candidate demethylase enzymes upon its fusion. Before the advent of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), both zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) and transcription activator-like effector protein (TALEs) were used as binding platforms for ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and both systems were able to induce transcription at targeted loci in an in vitro as well as in vivo model. Consequently, the development of site-specific and active demethylation molecular trackers becomes more than hypothetical to makes a big difference in the treatment of cancer in the future. This review is thus to recap the novel albeit distinct studies on the potential use of site-specific demethylation for the development of epigenetic based cancer therapy.
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71
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Cai J, Xu Y, Zhang W, Ding S, Sun Y, Lyu J, Duan M, Liu S, Huang L, Zhou F. A comprehensive comparison of residue-level methylation levels with the regression-based gene-level methylation estimations by ReGear. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5921981. [PMID: 33048108 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION DNA methylation is a biological process impacting the gene functions without changing the underlying DNA sequence. The DNA methylation machinery usually attaches methyl groups to some specific cytosine residues, which modify the chromatin architectures. Such modifications in the promoter regions will inactivate some tumor-suppressor genes. DNA methylation within the coding region may significantly reduce the transcription elongation efficiency. The gene function may be tuned through some cytosines are methylated. METHODS This study hypothesizes that the overall methylation level across a gene may have a better association with the sample labels like diseases than the methylations of individual cytosines. The gene methylation level is formulated as a regression model using the methylation levels of all the cytosines within this gene. A comprehensive evaluation of various feature selection algorithms and classification algorithms is carried out between the gene-level and residue-level methylation levels. RESULTS A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to compare the gene and cytosine methylation levels for their associations with the sample labels and classification performances. The unsupervised clustering was also improved using the gene methylation levels. Some genes demonstrated statistically significant associations with the class label, even when no residue-level methylation features have statistically significant associations with the class label. So in summary, the trained gene methylation levels improved various methylome-based machine learning models. Both methodology development of regression algorithms and experimental validation of the gene-level methylation biomarkers are worth of further investigations in the future studies. The source code, example data files and manual are available at http://www.healthinformaticslab.org/supp/.
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72
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A versatile reporter system for multiplexed screening of effective epigenome editors. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:3410-3440. [PMID: 32887975 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The formation and function of highly specialized cells and tissues in a multicellular organism from a single genome are enabled through differential spatiotemporal access to the information contained in the genomic DNA. The epigenome plays an essential role in how DNA information can be accessed, and in the last decade the link between epigenetic aberrations and pathologies has become increasingly clear. Methods to precisely modify the epigenome are hence attracting interest as potential novel therapeutics. We recently described a platform, designer epigenome modifier (DEM), capable of precisely editing the epigenome of a cell to control the expression of selected genes. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to streamline the process of identifying DEMs that efficiently and selectively bind to their intended target site and inactivate expression of the target gene. Further, we describe the procedure to simultaneously regulate the expression of up to three genes in a multiplexed fashion. The protocol is divided into four stages that guide the user through the generation of the multicolor reporter cell line and its use for selecting functional DEMs. The duration of the whole procedure described varies from ~6 weeks when using a single reporter up to 13 weeks for fine-tuning the multiplex epigenome editing abilities of selected DEMs using three reporters. Given the great interest in epigenome editing in various fields of biomedical research, this protocol will help scientists to explore these novel technologies for their research.
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73
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Carter JL, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. The iNs and Outs of Direct Reprogramming to Induced Neurons. Front Genome Ed 2020; 2:7. [PMID: 34713216 PMCID: PMC8525349 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.00007] [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: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of cell-type specific transcription factors has promoted progress in methods for cellular reprogramming, such as directly reprogramming somatic cells to induced neurons (iN). Methods for direct reprogramming require neuronal-fate determining gene activation via neuron-specific microRNAs, chemical modulation of key neuronal signaling pathways or overexpression via viral vectors, with some reprogramming strategies requiring a combination of these methods to induce the neuronal-cell fate. These methods have been employed in a multitude of cell types, including fibroblasts, hepatocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear, and T cells. The ability to create iN from skin biopsies and blood samples coupled with recent advancements in artificially inducing age- and disease-associated phenotypes are accelerating the development of disease models for late-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review how activation of the neuronal transcriptome alters the epigenetic landscape of the donor cell to facilitate reprogramming to neurons. We also discuss the advantages of using DNA binding domains such as CRISPR/dCas9 to overcome epigenetic barriers to induce neuronal-cell fate by activating endogenous neuronal cell-fate determining genes.
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74
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CRISPR-mediated promoter de/methylation technologies for gene regulation. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:705-713. [PMID: 32725389 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation on cytosines of CpG dinucleotides is well established as a basis of epigenetic regulation in mammalian cells. Since aberrant regulation of DNA methylation in promoters of tumor suppressor genes or proto-oncogenes may contribute to the initiation and progression of various types of human cancer, sequence-specific methylation and demethylation technologies could have great clinical benefit. The CRISPR-Cas9 protein with a guide RNA can target DNA sequences regardless of the methylation status of the target site, making this system superb for precise methylation editing and gene regulation. Targeted methylation-editing technologies employing the dCas9 fusion proteins have been shown to be highly effective in gene regulation without altering the DNA sequence. In this review, we discuss epigenetic alterations in tumorigenesis as well as various dCas9 fusion technologies and their usages in site-specific methylation editing and gene regulation.
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75
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Sachdeva A, Gouge J, Kontovounisios C, Nikolaou S, Ashworth A, Lim K, Chong I. Klotho and the Treatment of Human Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061665. [PMID: 32585905 PMCID: PMC7352559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Klotho was first discovered as an anti-ageing protein linked to a number of age-related disease processes, including cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, and neurodegenerative conditions. Emerging research has also demonstrated a potential therapeutic role for Klotho in cancer biology, which is perhaps unsurprising given that cancer and ageing share similar molecular hallmarks. In addition to functioning as a tumour suppressor in numerous solid tumours and haematological malignancies, Klotho represents a candidate therapeutic target for patients with these diseases, the majority of whom have limited treatment options. Here, we examine contemporary evidence evaluating the anti-neoplastic effects of Klotho and describe the modulation of downstream oncogenic signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, FGF, IGF1, PIK3K/AKT, TGFβ, and the Unfolded Protein Response. We also discuss possible approaches to developing therapeutic Klotho and consider technological advances that may facilitate the delivery of Klotho through gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishani Sachdeva
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Jerome Gouge
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London WC1E 7HX, UK;
| | - Christos Kontovounisios
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Stella Nikolaou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Alan Ashworth
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Kenneth Lim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5181, USA;
| | - Irene Chong
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
- Correspondence:
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Kyono Y, Raj S, Sifuentes CJ, Buisine N, Sachs L, Denver RJ. DNA methylation dynamics underlie metamorphic gene regulation programs in Xenopus tadpole brain. Dev Biol 2020; 462:180-196. [PMID: 32240642 PMCID: PMC7251973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylation of cytosine residues in DNA influences chromatin structure and gene transcription, and its regulation is crucial for brain development. There is mounting evidence that DNA methylation can be modulated by hormone signaling. We analyzed genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and their relationship to gene regulation in the brain of Xenopus tadpoles during metamorphosis, a thyroid hormone-dependent developmental process. We studied the region of the tadpole brain containing neurosecretory neurons that control pituitary hormone secretion, a region that is highly responsive to thyroid hormone action. Using Methylated DNA Capture sequencing (MethylCap-seq) we discovered a diverse landscape of DNA methylation across the tadpole neural cell genome, and pairwise stage comparisons identified several thousand differentially methylated regions (DMRs). During the pre-to pro-metamorphic period, the number of DMRs was lowest (1,163), with demethylation predominating. From pre-metamorphosis to metamorphic climax DMRs nearly doubled (2,204), with methylation predominating. The largest changes in DNA methylation were seen from metamorphic climax to the completion of metamorphosis (2960 DMRs), with 80% of the DMRs representing demethylation. Using RNA sequencing, we found negative correlations between differentially expressed genes and DMRs localized to gene bodies and regions upstream of transcription start sites. DNA demethylation at metamorphosis revealed by MethylCap-seq was corroborated by increased immunoreactivity for the DNA demethylation intermediates 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-carboxymethylcytosine, and the methylcytosine dioxygenase ten eleven translocation 3 that catalyzes DNA demethylation. Our findings show that the genome of tadpole neural cells undergoes significant changes in DNA methylation during metamorphosis, and these changes likely influence chromatin architecture, and gene regulation programs occurring during this developmental period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kyono
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Samhitha Raj
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Christopher J Sifuentes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Nicolas Buisine
- UMR-7221, Centre National de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Sachs
- UMR-7221, Centre National de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Robert J Denver
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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77
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Harnessing targeted DNA methylation and demethylation using dCas9. Essays Biochem 2020; 63:813-825. [PMID: 31724704 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential DNA modification that plays a crucial role in genome regulation during differentiation and development, and is disrupted in a range of disease states. The recent development of CRISPR/catalytically dead CRISPR/Cas9 (dCas9)-based targeted DNA methylation editing tools has enabled new insights into the roles and functional relevance of this modification, including its importance at regulatory regions and the role of aberrant methylation in various diseases. However, while these tools are advancing our ability to understand and manipulate this regulatory layer of the genome, they still possess a variety of limitations in efficacy, implementation, and targeting specificity. Effective targeted DNA methylation editing will continue to advance our fundamental understanding of the role of this modification in different genomic and cellular contexts, and further improvements may enable more accurate disease modeling and possible future treatments. In this review, we discuss strategies, considerations, and future directions for targeted DNA methylation editing.
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78
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Guo T, Luo F, Lin Q. You are affected by what your parents eat: Diet, epigenetics, transgeneration and intergeneration. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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79
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Wang K, Gong Q, Ye X. Recent developments and applications of genetic transformation and genome editing technologies in wheat. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2020; 133:1603-1622. [PMID: 31654081 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-019-03464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a staple crop across the world and plays a remarkable role in food supplying security. Over the past few decades, basic and applied research on wheat has lagged behind other cereal crops due to the complex and polyploid genome and difficulties in genetic transformation. A breakthrough called as PureWheat was made in the genetic transformation of wheat in 2014 in Asia, leading to a noticeable progress of wheat genome editing. Due to this great achievement, it is predicated that wheat biotechnology revolution is arriving. Genome editing technologies using zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nuclease, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated endonucleases (CRISR/Cas) are becoming powerful tools for crop modification which can help biologists and biotechnologists better understand the processes of mutagenesis and genomic alteration. Among the three genome editing systems, CRISR/Cas has high specificity and activity, and therefore it is widely used in genetic engineering. Generally, the genome editing technologies depend on an efficient genetic transformation system. In this paper, we summarize recent progresses and applications on genetic transformation and genome editing in wheat. We also examine the future aspects of genetic transformation and genome editing. We believe that the technologies for wheat efficient genetic engineering and functional studies will become routine with the emergence of high-quality genomic sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qiang Gong
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xingguo Ye
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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80
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Hirakawa M, Krishnakumar R, Timlin J, Carney J, Butler K. Gene editing and CRISPR in the clinic: current and future perspectives. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20200127. [PMID: 32207531 PMCID: PMC7146048 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, particularly those based on zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat DNA sequences)/Cas9 are rapidly progressing into clinical trials. Most clinical use of CRISPR to date has focused on ex vivo gene editing of cells followed by their re-introduction back into the patient. The ex vivo editing approach is highly effective for many disease states, including cancers and sickle cell disease, but ideally genome editing would also be applied to diseases which require cell modification in vivo. However, in vivo use of CRISPR technologies can be confounded by problems such as off-target editing, inefficient or off-target delivery, and stimulation of counterproductive immune responses. Current research addressing these issues may provide new opportunities for use of CRISPR in the clinical space. In this review, we examine the current status and scientific basis of clinical trials featuring ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR-based genome editing, the known limitations of CRISPR use in humans, and the rapidly developing CRISPR engineering space that should lay the groundwork for further translation to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raga Krishnakumar
- Systems Biology, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551, U.S.A
| | - Jerilyn A. Timlin
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - James P. Carney
- Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - Kimberly S. Butler
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
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81
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Syding LA, Nickl P, Kasparek P, Sedlacek R. CRISPR/Cas9 Epigenome Editing Potential for Rare Imprinting Diseases: A Review. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040993. [PMID: 32316223 PMCID: PMC7226972 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprinting diseases (IDs) are rare congenital disorders caused by aberrant dosages of imprinted genes. Rare IDs are comprised by a group of several distinct disorders that share a great deal of homology in terms of genetic etiologies and symptoms. Disruption of genetic or epigenetic mechanisms can cause issues with regulating the expression of imprinted genes, thus leading to disease. Genetic mutations affect the imprinted genes, duplications, deletions, and uniparental disomy (UPD) are reoccurring phenomena causing imprinting diseases. Epigenetic alterations on methylation marks in imprinting control centers (ICRs) also alters the expression patterns and the majority of patients with rare IDs carries intact but either silenced or overexpressed imprinted genes. Canonical CRISPR/Cas9 editing relying on double-stranded DNA break repair has little to offer in terms of therapeutics for rare IDs. Instead CRISPR/Cas9 can be used in a more sophisticated way by targeting the epigenome. Catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) tethered with effector enzymes such as DNA de- and methyltransferases and histone code editors in addition to systems such as CRISPRa and CRISPRi have been shown to have high epigenome editing efficiency in eukaryotic cells. This new era of CRISPR epigenome editors could arguably be a game-changer for curing and treating rare IDs by refined activation and silencing of disturbed imprinted gene expression. This review describes major CRISPR-based epigenome editors and points out their potential use in research and therapy of rare imprinting diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Amanda Syding
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nickl
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kasparek
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, v.v.i, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-325-873-243
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82
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Horii T, Morita S, Hino S, Kimura M, Hino Y, Kogo H, Nakao M, Hatada I. Successful generation of epigenetic disease model mice by targeted demethylation of the epigenome. Genome Biol 2020; 21:77. [PMID: 32234052 PMCID: PMC7110793 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-01991-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, play an important role in gene silencing and genome stability. Consequently, epigenetic dysregulation can cause several diseases, such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, autism, and imprinting disorders. RESULTS We validate three methods for the generation of epigenome-edited mice using the dCas9-SunTag and single-chain variable fragment-TET1 catalytic domain. We generate model mice for Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), an imprinting disorder, by target-specific DNA demethylation in the H19 differentially methylated region. Like SRS patients, these mice show H19 upregulation and Igf2 downregulation, leading to severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. CONCLUSION This is the first report of an imprinting disease model animal generated by targeted demethylation of specific loci of the epigenome in fertilized eggs. Epigenome-edited animals are also useful for exploring the causative epimutations in epigenetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Horii
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Morita
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Mika Kimura
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Yuko Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kogo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Izuho Hatada
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan.
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83
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Devesa-Guerra I, Morales-Ruiz T, Pérez-Roldán J, Parrilla-Doblas JT, Dorado-León M, García-Ortiz MV, Ariza RR, Roldán-Arjona T. DNA Methylation Editing by CRISPR-guided Excision of 5-Methylcytosine. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:2204-2216. [PMID: 32087201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tools for actively targeted DNA demethylation are required to increase our knowledge about regulation and specific functions of this important epigenetic modification. DNA demethylation in mammals involves TET-mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5-meC), which may promote its replication-dependent dilution and/or active removal through base excision repair (BER). However, it is still unclear whether oxidized derivatives of 5-meC are simply DNA demethylation intermediates or rather epigenetic marks on their own. Unlike animals, plants have evolved enzymes that directly excise 5-meC without previous modification. In this work, we have fused the catalytic domain of Arabidopsis ROS1 5-meC DNA glycosylase to a CRISPR-associated null-nuclease (dCas9) and analyzed its capacity for targeted reactivation of methylation-silenced genes, in comparison to other dCas9-effectors. We found that dCas9-ROS1, but not dCas9-TET1, is able to reactivate methylation-silenced genes and induce partial demethylation in a replication-independent manner. We also found that reactivation induced by dCas9-ROS1, as well as that achieved by two different CRISPR-based chromatin effectors (dCas9-VP160 and dCas9-p300), generally decreases with methylation density. Our results suggest that plant 5-meC DNA glycosylases are a valuable addition to the CRISPR-based toolbox for epigenetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Devesa-Guerra
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Morales-Ruiz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Pérez-Roldán
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jara Teresa Parrilla-Doblas
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Macarena Dorado-León
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Victoria García-Ortiz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael R Ariza
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Roldán-Arjona
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
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84
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Baskin NL, Haynes KA. Chromatin engineering offers an opportunity to advance epigenetic cancer therapy. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 26:842-845. [PMID: 31582843 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natecia L Baskin
- Emory University, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karmella A Haynes
- Emory University, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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85
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Borkowska J, Domaszewska-Szostek A, Kołodziej P, Wicik Z, Połosak J, Buyanovskaya O, Charzewski L, Stańczyk M, Noszczyk B, Puzianowska-Kuznicka M. Alterations in 5hmC level and genomic distribution in aging-related epigenetic drift in human adipose stem cells. Epigenomics 2020; 12:423-437. [PMID: 32031421 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To clarify mechanisms affecting the level and distribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) during aging. Materials & methods: We examined levels and genomic distribution of 5hmC along with the expression of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) in adipose stem cells in young and age-advanced individuals. Results: 5hmC levels were higher in adipose stem cells of age-advanced than young individuals (p = 0.0003), but were not associated with age-related changes in expression of TETs. 5hmC levels correlated with population doubling time (r = 0.62; p = 0.01). We identified 58 differentially hydroxymethylated regions. Hypo-hydroxymethylated differentially hydroxymethylated regions were approximately twofold enriched in CCCTC-binding factor binding sites. Conclusion: Accumulation of 5hmC in aged cells can result from inefficient active demethylation due to altered TETs activity and reduced passive demethylation due to slower proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Borkowska
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Domaszewska-Szostek
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Kołodziej
- Department of Geriatrics & Gerontology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 61/63 Kleczewska Street, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zofia Wicik
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Połosak
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Buyanovskaya
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Charzewski
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 5 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Stańczyk
- Department of General Surgery, Wolski Hospital, 17 Kasprzaka Street, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Noszczyk
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 99/103 Marymoncka Street, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Puzianowska-Kuznicka
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Geriatrics & Gerontology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 61/63 Kleczewska Street, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
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86
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Kabadi A, McDonnell E, Frank CL, Drowley L. Applications of Functional Genomics for Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:823-842. [PMID: 32026742 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220902092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Many diseases, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders, are caused by a dysregulation of a complex interplay of genes. Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of disease-linked polymorphisms in the human population. However, detailing the causative gene expression or functional changes underlying those associations has been elusive in many cases. Functional genomics is an emerging field of research that aims to deconvolute the link between genotype and phenotype by making use of large -omic data sets and next-generation gene and epigenome editing tools to perturb genes of interest. Here we review how functional genomic tools can be used to better understand the biological interplay between genes, improve disease modeling, and identify novel drug targets. Incorporation of functional genomic capabilities into conventional drug development pipelines is predicted to expedite the development of first-in-class therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Kabadi
- Element Genomics, a UCB company, Durham, NC, USA
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87
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Zhao W, Wang Y, Liang FS. Chemical and Light Inducible Epigenome Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030998. [PMID: 32028669 PMCID: PMC7037166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome defines the unique gene expression patterns and resulting cellular behaviors in different cell types. Epigenome dysregulation has been directly linked to various human diseases. Epigenome editing enabling genome locus-specific targeting of epigenome modifiers to directly alter specific local epigenome modifications offers a revolutionary tool for mechanistic studies in epigenome regulation as well as the development of novel epigenome therapies. Inducible and reversible epigenome editing provides unique temporal control critical for understanding the dynamics and kinetics of epigenome regulation. This review summarizes the progress in the development of spatiotemporal-specific tools using small molecules or light as inducers to achieve the conditional control of epigenome editing and their applications in epigenetic research.
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88
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Epigenetic Control of a Local Chromatin Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030943. [PMID: 32023873 PMCID: PMC7038174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper regulation of the chromatin landscape is essential for maintaining eukaryotic cell identity and diverse cellular processes. The importance of the epigenome comes, in part, from the ability to influence gene expression through patterns in DNA methylation, histone tail modification, and chromatin architecture. Decades of research have associated this process of chromatin regulation and gene expression with human diseased states. With the goal of understanding how chromatin dysregulation contributes to disease, as well as preventing or reversing this type of dysregulation, a multidisciplinary effort has been launched to control the epigenome. Chemicals that alter the epigenome have been used in labs and in clinics since the 1970s, but more recently there has been a shift in this effort towards manipulating the chromatin landscape in a locus-specific manner. This review will provide an overview of chromatin biology to set the stage for the type of control being discussed, evaluate the recent technological advances made in controlling specific regions of chromatin, and consider the translational applications of these works.
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89
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DNA hypomethylation during MSC chondrogenesis occurs predominantly at enhancer regions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1169. [PMID: 31980739 PMCID: PMC6981252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of transcription occurs in a cell type specific manner orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation. Methylation changes may also play a key role in lineage specification during stem cell differentiation. To further our understanding of epigenetic regulation in chondrocytes we characterised the DNA methylation changes during chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by Infinium 450 K methylation array. Significant DNA hypomethylation was identified during chondrogenic differentiation including changes at many key cartilage gene loci. Integration with chondrogenesis gene expression data revealed an enrichment of significant CpGs in upregulated genes, while characterisation of significant CpG loci indicated their predominant localisation to enhancer regions. Comparison with methylation profiles of other tissues, including healthy and diseased adult cartilage, identified chondrocyte-specific regions of hypomethylation and the overlap with differentially methylated CpGs in osteoarthritis. Taken together we have associated DNA methylation levels with the chondrocyte phenotype. The consequences of which has potential to improve cartilage generation for tissue engineering purposes and also to provide context for observed methylation changes in cartilage diseases such as osteoarthritis.
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90
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Beiter T, Nieß AM, Moser D. Transcriptional memory in skeletal muscle. Don't forget (to) exercise. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5476-5489. [PMID: 31967338 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional memory describes an ancient and highly conserved form of cellular learning that enables cells to benefit from recent experience by retaining a mitotically inheritable but reversible memory of the initial transcriptional response when encountering an environmental or physiological stimulus. Herein, we will review recent progress made in the understanding of how cells can make use of diverse constituents of the epigenetic toolbox to retain a transcriptional memory of past states and perturbations. Specifically, we will outline how these mechanisms will help to improve our understanding of skeletal muscle plasticity in health and disease. We describe the epigenetic road map that allows skeletal muscle fibers to navigate through training-induced adaptation processes, and how epigenetic memory marks can preserve an autobiographical history of lifestyle behavior changes, pathological challenges, and aging. We will further consider some key findings in the field of exercise epigenomics to emphasize major challenges when interpreting dynamic changes in the chromatin landscape in response to acute exercise and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beiter
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas M Nieß
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Moser
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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91
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Editing DNA Methylation in Mammalian Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020637. [PMID: 31963664 PMCID: PMC7014263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation in mammals is essential for numerous biological functions, such as ensuring chromosomal stability, genomic imprinting, and X-chromosome inactivation through transcriptional regulation. Gene knockout of DNA methyltransferases and demethylation enzymes has made significant contributions to analyzing the functions of DNA methylation in development. By applying epigenome editing, it is now possible to manipulate DNA methylation in specific genomic regions and to understand the functions of these modifications. In this review, we first describe recent DNA methylation editing technology. We then focused on changes in DNA methylation status during mammalian gametogenesis and preimplantation development, and have discussed the implications of applying this technology to early embryos.
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92
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Perera BP, Faulk C, Svoboda LK, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC. The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:176-192. [PMID: 31177562 PMCID: PMC7252203 DOI: 10.1002/em.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The genetic material of every organism exists within the context of regulatory networks that govern gene expression, collectively called the epigenome. Epigenetics has taken center stage in the study of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but its integration into the field of environmental health is still emerging. As the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we have come together to review and summarize the seminal advances in the field of environmental epigenomics. Specifically, we focus on the role epigenetics may play in multigenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmentally induced health effects. We also summarize state of the art techniques for evaluating the epigenome, environmental epigenetic analysis, and the emerging field of epigenome editing. Finally, we evaluate transposon epigenetics as they relate to environmental exposures and explore the role of noncoding RNA as biomarkers of environmental exposures. Although the field has advanced over the past several decades, including being recognized by EMGS with its own Special Interest Group, recently renamed Epigenomics, we are excited about the opportunities for environmental epigenetic science in the next 50 years. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:176-192, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bambarendage P.U. Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Laurie K. Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence to: Dana C. Dolinoy, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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93
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Anderson JT, Rogers JM, Barrera LA, Bulyk ML. Context and number of noncanonical repeat variable diresidues impede the design of TALE proteins with improved DNA targeting. Protein Sci 2019; 29:606-616. [PMID: 31833142 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins have been used extensively for targeted binding of fusion proteins to loci of interest in (epi)genome engineering. Such approaches typically utilize four canonical TALE repeat variable diresidue (RVD) types, corresponding to the identities of two key amino acids, to target each nucleotide. Alternate RVDs with improved specificity are desired. Here, we focused on seven noncanonical RVDs that have been suggested to have improved specificity for their target nucleotides. We used custom protein binding microarrays to characterize the DNA-binding activity of 65 TALEs containing these alternate or corresponding canonical RVDs at multiple positions to ~5,000 unique DNA sequences per protein. We found that none of the noncanonical thymine-targeting RVDs displayed stronger preference for thymine than did the canonical RVD. Of the noncanonical RVDs with putatively improved specificity for guanine, only EN and NH showed greater discrimination of guanine over adenine. This improved specificity, however, comes at a cost: more substitutions of a noncanonical RVD for a canonical RVD generally decreased the protein's DNA-binding activity. Our results highlight the need to investigate RVD-nucleotide specificities in multiple protein contexts and suggest that a balance between canonical and noncanonical RVDs is needed to build TALEs with improved specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Anderson
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julia M Rogers
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Luis A Barrera
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martha L Bulyk
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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94
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Liu XS, Jaenisch R. Editing the Epigenome to Tackle Brain Disorders. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:861-870. [PMID: 31706628 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies of epigenetic modifiers such as DNA methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases have revealed a critical role for epigenetic regulation during brain development and function. Alteration of epigenetic modifications have been documented in a variety of brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Development of epigenome editing tools enables a functional dissection of the link between altered epigenetic changes and disease outcomes. Here, we review the development of epigenome editing tools, summarize proof of concept applications focusing on brain disease-associated genes, and discuss the promising application and challenges of epigenome editing to tackle brain disorders.
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95
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Julian CG. An Aptitude for Altitude: Are Epigenomic Processes Involved? Front Physiol 2019; 10:1397. [PMID: 31824328 PMCID: PMC6883803 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, high-throughput genomic technologies and computational advancements have invigorated efforts to identify the molecular mechanisms regulating human adaptation to high altitude. Although exceptional progress regarding the identification of genomic regions showing evidence of recent positive selection has been made, many of the key “hypoxia tolerant” phenotypes of highland populations have not yet been linked to putative adaptive genetic variants. As a result, fundamental questions regarding the biological processes by which such adaptations are acquired remain unanswered. This Mini Review discusses the hypothesis that the epigenome works in coordination with underlying genomic sequence to govern adaptation to the chronic hypoxia of high altitude by influencing adaptive capacity and phenotypic variation under conditions of environmental hypoxia. Efforts to unravel the complex interactions between the genome, epigenome, and environmental exposures are essential to more fully appreciate the mechanisms underlying human adaptation to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen G Julian
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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96
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Han F, Jiang X, Li ZM, Zhuang X, Zhang X, Ouyang WM, Liu WB, Mao CY, Chen Q, Huang CS, Gao F, Cui ZH, Ao L, Li YF, Cao J, Liu JY. Epigenetic Inactivation of SOX30 Is Associated with Male Infertility and Offers a Therapy Target for Non-obstructive Azoospermia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 19:72-83. [PMID: 31835093 PMCID: PMC6926170 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. However, the etiology of NOA is largely unknown, resulting in a lack of clinical treatments. Here, we performed a comparative genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation and identified SOX30 as the most notably hyper-methylated gene at promoter in testicular tissues from NOA patients. This hyper-methylation at promoter of SOX30 directly causes its silencing of expression in NOA. The reduced levels of SOX30 expression are correlated with severity of NOA disease. Deletion of Sox30 in mice uniquely impairs testis development and spermatogenesis with complete absence of spermatozoa in testes leading to male infertility, but does not influence ovary development and female fertility. The pathology and testicular size of Sox30 null mice highly simulate those of NOA patients. Re-expression of Sox30 in Sox30 null mice at adult age reverses the pathological damage of testis and restores the spermatogenesis. The re-presented spermatozoa after re-expression of Sox30 in Sox30 null mice have the ability to start a pregnancy. Moreover, the male offspring of Sox30 re-expression Sox30 null mice still can father children, and these male offspring and their children can live normally more than 1 year without significant difference of physical appearance compared with wild-type mice. In summary, methylated inactivation of SOX30 uniquely impairs spermatogenesis, probably causing NOA disease, and re-expression of SOX30 can successfully restore the spermatogenesis and actual fertility. This study advances our understanding of the pathogenesis of NOA, offering a promising therapy target for NOA disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Han
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-ming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuan Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-ming Ouyang
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Wen-bin Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng-yi Mao
- Department of Pathology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan-shu Huang
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Zhi-hong Cui
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-feng Li
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Corresponding author: Jia Cao, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jin-yi Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Corresponding author: Jin-yi Liu, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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97
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Urbano A, Smith J, Weeks RJ, Chatterjee A. Gene-Specific Targeting of DNA Methylation in the Mammalian Genome. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101515. [PMID: 31600992 PMCID: PMC6827012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most widely-studied epigenetic modification, playing a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of DNA methylation is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. For example, aberrant DNA methylation in promoter regions of tumor-suppressor genes has been strongly associated with the development and progression of many different tumors. Accordingly, technologies designed to manipulate DNA methylation at specific genomic loci are very important, especially in the context of cancer therapy. Traditionally, epigenomic editing technologies have centered around zinc finger proteins (ZFP)- and transcription activator-like effector protein (TALE)-based targeting. More recently, however, the emergence of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-based editing systems have shown to be a more specific and efficient method for the targeted manipulation of DNA methylation. Here, we describe the regulation of the DNA methylome, its significance in cancer and the current state of locus-specific editing technologies for altering DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Urbano
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Jim Smith
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Robert J Weeks
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, 3A Symonds Street, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
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98
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Cucho H, López Y, Caldeira C, Valverde A, Ordóñez C, Soler C. Comparison of three different staining methods for the morphometric characterization of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) sperm, using ISAS® CASA-Morph system. NOVA BIOLOGICA REPERTA 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/nbr.6.3.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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99
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Taghbalout A, Du M, Jillette N, Rosikiewicz W, Rath A, Heinen CD, Li S, Cheng AW. Enhanced CRISPR-based DNA demethylation by Casilio-ME-mediated RNA-guided coupling of methylcytosine oxidation and DNA repair pathways. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4296. [PMID: 31541098 PMCID: PMC6754513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we develop a methylation editing toolbox, Casilio-ME, that enables not only RNA-guided methylcytosine editing by targeting TET1 to genomic sites, but also by co-delivering TET1 and protein factors that couple methylcytosine oxidation to DNA repair activities, and/or promote TET1 to achieve enhanced activation of methylation-silenced genes. Delivery of TET1 activity by Casilio-ME1 robustly alters the CpG methylation landscape of promoter regions and activates methylation-silenced genes. We augment Casilio-ME1 to simultaneously deliver the TET1-catalytic domain and GADD45A (Casilio-ME2) or NEIL2 (Casilio-ME3) to streamline removal of oxidized cytosine intermediates to enhance activation of targeted genes. Using two-in-one effectors or modular effectors, Casilio-ME2 and Casilio-ME3 remarkably boost gene activation and methylcytosine demethylation of targeted loci. We expand the toolbox to enable a stable and expression-inducible system for broader application of the Casilio-ME platforms. This work establishes a platform for editing DNA methylation to enable research investigations interrogating DNA methylomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Taghbalout
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Menghan Du
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Nathaniel Jillette
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Wojciech Rosikiewicz
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Abhijit Rath
- Center for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Christopher D Heinen
- Center for Molecular Oncology, University of Connecticut Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Albert W Cheng
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
- Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health Science Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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100
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The diverse roles of DNA methylation in mammalian development and disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 20:590-607. [PMID: 31399642 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1104] [Impact Index Per Article: 220.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is of paramount importance for mammalian embryonic development. DNA methylation has numerous functions: it is implicated in the repression of transposons and genes, but is also associated with actively transcribed gene bodies and, in some cases, with gene activation per se. In recent years, sensitive technologies have been developed that allow the interrogation of DNA methylation patterns from a small number of cells. The use of these technologies has greatly improved our knowledge of DNA methylation dynamics and heterogeneity in embryos and in specific tissues. Combined with genetic analyses, it is increasingly apparent that regulation of DNA methylation erasure and (re-)establishment varies considerably between different developmental stages. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms and functions of DNA methylation and demethylation in both mice and humans at CpG-rich promoters, gene bodies and transposable elements. We highlight the dynamic erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation in embryonic, germline and somatic cell development. Finally, we provide insights into DNA methylation gained from studying genetic diseases.
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