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Głów D, Maire CL, Schwarze LI, Lamszus K, Fehse B. CRISPR-to-Kill (C2K)-Employing the Bacterial Immune System to Kill Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246306. [PMID: 34944926 PMCID: PMC8699370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Reasoning that multiple DNA breaks will trigger programmed cell death, we generated lentiviral CRISPR-to-kill (C2K) vectors targeting highly repetitive SINE sequences for cancer gene therapy. In proof-of-concept experiments, C2K-Alu-vectors selectively killed human, but not murine cell lines, and efficiently inhibited the growth of patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines resistant to high-dose irradiation. In combination with tumor-targeting approaches, the C2K system might represent a promising tool for cancer gene therapy. Abstract CRISPR/Cas9 was described as a bacterial immune system that uses targeted introduction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to destroy invaders. We hypothesized that we can analogously employ CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases to kill cancer cells by inducing maximal numbers of DSBs in their genome and thus triggering programmed cell death. To do so, we generated CRISPR-to-kill (C2K) lentiviral particles targeting highly repetitive Short Interspersed Nuclear Element-Alu sequences. Our Alu-specific sgRNA has more than 15,000 perfectly matched target sites within the human genome. C2K-Alu-vectors selectively killed human, but not murine cell lines. More importantly, they efficiently inhibited the growth of cancer cells including patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines resistant to high-dose irradiation. Our data provide proof-of-concept for the potential of C2K as a novel treatment strategy overcoming common resistance mechanisms. In combination with tumor-targeting approaches, the C2K system might therefore represent a promising tool for cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Głów
- Research Department, Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.G.); (L.I.S.)
| | - Cecile L. Maire
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (C.L.M.); (K.L.)
| | - Lea Isabell Schwarze
- Research Department, Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.G.); (L.I.S.)
| | - Katrin Lamszus
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (C.L.M.); (K.L.)
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department, Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.G.); (L.I.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-40-7410-55518; Fax: +49-40-7410-55468
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52
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Lin J, Wang WJ, Wang Y, Liu Y, Xu L. Building Endogenous Gene Connections through RNA Self-Assembly Controlled CRISPR/Cas9 Function. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19834-19843. [PMID: 34788038 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Construction of synthetic circuits that can artificially establish endogenous gene connections is essential to introduce new phenotypes for cellular behaviors. Given the diversity of endogenous genes, it lacks a general and easy-to-design toolbox to manipulate the genetic network. Here we present a type of self-assembly-induced RNA circuit that can directly build regulatory connections between endogenous genes. Inspired from the natural assembling process of guide RNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 complex, this design employs an independent trigger RNA strand to induce the formation of a ternary guide RNA assembly for functional control of CRISPR/Cas9. With this general principle, expressional regulations of endogenous genes can be controlled by totally independent endogenous small RNAs and mRNAs in E. coli via activatable CRISPR/Cas9 function. Moreover, the cellular phenotype of E. coli is successfully programmed with introduction of new gene connections. In addition, the functionality of this design is also verified in the mammalian system. This self-assembly-based RNA circuit exhibits a great flexibility and simplicity of design and provides a unique approach to build endogenous gene connections, which paves a broad way toward manipulation of cellular genetic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Wei-Jia Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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53
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Abstract
CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems in bacteria and archaea utilize short CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) to guide sequence-specific recognition and clearance of foreign genetic material. Multiple crRNAs are stored together in a compact format called a CRISPR array that is transcribed and processed into the individual crRNAs. While the exact processing mechanisms vary widely, some CRISPR-Cas systems, including those encoding the Cas9 nuclease, rely on a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA). The tracrRNA was discovered in 2011 and was quickly co-opted to create single-guide RNAs as core components of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies. Since then, further studies have uncovered processes extending beyond the traditional role of tracrRNA in crRNA biogenesis, revealed Cas nucleases besides Cas9 that are dependent on tracrRNAs, and established new applications based on tracrRNA engineering. In this review, we describe the biology of the tracrRNA and how its ongoing characterization has garnered new insights into prokaryotic immune defense and enabled key technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liao
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
- Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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54
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Patinios C, Creutzburg SCA, Arifah AQ, Adiego-Pérez B, Gyimah E, Ingham C, Kengen SWM, van der Oost J, Staals RHJ. Streamlined CRISPR genome engineering in wild-type bacteria using SIBR-Cas. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11392-11404. [PMID: 34614191 PMCID: PMC8565351 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas is a powerful tool for genome editing in bacteria. However, its efficacy is dependent on host factors (such as DNA repair pathways) and/or exogenous expression of recombinases. In this study, we mitigated these constraints by developing a simple and widely applicable genome engineering tool for bacteria which we termed SIBR-Cas (Self-splicing Intron-Based Riboswitch-Cas). SIBR-Cas was generated from a mutant library of the theophylline-dependent self-splicing T4 td intron that allows for tight and inducible control over CRISPR-Cas counter-selection. This control delays CRISPR-Cas counter-selection, granting more time for the editing event (e.g. by homologous recombination) to occur. Without the use of exogenous recombinases, SIBR-Cas was successfully applied to knock-out several genes in three wild-type bacteria species (Escherichia coli MG1655, Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and Flavobacterium IR1) with poor homologous recombination systems. Compared to other genome engineering tools, SIBR-Cas is simple, tightly regulated and widely applicable for most (non-model) bacteria. Furthermore, we propose that SIBR can have a wider application as a simple gene expression and gene regulation control mechanism for any gene or RNA of interest in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Patinios
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd C A Creutzburg
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adini Q Arifah
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Belén Adiego-Pérez
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Evans A Gyimah
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Colin J Ingham
- Hoekmine Besloten Vennootschap, Kenniscentrum Technologie en Innovatie, Hogeschool Utrecht, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Servé W M Kengen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond H J Staals
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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55
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Ma S, Lv J, Feng Z, Rong Z, Lin Y. Get ready for the CRISPR/Cas system: A beginner's guide to the engineering and design of guide RNAs. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3377. [PMID: 34270141 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a state-of-the-art tool for versatile genome editing that has advanced basic research dramatically, with great potential for clinic applications. The system consists of two key molecules: a CRISPR-associated (Cas) effector nuclease and a single guide RNA. The simplicity of the system has enabled the development of a wide spectrum of derivative methods. Almost any laboratory can utilize these methods, although new users may initially be confused when faced with the potentially overwhelming abundance of choices. Cas nucleases and their engineering have been systematically reviewed previously. In the present review, we discuss single guide RNA engineering and design strategies that facilitate more efficient, more specific and safer gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Ma
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zinan Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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56
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Oesinghaus L, Simmel FC. Kontrolle von Genexpression in Säugetierzellen mithilfe von parallel schaltbaren Guide‐RNAs für Cas12a**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202107258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Oesinghaus
- Physics Department, E14 TU München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Deutschland
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physics Department, E14 TU München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Deutschland
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57
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Oesinghaus L, Simmel FC. Controlling Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells Using Multiplexed Conditional Guide RNAs for Cas12a*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23894-23902. [PMID: 34533878 PMCID: PMC8596743 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202107258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal control of the activity of CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins is of considerable interest for basic research and therapeutics. Here, we show that conditional guide RNAs (gRNAs) for Cas12a can be transcribed in mammalian cells by RNA polymerase II, followed by activation via input-dependent processing of the 3' tail of the gRNA transcript. We demonstrate processing using an RNA strand displacement mechanism, as well as microRNA-dependent processing, and cleavage by a guanine-responsive ribozyme. We further demonstrate that Cas12a along with several independently switchable gRNAs can be compactly integrated on a single transcript using stabilizing RNA triplexes, providing a route towards Cas12a-based gene regulation constructs with multi-input switching capabilities. The principle is shown to work in HEK and mouse fibroblast cells using luminescence, fluorescence, and is also demonstrated for the conditional upregulation of an endogenous gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Oesinghaus
- Physics Department, E14TU MunichAm Coulombwall 4a85748GarchingGermany
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58
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Feng Y, Zhang K, Wu Q, Huang SY. NLDock: a Fast Nucleic Acid-Ligand Docking Algorithm for Modeling RNA/DNA-Ligand Complexes. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:4771-4782. [PMID: 34468128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-ligand interactions play an important role in numerous cellular processes such as gene function expression and regulation. Therefore, nucleic acids such as RNAs have become more and more important drug targets, where the structural determination of nucleic acid-ligand complexes is pivotal for understanding their functions and thus developing therapeutic interventions. Molecular docking has been a useful computational tool in predicting the complex structure between molecules. However, although a number of docking algorithms have been developed for protein-ligand interactions, only a few docking programs were presented for nucleic acid-ligand interactions. Here, we have developed a fast nucleic acid-ligand docking algorithm, named NLDock, by implementing our intrinsic scoring function ITScoreNL for nucleic acid-ligand interactions into a modified version of the MDock program. NLDock was extensively evaluated on four test sets and compared with five other state-of-the-art docking algorithms including AutoDock, DOCK 6, rDock, GOLD, and Glide. It was shown that our NLDock algorithm obtained a significantly better performance than the other docking programs in binding mode predictions and achieved the success rates of 73%, 36%, and 32% on the largest test set of 77 complexes for local rigid-, local flexible-, and global flexible-ligand docking, respectively. In addition, our NLDock approach is also computationally efficient and consumed an average of as short as 0.97 and 2.08 min for a local flexible-ligand docking job and a global flexible-ligand docking job, respectively. These results suggest the good performance of our NLDock in both docking accuracy and computational efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Feng
- School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Keqiong Zhang
- School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Qilong Wu
- School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-You Huang
- School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
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59
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Stimulus-specific responses in innate immunity: Multilayered regulatory circuits. Immunity 2021; 54:1915-1932. [PMID: 34525335 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune sentinel cells initiate immune responses to pathogens and tissue injury and are capable of producing highly stimulus-specific responses. Insight into the mechanisms underlying such specificity has come from the identification of regulatory factors and biochemical pathways, as well as the definition of signaling circuits that enable combinatorial and temporal coding of information. Here, we review the multi-layered molecular mechanisms that underlie stimulus-specific gene expression in macrophages. We categorize components of inflammatory and anti-pathogenic signaling pathways into five layers of regulatory control and discuss unifying mechanisms determining signaling characteristics at each layer. In this context, we review mechanisms that enable combinatorial and temporal encoding of information, identify recurring regulatory motifs and principles, and present strategies for integrating experimental and computational approaches toward the understanding of signaling specificity in innate immunity.
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60
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Tickner ZJ, Farzan M. Riboswitches for Controlled Expression of Therapeutic Transgenes Delivered by Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060554. [PMID: 34200913 PMCID: PMC8230432 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vectors developed from adeno-associated virus (AAV) are powerful tools for in vivo transgene delivery in both humans and animal models, and several AAV-delivered gene therapies are currently approved for clinical use. However, AAV-mediated gene therapy still faces several challenges, including limited vector packaging capacity and the need for a safe, effective method for controlling transgene expression during and after delivery. Riboswitches, RNA elements which control gene expression in response to ligand binding, are attractive candidates for regulating expression of AAV-delivered transgene therapeutics because of their small genomic footprints and non-immunogenicity compared to protein-based expression control systems. In addition, the ligand-sensing aptamer domains of many riboswitches can be exchanged in a modular fashion to allow regulation by a variety of small molecules, proteins, and oligonucleotides. Riboswitches have been used to regulate AAV-delivered transgene therapeutics in animal models, and recently developed screening and selection methods allow rapid isolation of riboswitches with novel ligands and improved performance in mammalian cells. This review discusses the advantages of riboswitches in the context of AAV-delivered gene therapy, the subsets of riboswitch mechanisms which have been shown to function in human cells and animal models, recent progress in riboswitch isolation and optimization, and several examples of AAV-delivered therapeutic systems which might be improved by riboswitch regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Tickner
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, the Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael Farzan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, the Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA;
- Emmune, Inc., Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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61
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Abstract
Metabolic engineering reprograms cells to synthesize value-added products. In doing so, endogenous genes are altered and heterologous genes can be introduced to achieve the necessary enzymatic reactions. Dynamic regulation of metabolic flux is a powerful control scheme to alleviate and overcome the competing cellular objectives that arise from the introduction of these production pathways. This review explores dynamic regulation strategies that have demonstrated significant production benefits by targeting the metabolic node corresponding to a specific challenge. We summarize the stimulus-responsive control circuits employed in these strategies that determine the criterion for actuating a dynamic response and then examine the points of control that couple the stimulus-responsive circuit to a shift in metabolic flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Ni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Christina V Dinh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Kristala L J Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
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62
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Lin J, Xu L. Theophylline-induced synergic activation of guide RNA to control CRISPR/Cas9 function. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:5418-5421. [PMID: 33949481 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01260f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-induced activation of CRISPR/Cas9 function is achieved based on a synergic approach through the integration of the theophylline aptamer into protein-unrecognized regions of guide RNA. This design of allosteric regulation opens a new window towards the broad involvement of RNA aptamers for conditional control of CRISPR/Cas9 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Jiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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63
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Hochrein LM, Li H, Pierce NA. High-Performance Allosteric Conditional Guide RNAs for Mammalian Cell-Selective Regulation of CRISPR/Cas. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:964-971. [PMID: 33930275 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The activity of a conditional guide RNA (cgRNA) is dependent on the presence or absence of an RNA trigger, enabling cell-selective regulation of CRISPR/Cas function. cgRNAs are programmable at two levels, with the target-binding sequence controlling the target of Cas activity (edit, silence, or induce a gene of choice) and the trigger-binding sequence controlling the scope of Cas activity (subset of cells expressing the trigger RNA). Allosteric cgRNA mechanisms enable independent design of the target and trigger sequences, providing the flexibility to select the regulatory target and scope independently. Building on prior advances in dynamic RNA nanotechnology that demonstrated the cgRNA concept, here we set the goal of engineering high-performance allosteric cgRNA mechanisms for the mammalian setting, pursuing both ON → OFF logic (conditional inactivation by an RNA trigger) and OFF → ON logic (conditional activation by an RNA trigger). For each mechanism, libraries of orthogonal cgRNA/trigger pairs were designed using NUPACK. In HEK 293T cells expressing cgRNAs, triggers, and inducing dCas9: (1) a library of four ON → OFF "terminator switch" cgRNAs exhibit a median fold-change of ≈50×, a median fractional dynamic range of ≈20%, and a median crosstalk modulus of ≈9%; (2) a library of three OFF → ON "split-terminator switch" cgRNAs exhibit a median fold-change of ≈150×, a median fractional dynamic range of ≈50%, and a median crosstalk modulus of ≈4%. Further, we demonstrate that xrRNA elements that protect viral RNAs from degradation by exoribonucleases can dramatically enhance the performance of RNA synthetic biology. The high-performance allosteric cgRNAs demonstrated here for ON → OFF and OFF → ON logic in mammalian cells provide a foundation for pursuing applications of programmable cell-selective regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Hochrein
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Heyun Li
- Division of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Niles A Pierce
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
- Division of Engineering & Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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64
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Schep R, Brinkman EK, Leemans C, Vergara X, van der Weide RH, Morris B, van Schaik T, Manzo SG, Peric-Hupkes D, van den Berg J, Beijersbergen RL, Medema RH, van Steensel B. Impact of chromatin context on Cas9-induced DNA double-strand break repair pathway balance. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2216-2230.e10. [PMID: 33848455 PMCID: PMC8153251 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is mediated by multiple pathways. It is thought that the local chromatin context affects the pathway choice, but the underlying principles are poorly understood. Using a multiplexed reporter assay in combination with Cas9 cutting, we systematically measure the relative activities of three DSB repair pathways as a function of chromatin context in >1,000 genomic locations. This reveals that non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is broadly biased toward euchromatin, while the contribution of microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) is higher in specific heterochromatin contexts. In H3K27me3-marked heterochromatin, inhibition of the H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 reverts the balance toward NHEJ. Single-stranded template repair (SSTR), often used for precise CRISPR editing, competes with MMEJ and is moderately linked to chromatin context. These results provide insight into the impact of chromatin on DSB repair pathway balance and guidance for the design of Cas9-mediated genome editing experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schep
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva K Brinkman
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christ Leemans
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xabier Vergara
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin H van der Weide
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Morris
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Robotics Screening Center, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van Schaik
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefano G Manzo
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Peric-Hupkes
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van den Berg
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roderick L Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Robotics Screening Center, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - René H Medema
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van Steensel
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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65
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Gu C, Xiao L, Shang J, Xu X, He L, Xiang Y. Chemical synthesis of stimuli-responsive guide RNA for conditional control of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Chem Sci 2021; 12:9934-9945. [PMID: 34377390 PMCID: PMC8317661 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01194d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 promotes changes in identity or abundance of nucleic acids in live cells and is a programmable modality of broad biotechnological and therapeutic interest. To reduce off-target effects, tools for conditional control of CRISPR-Cas9 functions are under active research, such as stimuli-responsive guide RNA (gRNA). However, the types of physiologically relevant stimuli that can trigger gRNA are largely limited due to the lack of a versatile synthetic approach in chemistry to introduce diverse labile modifications into gRNA. In this work, we developed such a general method to prepare stimuli-responsive gRNA based on site-specific derivatization of 2′-O-methylribonucleotide phosphorothioate (PS-2′-OMe). We demonstrated CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing in human cells triggered by oxidative stress and visible light, respectively. Our study tackles the synthetic challenge and paves the way for chemically modified RNA to play more active roles in gene therapy. Conditional control of CRISPR-Cas9 activity by reactive oxygen species and visible light is achieved using stimuli-responsive guide RNA synthesized by a general method based on RNA 2′-O-methylribonucleotide phosphorothioate.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Jiachen Shang
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Luo He
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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66
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Recent advances in tuning the expression and regulation of genes for constructing microbial cell factories. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107767. [PMID: 33974979 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To overcome environmental problems caused by the use of fossil resources, microbial cell factories have become a promising technique for the sustainable and eco-friendly development of valuable products from renewable resources. Constructing microbial cell factories with high titers, yields, and productivity requires a balance between growth and production; to this end, tuning gene expression and regulation is necessary to optimise and precisely control complicated metabolic fluxes. In this article, we review the current trends and advances in tuning gene expression and regulation and consider their engineering at each of the three stages of gene regulation: genomic, mRNA, and protein. In particular, the technological approaches utilised in a diverse range of genetic-engineering-based tools for the construction of microbial cell factories are reviewed and representative applications of these strategies are presented. Finally, the prospects for strategies and systems for tuning gene expression and regulation are discussed.
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67
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Goell JH, Hilton IB. CRISPR/Cas-Based Epigenome Editing: Advances, Applications, and Clinical Utility. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:678-691. [PMID: 33972106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epigenome dynamically regulates gene expression and guides cellular differentiation throughout the lifespan of eukaryotic organisms. Recent advances in clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas-based epigenome editing technologies have enabled researchers to site-specifically program epigenetic modifications to endogenous DNA and histones and to manipulate the architecture of native chromatin. As a result, epigenome editing has helped to uncover the causal relationships between epigenetic marks and gene expression. As epigenome editing tools have continued to develop, researchers have applied them in new ways to explore the function of the epigenome in human health and disease. In this review, we discuss the recent technical improvements in CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing that have advanced clinical research and examine how these technologies could be improved for greater future utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H Goell
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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68
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Yu Q, Ren K, You M. Genetically encoded RNA nanodevices for cellular imaging and regulation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:7988-8003. [PMID: 33885099 PMCID: PMC8122502 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08301a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based nanodevices have been widely used in the fields of biosensing and nanomedicine. Traditionally, the majority of these nanodevices were first constructed in vitro using synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides and then delivered into cells. Nowadays, the emergence of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices has provided a promising alternative approach for intracellular analysis and regulation. These genetically encoded RNA-based nanodevices can be directly transcribed and continuously produced inside living cells. A variety of highly precise and programmable nanodevices have been constructed in this way during the last decade. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the design and function of these artificial genetically encoded RNA nanodevices. In particular, we will focus on their applications in regulating cellular gene expression, imaging, logic operation, structural biology, and optogenetics. We believe these versatile RNA-based nanodevices will be broadly used in the near future to probe and program cells and other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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69
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Slaymaker IM, Gaudelli NM. Engineering Cas9 for human genome editing. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 69:86-98. [PMID: 33964614 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Since the initial reports describing CRISPR-Cas9, labs across the globe have leveraged this valuable gene editing tool to alter the genomes of living cells. With the goal of generating more precise and efficient genome changes, scientists and engineers have mutated, evolved, and covalently altered Cas9 in order to predictably edit the genetic code. Here, we highlight recent advancements and contributions to the growing field of Cas9 engineering. We present key aspects of Cas9 engineering efforts focused on sgRNA manipulation, PAM-recognition, specificity, deaminase fusions, reverse-transcriptase fusions, and structural rearrangements of this important gene-modifying tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Slaymaker
- Beam Therapeutics, 26 Landsdowne St., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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70
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Thavarajah W, Hertz LM, Bushhouse DZ, Archuleta CM, Lucks JB. RNA Engineering for Public Health: Innovations in RNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:263-286. [PMID: 33900805 PMCID: PMC9714562 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101420-014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA is essential for cellular function: From sensing intra- and extracellular signals to controlling gene expression, RNA mediates a diverse and expansive list of molecular processes. A long-standing goal of synthetic biology has been to develop RNA engineering principles that can be used to harness and reprogram these RNA-mediated processes to engineer biological systems to solve pressing global challenges. Recent advances in the field of RNA engineering are bringing this to fruition, enabling the creation of RNA-based tools to combat some of the most urgent public health crises. Specifically, new diagnostics using engineered RNAs are able to detect both pathogens and chemicals while generating an easily detectable fluorescent signal as an indicator. New classes of vaccines and therapeutics are also using engineered RNAs to target a wide range of genetic and pathogenic diseases. Here, we discuss the recent breakthroughs in RNA engineering enabling these innovations and examine how advances in RNA design promise to accelerate the impact of engineered RNA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Laura M Hertz
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - David Z Bushhouse
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Chloé M Archuleta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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71
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Matsumoto D, Nomura W. Molecular Switch Engineering for Precise Genome Editing. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:639-648. [PMID: 33825445 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing technology commenced in 1996 with the discovery of the first zinc-finger nuclease. Application of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology to genome editing of mammalian cells allowed researchers to use genome editing more easily and cost-effectively. However, one of the technological problems that remains to be solved is "off-target effects", which are unexpected mutations in nontarget DNA. One significant improvement in genome editing technology has been achieved with molecular/protein engineering. The key to this engineering is a "switch" to control function. In this review, we discuss recent efforts to design novel "switching" systems for precise editing using genome editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Wataru Nomura
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
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72
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Zou RS, Liu Y, Wu B, Ha T. Cas9 deactivation with photocleavable guide RNAs. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1553-1565.e8. [PMID: 33662274 PMCID: PMC8026597 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of CRISPR-Cas9 would improve its safety and applicability. Controlled CRISPR inhibition is a promising approach but is complicated by separate inhibitor delivery, incomplete deactivation, and slow kinetics. To overcome these obstacles, we engineered photocleavable guide RNAs (pcRNAs) that endow Cas9 nucleases and base editors with a built-in mechanism for light-based deactivation. pcRNA enabled the fastest (<1 min) and most complete (<1% residual indels) approach for Cas9 deactivation. It also exhibited significantly enhanced specificity with wild-type Cas9. Time-resolved deactivation revealed that 12-36 h of Cas9 activity or 2-4 h of base editor activity was sufficient to achieve high editing efficiency. pcRNA is useful for studies of the cellular response to DNA damage by abolishing sustained cycles of damage and repair that would otherwise desynchronize response trajectories. Together, pcRNA expands the CRISPR toolbox for precision genome editing and studies of DNA damage and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S Zou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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73
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Collins SP, Rostain W, Liao C, Beisel CL. Sequence-independent RNA sensing and DNA targeting by a split domain CRISPR-Cas12a gRNA switch. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2985-2999. [PMID: 33619539 PMCID: PMC7968991 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR technologies increasingly require spatiotemporal and dosage control of nuclease activity. One promising strategy involves linking nuclease activity to a cell's transcriptional state by engineering guide RNAs (gRNAs) to function only after complexing with a ‘trigger’ RNA. However, standard gRNA switch designs do not allow independent selection of trigger and guide sequences, limiting gRNA switch application. Here, we demonstrate the modular design of Cas12a gRNA switches that decouples selection of these sequences. The 5′ end of the Cas12a gRNA is fused to two distinct and non-overlapping domains: one base pairs with the gRNA repeat, blocking formation of a hairpin required for Cas12a recognition; the other hybridizes to the RNA trigger, stimulating refolding of the gRNA repeat and subsequent gRNA-dependent Cas12a activity. Using a cell-free transcription-translation system and Escherichia coli, we show that designed gRNA switches can respond to different triggers and target different DNA sequences. Modulating the length and composition of the sensory domain altered gRNA switch performance. Finally, gRNA switches could be designed to sense endogenous RNAs expressed only under specific growth conditions, rendering Cas12a targeting activity dependent on cellular metabolism and stress. Our design framework thus further enables tethering of CRISPR activities to cellular states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Collins
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - William Rostain
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Chunyu Liao
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI)/Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Josef-Schneider-Str. 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.,Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI)/Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Josef-Schneider-Str. 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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74
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Zhang Y, Wang Q, Wang J, Tang X. Chemical Modification and Transformation Strategies of Guide RNAs in CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Systems. Chempluschem 2021; 86:587-600. [PMID: 33830675 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a most powerful tool and has been widely used in gene editing and gene regulation since its discovery. However, wild-type CRISPR-Cas9 suffers from off-target effects and low editing efficiency. To overcome these limitations, engineered Cas9 proteins have been extensively investigated. In addition to Cas9 protein engineering, chemically synthesized guide RNAs have been developed to improve the efficiency and specificity of genome editing as well as spatiotemporal controllability, which broadens the biological applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system and increases their potentials as therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research advances in remodeling guide RNAs through length optimization, chemical modifications, and conditional control, as well as their powerful applications in gene editing tools and promising therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Rd., Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Rd., Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Rd., Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Rd., Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
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75
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Aptamers, Riboswitches, and Ribozymes in S. cerevisiae Synthetic Biology. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030248. [PMID: 33802772 PMCID: PMC8002509 DOI: 10.3390/life11030248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Among noncoding RNA sequences, riboswitches and ribozymes have attracted the attention of the synthetic biology community as circuit components for translation regulation. When fused to aptamer sequences, ribozymes and riboswitches are enabled to interact with chemicals. Therefore, protein synthesis can be controlled at the mRNA level without the need for transcription factors. Potentially, the use of chemical-responsive ribozymes/riboswitches would drastically simplify the design of genetic circuits. In this review, we describe synthetic RNA structures that have been used so far in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present their interaction mode with different chemicals (e.g., theophylline and antibiotics) or proteins (such as the RNase III) and their recent employment into clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas) systems. Particular attention is paid, throughout the whole paper, to their usage and performance into synthetic gene circuits.
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76
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Clarke R, Terry AR, Pennington H, Hasty C, MacDougall MS, Regan M, Merrill BJ. Sequential Activation of Guide RNAs to Enable Successive CRISPR-Cas9 Activities. Mol Cell 2021; 81:226-238.e5. [PMID: 33378644 PMCID: PMC9576018 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Currently, either highly multiplexed genetic manipulations can be delivered to mammalian cells all at once or extensive engineering of gene regulatory sequences can be used to conditionally activate a few manipulations. Here, we provide proof of principle for a new system enabling multiple genetic manipulations to be executed as a preprogrammed cascade of events. The system leverages the programmability of the S. pyogenes Cas9 and is based on flexible arrangements of individual modules of activity. The basic module consists of an inactive single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-like component that is converted to an active state through the effects of another sgRNA. Modules can be arranged to bring about an algorithmic program of sequential genetic manipulations without the need for engineering cell-type-specific promoters or gene regulatory sequences. With the expanding diversity of available tools that use spCas9, this sgRNA-based system provides multiple levels of interfacing with mammalian cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Clarke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
| | - Alexander R Terry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Hannah Pennington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Cody Hasty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Matthew S MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Maureen Regan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Genome Editing Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Bradley J Merrill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Genome Editing Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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77
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Brown W, Zhou W, Deiters A. Regulating CRISPR/Cas9 Function through Conditional Guide RNA Control. Chembiochem 2021; 22:63-72. [PMID: 32833316 PMCID: PMC7928076 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Conditional control of CRISPR/Cas9 has been developed by using a variety of different approaches, many focusing on manipulation of the Cas9 protein itself. However, more recent strategies for governing CRISPR/Cas9 function are based on guide RNA (gRNA) modifications. They include control of gRNAs by light, small molecules, proteins, and oligonucleotides. These designs have unique advantages compared to other approaches and have allowed precise regulation of gene editing and transcription. Here, we discuss strategies for conditional control of gRNA function and compare effectiveness of these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260 (USA)
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78
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Görücü Yilmaz S. Genome editing technologies: CRISPR, LEAPER, RESTORE, ARCUT, SATI, and RESCUE. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:19-45. [PMID: 33510590 PMCID: PMC7838830 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-3070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies include techniques used for desired genetic modifications and allow the insertion, modification or deletion of specific DNA fragments. Recent advances in genome biology offer unprecedented promise for interdisciplinary collaboration and applications in gene editing. New genome editing technologies enable specific and efficient genome modifications. The sources that inspire these modifications and already exist in the genome are DNA degradation enzymes and DNA repair pathways. Six of these recent technologies are the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), leveraging endogenous ADAR for programmable editing of RNA (LEAPER), recruiting endogenous ADAR to specific transcripts for oligonucleotide-mediated RNA editing (RESTORE), chemistry-based artificial restriction DNA cutter (ARCUT), single homology arm donor mediated intron-targeting integration (SATI), RNA editing for specific C-to-U exchange (RESCUE). These technologies are widely used from various biomedical researches to clinics, agriculture, and allow you to rearrange genomic sequences, create cell lines and animal models to solve human diseases. This review emphasizes the characteristics, superiority, limitations, also whether each technology can be used in different biological systems and the potential application of these systems in the treatment of several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Görücü Yilmaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey 27310
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79
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Shivram H, Cress BF, Knott GJ, Doudna JA. Controlling and enhancing CRISPR systems. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:10-19. [PMID: 33328654 PMCID: PMC8101458 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-00700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many bacterial and archaeal organisms use clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) systems to defend themselves from mobile genetic elements. These CRISPR-Cas systems are classified into six types based on their composition and mechanism. CRISPR-Cas enzymes are widely used for genome editing and offer immense therapeutic opportunity to treat genetic diseases. To realize their full potential, it is important to control the timing, duration, efficiency and specificity of CRISPR-Cas enzyme activities. In this Review we discuss the mechanisms of natural CRISPR-Cas regulatory biomolecules and engineering strategies that enhance or inhibit CRISPR-Cas immunity by altering enzyme function. We also discuss the potential applications of these CRISPR regulators and highlight unanswered questions about their evolution and purpose in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haridha Shivram
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Brady F Cress
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gavin J Knott
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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80
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Henningsen J, Schwarz-Schilling M, Leibl A, Gutiérrez JN, Sagredo S, Simmel FC. Single Cell Characterization of a Synthetic Bacterial Clock with a Hybrid Feedback Loop Containing dCas9-sgRNA. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:3377-3387. [PMID: 33231079 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic networks that generate oscillations in gene expression activity are found in a wide range of organisms throughout all kingdoms of life. Oscillatory dynamics facilitates the temporal orchestration of metabolic and growth processes inside cells and organisms, as well as the synchronization of such processes with periodically occurring changes in the environment. Synthetic oscillator gene circuits such as the "repressilator" can perform similar functions in bacteria. Until recently, such circuits were mainly based on a relatively small set of well-characterized transcriptional repressors and activators. A promising, sequence-programmable alternative for gene regulation is given by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), which enables transcriptional repression of nearly arbitrary gene targets directed by short guide RNA molecules. In order to demonstrate the use of CRISPRi in the context of dynamic gene circuits, we here replaced one of the nodes of a repressilator circuit by the RNA-guided dCas9 protein. Using single cell experiments in microfluidic reactors we show that this system displays robust relaxation oscillations over multiple periods and over several days. With a period of ≈14 bacterial generations, our oscillator is similar in speed as previously reported oscillators. Using an information-theoretic approach for the analysis of the single cell data, the potential of the circuit to act as a synthetic pacemaker for cellular processes is evaluated. We also observe that the oscillator appears to affect cellular growth, leading to variations in growth rate with the oscillator's frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Leibl
- Physics Department, TU Munich, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Sagredo
- Physics Department, TU Munich, D-85748 Garching, Germany
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81
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Coupling of proteolysis-triggered transcription and CRISPR-Cas12a for ultrasensitive protease detection. Sci China Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-020-9863-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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82
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Dronina J, Bubniene US, Ramanavicius A. The application of DNA polymerases and Cas9 as representative of DNA-modifying enzymes group in DNA sensor design (review). Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 175:112867. [PMID: 33303323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rapid detection of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) by inexpensive, selective, accurate, and highly sensitive methods is very important for biosensors. DNA-sensors based on DNA-modifying enzymes for fast determination and monitoring of pathogenic (Zika, Dengue, SARS-Cov-2 (inducer of COVID-19), human papillomavirus, HIV, etc.) viruses and diagnosis of virus-induced diseases is a key factor of this overview. Recently, DNA-modifying enzymes (Taq DNA polymerase, Phi29 DNA polymerase) have been widely used for the diagnosis of virus or pathogenic disease by gold standard (PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR) methods, therefore, alternative methods have been reviewed. The main mechanisms of DNA metabolism (replication cycle, amplification) and the genomeediting tool CRISPR-Cas9 are purposefully discussed in order to address strategic possibility to design DNA-sensors based on immobilized DNA-enzymes. However, the immobilization of biologically active proteins on a gold carrier technique with the ability to detect viral or bacterial nucleic acids is individual for each DNA-modifying enzyme group, due to a different number of active sites, C and N terminal locations and arrangement, therefore, individual protocols based on the 'masking' of active sites should be elaborated for each enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julija Dronina
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology, Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Sauletekio av. 3, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geoscience, Vilnius University, Naugarduko str. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Urte Samukaite Bubniene
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geoscience, Vilnius University, Naugarduko str. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Ramanavicius
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geoscience, Vilnius University, Naugarduko str. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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83
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Wang E, Hsu PD. A Catalogue of Cas9 Orthologs to Advance Genome Engineering. CRISPR J 2020; 3:427-430. [PMID: 33346708 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.29115.ewa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA; and University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Patrick D Hsu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA; and University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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84
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Li C, Kasinski AL. InVivo Cancer-Based Functional Genomics. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:1002-1017. [PMID: 32828714 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pinpointing the underlying mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis in human patients is a prerequisite for identifying suitable therapeutic targets for precision medicine. In contrast to cell culture systems, mouse models are highly favored for evaluating tumor progression and therapeutic response in a more realistic in vivo context. The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of functional genomic studies using diverse mouse models, including in vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and RNA interference (RNAi) screens, and these have provided a wealth of knowledge addressing multiple essential questions in translational cancer research. We compare the multiple mouse systems and genomic tools that are commonly used for in vivo screens to illustrate their strengths and limitations. Crucial components of screen design and data analysis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chennan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Bindley Biosciences Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Bindley Biosciences Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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85
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Rauch S, Jones KA, Dickinson BC. Small Molecule-Inducible RNA-Targeting Systems for Temporal Control of RNA Regulation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:1987-1996. [PMID: 33274276 PMCID: PMC7706094 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
All aspects of mRNA lifetime and function, including its stability, translation into protein, and trafficking through the cell, are tightly regulated through coordinated post-transcriptional modifications and interactions with a multitude of RNA effector proteins. Despite the increasing recognition of RNA regulation as a critical layer of mammalian gene expression control and its increasing excitement as a therapeutic target, tools to study and control RNA regulatory mechanisms with temporal precision in their endogenous environment are lacking. Here, we present small molecule-inducible RNA-targeting effectors based on our previously developed CRISPR/Cas-inspired RNA targeting system (CIRTS). The CIRTS biosensor platform is based on guide RNA (gRNA)-dependent RNA binding domains that interact with a target transcript using Watson-Crick-Franklin base pair interactions. Addition of a small molecule recruits an RNA effector to the target transcript, thereby eliciting a local effect on the transcript. In this work, we showcase that these CIRTS biosensors can trigger inducible RNA editing, degradation, or translation on target transcripts in a small molecule-dependent manner. We further go on to show that the CIRTS RNA base editor biosensor can induce RNA base editing in a small molecule-controllable manner in vivo. Collectively this work provides a new set of tools to probe the dynamics of RNA regulatory systems and control gene expression at the RNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Rauch
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Krysten A. Jones
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Bryan C. Dickinson
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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86
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Lin J, Liu Y, Lai P, Ye H, Xu L. Conditional guide RNA through two intermediate hairpins for programmable CRISPR/Cas9 function: building regulatory connections between endogenous RNA expressions. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11773-11784. [PMID: 33068434 PMCID: PMC7672423 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of nanodevices developed for nucleic acid computation provide great opportunities to construct versatile synthetic circuits for manipulation of gene expressions. In our study, by employing a two-hairpin mediated nucleic acid strand displacement as a processing joint for conditional guide RNA, we aim to build artificial connections between naturally occurring RNA expressions through programmable CRISPR/Cas9 function. This two-hairpin joint possesses a sequence-switching machinery, in which a random trigger strand can be processed to release an unconstrained sequence-independent strand and consequently activate the self-inhibitory guide RNA for conditional gene regulation. This intermediate processor was characterized by the fluorescence reporter system and applied for regulation of the CRISPR/Cas9 binding activity. Using plasmids to generate this sequence-switching machinery in situ, we achieved the autonomous genetic regulation of endogenous RNA expressions controlled by other unrelated endogenous RNAs in both E. coli and human cells. Unlike previously reported strand-displacement genetic circuits, this advanced nucleic acid nanomachine provides a novel approach that can establish regulatory connections between naturally occurring endogenous RNAs. In addition to CRISPR systems, we anticipate this two-hairpin machine can serve as a general processing joint for wide applications in the development of other RNA-based genetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Peidong Lai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Huixia Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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87
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Santos-Moreno J, Schaerli Y. CRISPR-based gene expression control for synthetic gene circuits. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1979-1993. [PMID: 32964920 PMCID: PMC7609024 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic gene circuits allow us to govern cell behavior in a programmable manner, which is central to almost any application aiming to harness engineered living cells for user-defined tasks. Transcription factors (TFs) constitute the 'classic' tool for synthetic circuit construction but some of their inherent constraints, such as insufficient modularity, orthogonality and programmability, limit progress in such forward-engineering endeavors. Here we review how CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology offers new and powerful possibilities for synthetic circuit design. CRISPR systems offer superior characteristics over TFs in many aspects relevant to a modular, predictable and standardized circuit design. Thus, the choice of CRISPR technology as a framework for synthetic circuit design constitutes a valid alternative to complement or replace TFs in synthetic circuits and promises the realization of more ambitious designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Santos-Moreno
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yolanda Schaerli
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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88
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Activatable CRISPR Transcriptional Circuits Generate Functional RNA for mRNA Sensing and Silencing. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202004751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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89
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Ying ZM, Wang F, Chu X, Yu RQ, Jiang JH. Activatable CRISPR Transcriptional Circuits Generate Functional RNA for mRNA Sensing and Silencing. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:18599-18604. [PMID: 32633466 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202004751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-dCas9 systems that are precisely activated by cell-specific information facilitate the development of smart sensors or therapeutic strategies. We report the development of an activatable dCas9 transcriptional circuit that enables sensing and silencing of mRNA in living cells using hybridization-mediated structure switching for gRNA activation. The gRNA is designed with the spacer sequence blocked by a hairpin structure, and mRNA hybridization induces gRNA structure switching and activates the transcription of reporter RNA. An mRNA sensor developed using a light-up RNA reporter shows high sensitivity and fast-response imaging of survivin mRNA in cells under drug treatments and different cell lines. Furthermore, a feedback circuit is engineered by incorporating a small hairpin RNA in the reporter RNA, demonstrating a smart strategy for dynamic sensing and silencing of survivin with induced tumor cell apoptosis. This circuit illustrates a broadly applicable platform for the development of cell-specific sensing and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Ming Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xia Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Ru-Qin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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90
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Carlson-Stevermer J, Kelso R, Kadina A, Joshi S, Rossi N, Walker J, Stoner R, Maures T. CRISPRoff enables spatio-temporal control of CRISPR editing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5041. [PMID: 33028827 PMCID: PMC7542431 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following introduction of CRISPR-Cas9 components into a cell, genome editing occurs unabated until degradation of its component nucleic acids and proteins by cellular processes. This uncontrolled reaction can lead to unintended consequences including off-target editing and chromosomal translocations. To address this, we develop a method for light-induced degradation of sgRNA termed CRISPRoff. Here we show that light-induced inactivation of ribonucleoprotein attenuates genome editing within cells and allows for titratable levels of editing efficiency and spatial patterning via selective illumination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reed Kelso
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Freenome, 259 East Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Anastasia Kadina
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Sahil Joshi
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Nicholas Rossi
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - John Walker
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Rich Stoner
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Travis Maures
- Synthego Corporation, 3565 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
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91
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Galizi R, Duncan JN, Rostain W, Quinn CM, Storch M, Kushwaha M, Jaramillo A. Engineered RNA-Interacting CRISPR Guide RNAs for Genetic Sensing and Diagnostics. CRISPR J 2020; 3:398-408. [PMID: 33095053 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR guide RNAs (gRNAs) can be programmed with relative ease to allow the genetic editing of nearly any DNA or RNA sequence. Here, we propose novel molecular architectures to achieve RNA-dependent modulation of CRISPR activity in response to specific RNA molecules. We designed and tested, in both living Escherichia coli cells and cell-free assays for rapid prototyping, cis-repressed RNA-interacting guide RNA (igRNA) that switch to their active state only upon interaction with small RNA fragments or long RNA transcripts, including pathogen-derived mRNAs of medical relevance such as the human immunodeficiency virus infectivity factor. The proposed CRISPR-igRNAs are fully customizable and easily adaptable to the majority if not all the available CRISPR-Cas variants to modulate a variety of genetic functions in response to specific cellular conditions, providing orthogonal activation and increased specificity. We thereby foresee a large scope of application for therapeutic, diagnostic, and biotech applications in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Galizi
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John N Duncan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - William Rostain
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte M Quinn
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marko Storch
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Kushwaha
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, MIcalis Institute, Paris, France
| | - Alfonso Jaramillo
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre (WISB), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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92
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Xie F, Lin J, Xu L. Photocontrol of CRISPR/Cas9 function by site-specific chemical modification of guide RNA. Chem Sci 2020; 11:11478-11484. [PMID: 34094391 PMCID: PMC8162494 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc04343e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of CRISPR/Cas9 can be conditionally controlled by the rational engineering of guide RNA (gRNA) to target the gene of choice for precise manipulation of the genome. Particularly, chemically modified gRNA that can be activated by using specific stimuli provides a unique tool to expand the versatility of conditional control. Herein, unlike previous engineering of gRNA that generally focused on the RNA part only but neglected RNA-protein interactions, we aimed at the interactive sites between 2'-OH of ribose in the seed region of gRNA and the Cas9 protein and identified that chemical modifications at specific sites could be utilized to regulate the Cas9 activity. By introducing a photolabile group at these specific sites, we achieved optical control of Cas9 activity without disrupting the Watson-Crick base pairing. We further examined our design through CRISPR-mediated gene activation and nuclease cleavage in living cells and successfully manipulated the gene expression by using light irradiation. Our site-specific modification strategy exhibited a highly efficient and dynamic optical response and presented a new perspective for manipulating gRNA based on the RNA-protein interaction rather than the structure of RNA itself. In addition, these specific sites could also be potentially utilized for modification of other stimuli-responsive groups, which would further enrich the toolbox for conditional control of CRISPR/Cas9 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Fan Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Jiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
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93
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Zhang Y, Ling X, Su X, Zhang S, Wang J, Zhang P, Feng W, Zhu YY, Liu T, Tang X. Optical Control of a CRISPR/Cas9 System for Gene Editing by Using Photolabile crRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:20895-20899. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202009890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xinyu Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xiaoxuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Shilin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Pingjing Zhang
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Wenjian Feng
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - York Yuanyuan Zhu
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
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94
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Zhang Y, Ling X, Su X, Zhang S, Wang J, Zhang P, Feng W, Zhu YY, Liu T, Tang X. Optical Control of a CRISPR/Cas9 System for Gene Editing by Using Photolabile crRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202009890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xinyu Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xiaoxuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Shilin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Pingjing Zhang
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Wenjian Feng
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - York Yuanyuan Zhu
- Biomics Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. Nantong 226016 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University No. 38, Xueyuan Rd. Beijing 100191 China
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95
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Newman A, Starrs L, Burgio G. Cas9 Cuts and Consequences; Detecting, Predicting, and Mitigating CRISPR/Cas9 On- and Off-Target Damage: Techniques for Detecting, Predicting, and Mitigating the On- and off-target Effects of Cas9 Editing. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000047. [PMID: 32643177 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Large deletions and genomic re-arrangements are increasingly recognized as common products of double-strand break repair at Clustered Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats - CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) on-target sites. Together with well-known off-target editing products from Cas9 target misrecognition, these are important limitations, that need to be addressed. Rigorous assessment of Cas9-editing is necessary to ensure validity of observed phenotypes in Cas9-edited cell-lines and model organisms. Here the mechanisms of Cas9 specificity, and strategies to assess and mitigate unwanted effects of Cas9 editing are reviewed; covering guide-RNA design, RNA modifications, Cas9 modifications, control of Cas9 activity; computational prediction for off-targets, and experimental methods for detecting Cas9 cleavage. Although recognition of the prevalence of on- and off-target effects of Cas9 editing has increased in recent years, broader uptake across the gene editing community will be important in determining the specificity of Cas9 across diverse applications and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Newman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Lora Starrs
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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96
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Oliver C, Mallet V, Gendron RS, Reinharz V, Hamilton W, Moitessier N, Waldispühl J. Augmented base pairing networks encode RNA-small molecule binding preferences. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7690-7699. [PMID: 32652015 PMCID: PMC7430648 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-small molecule binding is a key regulatory mechanism which can stabilize 3D structures and activate molecular functions. The discovery of RNA-targeting compounds is thus a current topic of interest for novel therapies. Our work is a first attempt at bringing the scalability and generalization abilities of machine learning methods to the problem of RNA drug discovery, as well as a step towards understanding the interactions which drive binding specificity. Our tool, RNAmigos, builds and encodes a network representation of RNA structures to predict likely ligands for novel binding sites. We subject ligand predictions to virtual screening and show that we are able to place the true ligand in the 71st-73rd percentile in two decoy libraries, showing a significant improvement over several baselines, and a state of the art method. Furthermore, we observe that augmenting structural networks with non-canonical base pairing data is the only representation able to uncover a significant signal, suggesting that such interactions are a necessary source of binding specificity. We also find that pre-training with an auxiliary graph representation learning task significantly boosts performance of ligand prediction. This finding can serve as a general principle for RNA structure-function prediction when data is scarce. RNAmigos shows that RNA binding data contains structural patterns with potential for drug discovery, and provides methodological insights for possible applications to other structure-function learning tasks. The source code, data and a Web server are freely available at http://rnamigos.cs.mcgill.ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Oliver
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0E9, Canada
- Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, H2S 3S1, Canada
| | - Vincent Mallet
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Paris, F-75015, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO - Centre for Computational Biology, F-75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - William L Hamilton
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0E9, Canada
- Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, H2S 3S1, Canada
| | | | - Jérôme Waldispühl
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0E9, Canada
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97
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Fontana J, Sparkman-Yager D, Zalatan JG, Carothers JM. Challenges and opportunities with CRISPR activation in bacteria for data-driven metabolic engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 64:190-198. [PMID: 32599515 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Creating CRISPR gene activation (CRISPRa) technologies in industrially promising bacteria could be transformative for accelerating data-driven metabolic engineering and strain design. CRISPRa has been widely used in eukaryotes, but applications in bacterial systems have remained limited. Recent work shows that multiple features of bacterial promoters impose stringent requirements on CRISPRa-mediated gene activation. However, by systematically defining rules for effective bacterial CRISPRa sites and developing new approaches for encoding complex functions in engineered guide RNAs, there are now clear routes to generalize synthetic gene regulation in bacteria. When combined with multi-omics data collection and machine learning, the full development of bacterial CRISPRa will dramatically improve the ability to rapidly engineer bacteria for bioproduction through accelerated design-build-test-learn cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fontana
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington. Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - David Sparkman-Yager
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington. Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Jesse G Zalatan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington. Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - James M Carothers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington. Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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98
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Lau CH, Tin C. The Synergy between CRISPR and Chemical Engineering. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:147-171. [PMID: 31267870 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666190701100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy and transgenic research have advanced quickly in recent years due to the development of CRISPR technology. The rapid development of CRISPR technology has been largely benefited by chemical engineering. Firstly, chemical or synthetic substance enables spatiotemporal and conditional control of Cas9 or dCas9 activities. It prevents the leaky expression of CRISPR components, as well as minimizes toxicity and off-target effects. Multi-input logic operations and complex genetic circuits can also be implemented via multiplexed and orthogonal regulation of target genes. Secondly, rational chemical modifications to the sgRNA enhance gene editing efficiency and specificity by improving sgRNA stability and binding affinity to on-target genomic loci, and hence reducing off-target mismatches and systemic immunogenicity. Chemically-modified Cas9 mRNA is also more active and less immunogenic than the native mRNA. Thirdly, nonviral vehicles can circumvent the challenges associated with viral packaging and production through the delivery of Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complex or large Cas9 expression plasmids. Multi-functional nanovectors enhance genome editing in vivo by overcoming multiple physiological barriers, enabling ligand-targeted cellular uptake, and blood-brain barrier crossing. Chemical engineering can also facilitate viral-based delivery by improving vector internalization, allowing tissue-specific transgene expression, and preventing inactivation of the viral vectors in vivo. This review aims to discuss how chemical engineering has helped improve existing CRISPR applications and enable new technologies for biomedical research. The usefulness, advantages, and molecular action for each chemical engineering approach are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cia-Hin Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Tin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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99
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Colasante G, Qiu Y, Massimino L, Di Berardino C, Cornford JH, Snowball A, Weston M, Jones SP, Giannelli S, Lieb A, Schorge S, Kullmann DM, Broccoli V, Lignani G. In vivo CRISPRa decreases seizures and rescues cognitive deficits in a rodent model of epilepsy. Brain 2020; 143:891-905. [PMID: 32129831 PMCID: PMC7089667 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a major health burden, calling for new mechanistic insights and therapies. CRISPR-mediated gene editing shows promise to cure genetic pathologies, although hitherto it has mostly been applied ex vivo. Its translational potential for treating non-genetic pathologies is still unexplored. Furthermore, neurological diseases represent an important challenge for the application of CRISPR, because of the need in many cases to manipulate gene function of neurons in situ. A variant of CRISPR, CRISPRa, offers the possibility to modulate the expression of endogenous genes by directly targeting their promoters. We asked if this strategy can effectively treat acquired focal epilepsy, focusing on ion channels because their manipulation is known be effective in changing network hyperactivity and hypersynchronziation. We applied a doxycycline-inducible CRISPRa technology to increase the expression of the potassium channel gene Kcna1 (encoding Kv1.1) in mouse hippocampal excitatory neurons. CRISPRa-mediated Kv1.1 upregulation led to a substantial decrease in neuronal excitability. Continuous video-EEG telemetry showed that AAV9-mediated delivery of CRISPRa, upon doxycycline administration, decreased spontaneous generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy, and rescued cognitive impairment and transcriptomic alterations associated with chronic epilepsy. The focal treatment minimizes concerns about off-target effects in other organs and brain areas. This study provides the proof-of-principle for a translational CRISPR-based approach to treat neurological diseases characterized by abnormal circuit excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Colasante
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Yichen Qiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Luca Massimino
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jonathan H Cornford
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Albert Snowball
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mikail Weston
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steffan P Jones
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Serena Giannelli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreas Lieb
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vania Broccoli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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100
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Anzalone AV, Koblan LW, Liu DR. Genome editing with CRISPR-Cas nucleases, base editors, transposases and prime editors. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:824-844. [PMID: 32572269 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1119] [Impact Index Per Article: 279.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of new CRISPR-Cas genome editing tools continues to drive major advances in the life sciences. Four classes of CRISPR-Cas-derived genome editing agents-nucleases, base editors, transposases/recombinases and prime editors-are currently available for modifying genomes in experimental systems. Some of these agents have also moved rapidly into the clinic. Each tool comes with its own capabilities and limitations, and major efforts have broadened their editing capabilities, expanded their targeting scope and improved editing specificity. We analyze key considerations when choosing genome editing agents and identify opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Anzalone
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luke W Koblan
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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