51
|
Chen P, Long J, Hua T, Zheng Z, Xiao Y, Chen L, Yu K, Wu W, Zhang S. Transcriptome and open chromatin analysis reveals the process of myocardial cell development and key pathogenic target proteins in Long QT syndrome type 7. J Transl Med 2024; 22:307. [PMID: 38528561 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Long QT syndrome type 7 (Andersen-Tawil syndrome, ATS), which is caused by KCNJ2 gene mutation, often leads to ventricular arrhythmia, periodic paralysis and skeletal malformations. The development, differentiation and electrophysiological maturation of cardiomyocytes (CMs) changes promote the pathophysiology of Long QT syndrome type 7(LQT7). We aimed to specifically reproduce the ATS disease phenotype and study the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS We established a cardiac cell model derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to the phenotypes and electrophysiological function, and the establishment of a human myocardial cell model that specifically reproduces the symptoms of ATS provides a reliable platform for exploring the mechanism of this disease or potential drugs. The spontaneous pulsation rate of myocardial cells in the mutation group was significantly lower than that in the repair CRISPR group, the action potential duration was prolonged, and the Kir2.1 current of the inward rectifier potassium ion channel was decreased, which is consistent with the clinical symptoms of ATS patients. Only ZNF528, a chromatin-accessible TF related to pathogenicity, was continuously regulated beginning from the cardiac mesodermal precursor cell stage (day 4), and continued to be expressed at low levels, which was identified by WGCNA method and verified with ATAC-seq data in the mutation group. Subsequently, it indicated that seven pathways were downregulated (all p < 0.05) by used single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to evaluate the overall regulation of potassium-related pathways enriched in the transcriptome and proteome of late mature CMs. Among them, the three pathways (GO: 0008076, GO: 1990573 and GO: 0030007) containing the mutated gene KCNJ2 is involved that are related to the whole process by which a potassium ion enters the cell via the inward rectifier potassium channel to exert its effect were inhibited. The other four pathways are related to regulation of the potassium transmembrane pathway and sodium:potassium exchange ATPase (p < 0.05). ZNF528 small interfering (si)-RNA was applied to hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes for CRISPR group to explore changes in potassium ion currents and growth and development related target protein levels that affect disease phenotype. Three consistently downregulated proteins (KCNJ2, CTTN and ATP1B1) associated with pathogenicity were verificated through correlation and intersection analysis. CONCLUSION This study uncovers TFs and target proteins related to electrophysiology and developmental pathogenicity in ATS myocardial cells, obtaining novel targets for potential therapeutic candidate development that does not rely on gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition & Health Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Junyu Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tianrui Hua
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhifa Zheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lianfeng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kang Yu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition & Health Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Luthringer R, Raphalen M, Guerra C, Colin S, Martinho C, Zheng M, Hoshino M, Badis Y, Lipinska AP, Haas FB, Barrera-Redondo J, Alva V, Coelho SM. Repeated co-option of HMG-box genes for sex determination in brown algae and animals. Science 2024; 383:eadk5466. [PMID: 38513029 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk5466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In many eukaryotes, genetic sex determination is not governed by XX/XY or ZW/ZZ systems but by a specialized region on the poorly studied U (female) or V (male) sex chromosomes. Previous studies have hinted at the existence of a dominant male-sex factor on the V chromosome in brown algae, a group of multicellular eukaryotes distantly related to animals and plants. The nature of this factor has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that an HMG-box gene acts as the male-determining factor in brown algae, mirroring the role HMG-box genes play in sex determination in animals. Over a billion-year evolutionary timeline, these lineages have independently co-opted the HMG box for male determination, representing a paradigm for evolution's ability to recurrently use the same genetic "toolkit" to accomplish similar tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Luthringer
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Morgane Raphalen
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carla Guerra
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sébastien Colin
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Martinho
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Masakazu Hoshino
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Research Center for Inland Seas, Kobe University, Kobe 658-0022, Japan
| | - Yacine Badis
- Roscoff Biological Station, CNRS-Sorbonne University, Place Georges Teissier, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Agnieszka P Lipinska
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fabian B Haas
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Josué Barrera-Redondo
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vikram Alva
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susana M Coelho
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Alavattam KG, Esparza JM, Hu M, Shimada R, Kohrs AR, Abe H, Munakata Y, Otsuka K, Yoshimura S, Kitamura Y, Yeh YH, Hu YC, Kim J, Andreassen PR, Ishiguro KI, Namekawa SH. ATF7IP2/MCAF2 directs H3K9 methylation and meiotic gene regulation in the male germline. Genes Dev 2024; 38:115-130. [PMID: 38383062 PMCID: PMC10982687 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351569.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) plays emerging roles in gene regulation, beyond its accumulation on pericentric constitutive heterochromatin. It remains a mystery why and how H3K9me3 undergoes dynamic regulation in male meiosis. Here, we identify a novel, critical regulator of H3K9 methylation and spermatogenic heterochromatin organization: the germline-specific protein ATF7IP2 (MCAF2). We show that in male meiosis, ATF7IP2 amasses on autosomal and X-pericentric heterochromatin, spreads through the entirety of the sex chromosomes, and accumulates on thousands of autosomal promoters and retrotransposon loci. On the sex chromosomes, which undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), the DNA damage response pathway recruits ATF7IP2 to X-pericentric heterochromatin, where it facilitates the recruitment of SETDB1, a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes H3K9me3. In the absence of ATF7IP2, male germ cells are arrested in meiotic prophase I. Analyses of ATF7IP2-deficient meiosis reveal the protein's essential roles in the maintenance of MSCI, suppression of retrotransposons, and global up-regulation of autosomal genes. We propose that ATF7IP2 is a downstream effector of the DDR pathway in meiosis that coordinates the organization of heterochromatin and gene regulation through the spatial regulation of SETDB1-mediated H3K9me3 deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Jasmine M Esparza
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Anna R Kohrs
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Hironori Abe
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Munakata
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Kai Otsuka
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Saori Yoshimura
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
| | - Jihye Kim
- Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan;
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Nagai M, Porter RS, Hughes E, Saunders TL, Iwase S. Asynchronous microexon splicing of LSD1 and PHF21A during neurodevelopment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586181. [PMID: 38562691 PMCID: PMC10983945 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
LSD1 histone H3K4 demethylase and its binding partner PHF21A, a reader protein for unmethylated H3K4, both undergo neuron-specific microexon splicing. The LSD1 neuronal microexon weakens H3K4 demethylation activity and can alter the substrate specificity to H3K9 or H4K20. Meanwhile, the PHF21A neuronal microexon interferes with nucleosome binding. However, the temporal expression patterns of LSD1 and PHF21A splicing isoforms during brain development remain unknown. In this work, we report that neuronal PHF21A isoform expression precedes neuronal LSD1 isoform expression during human neuron differentiation and mouse brain development. The asynchronous splicing events resulted in stepwise deactivation of the LSD1-PHF21A complex in reversing H3K4 methylation. We further show that the enzymatically inactive LSD1-PHF21A complex interacts with neuron-specific binding partners, including MYT1-family transcription factors and post-transcriptional mRNA processing proteins such as VIRMA. The interaction with the neuron-specific components, however, did not require the PHF21A microexon, indicating that the neuronal proteomic milieu, rather than the microexon-encoded PHF21A segment, is responsible for neuron-specific complex formation. These results indicate that the PHF21A microexon is dispensable for neuron-specific protein-protein interactions, yet the enzymatically inactive LSD1-PHF21A complex might have unique gene-regulatory roles in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Nagai
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Robert S. Porter
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- Transgenic Animal Model Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thomas L. Saunders
- Transgenic Animal Model Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shigeki Iwase
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Klocke B, Britzolaki A, Saurine J, Ott H, Krone K, Bahamonde K, Thelen C, Tzimas C, Sanoudou D, Kranias EG, Pitychoutis PM. A novel role for phospholamban in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6376. [PMID: 38493225 PMCID: PMC10944534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a brain region that influences vital neurobehavioral processes, including executive functioning and the generation of sleep rhythms. TRN dysfunction underlies hyperactivity, attention deficits, and sleep disturbances observed across various neurodevelopmental disorders. A specialized sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca2+) ATPase 2 (SERCA2)-dependent Ca2+ signaling network operates in the dendrites of TRN neurons to regulate their bursting activity. Phospholamban (PLN) is a prominent regulator of SERCA2 with an established role in myocardial Ca2+-cycling. Our findings suggest that the role of PLN extends beyond the cardiovascular system to impact brain function. Specifically, we found PLN to be expressed in TRN neurons of the adult mouse brain, and utilized global constitutive and innovative conditional genetic knockout mouse models in concert with electroencephalography (EEG)-based somnography and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) to investigate the role of PLN in sleep and executive functioning, two complex behaviors that map onto thalamic reticular circuits. The results of the present study indicate that perturbed PLN function in the TRN results in aberrant TRN-dependent phenotypes in mice (i.e., hyperactivity, impulsivity and sleep deficits) and support a novel role for PLN as a critical regulator of SERCA2 in the TRN neurocircuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Klocke
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Aikaterini Britzolaki
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Joseph Saurine
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Hayden Ott
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Kylie Krone
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Kiara Bahamonde
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Connor Thelen
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA
| | - Christos Tzimas
- Molecular Biology Department, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Molecular Biology Department, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, Medical School, "Attikon" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia G Kranias
- Molecular Biology Department, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Pothitos M Pitychoutis
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469-2320, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Tsuchida CA, Wasko KM, Hamilton JR, Doudna JA. Targeted nonviral delivery of genome editors in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307796121. [PMID: 38437567 PMCID: PMC10945750 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307796121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-type-specific in vivo delivery of genome editing molecules is the next breakthrough that will drive biological discovery and transform the field of cell and gene therapy. Here, we discuss recent advances in the delivery of CRISPR-Cas genome editors either as preassembled ribonucleoproteins or encoded in mRNA. Both strategies avoid pitfalls of viral vector-mediated delivery and offer advantages including transient editor lifetime and potentially streamlined manufacturing capability that are already proving valuable for clinical use. We review current applications and future opportunities of these emerging delivery approaches that could make genome editing more efficacious and accessible in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor A. Tsuchida
- University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Kevin M. Wasko
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Jennifer R. Hamilton
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Jennifer A. Doudna
- University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA94720
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California,San Francisco, CA94158
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Knauer C, Haltern H, Schoger E, Kügler S, Roos L, Zelarayán LC, Hasenfuss G, Zimmermann WH, Wollnik B, Cyganek L. Preclinical evaluation of CRISPR-based therapies for Noonan syndrome caused by deep-intronic LZTR1 variants. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102123. [PMID: 38333672 PMCID: PMC10851011 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Gene variants in LZTR1 are implicated to cause Noonan syndrome associated with a severe and early-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Mechanistically, LZTR1 deficiency results in accumulation of RAS GTPases and, as a consequence, in RAS-MAPK signaling hyperactivity, thereby causing the Noonan syndrome-associated phenotype. Despite its epidemiological relevance, pharmacological as well as invasive therapies remain limited. Here, personalized CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapies might offer a novel alternative for a curative treatment in this patient cohort. In this study, by utilizing a patient-specific screening platform based on iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from two Noonan syndrome patients, we evaluated different clinically translatable therapeutic approaches using small Cas9 orthologs targeting a deep-intronic LZTR1 variant to cure the disease-associated molecular pathology. Despite high editing efficiencies in cardiomyocyte cultures transduced with lentivirus or all-in-one adeno-associated viruses, we observed crucial differences in editing outcomes in proliferative iPSCs vs. non-proliferative cardiomyocytes. While editing in iPSCs rescued the phenotype, the same editing approaches did not robustly restore LZTR1 function in cardiomyocytes, indicating critical differences in the activity of DNA double-strand break repair mechanisms between proliferative and non-proliferative cell types and highlighting the importance of cell type-specific screens for testing CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Knauer
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henrike Haltern
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eric Schoger
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Roos
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura C. Zelarayán
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University of Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerd Hasenfuss
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wollnik
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Cyganek
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Ran R, Li L, Xu T, Huang J, He H, Chen Y. Revealing mitf functions and visualizing allografted tumor metastasis in colorless and immunodeficient Xenopus tropicalis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:275. [PMID: 38443437 PMCID: PMC10915148 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transparent immunodeficient animal models not only enhance in vivo imaging investigations of visceral organ development but also facilitate in vivo tracking of transplanted tumor cells. However, at present, transparent and immunodeficient animal models are confined to zebrafish, presenting substantial challenges for real-time, in vivo imaging studies addressing specific biological inquiries. Here, we employed a mitf-/-/prkdc-/-/il2rg-/- triple-knockout strategy to establish a colorless and immunodeficient amphibian model of Xenopus tropicalis. By disrupting the mitf gene, we observed the loss of melanophores, xanthophores, and granular glands in Xenopus tropicalis. Through the endogenous mitf promoter to drive BRAFV600E expression, we confirmed mitf expression in melanophores, xanthophores and granular glands. Moreover, the reconstruction of the disrupted site effectively reinstated melanophores, xanthophores, and granular glands, further highlighting the crucial role of mitf as a regulator in their development. By crossing mitf-/- frogs with prkdc-/-/il2rg-/- frogs, we generated a mitf-/-/prkdc-/-/il2rg-/- Xenopus tropicalis line, providing a colorless and immunodeficient amphibian model. Utilizing this model, we successfully observed intravital metastases of allotransplanted xanthophoromas and migrations of allotransplanted melanomas. Overall, colorless and immunodeficient Xenopus tropicalis holds great promise as a valuable platform for tumorous and developmental biology research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rensen Ran
- Department of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, China.
| | - Lanxin Li
- Department of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 350001, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jixuan Huang
- Department of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanhuan He
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yonglong Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
McCabe CV, Price PD, Codner GF, Allan AJ, Caulder A, Christou S, Loeffler J, Mackenzie M, Malzer E, Mianné J, Nowicki KJ, O’Neill EJ, Pike FJ, Hutchison M, Petit-Demoulière B, Stewart ME, Gates H, Wells S, Sanderson ND, Teboul L. Long-read sequencing for fast and robust identification of correct genome-edited alleles: PCR-based and Cas9 capture methods. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011187. [PMID: 38457464 PMCID: PMC10954187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tools have facilitated the introduction of precise alleles, including genetic intervals spanning several kilobases, directly into the embryo. However, the introduction of donor templates, via homology directed repair, can be erroneous or incomplete and these techniques often produce mosaic founder animals. Thus, newly generated alleles must be verified at the sequence level across the targeted locus. Screening for the presence of the desired mutant allele using traditional sequencing methods can be challenging due to the size of the interval to be sequenced, together with the mosaic nature of founders. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In order to help disentangle the genetic complexity of these animals, we tested the application of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing at the targeted locus and found that the achievable depth of sequencing is sufficient to offset the sequencing error rate associated with the technology used to validate targeted regions of interest. We have assembled an analysis workflow that facilitates interrogating the entire length of a targeted segment in a single read, to confirm that the intended mutant sequence is present in both heterozygous animals and mosaic founders. We used this workflow to compare the output of PCR-based and Cas9 capture-based targeted sequencing for validation of edited alleles. CONCLUSION Targeted long-read sequencing supports in-depth characterisation of all experimental models that aim to produce knock-in or conditional alleles, including those that contain a mix of genome-edited alleles. PCR- or Cas9 capture-based modalities bring different advantages to the analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter D. Price
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma F. Codner
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adam Caulder
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jorik Loeffler
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elke Malzer
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Joffrey Mianné
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fran J. Pike
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Hutchison
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit Petit-Demoulière
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), PHENOMIN, CELPHEDIA, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Hilary Gates
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D. Sanderson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Teboul
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Salem AR, Bryant WB, Doja J, Griffin SH, Shi X, Han W, Su Y, Verin AD, Miano JM. Prime editing in mice with an engineered pegRNA. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 154:107269. [PMID: 38158001 PMCID: PMC10939748 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR editing involves double-strand breaks in DNA with attending insertions/deletions (indels) that may result in embryonic lethality in mice. The prime editing (PE) platform uses a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) and a Cas9 nickase fused to a modified reverse transcriptase to precisely introduce nucleotide substitutions or small indels without the unintended editing associated with DNA double-strand breaks. Recently, engineered pegRNAs (epegRNAs), with a 3'-extension that shields the primer-binding site of the pegRNA from nucleolytic attack, demonstrated superior activity over conventional pegRNAs in cultured cells. Here, we show the inability of three-component CRISPR or conventional PE to incorporate a nonsynonymous substitution in the Capn2 gene, expected to disrupt a phosphorylation site (S50A) in CAPN2. In contrast, an epegRNA with the same protospacer correctly installed the desired edit in two founder mice, as evidenced by robust genotyping assays for the detection of subtle nucleotide substitutions. Long-read sequencing demonstrated sequence fidelity around the edited site as well as top-ranked distal off-target sites. Western blotting and histological analysis of lipopolysaccharide-treated lung tissue revealed a decrease in phosphorylation of CAPN2 and notable alleviation of inflammation, respectively. These results demonstrate the first successful use of an epegRNA for germline transmission in an animal model and provide a solution to targeting essential developmental genes that otherwise may be challenging to edit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amr R Salem
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America.
| | - W Bart Bryant
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Jaser Doja
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Susan H Griffin
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Xiaofan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Weihong Han
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Yunchao Su
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Alexander D Verin
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Davis DJ, Yeddula SGR. CRISPR Advancements for Human Health. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2024; 121:170-176. [PMID: 38694604 PMCID: PMC11057861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has emerged as a powerful gene editing technology that is revolutionizing biomedical research and clinical medicine. The CRISPR system allows scientists to rewrite the genetic code in virtually any organism. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR and its clinical applications. We first introduce the CRISPR system and explain how it works as a gene editing tool. We then highlight current and potential clinical uses of CRISPR in areas such as genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, and regenerative medicine. Challenges that need to be addressed for the successful translation of CRISPR to the clinic are also discussed. Overall, CRISPR holds great promise to advance precision medicine, but ongoing research is still required to optimize delivery, efficacy, and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Davis
- Assistant Director - Animal Modeling Core; Assistant Research Professor - Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; and Comparative Medicine Program Faculty, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Sai Goutham Reddy Yeddula
- PhD candidate in the Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri - Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Li X, Zeng S, Chen L, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang B, Su D, Du Q, Zhang J, Wang H, Zhong Z, Zhang J, Li P, Jiang A, Long K, Li M, Ge L. An intronic enhancer of Cebpa regulates adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue development via long-range loop formation. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13552. [PMID: 37905345 PMCID: PMC10905358 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cebpa is a master transcription factor gene for adipogenesis. However, the mechanisms of enhancer-promoter chromatin interactions controlling Cebpa transcriptional regulation during adipogenic differentiation remain largely unknown. To reveal how the three-dimensional structure of Cebpa changes during adipogenesis, we generated high-resolution chromatin interactions of Cebpa in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes using circularized chromosome conformation capture sequencing (4C-seq). We revealed dramatic changes in chromatin interactions and chromatin status at interaction sites during adipogenic differentiation. Based on this, we identified five active enhancers of Cebpa in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through epigenomic data and luciferase reporter assays. Next, epigenetic repression of Cebpa-L1-AD-En2 or -En3 by the dCas9-KRAB system significantly down-regulated Cebpa expression and inhibited adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, experimental depletion of cohesin decreased the interaction intensity between Cebpa-L1-AD-En2 and the Cebpa promoter and down-regulated Cebpa expression, indicating that long-range chromatin loop formation was mediated by cohesin. Two transcription factors, RXRA and PPARG, synergistically regulate the activity of Cebpa-L1-AD-En2. To test whether Cebpa-L1-AD-En2 plays a role in adipose tissue development, we injected dCas9-KRAB-En2 lentivirus into the inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of mice to suppress the activity of Cebpa-L1-AD-En2. Repression of Cebpa-L1-AD-En2 significantly decreased Cebpa expression and adipocyte size, altered iWAT transcriptome, and affected iWAT development. We identified functional enhancers regulating Cebpa expression and clarified the crucial roles of Cebpa-L1-AD-En2 and Cebpa promoter interaction in adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Sha Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChongqingChina
- National Center of Technology Innovation for PigsChongqingChina
- Key Laboratory of Pig Industry ScienceMinistry of AgricultureChongqingChina
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuemin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Biwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Duo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qinjiao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiaman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Haoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhining Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChongqingChina
- National Center of Technology Innovation for PigsChongqingChina
- Key Laboratory of Pig Industry ScienceMinistry of AgricultureChongqingChina
| | - Penghao Li
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and GeneticsSichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Anan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Keren Long
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Chongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChongqingChina
| | - Mingzhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustrySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
- Livestock and Poultry Multi‐omics Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Liangpeng Ge
- Chongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChongqingChina
- National Center of Technology Innovation for PigsChongqingChina
- Key Laboratory of Pig Industry ScienceMinistry of AgricultureChongqingChina
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Salomonsson SE, Clelland CD. Building CRISPR Gene Therapies for the Central Nervous System: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:283-290. [PMID: 38285472 PMCID: PMC11164426 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Importance Gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) holds the promise to arrest or cure monogenic disease if it can be determined which genetic change to create without inducing unintended cellular dysfunction and how to deliver this technology to the target organ reliably and safely. Clinical trials for blood and liver disorders, for which delivery of CRISPR is not limiting, show promise, yet no trials have begun for central nervous system (CNS) indications. Observations The CNS is arguably the most challenging target given its innate exclusion of large molecules and its defenses against bacterial invasion (from which CRISPR originates). Herein, the types of CRISPR editing (DNA cutting, base editing, and templated repair) and how these are applied to different genetic variants are summarized. The challenges of delivering genome editors to the CNS, including the viral and nonviral delivery vehicles that may ultimately circumvent these challenges, are discussed. Also, ways to minimize the potential in vivo genotoxic effects of genome editors through delivery vehicle design and preclinical off-target testing are considered. The ethical considerations of germline editing, a potential off-target outcome of any gene editing therapy, are explored. The unique regulatory challenges of a human-specific therapy that cannot be derisked solely in animal models are also discussed. Conclusions and Relevance An understanding of both the potential benefits and challenges of CRISPR gene therapy better informs the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and timeline considerations of developing CRISPR gene therapy for neurologic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally E Salomonsson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Claire D Clelland
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Nizampatnam NR, Sharma K, Gupta P, Pamei I, Sarma S, Sreelakshmi Y, Sharma R. Introgression of a dominant phototropin1 mutant enhances carotenoids and boosts flavour-related volatiles in genome-edited tomato RIN mutants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:2227-2242. [PMID: 38151719 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) ripening inhibitor (rin) mutation is known to completely repress fruit ripening. The heterozygous (RIN/rin) fruits have extended shelf life, ripen normally, but have inferior taste/flavour. To address this, we used genome editing to generate newer alleles of RIN (rinCR ) by targeting the K-domain. Unlike previously reported CRISPR alleles, the rinCR alleles displayed delayed onset of ripening, suggesting that the mutated K-domain represses the onset of ripening. The rinCR fruits had extended shelf life and accumulated carotenoids at an intermediate level between rin and progenitor line. Besides, the metabolites and hormonal levels in rinCR fruits were more akin to rin. To overcome the negative attributes of rin, we crossed the rinCR alleles with Nps1, a dominant-negative phototropin1 mutant, which enhances carotenoid levels in tomato fruits. The resulting Nps1/rinCR hybrids had extended shelf life and 4.4-7.1-fold higher carotenoid levels than the wild-type parent. The metabolome of Nps1/rinCR fruits revealed higher sucrose, malate, and volatiles associated with tomato taste and flavour. Notably, the boosted volatiles in Nps1/rinCR were only observed in fruits bearing the homozygous Nps1 mutation. The Nps1 introgression into tomato provides a promising strategy for developing cultivars with extended shelf life, improved taste, and flavour.
Collapse
Grants
- BT/COE/34/SP15209/2015 Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
- BT/INF/22/SP44787/2021 Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
- BT/PR6983/PBD/16/1007/2012 Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
- BT/PR/7002/PBD/16/1009/2012 Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
- BT/PR11671/PBD/16/828/2008 Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narasimha Rao Nizampatnam
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Kapil Sharma
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Prateek Gupta
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University-AP, Neerukonda, Andhra Pradesh, 522240, India
| | - Injangbuanang Pamei
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Supriya Sarma
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Yellamaraju Sreelakshmi
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Rameshwar Sharma
- Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Soni N, Kar I, Narendrasinh JD, Shah SK, Konathala L, Mohamed N, Kachhadia MP, Chaudhary MH, Dave VA, Kumar L, Ahmadi L, Golla V. Role and application of CRISPR-Cas9 in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1517-1521. [PMID: 38463115 PMCID: PMC10923336 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious health issue that has a significant social and economic impact worldwide. One of the key aetiological signs of the disease is a gradual reduction in cognitive function and irreversible neuronal death. According to a 2019 global report, more than 5.8 million people in the United States (USA) alone have received an AD diagnosis, with 45% of those people falling into the 75-84 years age range. According to the predictions, there will be 15 million affected people in the USA by 2050 due to the disease's steadily rising patient population. Cognitive function and memory formation steadily decline as a result of an irreversible neuron loss in AD, a chronic neurodegenerative illness. Amyloid-beta and phosphorylated Tau are produced and accumulate in large amounts, and glial cells are overactive. Additionally, weakened neurotrophin signalling and decreased synapse function are crucial aspects of AD. Memory loss, apathy, depression, and irritability are among the primary symptoms. The aetiology, pathophysiology, and causes of both cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunction are poorly understood despite extensive investigation. CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising gene-editing technique since it can fix certain gene sequences and has a lot of potential for treating AD and other human disorders. Regardless of hereditary considerations, an altered Aβ metabolism is frequently seen in familial and sporadic AD. Therefore, since mutations in the PSEN-1, PSEN-2 and APP genes are a contributing factor to familial AD, CRISPR/Cas9 technology could address excessive Aβ production or mutations in these genes. Overall, the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology outweighs it as currently the greatest gene-editing tool available for researching neurodegenerative diseases like AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Soni
- Department of General Medicine, M. P. Shah medical college, Jamnagar
| | - Indrani Kar
- Department of General Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, University of Delhi
| | | | - Sanjay Kumar Shah
- Department of General Medicine, Janaki Medical College, Janakpur, Nepal
| | - Lohini Konathala
- Dr NTR University of Health Sciecnes, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Nadine Mohamed
- Department of General Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Memorial of Carbondale Hospital, IL
| | | | | | - Vyapti A. Dave
- Department of General Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society, GMERS Valsad, Gujarat
| | - Lakshya Kumar
- Department of General Medicine, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot
| | - Leeda Ahmadi
- Department of General Medicine, Lady Hardinge medical College, New Delhi
| | - Varshitha Golla
- Department of General Medicine, International School of Medicine (ISM), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Sun J, Guo J, Liu J. CRISPR-M: Predicting sgRNA off-target effect using a multi-view deep learning network. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011972. [PMID: 38483980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to perform base substitutions at the target site is a typical technique for genome editing with the potential for applications in gene therapy and agricultural productivity. When the CRISPR-Cas9 system uses guide RNA to direct the Cas9 endonuclease to the target site, it may misdirect it to a potential off-target site, resulting in an unintended genome editing. Although several computational methods have been proposed to predict off-target effects, there is still room for improvement in the off-target effect prediction capability. In this paper, we present an effective approach called CRISPR-M with a new encoding scheme and a novel multi-view deep learning model to predict the sgRNA off-target effects for target sites containing indels and mismatches. CRISPR-M takes advantage of convolutional neural networks and bidirectional long short-term memory recurrent neural networks to construct a three-branch network towards multi-views. Compared with existing methods, CRISPR-M demonstrates significant performance advantages running on real-world datasets. Furthermore, experimental analysis of CRISPR-M under multiple metrics reveals its capability to extract features and validates its superiority on sgRNA off-target effect predictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Sun
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Guo
- College of Software, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Intelligent Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Johnson CJ, Razy-Krajka F, Zeng F, Piekarz KM, Biliya S, Rothbächer U, Stolfi A. Specification of distinct cell types in a sensory-adhesive organ important for metamorphosis in tunicate larvae. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002555. [PMID: 38478577 PMCID: PMC10962819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The papillae of tunicate larvae contribute sensory, adhesive, and metamorphosis-regulating functions that are crucial for the biphasic lifestyle of these marine, non-vertebrate chordates. We have identified additional molecular markers for at least 5 distinct cell types in the papillae of the model tunicate Ciona, allowing us to further study the development of these organs. Using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis and other molecular perturbations, we reveal the roles of key transcription factors and signaling pathways that are important for patterning the papilla territory into a highly organized array of different cell types and shapes. We further test the contributions of different transcription factors and cell types to the production of the adhesive glue that allows for larval attachment during settlement, and to the processes of tail retraction and body rotation during metamorphosis. With this study, we continue working towards connecting gene regulation to cellular functions that control the developmental transition between the motile larva and sessile adult of Ciona.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Florian Razy-Krajka
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fan Zeng
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katarzyna M Piekarz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shweta Biliya
- Molecular Evolution Core, Petit H. Parker Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Giraud J, Chalopin D, Ramel E, Boyer T, Zouine A, Derieppe MA, Larmonier N, Adotevi O, Le Bail B, Blanc JF, Laurent C, Chiche L, Derive M, Nikolski M, Saleh M. THBS1 + myeloid cells expand in SLD hepatocellular carcinoma and contribute to immunosuppression and unfavorable prognosis through TREM1. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113773. [PMID: 38350444 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an inflammation-associated cancer arising from viral or non-viral etiologies including steatotic liver diseases (SLDs). Expansion of immunosuppressive myeloid cells is a hallmark of inflammation and cancer, but their heterogeneity in HCC is not fully resolved and might underlie immunotherapy resistance. Here, we present a high-resolution atlas of innate immune cells from patients with HCC that unravels an SLD-associated contexture characterized by influx of inflammatory and immunosuppressive myeloid cells, including a discrete population of THBS1+ regulatory myeloid (Mreg) cells expressing monocyte- and neutrophil-affiliated genes. THBS1+ Mreg cells expand in SLD-associated HCC, populate fibrotic lesions, and are associated with poor prognosis. THBS1+ Mreg cells are CD163+ but distinguished from macrophages by high expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), which contributes to their immunosuppressive activity and promotes HCC tumor growth in vivo. Our data support myeloid subset-targeted immunotherapies to treat HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Giraud
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Domitille Chalopin
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Eloïse Ramel
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Boyer
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Atika Zouine
- Bordeaux University, CNRS UMS3427, INSERM US05, Flow Cytometry Facility, TransBioMed Core, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nicolas Larmonier
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Adotevi
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, UMR1098, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Brigitte Le Bail
- Bordeaux University Hospital, Division of Pathology, Pellegrin Hospital, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- University of Bordeaux Hospital, Division of Gastrohepatology and Oncology, Haut Leveque Hospital, 33604 Pessac, France
| | - Christophe Laurent
- University of Bordeaux Hospital, Division of Gastrohepatology and Oncology, Haut Leveque Hospital, 33604 Pessac, France
| | - Laurence Chiche
- University of Bordeaux Hospital, Division of Gastrohepatology and Oncology, Haut Leveque Hospital, 33604 Pessac, France
| | | | - Macha Nikolski
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Maya Saleh
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Armand Frappier Health & Biotechnology (AFSB) Research Center, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Dadush A, Merdler-Rabinowicz R, Gorelik D, Feiglin A, Buchumenski I, Pal LR, Ben-Aroya S, Ruppin E, Levanon EY. DNA and RNA base editors can correct the majority of pathogenic single nucleotide variants. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:16. [PMID: 38409211 PMCID: PMC10897195 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-024-00397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of human genetic diseases are caused by single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the genome sequence. Excitingly, new genomic techniques known as base editing have opened efficient pathways to correct erroneous nucleotides. Due to reliance on deaminases, which have the capability to convert A to I(G) and C to U, the direct applicability of base editing might seem constrained in terms of the range of mutations that can be reverted. In this evaluation, we assess the potential of DNA and RNA base editing methods for treating human genetic diseases. Our findings indicate that 62% of pathogenic SNVs found within genes can be amended by base editing; 30% are G>A and T>C SNVs that can be corrected by DNA base editing, and most of them by RNA base editing as well, and 29% are C>T and A>G SNVs that can be corrected by DNA base editing directed to the complementary strand. For each, we also present several factors that affect applicability such as bystander and off-target occurrences. For cases where editing the mismatched nucleotide is not feasible, we introduce an approach that calculates the optimal substitution of the deleterious amino acid with a new amino acid, further expanding the scope of applicability. As personalized therapy is rapidly advancing, our demonstration that most SNVs can be treated by base editing is of high importance. The data provided will serve as a comprehensive resource for those seeking to design therapeutic base editors and study their potential in curing genetic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Dadush
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rona Merdler-Rabinowicz
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Gorelik
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ariel Feiglin
- Skip Therapeutics Ltd, 2 Ilan Ramon St, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | | | - Lipika R Pal
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shay Ben-Aroya
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erez Y Levanon
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- The Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Zhao L, Fang S, Ma Y, Ren J, Hao L, Wang L, Yang J, Lu X, Yang L, Wang G. Targeted genome engineering based on CRISPR/Cas9 system to enhance FVIII expression in vitro. Gene 2024; 896:148038. [PMID: 38036077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII in the body due to a defect in the F8 gene. The emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology will make it possible to alter the expression of the F8 gene in hemophiliacs, while achieving a potential cure for the disease. METHODS Initially, we identified high-activity variants of FVIII and constructed donor plasmids using enzymatic digestion and ligation techniques. Subsequently, the donor plasmids were co-transfected with sgRNA-Cas9 protein into mouse Neuro-2a cells, followed by flow cytometry-based cell sorting and puromycin selection. Finally, BDD-hF8 targeted to knock-in the mROSA26 genomic locus was identified and validated for FVIII expression. RESULTS We identified the p18T-BDD-F8-V3 variant with high FVIII activity and detected the strongest pX458-mROSA26-int1-sgRNA1 targeted cleavage ability and no cleavage events were found at potential off-target sites. Targeted knock-in of BDD-hF8 cDNA at the mROSA26 locus was achieved based on both HDR/NHEJ gene repair approaches, and high level and stable FVIII expression was obtained, successfully realizing gene editing in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Knock-in of exogenous genes based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system targeting genomic loci is promising for the research and treatment of a variety of single-gene diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Department of Hematology, Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuai Fang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; The Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanchun Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Juan Ren
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lixia Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Linhua Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Glazer AM, Yang T, Li B, Page D, Fouda M, Wada Y, Lancaster MC, O’Neill MJ, Muhammad A, Gao X, Ackerman MJ, Sanatani S, Ruben PC, Roden DM. Multifocal Ectopic Purkinje Premature Contractions due to neutralization of an SCN5A negative charge: structural insights into the gating pore hypothesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580021. [PMID: 38405820 PMCID: PMC10888965 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background We identified a novel SCN5A variant, E171Q, in a neonate with very frequent ectopy and reduced ejection fraction which normalized after arrhythmia suppression by flecainide. This clinical picture is consistent with multifocal ectopic Purkinje-related premature contractions (MEPPC). Most previous reports of MEPPC have implicated SCN5A variants such as R222Q that neutralize positive charges in the S4 voltage sensor helix of the channel protein NaV1.5 and generate a gating pore current. Methods and Results E171 is a highly conserved negatively-charged residue located in the S2 transmembrane helix of NaV1.5 domain I. E171 is a key component of the Gating Charge Transfer Center, a region thought to be critical for normal movement of the S4 voltage sensor helix. We used heterologous expression, CRISPR-edited induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), and molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that E171Q generates a gating pore current, which was suppressed by a low concentration of flecainide (IC50 = 0.71±0.07 µM). R222Q shifts voltage dependence of activation and inactivation in a negative direction but we observed positive shifts with E171Q. E171Q iPSC-CMs demonstrated abnormal spontaneous activity and prolonged action potentials. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both R222Q and E171Q proteins generate a water-filled permeation pathway that underlies generation of the gating pore current. Conclusion Previously identified MEPPC-associated variants that create gating pore currents are located in positively-charged residues in the S4 voltage sensor and generate negative shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. We demonstrate that neutralizing a negatively charged S2 helix residue in the Gating Charge Transfer Center generates positive shifts but also create a gating pore pathway. These findings implicate the gating pore pathway as the primary functional and structural determinant of MEPPC and widen the spectrum of variants that are associated with gating pore-related disease in voltage-gated ion channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Yang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bian Li
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Current address: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown NY, USA. Bian Li contributed to this article as an employee of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc
| | - Dana Page
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | - Yuko Wada
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Xiaozhi Gao
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael J. Ackerman
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Dan M. Roden
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Power KM, Nguyen KC, Silva A, Singh S, Hall DH, Rongo C, Barr MM. NEKL-4 regulates microtubule stability and mitochondrial health in C. elegans ciliated neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580304. [PMID: 38405845 PMCID: PMC10888866 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Ciliopathies are often caused by defects in the ciliary microtubule core. Glutamylation is abundant in cilia, and its dysregulation may contribute to ciliopathies and neurodegeneration. Mutation of the deglutamylase CCP1 causes infantile-onset neurodegeneration. In C. elegans, ccpp-1 loss causes age-related ciliary degradation that is suppressed by mutation in the conserved NEK10 homolog nekl-4. NEKL-4 is absent from cilia, yet negatively regulates ciliary stability via an unknown, glutamylation-independent mechanism. We show that NEKL-4 was mitochondria-associated. nekl-4 mutants had longer mitochondria, a higher baseline mitochondrial oxidation state, and suppressed ccpp-1 mutant lifespan extension in response to oxidative stress. A kinase-dead nekl-4(KD) mutant ectopically localized to ccpp-1 cilia and rescued degenerating microtubule doublet B-tubules. A nondegradable nekl-4(PESTΔ) mutant resembled the ccpp-1 mutant with dye filling defects and B-tubule breaks. The nekl-4(PESTΔ) Dyf phenotype was suppressed by mutation in the depolymerizing kinesin-8 KLP-13/KIF19A. We conclude that NEKL-4 influences ciliary stability by activating ciliary kinesins and promoting mitochondrial homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiden M Power
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Ken C Nguyen
- Center for C. elegans Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Andriele Silva
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Shaneen Singh
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - David H Hall
- Center for C. elegans Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Christopher Rongo
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Maureen M Barr
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Bischof J, Hierl M, Koller U. Emerging Gene Therapeutics for Epidermolysis Bullosa under Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2243. [PMID: 38396920 PMCID: PMC10889532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The monogenetic disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is characterised by the formation of extended blisters and lesions on the patient's skin upon minimal mechanical stress. Causal for this severe condition are genetic mutations in genes, leading to the functional impairment, reduction, or absence of the encoded protein within the skin's basement membrane zone connecting the epidermis to the underlying dermis. The major burden of affected families justifies the development of long-lasting and curative therapies operating at the genomic level. The landscape of causal therapies for EB is steadily expanding due to recent breakthroughs in the gene therapy field, providing promising outcomes for patients suffering from this severe disease. Currently, two gene therapeutic approaches show promise for EB. The clinically more advanced gene replacement strategy was successfully applied in severe EB forms, leading to a ground-breaking in vivo gene therapy product named beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) recently approved from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the continuous innovations in both designer nucleases and gene editing technologies enable the efficient and potentially safe repair of mutations in EB in a potentially permanent manner, inspiring researchers in the field to define and reach new milestones in the therapy of EB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Hierl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Pavličev M, McDonough-Goldstein CE, Zupan AM, Muglia L, Hu YC, Kong F, Monangi N, Dagdas G, Zupančič N, Maziarz J, Sinner D, Zhang G, Wagner G, Muglia L. A common allele increases endometrial Wnt4 expression, with antagonistic implications for pregnancy, reproductive cancers, and endometriosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1152. [PMID: 38346980 PMCID: PMC10861470 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The common human SNP rs3820282 is associated with multiple phenotypes including gestational length and likelihood of endometriosis and cancer, presenting a paradigmatic pleiotropic variant. Deleterious pleiotropic mutations cause the co-occurrence of disorders either within individuals, or across population. When adverse and advantageous effects are combined, pleiotropy can maintain high population frequencies of deleterious alleles. To reveal the causal molecular mechanisms of this pleiotropic SNP, we introduced this substitution into the mouse genome by CRISPR/Cas 9. Previous work showed that rs3820282 introduces a high-affinity estrogen receptor alpha-binding site at the Wnt4 locus. Here, we show that this mutation upregulates Wnt4 transcription in endometrial stroma, following the preovulatory estrogen peak. Effects on uterine transcription include downregulation of epithelial proliferation and induction of progesterone-regulated pro-implantation genes. We propose that these changes increase uterine permissiveness to embryo invasion, whereas they decrease resistance to invasion by cancer and endometriotic foci in other estrogen-responsive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Pavličev
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | - Lisa Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fansheng Kong
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gülay Dagdas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Zupančič
- University Medical Center Ljubljana, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Debora Sinner
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Günter Wagner
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Louis Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, Durham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Kiryushkin AS, Ilina EL, Kiikova TY, Pawlowski K, Demchenko KN. Do DEEPER ROOTING 1 Homologs Regulate the Lateral Root Slope Angle in Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus)? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1975. [PMID: 38396652 PMCID: PMC10888659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The architecture of the root system is fundamental to plant productivity. The rate of root growth, the density of lateral roots, and the spatial structure of lateral and adventitious roots determine the developmental plasticity of the root system in response to changes in environmental conditions. One of the genes involved in the regulation of the slope angle of lateral roots is DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1). Its orthologs and paralogs have been identified in rice, Arabidopsis, and several other species. However, nothing is known about the formation of the slope angle of lateral roots in species with the initiation of lateral root primordia within the parental root meristem. To address this knowledge gap, we identified orthologs and paralogs of the DRO1 gene in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) using a phylogenetic analysis of IGT protein family members. Differences in the transcriptional response of CsDRO1, CsDRO1-LIKE1 (CsDRO1L1), and CsDRO1-LIKE2 (CsDRO1L2) to exogenous auxin were analyzed. The results showed that only CsDRO1L1 is auxin-responsive. An analysis of promoter-reporter fusions demonstrated that the CsDRO1, CsDRO1L1, and CsDRO1L2 genes were expressed in the meristem in cell files of the central cylinder, endodermis, and cortex; the three genes displayed different expression patterns in cucumber roots with only partial overlap. A knockout of individual CsDRO1, CsDRO1L1, and CsDRO1L2 genes was performed via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Our study suggests that the knockout of individual genes does not affect the slope angle formation during lateral root primordia development in the cucumber parental root.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S. Kiryushkin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development, Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.K.); (E.L.I.)
| | - Elena L. Ilina
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development, Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.K.); (E.L.I.)
| | - Tatyana Y. Kiikova
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development, Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.K.); (E.L.I.)
| | - Katharina Pawlowski
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirill N. Demchenko
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development, Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.K.); (E.L.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Li H, Bartke R, Zhao L, Verma Y, Horacek A, Rechav Ben-Natan A, Pangilinan GR, Krishnappa N, Nielsen R, Hockemeyer D. Functional annotation of variants of the BRCA2 gene via locally haploid human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:165-176. [PMID: 37488236 PMCID: PMC10878975 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01065-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the BRCA2 gene are associated with sporadic and familial cancer, cause genomic instability and sensitize cancer cells to inhibition by the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Here we show that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with one copy of BRCA2 deleted can be used to annotate variants of this gene and to test their sensitivities to PARP inhibition. By using Cas9 to edit the functional BRCA2 allele in the locally haploid hPSCs and in fibroblasts differentiated from them, we characterized essential regions in the gene to identify permissive and loss-of-function mutations. We also used Cas9 to directly test the function of individual amino acids, including amino acids encoded by clinical BRCA2 variants of uncertain significance, and identified alleles that are sensitive to PARP inhibitors used as a standard of care in BRCA2-deficient cancers. Locally haploid human pluripotent stem cells can facilitate detailed structure-function analyses of genes and the rapid functional evaluation of clinically observed mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanqin Li
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Bartke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- Section for GeoGenetics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yogendra Verma
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anna Horacek
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alma Rechav Ben-Natan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gabriella R Pangilinan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Section for GeoGenetics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Santin A, Russo MT, de Los Ríos LM, Chiurazzi M, d'Alcalà MR, Lacombe B, Ferrante MI, Rogato A. The tonoplast localized protein PtNPF1 participates in the regulation of nitrogen response in diatoms. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:1592-1604. [PMID: 38084038 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Diatoms are a highly successful group of phytoplankton, well adapted also to oligotrophic environments and capable of handling nutrient fluctuations in the ocean, particularly nitrate. The presence of a large vacuole is an important trait contributing to their adaptive features. It confers diatoms the ability to accumulate and store nutrients, such as nitrate, when they are abundant outside and then to reallocate them into the cytosol to meet deficiencies, in a process called luxury uptake. The molecular mechanisms that regulate these nitrate fluxes are still not known in diatoms. In this work, we provide new insights into the function of Phaeodactylum tricornutum NPF1, a putative low-affinity nitrate transporter. To accomplish this, we generated overexpressing strains and CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function mutants. Microscopy observations confirmed predictions that PtNPF1 is localized on the vacuole membrane. Furthermore, functional characterizations performed on knock-out mutants revealed a transient growth delay phenotype linked to altered nitrate uptake. Together, these results allowed us to hypothesize that PtNPF1 is presumably involved in modulating intracellular nitrogen fluxes, managing intracellular nutrient availability. This ability might allow diatoms to fine-tune the assimilation, storage and reallocation of nitrate, conferring them a strong advantage in oligotrophic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Santin
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | | | - Laura Morales de Los Ríos
- Institute for Plant Science of Montpellier (IPSiM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Place Pierre Viala 2, Montpellier, 34060, France
| | - Maurizio Chiurazzi
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Benoît Lacombe
- Institute for Plant Science of Montpellier (IPSiM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Place Pierre Viala 2, Montpellier, 34060, France
| | - Maria Immacolata Ferrante
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, 80121, Italy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, 34010, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rogato
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, 80121, Italy
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, Naples, 80131, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Aoki K, Yamasaki M, Umezono R, Hamamoto T, Kamachi Y. Systematic Comparison of Computational Tools for Sanger Sequencing-Based Genome Editing Analysis. Cells 2024; 13:261. [PMID: 38334653 PMCID: PMC10854981 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful genome editing depends on the cleavage efficiency of programmable nucleases (PNs) such as the CRISPR-Cas system. Various methods have been developed to assess the efficiency of PNs, most of which estimate the occurrence of indels caused by PN-induced double-strand breaks. In these methods, PN genomic target sites are amplified through PCR, and the resulting PCR products are subsequently analyzed using Sanger sequencing, high-throughput sequencing, or mismatch detection assays. Among these methods, Sanger sequencing of PCR products followed by indel analysis using online web tools has gained popularity due to its user-friendly nature. This approach estimates indel frequencies by computationally analyzing sequencing trace data. However, the accuracy of these computational tools remains uncertain. In this study, we compared the performance of four web tools, TIDE, ICE, DECODR, and SeqScreener, using artificial sequencing templates with predetermined indels. Our results demonstrated that these tools were able to estimate indel frequency with acceptable accuracy when the indels were simple and contained only a few base changes. However, the estimated values became more variable among the tools when the sequencing templates contained more complex indels or knock-in sequences. Moreover, although these tools effectively estimated the net indel sizes, their capability to deconvolute indel sequences exhibited variability with certain limitations. These findings underscore the importance of judiciously selecting and using an appropriate tool with caution, depending on the type of genome editing being performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yusuke Kamachi
- School of Engineering Science, Kochi University of Technology, Kami 782-8502, Japan (M.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Wang H, Ai L, Xia Y, Wang G, Xiong Z, Song X. Software-based screening for efficient sgRNAs in Lactococcus lactis. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:1200-1206. [PMID: 37647419 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The two essential editing elements in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) editing system are promoter and single-guide RNA (sgRNA), the latter of which determines whether Cas protein can precisely target a specific location to edit the targeted gene. Therefore, the selection of sgRNA is crucial to the efficiency of the CRISPR editing system. Various online prediction tools for sgRNA are currently available. These tools can predict all possible sgRNAs of the targeted gene and rank sgRNAs according to certain scoring criteria according to the demands of the user. RESULTS We designed sgRNAs for Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 LLNZ_RS02020 (ldh) and LLNZ_RS10925 (upp) individually using online prediction software - CRISPOR - and successfully constructed a series of knockout strains to allow comparison of the knockout efficiency of each sgRNA and analyze the differences between software predictions and actual experimental results. CONCLUSION Our experimental results showed that the actual editing efficiency of the screened sgRNAs did not match the predicted results - a phenomenon that suggests that established findings from eukaryotic studies are not universally applicable to prokaryotes. Software prediction can still be used as a tool for the initial screening of sgRNAs before further selection of suitable sgRNAs through experimental experience. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianzhong Ai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Xia
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangqiang Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Toufikuzzaman M, Hassan Samee MA, Sohel Rahman M. CRISPR-DIPOFF: an interpretable deep learning approach for CRISPR Cas-9 off-target prediction. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbad530. [PMID: 38388680 PMCID: PMC10883906 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR Cas-9 is a groundbreaking genome-editing tool that harnesses bacterial defense systems to alter DNA sequences accurately. This innovative technology holds vast promise in multiple domains like biotechnology, agriculture and medicine. However, such power does not come without its own peril, and one such issue is the potential for unintended modifications (Off-Target), which highlights the need for accurate prediction and mitigation strategies. Though previous studies have demonstrated improvement in Off-Target prediction capability with the application of deep learning, they often struggle with the precision-recall trade-off, limiting their effectiveness and do not provide proper interpretation of the complex decision-making process of their models. To address these limitations, we have thoroughly explored deep learning networks, particularly the recurrent neural network based models, leveraging their established success in handling sequence data. Furthermore, we have employed genetic algorithm for hyperparameter tuning to optimize these models' performance. The results from our experiments demonstrate significant performance improvement compared with the current state-of-the-art in Off-Target prediction, highlighting the efficacy of our approach. Furthermore, leveraging the power of the integrated gradient method, we make an effort to interpret our models resulting in a detailed analysis and understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to Off-Target predictions, in particular the presence of two sub-regions in the seed region of single guide RNA which extends the established biological hypothesis of Off-Target effects. To the best of our knowledge, our model can be considered as the first model combining high efficacy, interpretability and a desirable balance between precision and recall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Toufikuzzaman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hassan Samee
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - M Sohel Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Yang Z, Zhang Z, Li J, Chen W, Liu C. CRISPRlnc: a machine learning method for lncRNA-specific single-guide RNA design of CRISPR/Cas9 system. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae066. [PMID: 38426328 PMCID: PMC10905519 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising RNA-guided genome editing technology, which consists of a Cas9 nuclease and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA). So far, a number of sgRNA prediction softwares have been developed. However, they were usually designed for protein-coding genes without considering that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes may have different characteristics. In this study, we first evaluated the performances of a series of known sgRNA-designing tools in the context of both coding and non-coding datasets. Meanwhile, we analyzed the underpinnings of their varied performances on the sgRNA's specificity for lncRNA including nucleic acid sequence, genome location and editing mechanism preference. Furthermore, we introduce a support vector machine-based machine learning algorithm named CRISPRlnc, which aims to model both CRISPR knock-out (CRISPRko) and CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) mechanisms to predict the on-target activity of targets. CRISPRlnc combined the paired-sgRNA design and off-target analysis to achieve one-stop design of CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs for non-coding genes. Performance comparison on multiple datasets showed that CRISPRlnc was far superior to existing methods for both CRISPRko and CRISPRi mechanisms during the lncRNA-specific sgRNA design. To maximize the availability of CRISPRlnc, we developed a web server (http://predict.crisprlnc.cc) and made it available for download on GitHub.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zitian Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Changning Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Lopes R, Prasad MK. Beyond the promise: evaluating and mitigating off-target effects in CRISPR gene editing for safer therapeutics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1339189. [PMID: 38390600 PMCID: PMC10883050 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1339189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, CRISPR has revolutionized drug development due to its potential to cure genetic diseases that currently do not have any treatment. CRISPR was adapted from bacteria for gene editing in human cells in 2012 and, remarkably, only 11 years later has seen it's very first approval as a medicine for the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. However, the application of CRISPR systems is associated with unintended off-target and on-target alterations (including small indels, and structural variations such as translocations, inversions and large deletions), which are a source of risk for patients and a vital concern for the development of safe therapies. In recent years, a wide range of methods has been developed to detect unwanted effects of CRISPR-Cas nuclease activity. In this review, we summarize the different methods for off-target assessment, discuss their strengths and limitations, and highlight strategies to improve the safety of CRISPR systems. Finally, we discuss their relevance and application for the pre-clinical risk assessment of CRISPR therapeutics within the current regulatory context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lopes
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Megana K Prasad
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Randall MP, Egolf LE, Vaksman Z, Samanta M, Tsang M, Groff D, Evans JP, Rokita JL, Layeghifard M, Shlien A, Maris JM, Diskin SJ, Bosse KR. BARD1 germline variants induce haploinsufficiency and DNA repair defects in neuroblastoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:138-148. [PMID: 37688570 PMCID: PMC10777668 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk neuroblastoma is a complex genetic disease that is lethal in more than 50% of patients despite intense multimodal therapy. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing, we have identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms and rare, pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline loss-of-function variants in BARD1 enriched in neuroblastoma patients. The functional implications of these findings remain poorly understood. METHODS We correlated BARD1 genotype with expression in normal tissues and neuroblastomas, along with the burden of DNA damage in tumors. To validate the functional consequences of germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic BARD1 variants, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate isogenic neuroblastoma (IMR-5) and control (RPE1) cellular models harboring heterozygous BARD1 loss-of-function variants (R112*, R150*, E287fs, and Q564*) and quantified genomic instability in these cells via next-generation sequencing and with functional assays measuring the efficiency of DNA repair. RESULTS Both common and rare neuroblastoma-associated BARD1 germline variants were associated with lower levels of BARD1 mRNA and an increased burden of DNA damage. Using isogenic heterozygous BARD1 loss-of-function variant cellular models, we functionally validated this association with inefficient DNA repair. BARD1 loss-of-function variant isogenic cells exhibited reduced efficiency in repairing Cas9-induced DNA damage, ineffective RAD51 focus formation at DNA double-strand break sites, and enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we demonstrate that germline BARD1 variants disrupt DNA repair fidelity. This is a fundamental molecular mechanism contributing to neuroblastoma initiation that may have important therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Randall
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura E Egolf
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zalman Vaksman
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Current affiliation: New York Genome Center, New York, NY
| | - Minu Samanta
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Tsang
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Groff
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Perry Evans
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Current affiliation: Genomics and Data Sciences, Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jo Lynne Rokita
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mehdi Layeghifard
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam Shlien
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sharon J Diskin
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kristopher R Bosse
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Dixit S, Kumar A, Srinivasan K, Vincent PMDR, Ramu Krishnan N. Advancing genome editing with artificial intelligence: opportunities, challenges, and future directions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1335901. [PMID: 38260726 PMCID: PMC10800897 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1335901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based genome editing (GED) technologies have unlocked exciting possibilities for understanding genes and improving medical treatments. On the other hand, Artificial intelligence (AI) helps genome editing achieve more precision, efficiency, and affordability in tackling various diseases, like Sickle cell anemia or Thalassemia. AI models have been in use for designing guide RNAs (gRNAs) for CRISPR-Cas systems. Tools like DeepCRISPR, CRISTA, and DeepHF have the capability to predict optimal guide RNAs (gRNAs) for a specified target sequence. These predictions take into account multiple factors, including genomic context, Cas protein type, desired mutation type, on-target/off-target scores, potential off-target sites, and the potential impacts of genome editing on gene function and cell phenotype. These models aid in optimizing different genome editing technologies, such as base, prime, and epigenome editing, which are advanced techniques to introduce precise and programmable changes to DNA sequences without relying on the homology-directed repair pathway or donor DNA templates. Furthermore, AI, in collaboration with genome editing and precision medicine, enables personalized treatments based on genetic profiles. AI analyzes patients' genomic data to identify mutations, variations, and biomarkers associated with different diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. However, several challenges persist, including high costs, off-target editing, suitable delivery methods for CRISPR cargoes, improving editing efficiency, and ensuring safety in clinical applications. This review explores AI's contribution to improving CRISPR-based genome editing technologies and addresses existing challenges. It also discusses potential areas for future research in AI-driven CRISPR-based genome editing technologies. The integration of AI and genome editing opens up new possibilities for genetics, biomedicine, and healthcare, with significant implications for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shriniket Dixit
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Anant Kumar
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Kathiravan Srinivasan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - P. M. Durai Raj Vincent
- School of Computer Science Engineering and Information Systems, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Nadesh Ramu Krishnan
- School of Computer Science Engineering and Information Systems, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Feng C, Song C, Song S, Zhang G, Yin M, Zhang Y, Qian F, Wang Q, Guo M, Li C. KnockTF 2.0: a comprehensive gene expression profile database with knockdown/knockout of transcription (co-)factors in multiple species. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D183-D193. [PMID: 37956336 PMCID: PMC10767813 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs), transcription co-factors (TcoFs) and their target genes perform essential functions in diseases and biological processes. KnockTF 2.0 (http://www.licpathway.net/KnockTF/index.html) aims to provide comprehensive gene expression profile datasets before/after T(co)F knockdown/knockout across multiple tissue/cell types of different species. Compared with KnockTF 1.0, KnockTF 2.0 has the following improvements: (i) Newly added T(co)F knockdown/knockout datasets in mice, Arabidopsis thaliana and Zea mays and also an expanded scale of datasets in humans. Currently, KnockTF 2.0 stores 1468 manually curated RNA-seq and microarray datasets associated with 612 TFs and 172 TcoFs disrupted by different knockdown/knockout techniques, which are 2.5 times larger than those of KnockTF 1.0. (ii) Newly added (epi)genetic annotations for T(co)F target genes in humans and mice, such as super-enhancers, common SNPs, methylation sites and chromatin interactions. (iii) Newly embedded and updated search and analysis tools, including T(co)F Enrichment (GSEA), Pathway Downstream Analysis and Search by Target Gene (BLAST). KnockTF 2.0 is a comprehensive update of KnockTF 1.0, which provides more T(co)F knockdown/knockout datasets and (epi)genetic annotations across multiple species than KnockTF 1.0. KnockTF 2.0 facilitates not only the identification of functional T(co)Fs and target genes but also the investigation of their roles in the physiological and pathological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Feng
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention & School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Chao Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuang Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Guorui Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Mingxue Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yuexin Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fengcui Qian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiuyu Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention & School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Maozu Guo
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Chunquan Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention & School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics And Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Kajuluri LP, Lyu QR, Doja J, Kumar A, Wilson MP, Sgrizzi SR, Rezaeimanesh E, Miano JM, Morgan KG. Calponin 1 inhibits agonist-induced ERK activation and decreases calcium sensitization in vascular smooth muscle. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18025. [PMID: 38147352 PMCID: PMC10805486 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction and vascular tone are modulated by phosphorylation and multiple modifications of the thick filament, and thin filament regulation of SMC contraction has been reported to involve extracellular regulated kinase (ERK). Previous studies in ferrets suggest that the actin-binding protein, calponin 1 (CNN1), acts as a scaffold linking protein kinase C (PKC), Raf, MEK and ERK, promoting PKC-dependent ERK activation. To gain further insight into this function of CNN1 in ERK activation and the regulation of SMC contractility in mice, we generated a novel Calponin 1 knockout mouse (Cnn1 KO) by a single base substitution in an intronic CArG box that preferentially abolishes expression of CNN1 in vascular SMCs. Using this new Cnn1 KO mouse, we show that ablation of CNN1 has two effects, depending on the cytosolic free calcium level: (1) in the presence of elevated intracellular calcium caused by agonist stimulation, Cnn1 KO mice display a reduced amplitude of stress and stiffness but an increase in agonist-induced ERK activation; and (2) during intracellular calcium depletion, in the presence of an agonist, Cnn1 KO mice exhibit increased duration of SM tone maintenance. Together, these results suggest that CNN1 plays an important and complex modulatory role in SMC contractile tone amplitude and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lova Prasadareddy Kajuluri
- Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalCharlestownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Qing Rex Lyu
- Vascular Biology CenterMedical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
- Medical Research CenterChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
| | - Jaser Doja
- Vascular Biology CenterMedical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Vascular Biology CenterMedical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Samantha R. Sgrizzi
- Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elika Rezaeimanesh
- Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Vascular Biology CenterMedical College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Kathleen G. Morgan
- Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Jia Y, Zhao H, Niu Y, Wang Y. Long noncoding RNA from Betula platyphylla, BplncSIR1, confers salt tolerance by regulating BpNAC2 to mediate reactive oxygen species scavenging and stomatal movement. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:48-65. [PMID: 37697445 PMCID: PMC10754008 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in abiotic stress tolerance. However, their function in conferring abiotic stress tolerance is still unclear. Herein, we characterized the function of a salt-responsive nuclear lncRNA (BplncSIR1) from Betula platyphylla (birch). Birch plants overexpressing and knocking out for BplncSIR1 were generated. BplncSIR1 was found to improve salt tolerance by inducing antioxidant activity and stomatal closure, and also accelerate plant growth. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) combined with RNA sequencing indicated that BplncSIR1 binds to the promoter of BpNAC2 (encoding NAC domain-containing protein 2) to activate its expression. Plants overexpressing and knocking out for BpNAC2 were generated. Consistent with that of BplncSIR1, overexpression of BpNAC2 also accelerated plant growth and conferred salt tolerance. In addition, BpNAC2 binds to different cis-acting elements, such as G-box and 'CCAAT' sequences, to regulate the genes involved in salt tolerance, resulting in reduced ROS accumulation and decreased water loss rate by stomatal closure. Taken together, BplncSIR1 serves as the regulator of BpNAC2 to induce its expression in response to salt stress, and activated BpNAC2 accelerates plant growth and improves salt tolerance. Therefore, BplncSIR1 might be a candidate gene for molecular breeding to cultivate plants with both a high growth rate and improved salt tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and BreedingNortheast Forestry UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Huimin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and BreedingNortheast Forestry UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yani Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and BreedingNortheast Forestry UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yucheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and BreedingNortheast Forestry UniversityHarbinChina
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Cao K, Wang R, Li L, Liao Y, Hu X, Li R, Liu X, Xiong XD, Wang Y, Liu X. Targeting DDX11 promotes PARP inhibitor sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma by attenuating BRCA2-RAD51 mediated homologous recombination. Oncogene 2024; 43:35-46. [PMID: 38007537 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway of clinical interest because of treatment with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Cooperation between RAD51 and BRCA2 is pivotal for DNA DSB repair, and its dysfunction induces HR deficiency and sensitizes cancer cells to PARPi. The depletion of the DEAD-box protein DDX11 was found to suppress HR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The HR ability of HCC cells is not always dependent on the DDX11 level because of natural DDX11 mutations. In Huh7 cells, natural DDX11 mutations were detected, increasing the susceptibility of Huh7 cells to olaparib in vitro and in vivo. The HR deficiency of Huh7 cells was restored when CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in genomic editing was used to revert the DDX11 Q238H mutation to wild type. The DDX11 Q238H mutation impeded the phosphorylation of DDX11 by ATM at serine 237, preventing the recruitment of RAD51 to damaged DNA sites by disrupting the interaction between RAD51 and BRCA2. Clinically, a high level of DDX11 correlated with advanced clinical characteristics and a poor prognosis and served as an independent risk factor for overall and disease-free survival in patients with HCC. We propose that HCC with a high level of wild-type DDX11 tends to be more resistant to PARPi because of enhanced recombination repair, and the key mutation of DDX11 (Q238H) is potentially exploitable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Ruonan Wang
- Scientific Research Platform Service Management Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Lianhai Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yuting Liao
- Department of Radiotherapy, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, 510016, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Ruixue Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Xiuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Xing-Dong Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Yanjie Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Xinguang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Saini H, Thakur R, Gill R, Tyagi K, Goswami M. CRISPR/Cas9-gene editing approaches in plant breeding. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-17. [PMID: 37725519 PMCID: PMC10512805 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2256930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system is recently developed robust genome editing technology for accelerating plant breeding. Various modifications of this editing system have been established for adaptability in plant varieties as well as for its improved efficiency and portability. This review provides an in-depth look at the various strategies for synthesizing gRNAs for efficient delivery in plant cells, including chemical synthesis and in vitro transcription. It also covers traditional analytical tools and emerging developments in detection methods to analyze CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutation in plant breeding. Additionally, the review outlines the various analytical tools which are used to detect and analyze CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutations, such as next-generation sequencing, restriction enzyme analysis, and southern blotting. Finally, the review discusses emerging detection methods, including digital PCR and qPCR. Hence, CRISPR/Cas9 has great potential for transforming agriculture and opening avenues for new advancements in the system for gene editing in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Saini
- School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
- School of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Himgiri Zee University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajneesh Thakur
- Department of Plant Pathology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rubina Gill
- Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely professional university, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Kalpana Tyagi
- Division of Genetics and Tree Improvement, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manika Goswami
- Department of Fruit Science, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Punetha M, Kumar D, Saini S, Chaudhary S, Bajwa KK, Sharma S, Mangal M, Yadav PS, Green JA, Whitworth K, Datta TK. Optimising Electroporation Condition for CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Knockout in Zona-Intact Buffalo Zygotes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:134. [PMID: 38200865 PMCID: PMC10778295 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer or cytoplasm microinjection has widely been used to produce genome-edited farm animals; however, these methods have several drawbacks which reduce their efficiency. In the present study, we describe an easy adaptable approach for the introduction of mutations using CRISPR-Cas9 electroporation of zygote (CRISPR-EP) in buffalo. The goal of the study was to determine the optimal conditions for an experimental method in which the CRISPR/Cas9 system is introduced into in vitro-produced buffalo zygotes by electroporation. Electroporation was performed using different combinations of voltage, pulse and time, and we observed that the electroporation in buffalo zygote at 20 V/mm, 5 pulses, 3 msec at 10 h post insemination (hpi) resulted in increased membrane permeability and higher knockout efficiency without altering embryonic developmental potential. Using the above parameters, we targeted buffalo POU5F1 gene as a proof of concept and found no variations in embryonic developmental competence at cleavage or blastocyst formation rate between control, POU5F1-KO, and electroporated control (EC) embryos. To elucidate the effect of POU5F1-KO on other pluripotent genes, we determined the relative expression of SOX2, NANOG, and GATA2 in the control (POU5F1 intact) and POU5F1-KO-confirmed blastocyst. POU5F1-KO significantly (p ≤ 0.05) altered the expression of SOX2, NANOG, and GATA2 in blastocyst stage embryos. In conclusion, we standardized an easy and straightforward protocol CRISPR-EP method that could be served as a useful method for studying the functional genomics of buffalo embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meeti Punetha
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Kamlesh Kumari Bajwa
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Surabhi Sharma
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Manu Mangal
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Prem S. Yadav
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Jonathan A. Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Datta
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Joehnk B, Ali N, Voorhies M, Walcott K, Sil A. Recyclable CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene disruption and deletions in Histoplasma. mSphere 2023; 8:e0037023. [PMID: 37819140 PMCID: PMC10732100 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00370-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Histoplasma is a primary fungal pathogen with the ability to infect otherwise healthy mammalian hosts, causing systemic and sometimes life-threatening disease. Thus far, molecular genetic manipulation of this organism has utilized RNA interference, random insertional mutagenesis, and a homologous recombination protocol that is highly variable and often inefficient. Targeted gene manipulations have been challenging due to poor rates of homologous recombination events in Histoplasma. Interrogation of the virulence strategies of this organism would be highly accelerated by a means of efficiently generating targeted mutations. We have developed a recyclable CRISPR/Cas9 system that can be used to introduce gene disruptions in Histoplasma with high efficiency, thereby allowing disruption of multiple genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Joehnk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nebat Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark Voorhies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Keith Walcott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anita Sil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Gounou C, Rouyer L, Siegfried G, Harté E, Bouvet F, d'Agata L, Darbo E, Lefeuvre M, Derieppe MA, Bouton L, Mélane M, Chapeau D, Martineau J, Prouzet-Mauleon V, Tan S, Souleyreau W, Saltel F, Argoul F, Khatib AM, Brisson AR, Iggo R, Bouter A. Inhibition of the membrane repair protein annexin-A2 prevents tumor invasion and metastasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:7. [PMID: 38092984 PMCID: PMC10719157 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are exposed to major compressive and shearing forces during invasion and metastasis, leading to extensive plasma membrane damage. To survive this mechanical stress, they need to repair membrane injury efficiently. Targeting the membrane repair machinery is thus potentially a new way to prevent invasion and metastasis. We show here that annexin-A2 (ANXA2) is required for membrane repair in invasive breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show by fluorescence and electron microscopy that cells fail to reseal shear-stress damaged membrane when ANXA2 is silenced or the protein is inhibited with neutralizing antibody. Silencing of ANXA2 has no effect on proliferation in vitro, and may even accelerate migration in wound healing assays, but reduces tumor cell dissemination in both mice and zebrafish. We expect that inhibiting membrane repair will be particularly effective in aggressive, poor prognosis tumors because they rely on the membrane repair machinery to survive membrane damage during tumor invasion and metastasis. This could be achieved either with anti-ANXA2 antibodies, which have been shown to inhibit metastasis of breast and pancreatic cancer cells, or with small molecule drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gounou
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - L Rouyer
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - G Siegfried
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- XenoFish, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - E Harté
- CNRS, LOMA, UMR 5798, University of Bordeaux, 33400, Talence, France
| | - F Bouvet
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - L d'Agata
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - E Darbo
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Lefeuvre
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - M A Derieppe
- Animalerie Mutualisée, Service Commun des Animaleries, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - L Bouton
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Mélane
- CNRS, LOMA, UMR 5798, University of Bordeaux, 33400, Talence, France
| | - D Chapeau
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - J Martineau
- Animalerie Mutualisée, Service Commun des Animaleries, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Prouzet-Mauleon
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- CRISPRedit, TBMcore, UAR CNRS 3427, Inserm US 005, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Tan
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - W Souleyreau
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Saltel
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Argoul
- CNRS, LOMA, UMR 5798, University of Bordeaux, 33400, Talence, France
| | - A M Khatib
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- XenoFish, B2 Ouest, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire CS50023, 33615, Pessac, France
- Bergonié Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - A R Brisson
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - R Iggo
- INSERM, BRIC, U 1312, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - A Bouter
- CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, University of Bordeaux, Bât. B14, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600, Pessac, France.
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Popsuj S, Di Gregorio A, Swalla BJ, Stolfi A. Loss of collagen gene expression in the notochord of the tailless tunicate Molgula occulta. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:990-998. [PMID: 37403333 PMCID: PMC10714901 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In tunicates, several species in the Molgulidae family have convergently lost the tailed, swimming larval body plan, including the morphogenesis of the notochord, a major chordate-defining trait. Through the comparison of tailless M. occulta and a close relative, the tailed species M. oculata, we show that notochord-specific expression of the Collagen Type I/II Alpha (Col1/2a) gene appears to have been lost specifically in the tailless species. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in the tailed laboratory model tunicate Ciona robusta, we demonstrate that Col1/2a plays a crucial role in the convergent extension of notochord cells during tail elongation. Our results suggest that the expression of Col1/2a in the notochord, although necessary for its morphogenesis in tailed species, is dispensable for tailless species. This loss is likely a result of the accumulation of cis-regulatory mutations in the absence of purifying selective pressure. More importantly, the gene itself is not lost, likely due to its roles in other developmental processes, including during the adult stage. Our study further confirms the Molgulidae as an interesting family in which to study the evolutionary loss of tissue-specific expression of indispensable genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Popsuj
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Anna Di Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Billie J Swalla
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Zhong Z, Li Z, Yang J, Wang Q. Unified Model to Predict gRNA Efficiency across Diverse Cell Lines and CRISPR-Cas9 Systems. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7320-7329. [PMID: 37983481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Computationally predicting the efficiency of a guide RNA (gRNA) from its sequence is crucial to designing the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Currently, machine learning (ML)-based models are widely used for such predictions. However, these ML models often show performance imbalance when applied to multiple data sets from diverse sources, hindering the practical utilization of these tools. To address this issue, we propose a Michaelis-Menten theoretical framework that integrates information from multiple data sets. We demonstrate that the binding free energy can serve as a useful invariant that bridges the data from different experimental setups. Building upon this framework, we develop a new ML model called Uni-deepSG. This model exhibits broad applicability on 27 data sets with different cell types, Cas9 variants, and gRNA designs. Our work confirms the existence of a generalized model for predicting gRNA efficiency and lays the theoretical groundwork necessary to finalize such a model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Zhong
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Zeying Li
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Pode-Shakked N, Slack M, Sundaram N, Schreiber R, McCracken KW, Dekel B, Helmrath M, Kopan R. RAAS-deficient organoids indicate delayed angiogenesis as a possible cause for autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8159. [PMID: 38071212 PMCID: PMC10710424 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Recessive Renal Tubular Dysgenesis (AR-RTD) is a fatal genetic disorder characterized by complete absence or severe depletion of proximal tubules (PT) in patients harboring pathogenic variants in genes involved in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. To uncover the pathomechanism of AR-RTD, differentiation of ACE-/- and AGTR1-/- induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and AR-RTD patient-derived iPSCs into kidney organoids is leveraged. Comprehensive marker analyses show that both mutant and control organoids generate indistinguishable PT in vitro under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) conditions. Fully differentiated (d24) AGTR1-/- and control organoids transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice engraft and mature well, as do renal vesicle stage (d14) control organoids. By contrast, d14 AGTR1-/- organoids fail to engraft due to insufficient pro-angiogenic VEGF-A expression. Notably, growth under hypoxic conditions induces VEGF-A expression and rescues engraftment of AGTR1-/- organoids at d14, as does ectopic expression of VEGF-A. We propose that PT dysgenesis in AR-RTD is primarily a non-autonomous consequence of delayed angiogenesis, starving PT at a critical time in their development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Pode-Shakked
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Megan Slack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Nambirajan Sundaram
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ruth Schreiber
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kyle W McCracken
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Benjamin Dekel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute and division of pediatric nephrology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Michael Helmrath
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Raphael Kopan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Shridhar P, Glennon MS, Pal S, Waldron CJ, Chetkof EJ, Basak P, Clavere NG, Banerjee D, Gingras S, Becker JR. MDM2 Regulation of HIF Signaling Causes Microvascular Dysfunction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Circulation 2023; 148:1870-1886. [PMID: 37886847 PMCID: PMC10691664 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microvasculature dysfunction is a common finding in pathologic remodeling of the heart and is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disease caused by sarcomere gene mutations. We hypothesized that microvascular dysfunction in HCM was secondary to abnormal microvascular growth and could occur independent of ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS We used multimodality imaging methods to track the temporality of microvascular dysfunction in HCM mouse models harboring mutations in the sarcomere genes Mybpc3 (cardiac myosin binding protein C3) or Myh6 (myosin heavy chain 6). We performed complementary molecular methods to assess protein quantity, interactions, and post-translational modifications to identify mechanisms regulating this response. We manipulated select molecular pathways in vivo using both genetic and pharmacological methods to validate these mechanisms. RESULTS We found that microvascular dysfunction in our HCM models occurred secondary to reduced myocardial capillary growth during the early postnatal time period and could occur before the onset of myocardial hypertrophy. We discovered that the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase MDM2 (murine double minute 2) dynamically regulates the protein stability of both HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha) and HIF2α (hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha)/EPAS1 (endothelial PAS domain protein 1) through canonical and noncanonical mechanisms. The resulting HIF imbalance leads to reduced proangiogenic gene expression during a key period of myocardial capillary growth. Reducing MDM2 protein levels by genetic or pharmacological methods normalized HIF protein levels and prevented the development of microvascular dysfunction in both HCM models. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that sarcomere mutations induce cardiomyocyte MDM2 signaling during the earliest stages of disease, and this leads to long-term changes in the myocardial microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puneeth Shridhar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA (P.S., J.R.B.)
| | - Michael S. Glennon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Soumojit Pal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Christina J. Waldron
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Ethan J. Chetkof
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Payel Basak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Nicolas G. Clavere
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Dipanjan Banerjee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Sebastien Gingras
- Department of Immunology (S.G.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Jason R. Becker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute (P.S., M.S.G., S.P., C.J.W., E.J.C., P.B., N.C.G., D.B., J.R.B.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA (P.S., J.R.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Kharbikar L, Konwarh R, Chakraborty M, Nandanwar S, Marathe A, Yele Y, Ghosh PK, Sanan-Mishra N, Singh AP. 3Bs of CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing in plants: exploring the basics, bioinformatics and biosafety landscape. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1825-1850. [PMID: 38222286 PMCID: PMC10784264 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The recent thrust in research has projected the type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system as an avant-garde plant genome editing tool. It facilitates the induction of site-specific double-stranded DNA cleavage by the RNA-guided DNA endonuclease (RGEN), Cas9. Elimination, addition, or alteration of sections in DNA sequence besides the creation of a knockout genotype (CRISPRko) is aided by the CRISPR-Cas9 system in its wild form (wtCas9). The inactivation of the nuclease domain generates a dead Cas9 (dCas9), which is capable of targeting genomic DNA without scissoring it. The dCas9 system can be engineered by fusing it with different effectors to facilitate transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) and transcriptional interference (CRISPRi). CRISPR-Cas thus holds tremendous prospects as a genome-manipulating stratagem for a wide gamut of crops. In this article, we present a brief on the fundamentals and the general workflow of the CRISPR-Cas system followed by an overview of the prospects of bioinformatics in propelling CRISPR-Cas research with a special thrust on the available databases and algorithms/web-accessible applications that have aided in increasing the usage and efficiency of editing. The article also provides an update on the current regulatory landscape in different countries on the CRISPR-Cas edited plants to emphasize the far-reaching impact of the genomic editing technology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01397-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kharbikar
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Rocktotpal Konwarh
- Department of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Baba Kinaram Research Foundation (BKRF), Bramsthan, Mau, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Monoswi Chakraborty
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Biotech Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Shweta Nandanwar
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Ashish Marathe
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Yogesh Yele
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Probir Kumar Ghosh
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Anand Pratap Singh
- Baba Kinaram Research Foundation (BKRF), Bramsthan, Mau, Uttar Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Tiyaboonchai A, Wakefield L, Vonada A, May CL, Dorrell C, Enicks D, Sairavi A, Kaestner KH, Grompe M. In vivo tracing of the Cytokeratin 14 lineages using self-cleaving guide RNAs and CRISPR/Cas9. Dev Biol 2023; 504:120-127. [PMID: 37813160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The current gold-standard for genetic lineage tracing in transgenic mice is based on cell-type specific expression of Cre recombinase. As an alternative, we developed a cell-type specific CRISPR/spCas9 system for lineage tracing. This method relies on RNA polymerase II promoter driven self-cleaving guide RNAs (scgRNA) to achieve tissue-specificity. To demonstrate proof-of-principle for this approach a transgenic mouse was generated harbouring a knock-in of a scgRNA into the Cytokeratin 14 (Krt14) locus. Krt14 expression marks the stem cells of squamous epithelium in the skin and oral mucosa. The scgRNA targets a Stop cassette preceding a fluorescent reporter in the Ai9-tdtomato mouse. Ai9-tdtomato reporter mice harbouring this allele along with a spCas9 transgene demonstrated precise marking of the Krt14 lineage. We conclude that RNA polymerase II promoter driven scgRNAs enable the use of CRISPR/spCas9 for genetic lineage tracing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amita Tiyaboonchai
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Leslie Wakefield
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anne Vonada
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Catherine L May
- Institute of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Craig Dorrell
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - David Enicks
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anusha Sairavi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Institute of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Namous H, Strillacci MG, Braz CU, Shanmuganayagam D, Krueger C, Peppas A, Soffregen WC, Reed J, Granada JF, Khatib H. ITGB2 is a central hub-gene associated with inflammation and early fibro-atheroma development in a swine model of atherosclerosis. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2023; 54:30-41. [PMID: 38116576 PMCID: PMC10728570 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim The complex dynamic interplay between different biological pathways involved in atherosclerosis development has rendered the identification of specific therapeutic targets a challenging quest. We aimed to identify specific genes and mechanistic pathways associated with the early development of fibro-atheromas in a swine model of atherosclerosis. Methods The Wisconsin Miniature Swine™ model of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (WMS-FH, n = 11) and genetically related WMS controls (WMS-N, n = 11) were used. The infrarenal aorta was harvested from both groups for histopathologic and transcriptomic profiling at 12 months. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify hub genes and pathways central to disease pathophysiology. The expression of ITGB2, the top ranked hub gene, was manipulated in cell culture and the expression of interconnected genes was tested. Results Fibro-atheromatous lesions were documented in all WMS-FH aortic tissues and displayed internal elastic lamina (IEL) disruption, significant reduction of myofibroblast presence and disorganized collagen deposition. No fibro-atheromas were observed in the control group. A total of 266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in WMS-FH aortic tissues, while 29 genes were downregulated. Top identified hub genes included ITGB2, C1QA, LCP2, SPI1, CSF1R, C5AR1, CTSS, MPEG1, C1QC, and CSF2RB. Overexpression of ITGB2 resulted in elevated expression of other interconnected genes expressed in porcine endothelial cells. Conclusion In a swine translational model of atherosclerosis, transcriptomic analysis identified ITGB2 as a central hub gene associated inflammation and early fibroatheroma development making it a potential therapeutic target at this stage of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadjer Namous
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences – University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Camila Urbano Braz
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences – University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Christian Krueger
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences – University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, USA
| | - Athanasios Peppas
- Skirball Center for Innovation, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - William C. Soffregen
- Northstar Preclinical and Pathology Services, LLC and Skirball Center for Innovation, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jess Reed
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences – University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, USA
| | - Juan F. Granada
- Skirball Center for Innovation, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hasan Khatib
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences – University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Loh L, Orlicky D, Spengler A, Levens C, Celli S, Domenico J, Klarquist J, Onyiah J, Matsuda J, Kuhn K, Gapin L. MAIT cells drive chronic inflammation in a genetically diverse murine model of spontaneous colitis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569225. [PMID: 38076996 PMCID: PMC10705467 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
Background & aims Lymphocytes that produce IL-17 can confer protective immunity during infections by pathogens, yet their involvement in inflammatory diseases is a subject of debate. Although these cells may perpetuate inflammation, resulting in tissue damage, they are also capable of contributing directly or indirectly to tissue repair, thus necessitating more detailed investigation. Mucosal-Associated-Invariant-T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells, acquiring a type III phenotype in the thymus. Here, we dissected the role of MAIT cells in vivo using a spontaneous colitis model in a genetically diverse mouse strain. Methods Multiparameter spectral flow cytometry and scRNAseq were used to characterize MAIT and immune cell dynamics and transcriptomic signatures respectively, in the collaborative-cross strain, CC011/Unc and CC011/Unc- Traj33 -/- . Results In contrast to many conventional mouse laboratory strains, the CC011 strain harbors a high baseline population of MAIT cells. We observed an age-related increase in colonic MAIT cells, Th17 cells, regulatory T cells, and neutrophils, which paralleled the development of spontaneous colitis. This progression manifested histological traits reminiscent of human IBD. The transcriptomic analysis of colonic MAIT cells from CC011 revealed an activation profile consistent with an inflammatory milieu, marked by an enhanced type-III response. Notably, IL-17A was abundantly secreted by MAIT cells in the colons of afflicted mice. Conversely, in the MAIT cell-deficient CC011-Traj33-/- mice, there was a notable absence of significant colonic histopathology. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase staining indicated a substantial decrease in colonic neutrophils. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MAIT cells play a pivotal role in modulating the severity of intestinal pathology, potentially orchestrating the inflammatory process by driving the accumulation of neutrophils within the colonic environment.
Collapse
|