51
|
Hamilton PJ, Lim CJ, Nestler EJ, Heller EA. Neuroepigenetic Editing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:129-152. [PMID: 39012593 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is intrinsic to basic neurobiological function as well as neurological disease. Regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes in the brain is critical during both development and adulthood and in response to external stimuli. Biochemical studies are complemented by numerous next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies that quantify global changes in gene expression, chromatin accessibility, histone and DNA modifications in neurons and glial cells. Neuroepigenetic editing tools are essential to distinguish between the mere presence and functional relevance of histone and DNA modifications to gene transcription in the brain and animal behavior. This review discusses current advances in neuroepigenetic editing, highlighting methodological considerations pertinent to neuroscience, such as delivery methods and the spatiotemporal specificity of editing and it demonstrates the enormous potential of epigenetic editing for basic neurobiological research and therapeutic application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Carissa J Lim
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Punetha M, Saini S, Chaudhary S, Yadav PS, Whitworth K, Green J, Kumar D, Kues WA. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Era of Precise Genome Editing. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:307-315. [PMID: 36880183 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230307115326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing has enhanced our ability to understand the role of genetics in a number of diseases by facilitating the development of more precise cellular and animal models to study pathophysiological processes. These advances have shown extraordinary promise in a multitude of areas, from basic research to applied bioengineering and biomedical research. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are known for their high replicative capacity and are excellent targets for genetic manipulation as they can be clonally expanded from a single cell without compromising their pluripotency. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR/Cas RNA-guided nucleases have rapidly become the method of choice for gene editing due to their high specificity, simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Coupling the cellular versatility of iPSCs differentiation with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology can be an effective experimental technique for providing new insights into the therapeutic use of this technology. However, before using these techniques for gene therapy, their therapeutic safety and efficacy following models need to be assessed. In this review, we cover the remarkable progress that has been made in the use of genome editing tools in iPSCs, their applications in disease research and gene therapy as well as the hurdles that remain in the actual implementation of CRISPR/Cas systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meeti Punetha
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Prem Singh Yadav
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Höltystr 10, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Lee JH, Shores KL, Breithaupt JJ, Lee CS, Fodera DM, Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Myers KM, Evison BJ, Suchowerska AK, Gersbach CA, Leong KW, Truskey GA. PCSK9 activation promotes early atherosclerosis in a vascular microphysiological system. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046103. [PMID: 37854060 PMCID: PMC10581720 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a primary precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. While proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) contributes to CVD by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) and altering lipid metabolism, PCSK9 also influences vascular inflammation, further promoting atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a vascular microphysiological system to test the effect of PCSK9 activation or repression on the initiation of atherosclerosis and to screen the efficacy of a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. We have generated PCSK9 over-expressed (P+) or repressed (P-) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiated them to smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) or endothelial cells (viECs). Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) made from P+ viSMCs and viECs resulted in increased monocyte adhesion compared to the wild type (WT) or P- equivalents when treated with enzyme-modified LDL (eLDL) and TNF-α. We also found significant viEC dysfunction, such as increased secretion of VCAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, in P+ viECs treated with eLDL and TNF-α. A small molecule compound, NYX-1492, that was originally designed to block PCSK9 binding with the LDLR was tested in TEBVs to determine its effect on lowering PCSK9-induced inflammation. The compound reduced monocyte adhesion in P+ TEBVs with evidence of lowering secretion of VCAM-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that PCSK9 inhibition may decrease vascular inflammation in addition to lowering plasma LDL levels, enhancing its anti-atherosclerotic effects, particularly in patients with elevated chronic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jounghyun H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Kevin L. Shores
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jason J. Breithaupt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Caleb S. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Mondal R, Brahmbhatt N, Sandhu SK, Shah H, Vashi M, Gandhi SK, Patel P. Applications of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) as a Genetic Scalpel for the Treatment of Cancer: A Translational Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e50031. [PMID: 38186450 PMCID: PMC10767422 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a global health challenge with high prevalence and mortality rates, imposing significant financial and emotional burdens on affected families. However, hope lies in genetic manipulation, with a focus on innovative approaches to combat genetically linked cancers. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), an adaptive immune system found in various bacteria and archaea, hold immense potential. We searched articles on PubMed Central, Medline, and PubMed databases indexed journals. The keywords from the research topic, i.e., "CRISPR AND genetic therapy," were searched, and we found 3397 articles. Following this, we explored the medical subject headings (MeSH) glossary and created a search strategy "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats"[Mesh] AND "Genetic Therapy"[Majr] and after applying a variety of filters we included 30 studies in our review. CRISPR consists of unique spacers and CRISPR-associated (Cas) genes, operating through acquisition, CRISPR ribonucleic acid (crRNA) biogenesis, and target interference phases. The type II CRISPR-Cas9 system is a well-researched avenue for gene editing, with Cas9 cleaving specific genomic regions and initiating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair mechanisms. Cancer results from genetic alterations, leading to tumor development with properties like metastasis. CRISPR/Cas9 offers precise genome editing to inhibit tumor formation by removing specific genomic sequences and promoting DNA repair. Challenges in CRISPR's use for cancer therapy, including delivery methods, cell adaptation, and ethical concerns, are recognized. Beyond cancer, CRISPR finds diverse applications in infectious diseases and non-cancerous conditions, signifying its transformative potential in modern medicine. CRISPR technology represents a groundbreaking frontier in cancer therapy and beyond, offering insights into genetic editing, disease mechanisms, and potential cures. Despite challenges and ethical considerations, precise genome editing promises improved cancer treatments and innovative medical interventions in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riddhi Mondal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagannath Gupta Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Kolkata, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Niki Brahmbhatt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society (GMERS) Medical College Sola, Ahmedabad, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Sahibjot K Sandhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Hetvi Shah
- Department of Anesthesia, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Mandeepsinh Vashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Siddharth Kamal Gandhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Priyansh Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College Baroda, Vadodara, IND
- Department of Internal Medicine, OneStepForward Research Initiative, Ahmedabad, IND
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Lin X, Chen JD, Wang CY, Cai Z, Zhan R, Yang C, Zhang LY, Li LY, Xiao Y, Chen MK, Wu M. Cooperation of MLL1 and Jun in controlling H3K4me3 on enhancers in colorectal cancer. Genome Biol 2023; 24:268. [PMID: 38012744 PMCID: PMC10680327 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer dysregulation is one of the important features for cancer cells. Enhancers enriched with H3K4me3 have been implicated to play important roles in cancer. However, their detailed features and regulatory mechanisms have not been well characterized. RESULTS Here, we profile the landscape of H3K4me3-enriched enhancers (m3Es) in 43 pairs of colorectal cancer (CRC) samples. M3Es are widely distributed in CRC and averagely possess around 10% of total active enhancers. We identify 1322 gain variant m3Es and 367 lost variant m3Es in CRC. The target genes of the gain m3Es are enriched in immune response pathways. We experimentally prove that repression of CBX8 and RPS6KA5 m3Es inhibits target gene expression in CRC. Furthermore, we find histone methyltransferase MLL1 is responsible for depositing H3K4me3 on the identified Vm3Es. We demonstrate that the transcription factor AP1/JUN interacts with MLL1 and regulates m3E activity. Application of a small chemical inhibitor for MLL1 activity, OICR-9429, represses target gene expression of the identified Vm3Es, enhances anti-tumor immunity and inhibits CRC growth in an animal model. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our study illustrates the genome-wide landscape and the regulatory mechanisms of m3Es in CRC, and reveals potential novel strategies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Lin
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Ji-Dong Chen
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Chen-Yu Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Zhen Cai
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Rui Zhan
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - La-Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Lian-Yun Li
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
| | - Ming-Kai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Raynaud CM, Ahmed EI, Jabeen A, Sanchez A, Sherif S, Carneiro-Lobo TC, Awad A, Awartani D, Naik A, Thomas R, Decock J, Zoppoli G, Bedongnetti D, Hendrickx WRL. Modulation of SLFN11 induces changes in DNA Damage response in breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:291. [PMID: 38001424 PMCID: PMC10668346 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) expression has been recently identified as a dominant genomic determinant of response to DNA damaging agents in numerous cancer types. Thus, several strategies aimed at increasing SLFN11 are explored to restore chemosensitivity of refractory cancers. In this study, we examined various approaches to elevate SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cellular models and confirmed a corresponding increase in chemosensitivity with using the most successful efficient one. As oncogenic transcriptomic downregulation is often driven by methylation of the promotor region, we explore the demethylation effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine), on the SLFN11 gene. Since SLFN11 has been reported as an interferon inducible gene, and interferon is secreted during an active anti-tumor immune response, we investigated the in vitro effect of IFN-γ on SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cell lines. As a secondary approach to pick up cross talk between immune cells and SLFN11 expression we used indirect co-culture of breast cancer cells with activated PBMCs and evaluated if this can drive SLFN11 upregulation. Finally, as a definitive and specific way to modulate SLFN11 expression we implemented SLFN11 dCas9 (dead CRISPR associated protein 9) systems to specifically increase or decrease SLFN11 expression. RESULTS After confirming the previously reported correlation between methylation of SLFN11 promoter and its expression across multiple cell lines, we showed in-vitro that decitabine and IFN-γ could increase moderately the expression of SLFN11 in both BT-549 and T47D cell lines. The use of a CRISPR-dCas9 UNISAM and KRAB system could increase or decrease SLFN11 expression significantly (up to fivefold), stably and specifically in BT-549 and T47D cancer cell lines. We then used the modified cell lines to quantify the alteration in chemo sensitivity of those cells to treatment with DNA Damaging Agents (DDAs) such as Cisplatin and Epirubicin or DNA Damage Response (DDRs) drugs like Olaparib. RNAseq was used to elucidate the mechanisms of action affected by the alteration in SLFN11 expression. In cell lines with robust SLFN11 promoter methylation such as MDA-MB-231, no SLFN11 expression could be induced by any approach. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first report of the stable non-lethal increase of SLFN11 expression in a cancer cell line. Our results show that induction of SLFN11 expression can enhance DDA and DDR sensitivity in breast cancer cells and dCas9 systems may represent a novel approach to increase SLFN11 and achieve higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, improving outcome or decreasing required drug concentrations. SLFN11-targeting therapies might be explored pre-clinically to develop personalized approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eiman I Ahmed
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Apryl Sanchez
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shimaa Sherif
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Amany Awad
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Awartani
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adviti Naik
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Remy Thomas
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Bedongnetti
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Wouter R L Hendrickx
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Hu Y, Liu L, Jiang Q, Fang W, Chen Y, Hong Y, Zhai X. CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful tool in colorectal cancer research. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:308. [PMID: 37993945 PMCID: PMC10664500 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide and seriously threatens human health. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associate nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is an adaptive immune system of bacteria or archaea. Since its introduction, research into various aspects of treatment approaches for CRC has been accelerated, including investigation of the oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), drug resistance genes, target genes, mouse model construction, and especially in genome-wide library screening. Furthermore, the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be utilized for gene therapy for CRC, specifically involving in the molecular targeted drug delivery or targeted knockout in vivo. In this review, we elucidate the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its comprehensive applications in CRC. Additionally, we discussed the issue of off-target effects associated with CRISPR/Cas9, which serves to restrict its practical application. Future research on CRC should in-depth and systematically utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 system thereby achieving clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Jiande, Hangzhou, 311600, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Weiping Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Jiande, Hangzhou, 311600, China
| | - Yazhu Chen
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, China.
| | - Yuntian Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xiang Zhai
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Gordon JAR, Tye CE, Banerjee B, Ghule PN, van Wijnen AJ, Kabala FS, Page NA, Falcone MM, Stein JL, Stein GS, Lian JB. LINC01638 sustains human mesenchymal stem cell self-renewal and competency for osteogenic cell fate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20314. [PMID: 37985890 PMCID: PMC10662126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The skeleton forms from multipotent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) competent to commit to specific lineages. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as key epigenetic regulators of tissue development. However, regulation of osteogenesis by lncRNAs as mediators of commitment to the bone phenotype is largely unexplored. We focused on LINC01638, which is highly expressed in hMSCs and has been studied in cancers, but not in regulating osteogenesis. We demonstrated that LINC01638 promotes initiation of the osteoblast phenotype. Our findings reveal that LINC01638 is present at low levels during the induction of osteoblast differentiation. CRISPRi knockdown of LINC01638 in MSCs prevents osteogenesis and alkaline phosphatase expression, inhibiting osteoblast differentiation. This resulted in decreased MSC growth rate, accompanied by double-strand breaks, DNA damage, and cell senescence. Transcriptome profiling of control and LINC01638-depleted hMSCs identified > 2000 differentially expressed mRNAs related to cell cycle, cell division, spindle formation, DNA repair, and osteogenesis. Using ChIRP-qPCR, molecular mechanisms of chromatin interactions revealed the LINC01638 locus (Chr 22) includes many lncRNAs and bone-related genes. These novel findings identify the obligatory role for LINC01638 to sustain MSC pluripotency regulating osteoblast commitment and growth, as well as for physiological remodeling of bone tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A R Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Coralee E Tye
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | | | - Prachi N Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Fleur S Kabala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Natalie A Page
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Michelle M Falcone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Fan C, An H, Kim D, Park Y. Uncovering oligodendrocyte enhancers that control Cnp expression. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3225-3236. [PMID: 37642363 PMCID: PMC10656706 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes (OLs) produce myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin accelerates the propagation of action potentials along axons and supports the integrity of axons. Impaired myelination has been linked to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. As a major component of CNS myelin, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) plays an indispensable role in the axon-supportive function of myelin. Notably, this function requires a high-level expression of CNP in OLs, as evidenced by downregulated expression of CNP in mental disorders and animal models. Little is known about how CNP expression is regulated in OLs. Especially, OL enhancers that govern CNP remain elusive. We have recently developed a powerful method that links OL enhancers to target genes in a principled manner. Here, we applied it to Cnp, uncovering two OL enhancers for it (termed Cnp-E1 and Cnp-E2). Epigenome editing analysis revealed that Cnp-E1 and Cnp-E2 are dedicated to Cnp. ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq data show that Cnp-E1 and Cnp-E2 are conserved OL-specific enhancers. Single cell multi-omics data that jointly profile gene expression and chromatin accessibility suggest that Cnp-E2 plays an important role in Cnp expression in the early stage of OL differentiation while Cnp-E1 sustains it in mature OLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| | - Hongjoo An
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| | - Dongkyeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Yungki Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Owen JA, Osmanović D, Mirny L. Design principles of 3D epigenetic memory systems. Science 2023; 382:eadg3053. [PMID: 37972190 PMCID: PMC11075759 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells remember their identities, in part, by using epigenetic marks-chemical modifications placed along the genome. How can mark patterns remain stable over cell generations despite their constant erosion by replication and other processes? We developed a theoretical model that reveals that three-dimensional (3D) genome organization can stabilize epigenetic memory as long as (i) there is a large density difference between chromatin compartments, (ii) modifying "reader-writer" enzymes spread marks in three dimensions, and (iii) the enzymes are limited in abundance relative to their histone substrates. Analogous to an associative memory that encodes memory in neuronal connectivity, mark patterns are encoded in a 3D network of chromosomal contacts. Our model provides a unified account of diverse observations and reveals a key role of 3D genome organization in epigenetic memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A. Owen
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, USA
| | - Dino Osmanović
- Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, UCLA; Los Angeles, USA
| | - Leonid Mirny
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, USA
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Veluchamy A, Teles K, Fischle W. CRISPR-broad: combined design of multi-targeting gRNAs and broad, multiplex target finding. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19717. [PMID: 37953351 PMCID: PMC10641073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In CRISPR-Cas and related nuclease-mediated genome editing, target recognition is based on guide RNAs (gRNAs) that are complementary to selected DNA regions. While single site targeting is fundamental for localized genome editing, targeting to expanded and multiple chromosome elements is desirable for various biological applications such as genome mapping and epigenome editing that make use of different fusion proteins with enzymatically dead Cas9. The current gRNA design tools are not suitable for this task, as these are optimized for defining single gRNAs for unique loci. Here, we introduce CRISPR-broad, a standalone, open-source application that defines gRNAs with multiple but specific targets in large continuous or spread regions of the genome, as defined by the user. This ability to identify multi-targeting gRNAs and corresponding multiple targetable regions in genomes is based on a novel aggregate gRNA scoring derived from on-target windows and off-target sites. Applying the new tool to the genomes of two model species, C. elegans and H. sapiens, we verified its efficiency in determining multi-targeting gRNAs and ranking potential target regions optimized for broad targeting. Further, we demonstrated the general usability of CRISPR-broad by cellular mapping of a large human genome element using dCas9 fused to green fluorescent protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaguraj Veluchamy
- Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Kaian Teles
- Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Rojhannezhad M, Soltani BM, Vasei M, Ghorbanmehr N, Mowla SJ. Functional analysis of a putative HER2-associated expressed enhancer, Her2-Enhancer1, in breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19516. [PMID: 37945744 PMCID: PMC10636096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HER-2/neu (HER2) is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptors family, encoding a protein with tyrosine kinase activity. Following the gene amplification or increased HER2 transcription, carcinogenesis has been observed in some cancers. Genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in enhancer sequences can deeply affect the expression and transcriptional regulation of downstream genes, which can cause some physiological and pathological changes, including tumor progression. A therapeutic approach that directly targets the genomic sequence alterations is of high importance, with low side effects on healthy cells. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 method to genetically knockout an expressed putative enhancer (GH17J039694; we coined it as Her2-Enhancer1) located within the HER2 gene, 17q12: 39,694,339-39,697,219 (UCSC-hg38). We then investigated the potential regulatory effect of Her2-Enhancer1 on HER2 and HER2-interacting genes. To evaluate the cis and trans effects of Her2-Enhancer1, genetic manipulation of this region was performed in HER2-positive and -negative breast cancer cells. Our bioinformatics and real-time PCR data revealed that this putative enhancer region is indeed expressed, and acts as an expressed enhancer. Further functional analysis on edited and unedited cells revealed a significant alteration in the expression of HER2 variants, as well as some other target genes of HER2. Moreover, the apoptosis rate was considerably elevated within the edited cells. As we expected, Western blot analysis confirmed a reduction in protein levels of HER2, GRB7, the gene interacting with HER2, and P-AKT in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Altogether, our findings revealed an enhancer regulatory role for Her2-Enhancer1 on HER2 and HER2-interacting genes; and that this region has a potential for targeted therapy of HER2-positive cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Rojhannezhad
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram M Soltani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vasei
- Cell-Based Therapies Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nassim Ghorbanmehr
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Zhang H, Tu T. Targeting Hepatitis B Virus DNA Using Designer Gene Editors. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:895-916. [PMID: 37778776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious disease that currently has no cure. Key forms of HBV include covalently closed circular DNA, which mediates chronic persistence, and integrated DNA, which contributes to immune evasion and carcinogenesis. These forms are not targeted by current therapies; however, gene editing technologies have emerged as promising tools for disrupting HBV DNA. Gene editor-induced double-stranded breaks at precise locations within the HBV genome can induce effects ranging from inactivation of target genes to complete degradation of the target genome. Although promising, several challenges remain in efficacy and safety that require solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Zhang
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney School of Medicine and Health, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Thomas Tu
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney School of Medicine and Health, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Alemi F, Sadeghsoltani F, Fattah K, Hassanpour P, Malakoti F, Kardeh S, Izadpanah M, de Campos Zuccari DAP, Yousefi B, Majidinia M. Applications of engineered exosomes in drugging noncoding RNAs for cancer therapy. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:1257-1275. [PMID: 37496299 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are engaged in key cell biological and pathological events, and their expression alteration is connected to cancer progression both directly and indirectly. A huge number of studies have mentioned the significant role of ncRNAs in cancer prevention and therapy that make them an interesting subject for cancer therapy. However, there are several limitations, including delivery, uptake, and short half-life, in the application of ncRNAs in cancer treatment. Exosomes are introduced as promising options for the delivery of ncRNAs to the target cells. In this review, we will briefly discuss the application and barriers of ncRNAs. After that we will focus on exosome-based ncRNAs delivery and their advantages as well as the latest achievements in drugging ncRNAs with exosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forough Alemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghsoltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Hassanpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Malakoti
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Kardeh
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melika Izadpanah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Fadul SM, Arshad A, Mehmood R. CRISPR-based epigenome editing: mechanisms and applications. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1137-1155. [PMID: 37990877 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic anomalies contribute significantly to the development of numerous human disorders. The development of epigenetic research tools is essential for understanding how epigenetic marks contribute to gene expression. A gene-editing technique known as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) typically targets a particular DNA sequence using a guide RNA (gRNA). CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been remodeled for epigenome editing by generating a 'dead' Cas9 protein (dCas9) that lacks nuclease activity and juxtaposing it with an epigenetic effector domain. Based on fusion partners of dCas9, a specific epigenetic state can be achieved. CRISPR-based epigenome editing has widespread application in drug screening, cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. This paper discusses the tools developed for CRISPR-based epigenome editing and their applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaima M Fadul
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aleeza Arshad
- Medical Teaching Insitute, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, 22020, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Grillo G, Keshavarzian T, Linder S, Arlidge C, Mout L, Nand A, Teng M, Qamra A, Zhou S, Kron KJ, Murison A, Hawley JR, Fraser M, van der Kwast TH, Raj GV, He HH, Zwart W, Lupien M. Transposable Elements Are Co-opted as Oncogenic Regulatory Elements by Lineage-Specific Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2470-2487. [PMID: 37694973 PMCID: PMC10618745 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements hold regulatory functions that impact cell fate determination by controlling gene expression. However, little is known about the transcriptional machinery engaged at transposable elements in pluripotent and mature versus oncogenic cell states. Through positional analysis over repetitive DNA sequences of H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data from 32 normal cell states, we report pluripotent/stem and mature cell state-specific "regulatory transposable elements." Pluripotent/stem elements are binding sites for pluripotency factors (e.g., NANOG, SOX2, OCT4). Mature cell elements are docking sites for lineage-specific transcription factors, including AR and FOXA1 in prostate epithelium. Expanding the analysis to prostate tumors, we identify a subset of regulatory transposable elements shared with pluripotent/stem cells, including Tigger3a. Using chromatin editing technology, we show how such elements promote prostate cancer growth by regulating AR transcriptional activity. Collectively, our results suggest that oncogenesis arises from lineage-specific transcription factors hijacking pluripotent/stem cell regulatory transposable elements. SIGNIFICANCE We show that oncogenesis relies on co-opting transposable elements from pluripotent stem cells as regulatory elements altering the recruitment of lineage-specific transcription factors. We further discover how co-option is dependent on active chromatin states with important implications for developing treatment options against drivers of oncogenesis across the repetitive DNA. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2293.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Grillo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tina Keshavarzian
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Linder
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christopher Arlidge
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisanne Mout
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ankita Nand
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mona Teng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aditi Qamra
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stanley Zhou
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken J. Kron
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Murison
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James R. Hawley
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Fraser
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Theodorus H. van der Kwast
- Laboratory Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ganesh V. Raj
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Qin N, Paisana E, Picard D, Leprivier G, Langini M, Custódia C, Cascão R, Conrad C, Peitzsch M, Stefanski A, Stühler K, Fischer U, Faria CC, Dietrich S, Reifenberger G, Remke M. The long non-coding RNA OTX2-AS1 promotes tumor growth and predicts response to BCL-2 inhibition in medulloblastoma. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:329-342. [PMID: 37976029 PMCID: PMC10689561 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary brain tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The current molecular characterization of medulloblastoma is mainly based on protein-coding genes, while little is known about the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). This study aimed to elucidate the role of the lncRNA OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma. METHODS Analyses of DNA copy number alterations, methylation profiles, and gene expression data were used to characterize molecular alterations of OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma tissue samples. In vitro analyses of medulloblastoma cell models and orthotopic in vivo experiments were carried out for functional characterization of OTX2-AS1. High-throughput drug screening was employed to identify pharmacological inhibitors, while proteomics and metabolomics analyses were performed to address potential mechanisms of drug action. RESULTS We detected amplification and consecutive overexpression of OTX2 and OTX2-AS1 in a subset of medulloblastomas. In addition, OTX2-AS1 promoter methylation was linked to OTX2-AS1 expression. OTX2-AS1 knockout reduced medulloblastoma cell viability and cell migration in vitro and prolonged survival in the D283 orthotopic medulloblastoma mouse xenograft model. Pharmacological inhibition of BCL-2 suppressed the growth of OTX2-AS1 overexpressing medulloblastoma cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a pro-tumorigenic role of OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma and identified BCL-2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to target OTX2-AS1 overexpressing medulloblastoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- High-Throughput Drug Screening Core Facility, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Eunice Paisana
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Daniel Picard
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gabriel Leprivier
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maike Langini
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carlos Custódia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Rita Cascão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Catleen Conrad
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine 1, Heinrich Heine University Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine 1, Heinrich Heine University Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia C Faria
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Remke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- High-Throughput Drug Screening Core Facility, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Mulet-Lazaro R, Delwel R. From Genotype to Phenotype: How Enhancers Control Gene Expression and Cell Identity in Hematopoiesis. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e969. [PMID: 37953829 PMCID: PMC10635615 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood comprises a wide array of specialized cells, all of which share the same genetic information and ultimately derive from the same precursor, the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). This diversity of phenotypes is underpinned by unique transcriptional programs gradually acquired in the process known as hematopoiesis. Spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression depends on many factors, but critical among them are enhancers-sequences of DNA that bind transcription factors and increase transcription of genes under their control. Thus, hematopoiesis involves the activation of specific enhancer repertoires in HSCs and their progeny, driving the expression of sets of genes that collectively determine morphology and function. Disruption of this tightly regulated process can have catastrophic consequences: in hematopoietic malignancies, dysregulation of transcriptional control by enhancers leads to misexpression of oncogenes that ultimately drive transformation. This review attempts to provide a basic understanding of enhancers and their role in transcriptional regulation, with a focus on normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We present examples of enhancers controlling master regulators of hematopoiesis and discuss the main mechanisms leading to enhancer dysregulation in leukemia and lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Mulet-Lazaro
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud Delwel
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Cui X, Shang X, Xie J, Xie C, Tang Z, Luo Q, Wu C, Wang G, Wang N, He K, Wang L, Huang L, Wan B, Roeder RG, Han ZG. Cooperation between IRTKS and deubiquitinase OTUD4 enhances the SETDB1-mediated H3K9 trimethylation that promotes tumor metastasis via suppressing E-cadherin expression. Cancer Lett 2023; 575:216404. [PMID: 37739210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Elevated expression and genetic aberration of IRTKS, also named as BAIAP2L1, have been observed in many tumors, especially in tumor progression. however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the IRTKS-enhanced tumor progression are obscure. Here we show that higher IRTKS level specifically increases histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) by promoting accumulation of the histone methyltransferase SETDB1. Furthermore, we reveal that IRTKS recruits the deubiquitinase OTUD4 to remove Lys48-linked polyubiquitination at K182/K1050 sites of SETDB1, thus blocking SETDB1 degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Interestingly, the enhanced IRTKS-OTUD4-SETDB1-H3K9me3 axis leads to a general decrease in chromatin accessibility, which inhibits transcription of CDH1 encoding E-cadherin, a key molecule essential for maintaining epithelial cell phenotype, and therefore results in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and malignant cell metastasis. Clinically, the elevated IRTKS levels in tumor specimens correlate with SETDB1 levels, but negatively associate with survival time. Our data reveal a novel mechanism for the IRTKS-enhanced tumor progression, where IRTKS cooperates with OTUD4 to enhance SETDB1-mediated H3K9 trimethylation that promotes tumor metastasis via suppressing E-cadherin expression. This study also provides a potential approach to reduce the activity and stability of the known therapeutic target SETDB1 possibly through regulating IRTKS or deubiquitinase OTUD4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xueying Shang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jia Xie
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chenyi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhanyun Tang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chongchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guangxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Kunyan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Liyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bingbing Wan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Robert G Roeder
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Sastre D, Zafar F, Torres CAM, Piper D, Kirik D, Sanders LH, Qi LS, Schüle B. Inactive S. aureus Cas9 downregulates alpha-synuclein and reduces mtDNA damage and oxidative stress levels in human stem cell model of Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17796. [PMID: 37853101 PMCID: PMC10584834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, but no disease modifying therapies have been successful in clinical translation presenting a major unmet medical need. A promising target is alpha-synuclein or its aggregated form, which accumulates in the brain of PD patients as Lewy bodies. While it is not entirely clear which alpha-synuclein protein species is disease relevant, mere overexpression of alpha-synuclein in hereditary forms leads to neurodegeneration. To specifically address gene regulation of alpha-synuclein, we developed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system based on the nuclease dead S. aureus Cas9 (SadCas9) fused with the transcriptional repressor domain Krueppel-associated box to controllably repress alpha-synuclein expression at the transcriptional level. We screened single guide (sg)RNAs across the SNCA promoter and identified several sgRNAs that mediate downregulation of alpha-synuclein at varying levels. CRISPRi downregulation of alpha-synuclein in iPSC-derived neuronal cultures from a patient with an SNCA genomic triplication showed functional recovery by reduction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA damage. Our results are proof-of-concept in vitro for precision medicine by targeting the SNCA gene promoter. The SNCA CRISPRi approach presents a new model to understand safe levels of alpha-synuclein downregulation and a novel therapeutic strategy for PD and related alpha-synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Sastre
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr., R271/217, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Faria Zafar
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr., R271/217, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - C Alejandra Morato Torres
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr., R271/217, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Desiree Piper
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA
| | - Deniz Kirik
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Laurie H Sanders
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - L Stanley Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Birgitt Schüle
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr., R271/217, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Cai R, Lv R, Shi X, Yang G, Jin J. CRISPR/dCas9 Tools: Epigenetic Mechanism and Application in Gene Transcriptional Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14865. [PMID: 37834313 PMCID: PMC10573330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cleavage of DNA, which depends on the endonuclease activity of Cas9, has been widely used for gene editing due to its excellent programmability and specificity. However, the changes to the DNA sequence that are mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 affect the structures and stability of the genome, which may affect the accuracy of results. Mutations in the RuvC and HNH regions of the Cas9 protein lead to the inactivation of Cas9 into dCas9 with no endonuclease activity. Despite the loss of endonuclease activity, dCas9 can still bind the DNA strand using guide RNA. Recently, proteins with active/inhibitory effects have been linked to the end of the dCas9 protein to form fusion proteins with transcriptional active/inhibitory effects, named CRISPRa and CRISPRi, respectively. These CRISPR tools mediate the transcription activity of protein-coding and non-coding genes by regulating the chromosomal modification states of target gene promoters, enhancers, and other functional elements. Here, we highlight the epigenetic mechanisms and applications of the common CRISPR/dCas9 tools, by which we hope to provide a reference for future related gene regulation, gene function, high-throughput target gene screening, and disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Cai
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Runyu Lv
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xin'e Shi
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Gongshe Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jianjun Jin
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Zukher I, Dujardin G, Sousa-Luís R, Proudfoot NJ. Elongation roadblocks mediated by dCas9 across human genes modulate transcription and nascent RNA processing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1536-1548. [PMID: 37783853 PMCID: PMC10584677 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-cleaving Cas9 (dCas9) is widely employed to manipulate specific gene loci, often with scant regard for unintended transcriptional effects. We demonstrate here that dCas9 mediates precise RNA polymerase II transcriptional pausing followed by transcription termination and potential alternative polyadenylation. By contrast, alternative splicing is unaffected, likely requiring more sustained alteration to elongation speed. The effect on transcription is orientation specific, with pausing only being induced when dCas9-associated guide RNA anneals to the non-template strand. Targeting the template strand induces minimal effects on transcription elongation and thus provides a neutral approach to recruit dCas9-linked effector domains to specific gene regions. In essence, we evaluate molecular effects of targeting dCas9 to mammalian transcription units. In so doing, we also provide new information on elongation by RNA polymerase II and coupled pre-mRNA processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inna Zukher
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Gwendal Dujardin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rui Sousa-Luís
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Chen Y, Zhou T, Liao Z, Gao W, Wu J, Zhang S, Li Y, Liu H, Zhou H, Xu C, Su P. Hnrnpk is essential for embryonic limb bud development as a transcription activator and a collaborator of insulator protein Ctcf. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2293-2308. [PMID: 37608075 PMCID: PMC10589297 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper development of the limb bud relies on the concordance of various signals, but its molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully illustrated. Here we report that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) is essential for limb bud development. Its ablation in the limb bud results in limbless forelimbs and severe deformities of the hindlimbs. In terms of mechanism, hnRNPK functions as a transcription activator for the vital genes involved in the three regulatory axes of limb bud development. Simultaneously, for the first time we elucidate that hnRNPK binds to and coordinates with the insulator protein CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) to maintain a three-dimensional chromatin architecture. Ablation of hnRNPK weakens the binding strength of CTCF to topologically associating domain (TAD) boundaries, then leading to the loose TADs, and decreased interactions between promoters and enhancers, and further decreased transcription of developmental genes. Our study establishes a fundamental and novel role of hnRNPK in regulating limb bud development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Taifeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenjie Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jinna Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510095, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongyong Li
- Precision Medicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hengyu Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Caixia Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Thomas HF, Buecker C. What is an enhancer? Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300044. [PMID: 37256273 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Tight control of the transcription process is essential for the correct spatial and temporal gene expression pattern during development and in homeostasis. Enhancers are at the core of correct transcriptional activation. The original definition of an enhancer is straightforward: a DNA sequence that activates transcription independent of orientation and direction. Dissection of numerous enhancer loci has shown that many enhancer-like elements might not conform to the original definition, suggesting that enhancers and enhancer-like elements might use multiple different mechanisms to contribute to transcriptional activation. Here, we review methodologies to identify enhancers and enhancer-like elements and discuss pitfalls and consequences for our understanding of transcriptional regulation.
Collapse
|
75
|
Ducarouge B, Redavid AR, Victoor C, Chira R, Fonseca A, Hervieu M, Bergé R, Lengrand J, Vieugué P, Neves D, Goddard I, Richaud M, Laval PA, Rama N, Goldschneider D, Paradisi A, Gourdin N, Chabaud S, Treilleux I, Gadot N, Ray-Coquard I, Depil S, Decaudin D, Némati F, Marangoni E, Mery-Lamarche E, Génestie C, Tabone-Eglinger S, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Moore KJ, Gibert B, Mehlen P, Bernet A. Netrin-1 blockade inhibits tumor associated Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer stemness and alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2201-2212. [PMID: 37633969 PMCID: PMC10589209 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance and cancer relapse represent significant therapeutic challenges after chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and a major limiting factor for long-term cancer survival. Netrin-1 was initially identified as a neuronal navigation cue but has more recently emerged as an interesting target for cancer therapy, which is currently clinically investigated. We show here that netrin-1 is an independent prognostic marker for clinical progression of breast and ovary cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs)/Tumor initiating cells (TICs) are hypothesized to be involved in clinical progression, tumor relapse and resistance. We found a significant correlation between netrin-1 expression and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers levels. We also show in different mice models of resistance to chemotherapies that netrin-1 interference using a therapeutic netrin-1 blocking antibody alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and triggers an efficient delay in tumor relapse and this effect is associated with CSCs loss. We also demonstrate that netrin-1 interference limits tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor and provide evidence linking this enhanced anti-tumor efficacy to a decreased recruitment of a subtype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) called polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs. We have functionally demonstrated that these immune cells promote CSCs features and, consequently, resistance to anti-cancer treatments. Together, these data support the view of both a direct and indirect contribution of netrin-1 to cancer stemness and we propose that this may lead to therapeutic opportunities by combining conventional chemotherapies and immunotherapies with netrin-1 interfering drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ducarouge
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Anna-Rita Redavid
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Victoor
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Ruxanda Chira
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Maëva Hervieu
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Roméo Bergé
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Justine Lengrand
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Vieugué
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - David Neves
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Goddard
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Richaud
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre-Alexandre Laval
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Rama
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Andrea Paradisi
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Gourdin
- Targeting of the Tumor and its Immune Environnement, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Gadot
- Pathology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Fariba Némati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Kathryn J Moore
- Department of Medicine, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Agnes Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Tan SH, Tan TK, Yokomori R, Liao M, Huang XZ, Yeoh AEJ, Sanda T. TAL1 hijacks MYCN enhancer that induces MYCN expression and dependence on mevalonate pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:1969-1981. [PMID: 37591943 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is the dysregulated expression of oncogenic transcription factors (TFs), including TAL1, NOTCH1 and MYC. Rewiring of the transcriptional program disrupts the tightly controlled spatiotemporal expression of downstream target genes, thereby contributing to leukemogenesis. In this study, we first identify an evolutionarily conserved enhancer element controlling the MYCN oncogene (named enhMYCN) that is aberrantly activated by the TAL1 complex in T-ALL cells. TAL1-positive T-ALL cells are highly dependent on MYCN expression for their maintenance in vitro and in xenograft models. Interestingly, MYCN drives the expression of multiple genes involved in the mevalonate pathway, and T-ALL cells are sensitive to inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), a rate-limiting enzyme of this pathway. Importantly, MYC and MYCN regulate the same targets and compensate for each other. Thus, MYCN-positive T-ALL cells display a dual dependence on the TAL1-MYCN and NOTCH1-MYC pathways. Together, our results demonstrate that enhMYCN-mediated MYCN expression is required for human T-ALL cells and implicate the TAL1-MYCN-HMGCR axis as a potential therapeutic target in T-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi Hao Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Tze King Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Rui Yokomori
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Minghui Liao
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xiao Zi Huang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Allen Eng Juh Yeoh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Liu L, Helal SE, Peng N. CRISPR-Cas-Based Engineering of Probiotics. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2023; 5:0017. [PMID: 37849462 PMCID: PMC10541000 DOI: 10.34133/bdr.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are the treasure of the microbiology fields. They have been widely used in the food industry, clinical treatment, and other fields. The equivocal health-promoting effects and the unknown action mechanism were the largest obstacles for further probiotic's developed applications. In recent years, various genome editing techniques have been developed and applied to explore the mechanisms and functional modifications of probiotics. As important genome editing tools, CRISPR-Cas systems that have opened new improvements in genome editing dedicated to probiotics. The high efficiency, flexibility, and specificity are the advantages of using CRISPR-Cas systems. Here, we summarize the classification and distribution of CRISPR-Cas systems in probiotics, as well as the editing tools developed on the basis of them. Then, we discuss the genome editing of probiotics based on CRISPR-Cas systems and the applications of the engineered probiotics through CRISPR-Cas systems. Finally, we proposed a design route for CRISPR systems that related to the genetically engineered probiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
- CABIO Biotech (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Shimaa Elsayed Helal
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Nan Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Ogier C, Solomon AMC, Lu Z, Recoules L, Klochkova A, Gabitova-Cornell L, Bayarmagnai B, Restifo D, Surumbayeva A, Vendramini-Costa DB, Deneka AY, Francescone R, Lilly AC, Sipman A, Gardiner JC, Luong T, Franco-Barraza J, Ibeme N, Cai KQ, Einarson MB, Nicolas E, Efimov A, Megill E, Snyder NW, Bousquet C, Cros J, Zhou Y, Golemis EA, Gligorijevic B, Soboloff J, Fuchs SY, Cukierman E, Astsaturov I. Trogocytosis of cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes pancreatic cancer growth and immune suppression via phospholipid scramblase anoctamin 6 (ANO6). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.15.557802. [PMID: 37745612 PMCID: PMC10515956 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the fibroblastic stroma constitutes most of the tumor mass and is remarkably devoid of functional blood vessels. This raises an unresolved question of how PDAC cells obtain essential metabolites and water-insoluble lipids. We have found a critical role for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in obtaining and transferring lipids from blood-borne particles to PDAC cells via trogocytosis of CAF plasma membranes. We have also determined that CAF-expressed phospholipid scramblase anoctamin 6 (ANO6) is an essential CAF trogocytosis regulator required to promote PDAC cell survival. During trogocytosis, cancer cells and CAFs form synapse-like plasma membranes contacts that induce cytosolic calcium influx in CAFs via Orai channels. This influx activates ANO6 and results in phosphatidylserine exposure on CAF plasma membrane initiating trogocytosis and transfer of membrane lipids, including cholesterol, to PDAC cells. Importantly, ANO6-dependent trogocytosis also supports the immunosuppressive function of pancreatic CAFs towards cytotoxic T cells by promoting transfer of excessive amounts of cholesterol. Further, blockade of ANO6 antagonizes tumor growth via disruption of delivery of exogenous cholesterol to cancer cells and reverses immune suppression suggesting a potential new strategy for PDAC therapy.
Collapse
|
79
|
Mikaeili H, Habib AM, Yeung CWL, Santana-Varela S, Luiz AP, Panteleeva K, Zuberi S, Athanasiou-Fragkouli A, Houlden H, Wood JN, Okorokov AL, Cox JJ. Molecular basis of FAAH-OUT-associated human pain insensitivity. Brain 2023; 146:3851-3865. [PMID: 37222214 PMCID: PMC10473560 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and new treatments are needed urgently. One way to identify novel analgesic strategies is to understand the biological dysfunctions that lead to human inherited pain insensitivity disorders. Here we report how the recently discovered brain and dorsal root ganglia-expressed FAAH-OUT long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene, which was found from studying a pain-insensitive patient with reduced anxiety and fast wound healing, regulates the adjacent key endocannabinoid system gene FAAH, which encodes the anandamide-degrading fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme. We demonstrate that the disruption in FAAH-OUT lncRNA transcription leads to DNMT1-dependent DNA methylation within the FAAH promoter. In addition, FAAH-OUT contains a conserved regulatory element, FAAH-AMP, that acts as an enhancer for FAAH expression. Furthermore, using transcriptomic analyses in patient-derived cells we have uncovered a network of genes that are dysregulated from disruption of the FAAH-FAAH-OUT axis, thus providing a coherent mechanistic basis to understand the human phenotype observed. Given that FAAH is a potential target for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression and other neurological disorders, this new understanding of the regulatory role of the FAAH-OUT gene provides a platform for the development of future gene and small molecule therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Mikaeili
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Abdella M Habib
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Charlix Wai-Lok Yeung
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sonia Santana-Varela
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ana P Luiz
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kseniia Panteleeva
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sana Zuberi
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - John N Wood
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrei L Okorokov
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - James J Cox
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Zheng R, Zhang L, Parvin R, Su L, Chi J, Shi K, Ye F, Huang X. Progress and Perspective of CRISPR-Cas9 Technology in Translational Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300195. [PMID: 37356052 PMCID: PMC10477906 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Translational medicine aims to improve human health by exploring potential treatment methods developed during basic scientific research and applying them to the treatment of patients in clinical settings. The advanced perceptions of gene functions have remarkably revolutionized clinical treatment strategies for target agents. However, the progress in gene editing therapy has been hindered due to the severe off-target effects and limited editing sites. Fortunately, the development in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system has renewed hope for gene therapy field. The CRISPR-Cas9 system can fulfill various simple or complex purposes, including gene knockout, knock-in, activation, interference, base editing, and sequence detection. Accordingly, the CRISPR-Cas9 system is adaptable to translational medicine, which calls for the alteration of genomic sequences. This review aims to present the latest CRISPR-Cas9 technology achievements and prospect to translational medicine advances. The principle and characterization of the CRISPR-Cas9 system are firstly introduced. The authors then focus on recent pre-clinical and clinical research directions, including the construction of disease models, disease-related gene screening and regulation, and disease treatment and diagnosis for multiple refractory diseases. Finally, some clinical challenges including off-target effects, in vivo vectors, and ethical problems, and future perspective are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixuan Zheng
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Lexiang Zhang
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative MedicineVision and Brain Health); Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Rokshana Parvin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative MedicineVision and Brain Health); Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Lihuang Su
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Junjie Chi
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative MedicineVision and Brain Health); Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter PhysicsInstitute of PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Joint Centre of Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Gordon J, Tye CE, Banerjee B, Ghule PN, Wijnen AJ, Kabala FS, Page NA, Falcone MM, Stein JL, Stein GS, Lian JB. LINC01638 Sustains Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Competency for Osteogenic Cell Fate. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3210911. [PMID: 37693373 PMCID: PMC10491330 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3210911/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The skeleton forms from multipotent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) competent to commit to specific lineages. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as key epigenetic regulators of tissue development. However, regulation of osteogenesis by lncRNAs as mediators of commitment to the bone phenotype is largely unexplored. We focused on LINC01638, which is highly expressed in hMSCs and has been studied in cancers, but not in regulating osteogenesis. We demonstrated that LINC01638 promotes initiation of the osteoblast phenotype. Our findings reveal that LINC01638 is present at low levels during the induction of osteoblast differentiation. CRISPRi knockdown of LINC01638 in MSCs prevents osteogenesis and alkaline phosphatase expression, inhibiting osteoblast differentiation. This resulted in decreased MSC cell growth rate, accompanied by double-strand breaks, DNA damage, and cell senescence. Transcriptome profiling of control and LINC01638-depleted hMSCs identified > 2,000 differentially expressed mRNAs related to cell cycle, cell division, spindle formation, DNA repair, and osteogenesis. Using ChIRP-qPCR, molecular mechanisms of chromatin interactions revealed the LINC01638 locus (Chr 22) includes many lncRNAs and bone-related genes. These novel findings identify the obligatory role for LINC01638 to sustain MSC pluripotency regulating osteoblast commitment and growth, as well as for physiological remodeling of bone tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary S Stein
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine
| | - Jane B Lian
- University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Baniulyte G, Durham SA, Merchant LE, Sammons MA. Shared Gene Targets of the ATF4 and p53 Transcriptional Networks. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:426-449. [PMID: 37533313 PMCID: PMC10448979 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2229225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The master tumor suppressor p53 regulates multiple cell fate decisions, such as cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, via transcriptional control of a broad gene network. Dysfunction in the p53 network is common in cancer, often through mutations that inactivate p53 or other members of the pathway. Induction of tumor-specific cell death by restoration of p53 activity without off-target effects has gained significant interest in the field. In this study, we explore the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying a putative anticancer strategy involving stimulation of the p53-independent integrated stress response (ISR). Our data demonstrate the p53 and ISR pathways converge to independently regulate common metabolic and proapoptotic genes. We investigated the architecture of multiple gene regulatory elements bound by p53 and the ISR effector ATF4 controlling this shared regulation. We identified additional key transcription factors that control basal and stress-induced regulation of these shared p53 and ATF4 target genes. Thus, our results provide significant new molecular and genetic insight into gene regulatory networks and transcription factors that are the target of numerous antitumor therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baniulyte
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Serene A. Durham
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Lauren E. Merchant
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Morgan A. Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Wang SE, Jiang YH. Novel epigenetic molecular therapies for imprinting disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3182-3193. [PMID: 37626134 PMCID: PMC10618104 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting disorders are caused by the disruption of genomic imprinting processes leading to a deficit or increase of an active allele. Their unique molecular mechanisms underlying imprinted genes offer an opportunity to investigate epigenetic-based therapy for reactivation of an inactive allele or reduction of an active allele. Current treatments are based on managing symptoms, not targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders. Here, we highlight molecular approaches of therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical studies for individual imprinting disorders. These include the significant progress of discovery and testing of small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR mediated genome editing approaches as new therapeutic strategies. We discuss the significant challenges of translating these promising therapies from the preclinical stage to the clinic, especially for genome editing based approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Sun T, Xu Y, Xiang Y, Ou J, Soderblom EJ, Diao Y. Crosstalk between RNA m 6A and DNA methylation regulates transposable element chromatin activation and cell fate in human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1324-1335. [PMID: 37474847 PMCID: PMC10766344 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are parasitic DNA sequences accounting for over half of the human genome. Tight control of the repression and activation states of TEs is critical for genome integrity, development, immunity and diseases, including cancer. However, precisely how this regulation is achieved remains unclear. Here we develop a targeted proteomic proximity labeling approach to capture TE-associated proteins in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We find that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader, YTHDC2, occupies genomic loci of the primate-specific TE, LTR7/HERV-H, specifically through its interaction with m6A-modified HERV-H RNAs. Unexpectedly, YTHDC2 recruits the DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC)-demethylase, TET1, to remove 5mC from LTR7/HERV-H and prevent epigenetic silencing. Functionally, the YTHDC2/LTR7 axis inhibits neural differentiation of hESCs. Our results reveal both an underappreciated crosstalk between RNA m6A and DNA 5mC, the most abundant regulatory modifications of RNA and DNA in eukaryotes, and the fact that in hESCs this interplay controls TE activity and cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yueyuan Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jianhong Ou
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erik J Soderblom
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yarui Diao
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Luo R, Yan J, Oh JW, Xi W, Shigaki D, Wong W, Cho HS, Murphy D, Cutler R, Rosen BP, Pulecio J, Yang D, Glenn RA, Chen T, Li QV, Vierbuchen T, Sidoli S, Apostolou E, Huangfu D, Beer MA. Dynamic network-guided CRISPRi screen identifies CTCF-loop-constrained nonlinear enhancer gene regulatory activity during cell state transitions. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1336-1346. [PMID: 37488417 PMCID: PMC11012226 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive enhancer discovery is challenging because most enhancers, especially those contributing to complex diseases, have weak effects on gene expression. Our gene regulatory network modeling identified that nonlinear enhancer gene regulation during cell state transitions can be leveraged to improve the sensitivity of enhancer discovery. Using human embryonic stem cell definitive endoderm differentiation as a dynamic transition system, we conducted a mid-transition CRISPRi-based enhancer screen. We discovered a comprehensive set of enhancers for each of the core endoderm-specifying transcription factors. Many enhancers had strong effects mid-transition but weak effects post-transition, consistent with the nonlinear temporal responses to enhancer perturbation predicted by the modeling. Integrating three-dimensional genomic information, we were able to develop a CTCF-loop-constrained Interaction Activity model that can better predict functional enhancers compared to models that rely on Hi-C-based enhancer-promoter contact frequency. Our study provides generalizable strategies for sensitive and systematic enhancer discovery in both normal and pathological cell state transitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renhe Luo
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jielin Yan
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jin Woo Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wang Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dustin Shigaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wilfred Wong
- Computational & Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Hyein S Cho
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Dylan Murphy
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ronald Cutler
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Bess P Rosen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Julian Pulecio
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Dapeng Yang
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Rachel A Glenn
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Tingxu Chen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Qing V Li
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Vierbuchen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Effie Apostolou
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Danwei Huangfu
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Ichikawa DM, Abdin O, Alerasool N, Kogenaru M, Mueller AL, Wen H, Giganti DO, Goldberg GW, Adams S, Spencer JM, Razavi R, Nim S, Zheng H, Gionco C, Clark FT, Strokach A, Hughes TR, Lionnet T, Taipale M, Kim PM, Noyes MB. A universal deep-learning model for zinc finger design enables transcription factor reprogramming. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1117-1129. [PMID: 36702896 PMCID: PMC10421740 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01624-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cys2His2 zinc finger (ZF) domains engineered to bind specific target sequences in the genome provide an effective strategy for programmable regulation of gene expression, with many potential therapeutic applications. However, the structurally intricate engagement of ZF domains with DNA has made their design challenging. Here we describe the screening of 49 billion protein-DNA interactions and the development of a deep-learning model, ZFDesign, that solves ZF design for any genomic target. ZFDesign is a modern machine learning method that models global and target-specific differences induced by a range of library environments and specifically takes into account compatibility of neighboring fingers using a novel hierarchical transformer architecture. We demonstrate the versatility of designed ZFs as nucleases as well as activators and repressors by seamless reprogramming of human transcription factors. These factors could be used to upregulate an allele of haploinsufficiency, downregulate a gain-of-function mutation or test the consequence of regulation of a single gene as opposed to the many genes that a transcription factor would normally influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Ichikawa
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Osama Abdin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Alerasool
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manjunatha Kogenaru
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - April L Mueller
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Han Wen
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David O Giganti
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory W Goldberg
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Adams
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Spencer
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rozita Razavi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Satra Nim
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney Gionco
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Finnegan T Clark
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexey Strokach
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy R Hughes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothee Lionnet
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mikko Taipale
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip M Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marcus B Noyes
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Choi EH, Suh S, Sears AE, Hołubowicz R, Kedhar SR, Browne AW, Palczewski K. Genome editing in the treatment of ocular diseases. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1678-1690. [PMID: 37524870 PMCID: PMC10474087 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-editing technologies have ushered in a new era in gene therapy, providing novel therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases, including both genetic and nongenetic ocular diseases. These technologies offer new hope for patients suffering from previously untreatable conditions. The unique anatomical and physiological features of the eye, including its immune-privileged status, size, and compartmentalized structure, provide an optimal environment for the application of these cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, the development of various delivery methods has facilitated the efficient and targeted administration of genome engineering tools designed to correct specific ocular tissues. Additionally, advancements in noninvasive ocular imaging techniques and electroretinography have enabled real-time monitoring of therapeutic efficacy and safety. Herein, we discuss the discovery and development of genome-editing technologies, their application to ocular diseases from the anterior segment to the posterior segment, current limitations encountered in translating these technologies into clinical practice, and ongoing research endeavors aimed at overcoming these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot H Choi
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Susie Suh
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Avery E Sears
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rafał Hołubowicz
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay R Kedhar
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andrew W Browne
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Armendariz DA, Sundarrajan A, Hon GC. Breaking enhancers to gain insights into developmental defects. eLife 2023; 12:e88187. [PMID: 37497775 PMCID: PMC10374278 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite ground-breaking genetic studies that have identified thousands of risk variants for developmental diseases, how these variants lead to molecular and cellular phenotypes remains a gap in knowledge. Many of these variants are non-coding and occur at enhancers, which orchestrate key regulatory programs during development. The prevailing paradigm is that non-coding variants alter the activity of enhancers, impacting gene expression programs, and ultimately contributing to disease risk. A key obstacle to progress is the systematic functional characterization of non-coding variants at scale, especially since enhancer activity is highly specific to cell type and developmental stage. Here, we review the foundational studies of enhancers in developmental disease and current genomic approaches to functionally characterize developmental enhancers and their variants at scale. In the coming decade, we anticipate systematic enhancer perturbation studies to link non-coding variants to molecular mechanisms, changes in cell state, and disease phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Armendariz
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Anjana Sundarrajan
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Gary C Hon
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Qian F, Nettleford SK, Zhou J, Arner BE, Hall MA, Sharma A, Annageldiyev C, Rossi RM, Tukaramrao DB, Sarkar D, Hegde S, Gandhi UH, Finch ER, Goodfield L, Quickel MD, Claxton DF, Paulson RF, Prabhu KS. Activation of GPR44 decreases severity of myeloid leukemia via specific targeting of leukemia initiating stem cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112794. [PMID: 37459233 PMCID: PMC10428076 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant concern due to persistent leukemia-initiating stem cells (LICs) that are typically not targeted by most existing therapies. Using a murine AML model, human AML cell lines, and patient samples, we show that AML LICs are sensitive to endogenous and exogenous cyclopentenone prostaglandin-J (CyPG), Δ12-PGJ2, and 15d-PGJ2, which are increased upon dietary selenium supplementation via the cyclooxygenase-hematopoietic PGD synthase pathway. CyPGs are endogenous ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and GPR44 (CRTH2; PTGDR2). Deletion of GPR44 in a mouse model of AML exacerbated the disease suggesting that GPR44 activation mediates selenium-mediated apoptosis of LICs. Transcriptomic analysis of GPR44-/- LICs indicated that GPR44 activation by CyPGs suppressed KRAS-mediated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, to enhance apoptosis. Our studies show the role of GPR44, providing mechanistic underpinnings of the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties of selenium and CyPGs in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Qian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shaneice K Nettleford
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jiayan Zhou
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Brooke E Arner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Molly A Hall
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Randy M Rossi
- Transgenic Core Facility, Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Diwakar B Tukaramrao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Deborpita Sarkar
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shailaja Hegde
- Hoxworth Blood Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ujjawal H Gandhi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina Health, Cary, NC 27518, USA
| | - Emily R Finch
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Laura Goodfield
- Immunooncology Division, Bicycle Therapeutics, Boston, MA 02140, USA
| | - Michael D Quickel
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Robert F Paulson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - K Sandeep Prabhu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Rieskamp JD, Rosado-Burgos I, Christofi JE, Ansar E, Einstein D, Walters AE, Valentini V, Bruno JP, Kirby ED. Excitatory amino acid transporter 1 supports adult hippocampal neural stem cell self-renewal. iScience 2023; 26:107068. [PMID: 37534178 PMCID: PMC10391730 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the adult mammalian dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, glutamate stimulates neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewing proliferation, providing a link between adult neurogenesis and local circuit activity. Here, we show that glutamate-induced self-renewal of adult DG NSCs requires glutamate transport via excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) to stimulate lipogenesis. Loss of EAAT1 prevented glutamate-induced self-renewing proliferation of NSCs in vitro and in vivo, with little role evident for canonical glutamate receptors. Transcriptomics and further pathway manipulation revealed that glutamate simulation of NSCs relied on EAAT1 transport-stimulated lipogenesis. Our findings demonstrate a critical, direct role for EAAT1 in stimulating NSCs to support neurogenesis in adulthood, thereby providing insights into a non-canonical mechanism by which NSCs sense and respond to their niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Rieskamp
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Jacob E. Christofi
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eliza Ansar
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dalia Einstein
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashley E. Walters
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Valentina Valentini
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - John P. Bruno
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Kirby
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Dincer TU, Ernst J. Integrative epigenomic and functional characterization assay based annotation of regulatory activity across diverse human cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.549056. [PMID: 37503240 PMCID: PMC10369970 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.549056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We introduce ChromActivity, a computational framework for predicting and annotating regulatory activity across the genome through integration of multiple epigenomic maps and various functional characterization datasets. ChromActivity generates genomewide predictions of regulatory activity associated with each functional characterization dataset across many cell types based on available epigenomic data. It then for each cell type produces (1) ChromScoreHMM genome annotations based on the combinatorial and spatial patterns within these predictions and (2) ChromScore tracks of overall predicted regulatory activity. ChromActivity provides a resource for analyzing and interpreting the human regulatory genome across diverse cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tevfik Umut Dincer
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jason Ernst
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Computer Science Department, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Ghamsari R, Rosenbluh J, Menon AV, Lovell NH, Alinejad-Rokny H. Technological Convergence: Highlighting the Power of CRISPR Single-Cell Perturbation Toolkit for Functional Interrogation of Enhancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3566. [PMID: 37509229 PMCID: PMC10377346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher eukaryotic enhancers, as a major class of regulatory elements, play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. Over the last decade, the development of sequencing technologies has flooded researchers with transcriptome-phenotype data alongside emerging candidate regulatory elements. Since most methods can only provide hints about enhancer function, there have been attempts to develop experimental and computational approaches that can bridge the gap in the causal relationship between regulatory regions and phenotypes. The coupling of two state-of-the-art technologies, also referred to as crisprQTL, has emerged as a promising high-throughput toolkit for addressing this question. This review provides an overview of the importance of studying enhancers, the core molecular foundation of crisprQTL, and recent studies utilizing crisprQTL to interrogate enhancer-phenotype correlations. Additionally, we discuss computational methods currently employed for crisprQTL data analysis. We conclude by pointing out common challenges, making recommendations, and looking at future prospects, with the aim of providing researchers with an overview of crisprQTL as an important toolkit for studying enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ghamsari
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph Rosenbluh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - A Vipin Menon
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Nigel H Lovell
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW Data Science Hub, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Joensuu M, Syed P, Saber SH, Lanoue V, Wallis TP, Rae J, Blum A, Gormal RS, Small C, Sanders S, Jiang A, Mahrhold S, Krez N, Cousin MA, Cooper‐White R, Cooper‐White JJ, Collins BM, Parton RG, Balistreri G, Rummel A, Meunier FA. Presynaptic targeting of botulinum neurotoxin type A requires a tripartite PSG-Syt1-SV2 plasma membrane nanocluster for synaptic vesicle entry. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112095. [PMID: 37226896 PMCID: PMC10308369 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The unique nerve terminal targeting of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is due to its capacity to bind two receptors on the neuronal plasma membrane: polysialoganglioside (PSG) and synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2). Whether and how PSGs and SV2 may coordinate other proteins for BoNT/A recruitment and internalization remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the targeted endocytosis of BoNT/A into synaptic vesicles (SVs) requires a tripartite surface nanocluster. Live-cell super-resolution imaging and electron microscopy of catalytically inactivated BoNT/A wildtype and receptor-binding-deficient mutants in cultured hippocampal neurons demonstrated that BoNT/A must bind coincidentally to a PSG and SV2 to target synaptic vesicles. We reveal that BoNT/A simultaneously interacts with a preassembled PSG-synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) complex and SV2 on the neuronal plasma membrane, facilitating Syt1-SV2 nanoclustering that controls endocytic sorting of the toxin into synaptic vesicles. Syt1 CRISPRi knockdown suppressed BoNT/A- and BoNT/E-induced neurointoxication as quantified by SNAP-25 cleavage, suggesting that this tripartite nanocluster may be a unifying entry point for selected botulinum neurotoxins that hijack this for synaptic vesicle targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merja Joensuu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Parnayan Syed
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Saber H Saber
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Vanessa Lanoue
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Tristan P Wallis
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - James Rae
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ailisa Blum
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Rachel S Gormal
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Christopher Small
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Shanley Sanders
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Anmin Jiang
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Stefan Mahrhold
- Institut für ToxikologieMedizinische Hochschule HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Nadja Krez
- Institut für ToxikologieMedizinische Hochschule HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Michael A Cousin
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson BuildingUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing BrainUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ruby Cooper‐White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Justin J Cooper‐White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- UQ Centre for Stem Cell Ageing and Regenerative EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Brett M Collins
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Robert G Parton
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Centre for Microscopy and MicroanalysisThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Department of Virology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Andreas Rummel
- Institut für ToxikologieMedizinische Hochschule HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Frédéric A Meunier
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Awwad SW, Serrano-Benitez A, Thomas JC, Gupta V, Jackson SP. Revolutionizing DNA repair research and cancer therapy with CRISPR-Cas screens. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:477-494. [PMID: 36781955 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
All organisms possess molecular mechanisms that govern DNA repair and associated DNA damage response (DDR) processes. Owing to their relevance to human disease, most notably cancer, these mechanisms have been studied extensively, yet new DNA repair and/or DDR factors and functional interactions between them are still being uncovered. The emergence of CRISPR technologies and CRISPR-based genetic screens has enabled genome-scale analyses of gene-gene and gene-drug interactions, thereby providing new insights into cellular processes in distinct DDR-deficiency genetic backgrounds and conditions. In this Review, we discuss the mechanistic basis of CRISPR-Cas genetic screening approaches and describe how they have contributed to our understanding of DNA repair and DDR pathways. We discuss how DNA repair pathways are regulated, and identify and characterize crosstalk between them. We also highlight the impacts of CRISPR-based studies in identifying novel strategies for cancer therapy, and in understanding, overcoming and even exploiting cancer-drug resistance, for example in the contexts of PARP inhibition, homologous recombination deficiencies and/or replication stress. Lastly, we present the DDR CRISPR screen (DDRcs) portal , in which we have collected and reanalysed data from CRISPR screen studies and provide a tool for systematically exploring them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samah W Awwad
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Almudena Serrano-Benitez
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - John C Thomas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Vipul Gupta
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen P Jackson
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Chong-Morrison V, Mayes S, Simões FC, Senanayake U, Carroll DS, Riley PR, Wilson SW, Sauka-Spengler T. Ac/Ds transposition for CRISPR/dCas9-SID4x epigenome modulation in zebrafish. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059995. [PMID: 37367831 PMCID: PMC10320716 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its genetic amenability coupled with advances in genome editing, zebrafish is an excellent model to examine the function of (epi)genomic elements. Here, we repurposed the Ac/Ds maize transposition system to efficiently characterise zebrafish cis-regulated elements, also known as enhancers, in F0-microinjected embryos. We further used the system to stably express guide RNAs enabling CRISPR/dCas9-interference (CRISPRi) perturbation of enhancers without disrupting the underlying genetic sequence. In addition, we probed the phenomenon of antisense transcription at two neural crest gene loci. Our study highlights the utility of Ac/Ds transposition as a new tool for transient epigenome modulation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Chong-Morrison
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Sarah Mayes
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Filipa C. Simões
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- University of Oxford, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Upeka Senanayake
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Dervla S. Carroll
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Paul R. Riley
- University of Oxford, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Stephen W. Wilson
- University College London, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tatjana Sauka-Spengler
- University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Porquet F, Weidong L, Jehasse K, Gazon H, Kondili M, Blacher S, Massotte L, Di Valentin E, Furling D, Gillet NA, Klein AF, Seutin V, Willems L. Specific DMPK-promoter targeting by CRISPRi reverses myotonic dystrophy type 1-associated defects in patient muscle cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:857-871. [PMID: 37273786 PMCID: PMC10238591 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disease that originates from an expansion of CTG microsatellites in the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK gene, thus leading to the expression of transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats (CUGexp). The pathophysiology is explained by a toxic RNA gain of function where CUGexp RNAs form nuclear aggregates that sequester and alter the function of MBNL splicing factors, triggering splicing misregulation linked to the DM1 symptoms. There is currently no cure for DM1, and most therapeutic strategies aim at eliminating CUGexp-DMPK transcripts. Here, we investigate a DMPK-promoter silencing strategy using CRISPR interference as a new alternative approach. Different sgRNAs targeting the DMPK promoter are evaluated in DM1 patient muscle cells. The most effective guides allowed us to reduce the level of DMPK transcripts and CUGexp-RNA aggregates up to 80%. The CUGexp-DMPK repression corrects the overall transcriptome, including spliceopathy, and reverses a physiological parameter in DM1 muscle cells. Its action is specific and restricted to the DMPK gene, as confirmed by genome-wide expression analysis. Altogether, our findings highlight DMPK-promoter silencing by CRISPRi as a promising therapeutic approach for DM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Porquet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, GIGA-Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Lin Weidong
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, GIGA-Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Kévin Jehasse
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Hélène Gazon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, GIGA-Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Maria Kondili
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Massotte
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Albert Gillet
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Integrated Veterinary Research Unit (URVI), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Arnaud François Klein
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Seutin
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Luc Willems
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, GIGA-Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Abstract
Epigenetics has transformed our understanding of the molecular basis of complex diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on epigenetic processes implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, highlighting the potential of DNA methylation as a precision medicine biomarker and examining the impact of social determinants of health, gut bacterial epigenomics, noncoding RNA, and epitranscriptomics on disease development and progression. We discuss challenges and barriers to advancing cardiometabolic epigenetics research, along with the opportunities for novel preventive strategies, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches that may arise from a better understanding of epigenetic processes. Emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and epigenetic editing, hold the potential to further enhance our ability to dissect the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. To translate research findings into clinical practice, interdisciplinary collaborations, technical and ethical considerations, and accessibility of resources and knowledge are crucial. Ultimately, the field of epigenetics has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, paving the way for precision medicine and personalized health care, and improving the lives of millions of individuals worldwide affected by these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, New York (A.A.B.)
| | - José Ordovás
- Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, at Tufts University, Boston, MA (J.O.)
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain (J.O.)
- Consortium CIBERObn, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain (J.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Baniulyte G, Durham SA, Merchant LE, Sammons MA. Shared gene targets of the ATF4 and p53 transcriptional networks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532778. [PMID: 36993734 PMCID: PMC10055071 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The master tumor suppressor p53 regulates multiple cell fate decisions, like cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, via transcriptional control of a broad gene network. Dysfunction in the p53 network is common in cancer, often through mutations that inactivate p53 or other members of the pathway. Induction of tumor-specific cell death by restoration of p53 activity without off-target effects has gained significant interest in the field. In this study, we explore the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying a putative anti-cancer strategy involving stimulation of the p53-independent Integrated Stress Response (ISR). Our data demonstrate the p53 and ISR pathways converge to independently regulate common metabolic and pro-apoptotic genes. We investigated the architecture of multiple gene regulatory elements bound by p53 and the ISR effector ATF4 controlling this shared regulation. We identified additional key transcription factors that control basal and stress-induced regulation of these shared p53 and ATF4 target genes. Thus, our results provide significant new molecular and genetic insight into gene regulatory networks and transcription factors that are the target of numerous antitumor therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baniulyte
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Serene A. Durham
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lauren E. Merchant
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Morgan A. Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Perez-Pepe M, Desotell AW, Li H, Li W, Han B, Lin Q, Klein DE, Liu Y, Goodarzi H, Alarcón CR. 7SK methylation by METTL3 promotes transcriptional activity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7500. [PMID: 37163588 PMCID: PMC10171809 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental feature of cell signaling is the conversion of extracellular signals into adaptive transcriptional responses. The role of RNA modifications in this process is poorly understood. The small nuclear RNA 7SK prevents transcriptional elongation by sequestering the cyclin dependent kinase 9/cyclin T1 (CDK9/CCNT1) positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb) complex. We found that epidermal growth factor signaling induces phosphorylation of the enzyme methyltransferase 3 (METTL3), leading to METTL3-mediated methylation of 7SK. 7SK methylation enhanced its binding to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, causing the release of the HEXIM1 P-TEFb complex subunit1 (HEXIM1)/P-TEFb complex and inducing transcriptional elongation. Our findings establish the mechanism underlying 7SK activation and uncover a previously unknown function for the m6A modification in converting growth factor signaling events into a regulatory transcriptional response via an RNA methylation-dependent switch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Perez-Pepe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Anthony W. Desotell
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hengyi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Qishan Lin
- RNA Epitranscriptomics and Proteomics Resource, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Daryl E. Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Claudio R. Alarcón
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Safi A, Saberiyan M, Sanaei MJ, Adelian S, Davarani Asl F, Zeinaly M, Shamsi M, Ahmadi R. The role of noncoding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:37. [PMID: 37161350 PMCID: PMC10169341 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a well-known feature of cancer that allows malignant cells to alter metabolic reactions and nutrient uptake, thereby promoting tumor growth and spread. It has been discovered that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA), have a role in a variety of biological functions, control physiologic and developmental processes, and even influence disease. They have been recognized in numerous cancer types as tumor suppressors and oncogenic agents. The role of ncRNAs in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells has recently been noticed. We examine this subject, with an emphasis on the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids, and highlight the therapeutic use of targeting ncRNAs in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Safi
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fateme Davarani Asl
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahsa Zeinaly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shamsi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Rahmatiyeh Region, Shahrekord, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|