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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.
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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
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52
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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.
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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
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53
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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.
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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.
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54
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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.
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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.
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55
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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.
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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.
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56
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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.
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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
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57
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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.
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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
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58
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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
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60
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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.
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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.)
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61
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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.
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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.
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62
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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.
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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
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63
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yusuke Kamachi
- School of Engineering Science, Kochi University of Technology, Kami 782-8502, Japan (M.Y.)
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64
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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.
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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
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65
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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.
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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
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66
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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.
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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
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67
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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.
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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
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68
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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.
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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
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69
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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.
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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
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70
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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72
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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.
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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
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73
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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.
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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.
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74
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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.
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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
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75
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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.
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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
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76
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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.
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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
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77
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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.
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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.
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78
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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.
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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
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79
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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
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83
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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.
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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
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84
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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.
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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
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85
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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.
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86
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Danyukova T, Alimy AR, Velho RV, Yorgan TA, Di Lorenzo G, von Kroge S, Tidow H, Wiegert JS, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Schinke T, Rolvien T, Pohl S. Mice heterozygous for an osteogenesis imperfecta-linked MBTPS2 variant display a compromised subchondral osteocyte lacunocanalicular network associated with abnormal articular cartilage. Bone 2023; 177:116927. [PMID: 37797712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2023.116927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Missense variants in the MBTPS2 gene, located on the X chromosome, have been associated with an X-linked recessive form of osteogenesis imperfecta (X-OI), an inherited bone dysplasia characterized by multiple and recurrent bone fractures, short stature, and various skeletal deformities in affected individuals. The role of site-2 protease, encoded by MBTPS2, and the molecular pathomechanism underlying the disease are to date elusive. This study is the first to report on the generation of two Mbtps2 mouse models, a knock-in mouse carrying one of the disease-causative MBTPS2 variants (N455S) and a Mbtps2 knock-out (ko) mouse. Because both loss-of-function variants lead to embryonic lethality in hemizygous male mutant mice, we performed a comprehensive skeletal analysis of heterozygous Mbtps2+/N455S and Mbtps2+/ko female mice. Both models displayed osteochondral abnormalities such as thinned subchondral bone, altered subchondral osteocyte interconnectivity as well as thickened articular cartilage with chondrocyte clustering, altogether resembling an early osteoarthritis (OA) phenotype. However, distant from the joints, no alterations in the bone mass and turnover could be detected in either of the mutant mice. Based on our findings we conclude that MBTPS2 haploinsufficiency results in early OA-like alterations in the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone, which likely precede the development of typical OI phenotype in bone. Our study provides first evidence for a potential role of site-2 protease for maintaining homeostasis of both bone and cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Danyukova
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Assil-Ramin Alimy
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Renata Voltolini Velho
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Timur A Yorgan
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Giorgia Di Lorenzo
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Simon von Kroge
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Tidow
- The Hamburg Advanced Research Center for Bioorganic Chemistry (HARBOR), Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - J Simon Wiegert
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schinke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tim Rolvien
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sandra Pohl
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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De Franco E, Owens NDL, Montaser H, Wakeling MN, Saarimäki-Vire J, Triantou A, Ibrahim H, Balboa D, Caswell RC, Jennings RE, Kvist JA, Johnson MB, Muralidharan S, Ellard S, Wright CF, Maddirevula S, Alkuraya FS, Hanley NA, Flanagan SE, Otonkoski T, Hattersley AT, Imbeault M. Primate-specific ZNF808 is essential for pancreatic development in humans. Nat Genet 2023; 55:2075-2081. [PMID: 37973953 PMCID: PMC10703691 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying genes linked to extreme phenotypes in humans has the potential to highlight biological processes not shared with all other mammals. Here, we report the identification of homozygous loss-of-function variants in the primate-specific gene ZNF808 as a cause of pancreatic agenesis. ZNF808 is a member of the KRAB zinc finger protein family, a large and rapidly evolving group of epigenetic silencers which target transposable elements. We show that loss of ZNF808 in vitro results in aberrant activation of regulatory potential contained in the primate-specific transposable elements it represses during early pancreas development. This leads to inappropriate specification of cell fate with induction of genes associated with liver identity. Our results highlight the essential role of ZNF808 in pancreatic development in humans and the contribution of primate-specific regions of the human genome to congenital developmental disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa De Franco
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Nick D L Owens
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Hossam Montaser
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matthew N Wakeling
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Jonna Saarimäki-Vire
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Athina Triantou
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hazem Ibrahim
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diego Balboa
- Regulatory Genomics and Diabetes, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard C Caswell
- Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachel E Jennings
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Endocrinology Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jouni A Kvist
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matthew B Johnson
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Sachin Muralidharan
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sian Ellard
- Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Caroline F Wright
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neil A Hanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Endocrinology Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah E Flanagan
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Timo Otonkoski
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Andrew T Hattersley
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exeter, UK.
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88
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Thaller AL, Jönsson F, Fiquet O, Marie S, Doisne JM, Girelli-Zubani G, Eri T, Fernandes P, Tatirovsky E, Langa-Vives F, Bruhns P, Strick-Marchand H, Di Santo JP. A human immune system (HIS) mouse model that dissociates roles for mouse and human FcR + cells during antibody-mediated immune responses. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350454. [PMID: 37621208 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Human immune system (HIS) mice provide a model to study human immune responses in vivo. Currently available HIS mouse models may harbor mouse Fc Receptor (FcR)-expressing cells that exert potent effector functions following administration of human Ig. Previous studies showed that the ablation of the murine FcR gamma chain (FcR-γ) results in loss of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis in vivo. We created a new FcR-γ-deficient HIS mouse model to compare host (mouse) versus graft (human) effects underlying antibody-mediated immune responses in vivo. FcR-γ-deficient HIS recipients lack expression and function of mouse activating FcRs and can be stably and robustly reconstituted with human immune cells. By screening blood B-cell depletion by rituximab Ig variants, we found that human FcγRs-mediated IgG1 effects, whereas mouse activating FcγRs were dominant in IgG4 effects. Complement played a role as an IgG1 variant (IgG1 K322A) lacking complement binding activity was largely ineffective. Finally, we provide evidence that FcγRIIIA on human NK cells could mediate complement-independent B-cell depletion by IgG1 K322A. We anticipate that our FcR-γ-deficient HIS model will help clarify mechanisms of action of exogenous administered human antibodies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Louisa Thaller
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Friederike Jönsson
- Institut Pasteur, Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1222, Paris, France
| | - Oriane Fiquet
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Solenne Marie
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Doisne
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Girelli-Zubani
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Toshiki Eri
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Priyanka Fernandes
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Evgeny Tatirovsky
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - Francina Langa-Vives
- Institut Pasteur, Mouse Genetics Engineering Platform, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bruhns
- Institut Pasteur, Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1222, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Strick-Marchand
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
| | - James P Di Santo
- Institut Pasteur, Innate Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1223, Paris, France
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89
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Zhang Z, Lamson AR, Shelley M, Troyanskaya O. Interpretable neural architecture search and transfer learning for understanding CRISPR-Cas9 off-target enzymatic reactions. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 3:1056-1066. [PMID: 38177723 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-023-00569-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Finely tuned enzymatic pathways control cellular processes, and their dysregulation can lead to disease. Developing predictive and interpretable models for these pathways is challenging because of the complexity of the pathways and of the cellular and genomic contexts. Here we introduce Elektrum, a deep learning framework that addresses these challenges with data-driven and biophysically interpretable models for determining the kinetics of biochemical systems. First, it uses in vitro kinetic assays to rapidly hypothesize an ensemble of high-quality kinetically interpretable neural networks (KINNs) that predict reaction rates. It then employs a transfer learning step, where the KINNs are inserted as intermediary layers into deeper convolutional neural networks, fine-tuning the predictions for reaction-dependent in vivo outcomes. We apply Elektrum to predict CRISPR-Cas9 off-target editing probabilities and demonstrate that Elektrum achieves improved performance, regularizes neural network architectures and maintains physical interpretability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Zhang
- Division of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adam R Lamson
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Michael Shelley
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York City, NY, USA.
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Olga Troyanskaya
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York City, NY, USA.
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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90
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Nelson MR, Liu P, Agrawal A, Yip O, Blumenfeld J, Traglia M, Kim MJ, Koutsodendris N, Rao A, Grone B, Hao Y, Yoon SY, Xu Q, De Leon S, Choenyi T, Thomas R, Lopera F, Quiroz YT, Arboleda-Velasquez JF, Reiman EM, Mahley RW, Huang Y. The APOE-R136S mutation protects against APOE4-driven Tau pathology, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:2104-2121. [PMID: 37957317 PMCID: PMC10689245 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), leading to earlier age of clinical onset and exacerbating pathologies. There is a critical need to identify protective targets. Recently, a rare APOE variant, APOE3-R136S (Christchurch), was found to protect against early-onset AD in a PSEN1-E280A carrier. In this study, we sought to determine if the R136S mutation also protects against APOE4-driven effects in LOAD. We generated tauopathy mouse and human iPSC-derived neuron models carrying human APOE4 with the homozygous or heterozygous R136S mutation. We found that the homozygous R136S mutation rescued APOE4-driven Tau pathology, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The heterozygous R136S mutation partially protected against APOE4-driven neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation but not Tau pathology. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that the APOE4-R136S mutation increased disease-protective and diminished disease-associated cell populations in a gene dose-dependent manner. Thus, the APOE-R136S mutation protects against APOE4-driven AD pathologies, providing a target for therapeutic development against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine R Nelson
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oscar Yip
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Blumenfeld
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michela Traglia
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Koutsodendris
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Antara Rao
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Grone
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yanxia Hao
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seo Yeon Yoon
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qin Xu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samuel De Leon
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tenzing Choenyi
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia de la Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Yakeel T Quiroz
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia de la Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph F Arboleda-Velasquez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert W Mahley
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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91
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Buttler CA, Ramirez D, Dowell RD, Chuong EB. An intronic LINE-1 regulates IFNAR1 expression in human immune cells. Mob DNA 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 38037122 PMCID: PMC10688052 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00308-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their origins as selfish parasitic sequences, some transposons in the human genome have been co-opted to serve as regulatory elements, contributing to the evolution of transcriptional networks. Most well-characterized examples of transposon-derived regulatory elements derive from endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), due to the intrinsic regulatory activity of proviral long terminal repeat regions. However, one subclass of transposable elements, the Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINEs), have been largely overlooked in the search for functional regulatory transposons, and considered to be broadly epigenetically repressed. RESULTS We examined the chromatin state of LINEs by analyzing epigenomic data from human immune cells. Many LINEs are marked by the repressive H3K9me3 modification, but a subset exhibits evidence of enhancer activity in human immune cells despite also showing evidence of epigenetic repression. We hypothesized that these competing forces of repressive and activating epigenetic marks might lead to inducible enhancer activity. We investigated a specific L1M2a element located within the first intron of Interferon Alpha/Beta Receptor 1 (IFNAR1). This element shows epigenetic signatures of B cell-specific enhancer activity, despite being repressed by the Human Silencing Hub (HUSH) complex. CRISPR deletion of the element in B lymphoblastoid cells revealed that the element acts as an enhancer that regulates both steady state and interferon-inducible expression of IFNAR1. CONCLUSIONS Our study experimentally demonstrates that an L1M2a element was co-opted to function as an interferon-inducible enhancer of IFNAR1, creating a feedback loop wherein IFNAR1 is transcriptionally upregulated by interferon signaling. This finding suggests that other LINEs may exhibit cryptic cell type-specific or context-dependent enhancer activity. LINEs have received less attention than ERVs in the effort to understand the contribution of transposons to the regulatory landscape of cellular genomes, but these are likely important, lineage-specific players in the rapid evolution of immune system regulatory networks and deserve further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen A Buttler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Daniel Ramirez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Robin D Dowell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Edward B Chuong
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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92
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Bitter EE, Skidmore J, Allen CI, Erickson RI, Morris RM, Mortimer T, Meade A, Brog R, Phares T, Townsend M, Pickett BE, O’Neill KL. TK1 expression influences pathogenicity by cell cycle progression, cellular migration, and cellular survival in HCC 1806 breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293128. [PMID: 38033034 PMCID: PMC10688958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293128] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis worldwide accounting for 1 out of every 8 cancer diagnoses. The elevated expression of Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is associated with more aggressive tumor grades, including breast cancer. Recent studies indicate that TK1 may be involved in cancer pathogenesis; however, its direct involvement in breast cancer has not been identified. Here, we evaluate potential pathogenic effects of elevated TK1 expression by comparing HCC 1806 to HCC 1806 TK1-knockdown cancer cells (L133). Transcriptomic profiles of HCC 1806 and L133 cells showed cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion as potential pathogenic pathways affected by TK1 expression. Subsequent in-vitro studies confirmed differences between HCC 1806 and L133 cells in cell cycle phase progression, cell survival, and cell migration. Expression comparison of several factors involved in these pathogenic pathways between HCC 1806 and L133 cells identified p21 and AKT3 transcripts were significantly affected by TK1 expression. Creation of a protein-protein interaction map of TK1 and the pathogenic factors we evaluated predict that the majority of factors evaluated either directly or indirectly interact with TK1. Our findings argue that TK1 elevation directly increases HCC 1806 cell pathogenicity and is likely occurring by p21- and AKT3-mediated mechanisms to promote cell cycle arrest, cellular migration, and cellular survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza E. Bitter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
- Thunder Biotech Inc., Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Skidmore
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Carolyn I. Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rachel I. Erickson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Morris
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Toni Mortimer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Audrey Meade
- Thunder Biotech Inc., Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rachel Brog
- Thunder Biotech Inc., Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Tim Phares
- Thunder Biotech Inc., Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Michelle Townsend
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
- Thunder Biotech Inc., Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Brett E. Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kim L. O’Neill
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
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93
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Motoche-Monar C, Ordoñez JE, Chang O, Gonzales-Zubiate FA. gRNA Design: How Its Evolution Impacted on CRISPR/Cas9 Systems Refinement. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1698. [PMID: 38136570 PMCID: PMC10741458 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121698] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, genetic engineering has witnessed a revolution with the emergence of a relatively new genetic editing tool based on RNA-guided nucleases: the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Since the first report in 1987 and characterization in 2007 as a bacterial defense mechanism, this system has garnered immense interest and research attention. CRISPR systems provide immunity to bacteria against invading genetic material; however, with specific modifications in sequence and structure, it becomes a precise editing system capable of modifying the genomes of a wide range of organisms. The refinement of these modifications encompasses diverse approaches, including the development of more accurate nucleases, understanding of the cellular context and epigenetic conditions, and the re-designing guide RNAs (gRNAs). Considering the critical importance of the correct performance of CRISPR/Cas9 systems, our scope will emphasize the latter approach. Hence, we present an overview of the past and the most recent guide RNA web-based design tools, highlighting the evolution of their computational architecture and gRNA characteristics over the years. Our study explains computational approaches that use machine learning techniques, neural networks, and gRNA/target interactions data to enable predictions and classifications. This review could open the door to a dynamic community that uses up-to-date algorithms to optimize and create promising gRNAs, suitable for modern CRISPR/Cas9 engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristofer Motoche-Monar
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100119, Ecuador
| | - Julián E. Ordoñez
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100119, Ecuador
| | - Oscar Chang
- Departamento de Electrónica, Universidad Simon Bolivar, Caracas 1080, Venezuela
- MIND Research Group, Model Intelligent Networks Development, Urcuquí 100119, Ecuador
| | - Fernando A. Gonzales-Zubiate
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100119, Ecuador
- MIND Research Group, Model Intelligent Networks Development, Urcuquí 100119, Ecuador
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94
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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. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568306. [PMID: 38045420 PMCID: PMC10690257 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a critical brain region that greatly influences vital neurobehavioral processes, including executive functioning and the generation of sleep rhythms. Recently, TRN dysfunction was suggested to underlie hyperactivity, attention deficits, and sleep disturbances observed across various devastating neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Notably, a highly specialized sarco- endoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca 2+ ) ATPase 2 (SERCA2)-dependent Ca 2+ signaling network operates in the dendrites of TRN neurons to regulate their high-frequency bursting activity. Phospholamban (PLN) is a prominent regulator of the SERCA2 with an established role in maintaining Ca 2+ homeostasis in the heart; although the interaction of PLN with SERCA2 has been largely regarded as cardiac-specific, our findings challenge this view and suggest that the role of PLN extends beyond the cardiovascular system to impact brain function. Specifically, we found PLN to be expressed in the TRN neurons of the adult mouse brain and utilized global constitutive and innovative conditional genetic mouse models, in combination with 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and electroencephalography (EEG)-based somnography to assess the role of PLN in regulating executive functioning and sleep, two complex behaviors that map onto thalamic reticular circuits. Overall, the results of the present study show that perturbed PLN function in the TRN results in aberrant thalamic reticular behavioral phenotypes in mice (i.e., hyperactivity, impulsivity and sleep deficits) and support a novel role for PLN as a critical regulator of the SERCA2 in the thalamic reticular neurocircuitry.
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95
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Yu M, Thorner K, Parameswaran S, Wei W, Yu C, Lin X, Kopan R, Hass MR. The unique function of Runx1 in skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration is mediated by an ETS interaction domain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.21.568117. [PMID: 38045385 PMCID: PMC10690193 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The conserved Runt-related (RUNX) transcription factor family are well-known master regulators of developmental and regenerative processes. Runx1 and Runx2 are both expressed in satellite cells (SC) and skeletal myotubes. Conditional deletion of Runx1 in adult SC negatively impacted self-renewal and impaired skeletal muscle maintenance. Runx1- deficient SC retain Runx2 expression but cannot support muscle regeneration in response to injury. To determine the unique molecular functions of Runx1 that cannot be compensated by Runx2 we deleted Runx1 in C2C12 that retain Runx2 expression and established that myoblasts differentiation was blocked in vitro due in part to ectopic expression of Mef2c, a target repressed by Runx1 . Structure-function analysis demonstrated that the Ets-interacting MID/EID region of Runx1, absent from Runx2, is critical to regulating myoblasts proliferation, differentiation, and fusion. Analysis of in-house and published ChIP-seq datasets from Runx1 (T-cells, muscle) versus Runx2 (preosteoblasts) dependent tissue identified enrichment for a Ets:Runx composite site in Runx1 -dependent tissues. Comparing ATACseq datasets from WT and Runx1KO C2C12 cells showed that the Ets:Runx composite motif was enriched in peaks open exclusively in WT cells compared to peaks unique to Runx1KO cells. Thus, engagement of a set of targets by the RUNX1/ETS complex define the non-redundant functions of Runx1 .
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96
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Chen Q, Chuai G, Zhang H, Tang J, Duan L, Guan H, Li W, Li W, Wen J, Zuo E, Zhang Q, Liu Q. Genome-wide CRISPR off-target prediction and optimization using RNA-DNA interaction fingerprints. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7521. [PMID: 37980345 PMCID: PMC10657421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42695-4] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The powerful CRISPR genome editing system is hindered by its off-target effects, and existing computational tools achieved limited performance in genome-wide off-target prediction due to the lack of deep understanding of the CRISPR molecular mechanism. In this study, we propose to incorporate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the computational analysis of CRISPR system, and present CRISOT, an integrated tool suite containing four related modules, i.e., CRISOT-FP, CRISOT-Score, CRISOT-Spec, CRISORT-Opti for RNA-DNA molecular interaction fingerprint generation, genome-wide CRISPR off-target prediction, sgRNA specificity evaluation and sgRNA optimization of Cas9 system respectively. Our comprehensive computational and experimental tests reveal that CRISOT outperforms existing tools with extensive in silico validations and proof-of-concept experimental validations. In addition, CRISOT shows potential in accurately predicting off-target effects of the base editors and prime editors, indicating that the derived RNA-DNA molecular interaction fingerprint captures the underlying mechanisms of RNA-DNA interaction among distinct CRISPR systems. Collectively, CRISOT provides an efficient and generalizable framework for genome-wide CRISPR off-target prediction, evaluation and sgRNA optimization for improved targeting specificity in CRISPR genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinchang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Guohui Chuai
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Haihang Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies (Hainan), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin Tang
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Liwen Duan
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Huan Guan
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Wannian Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaying Wen
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Erwei Zuo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies (Hainan), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qing Zhang
- Roche R&D Center (China) Ltd., China Innovation Center of Roche, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Ailomics Therapeutics, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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97
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Davies B, Zhang G, Moralli D, Alghadban S, Biggs D, Preece C, Donnelly P, Hinch AG. Characterization of meiotic recombination intermediates through gene knockouts in founder hybrid mice. Genome Res 2023; 33:gr.278024.123. [PMID: 37977820 PMCID: PMC10760447 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278024.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian meiotic recombination proceeds via repair of hundreds of programmed DNA double-strand breaks, which requires choreographed binding of RPA, DMC1, and RAD51 to single-stranded DNA substrates. High-resolution in vivo binding maps of these proteins provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. When assayed in F1-hybrid mice, these maps can distinguish the broken chromosome from the chromosome used as template for repair, revealing more mechanistic detail and enabling the structure of the recombination intermediates to be inferred. By applying CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis directly on F1-hybrid embryos, we have extended this approach to explore the molecular detail of recombination when a key component is knocked out. As a proof of concept, we have generated hybrid biallelic knockouts of Dmc1 and built maps of meiotic binding of RAD51 and RPA in them. DMC1 is essential for meiotic recombination, and comparison of these maps with those from wild-type mice is informative about the structure and timing of critical recombination intermediates. We observe redistribution of RAD51 binding and complete abrogation of D-loop recombination intermediates at a molecular level in Dmc1 mutants. These data provide insight on the configuration of RPA in D-loop intermediates and suggest that stable strand exchange proceeds via multiple rounds of strand invasion with template switching in mouse. Our methodology provides a high-throughput approach for characterization of gene function in meiotic recombination at low animal cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Gang Zhang
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Moralli
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Samy Alghadban
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Biggs
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Preece
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Donnelly
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
- Genomics PLC, Oxford OX1 1JD, United Kingdom
| | - Anjali Gupta Hinch
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom;
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98
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Wang J, Saul J, Nikonorova IA, Cruz CN, Power KM, Nguyen KC, Hall DH, Barr MM. Ciliary intrinsic mechanisms regulate dynamic ciliary extracellular vesicle release from sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565151. [PMID: 37961114 PMCID: PMC10635059 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cilia-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain signaling proteins and act in intercellular communication. Polycystin-2 (PKD-2), a transient receptor potential channel, is a conserved ciliary EVs cargo. Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a model for studying ciliary EV biogenesis and function. C. elegans males release EVs in a mechanically-induced manner and deposit PKD-2-labeled EVs onto the hermaphrodite vulva during mating, suggesting an active release process. Here, we study the dynamics of ciliary EV release using time-lapse imaging and find that cilia can sustain the release of PKD-2-labeled EVs for a two-hour duration. Intriguingly, this extended release doesn't require neuronal synaptic transmission. Instead, ciliary intrinsic mechanisms regulate PKD-2 ciliary membrane replenishment and dynamic EV release. The ciliary kinesin-3 motor KLP-6 is necessary for both initial and extended ciliary EV release, while the transition zone protein NPHP-4 is required only for sustained EV release. The dihydroceramide desaturase DEGS1/2 ortholog TTM-5 is highly expressed in the EV-releasing sensory neurons, localizes to cilia, and is required for sustained but not initial ciliary EV release, implicating ceramide in ciliary ectocytosis. The study offers a comprehensive portrait of real-time ciliary EV release, and mechanisms supporting cilia as proficient EV release platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Josh Saul
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Inna A. Nikonorova
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Carlos Nava Cruz
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kaiden M. Power
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ken C. Nguyen
- Center for C. elegans Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - David H. Hall
- Center for C. elegans Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Maureen M. Barr
- Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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99
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van Megen WH, Canki E, Wagenaar VHA, van Waes CRMM, Peters DJM, Van Asbeck-Van der Wijst J, Hoenderop JGJ. Fluid shear stress stimulates ATP release without regulating purinergic gene expression in the renal inner medullary collecting duct. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23232. [PMID: 37819258 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301434r] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In the kidney, the flow rate of the pro-urine through the renal tubules is highly variable. The tubular epithelial cells sense these variations in pro-urinary flow rate in order to regulate various physiological processes, including electrolyte reabsorption. One of the mechanosensitive pathways activated by flow is the release of ATP, which can then act as a autocrine or paracrine factor. Increased ATP release is observed in various kidney diseases, among others autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the mechanisms underlying flow-induced ATP release in the collecting duct, especially in the inner medullary collecting duct, remain understudied. Using inner medullary collecting duct 3 (IMCD3) cells in a microfluidic setup, we show here that administration of a high flow rate for 1 min results in an increased ATP release compared to a lower flow rate. Although the ATP release channel pannexin-1 contributed to flow-induced ATP release in Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells, it did not in wildtype IMCD3 cells. In addition, flow application increased the expression of the putative ATP release channel connexin-30.3 (CX30.3) in wildtype and Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells. However, CX30.3 knockout IMCD3 cells exhibited a similar flow-induced ATP release as wildtype IMCD3 cells, suggesting that CX30.3 does not drive flow-induced ATP release in wildtype IMDC3 cells. Collectively, our results show differential mechanisms underlying flow-induced ATP release in wildtype and Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells and further strengthen the link between ADPKD and pannexin-1-dependent ATP release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter H van Megen
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esra Canki
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vera H A Wagenaar
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dorien J M Peters
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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100
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Liu Z, Liu J, Yang Z, Zhu L, Zhu Z, Huang H, Jiang L. Endogenous CRISPR-Cas mediated in situ genome editing: State-of-the-art and the road ahead for engineering prokaryotes. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108241. [PMID: 37633620 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108241] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas systems have shown tremendous promise as heterologous tools for genome editing in various prokaryotes. However, the perturbation of DNA homeostasis and the inherent toxicity of Cas9/12a proteins could easily lead to cell death, which led to the development of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems. Programming the widespread endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems for in situ genome editing represents a promising tool in prokaryotes, especially in genetically intractable species. Here, this review briefly summarizes the advances of endogenous CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing, covering aspects of establishing and optimizing the genetic tools. In particular, this review presents the application of different types of endogenous CRISPR-Cas tools for strain engineering, including genome editing and genetic regulation. Notably, this review also provides a detailed discussion of the transposon-associated CRISPR-Cas systems, and the programmable RNA-guided transposition using endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems to enable editing of microbial communities for understanding and control. Therefore, they will be a powerful tool for targeted genetic manipulation. Overall, this review will not only facilitate the development of standard genetic manipulation tools for non-model prokaryotes but will also enable more non-model prokaryotes to be genetically tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlei Liu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhihan Yang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Liying Zhu
- College of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - He Huang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China.
| | - Ling Jiang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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