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Maule G, Ensinck M, Bulcaen M, Carlon MS. Rewriting CFTR to cure cystic fibrosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:185-224. [PMID: 34175042 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive monogenic disease caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. Although F508del is the most frequent mutation, there are in total 360 confirmed disease-causing CFTR mutations, impairing CFTR production, function and stability. Currently, the only causal treatments available are CFTR correctors and potentiators that directly target the mutant protein. While these pharmacological advances and better symptomatic care have improved life expectancy of people with CF, none of these treatments provides a cure. The discovery and development of programmable nucleases, in particular CRISPR nucleases and derived systems, rekindled the field of CF gene therapy, offering the possibility of a permanent correction of the CFTR gene. In this review we will discuss different strategies to restore CFTR function via gene editing correction of CFTR mutations or enhanced CFTR expression, and address how best to deliver these treatments to target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maule
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Trento, Italy
| | - Marjolein Ensinck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Mattijs Bulcaen
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Marianne S Carlon
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.
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102
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Wrobel C, Zafeiriou MP, Moser T. Understanding and treating paediatric hearing impairment. EBioMedicine 2021; 63:103171. [PMID: 33422987 PMCID: PMC7808910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing impairment is the most frequent form of hearing impairment affecting 1-2 in 1000 newborns and another 1 in 1000 adolescents. More than 50% of congenital hearing impairment is of genetic origin and some forms of monogenic deafness are likely targets for future gene therapy. Good progress has been made in clinical phenotyping, genetic diagnostics, and counselling. Disease modelling, e.g. in transgenic mice, has helped elucidate disease mechanisms underlying genetic hearing impairment and informed clinical phenotyping in recent years. Clinical management of paediatric hearing impairment involves hearing aids, cochlear or brainstem implants, signal-to-noise improvement in educational settings, speech therapy, and sign language. Cochlear implants, for example, have much improved the situation of profoundly hearing impaired and deaf children. Nonetheless there remains a major unmet clinical need for improving hearing restoration. Preclinical studies promise that we will witness clinical trials on gene therapy and a next generation of cochlear implants during the coming decade. Moreover, progress in generating sensory hair cells and neurons from stem cells spurs disease modelling, drug screening, and regenerative approaches. This review briefly summarizes the pathophysiology of paediatric hearing impairment and provides an update on the current preclinical development of innovative approaches toward improved hearing restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wrobel
- Department of Otolaryngology and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany; Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria-Patapia Zafeiriou
- Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany; Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
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103
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Brookhouser N, Nguyen T, Tekel SJ, Standage-Beier K, Wang X, Brafman DA. A Cas9-mediated adenosine transient reporter enables enrichment of ABE-targeted cells. BMC Biol 2020; 18:193. [PMID: 33317513 PMCID: PMC7737295 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00929-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenine base editors (ABE) enable single nucleotide modifications without the need for double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) induced by conventional CRIPSR/Cas9-based approaches. However, most approaches that employ ABEs require inefficient downstream technologies to identify desired targeted mutations within large populations of manipulated cells. In this study, we developed a fluorescence-based method, named "Cas9-mediated adenosine transient reporter for editing enrichment" (CasMAs-TREE; herein abbreviated XMAS-TREE), to facilitate the real-time identification of base-edited cell populations. RESULTS To establish a fluorescent-based assay able to detect ABE activity within a cell in real time, we designed a construct encoding a mCherry fluorescent protein followed by a stop codon (TGA) preceding the coding sequence for a green fluorescent protein (GFP), allowing translational readthrough and expression of GFP after A-to-G conversion of the codon to "TGG." At several independent loci, we demonstrate that XMAS-TREE can be used for the highly efficient purification of targeted cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that XMAS-TREE can be employed in the context of multiplexed editing strategies to simultaneous modify several genomic loci. In addition, we employ XMAS-TREE to efficiently edit human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), a cell type traditionally resistant to genetic modification. Furthermore, we utilize XMAS-TREE to generate clonal isogenic hPSCs at target sites not editable using well-established reporter of transfection (RoT)-based strategies. CONCLUSION We established a method to detect adenosine base-editing activity within a cell, which increases the efficiency of editing at multiple genomic locations through an enrichment of edited cells. In the future, XMAS-TREE will greatly accelerate the application of ABEs in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Brookhouser
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Graduate Program in Clinical Translational Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Toan Nguyen
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Stefan J Tekel
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kylie Standage-Beier
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - David A Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall, ECG 334A, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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104
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Lau CH, Tin C, Suh Y. CRISPR-based strategies for targeted transgene knock-in and gene correction. Fac Rev 2020; 9:20. [PMID: 33659952 PMCID: PMC7886068 DOI: 10.12703/r/9-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The last few years have seen tremendous advances in CRISPR-mediated genome editing. Great efforts have been made to improve the efficiency, specificity, editing window, and targeting scope of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transgene knock-in and gene correction. In this article, we comprehensively review recent progress in CRISPR-based strategies for targeted transgene knock-in and gene correction in both homology-dependent and homology-independent approaches. We cover homology-directed repair (HDR), synthesis-dependent strand annealing (SDSA), microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), and homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) pathways for a homology-dependent strategy and alternative DNA repair pathways such as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), base excision repair (BER), and mismatch repair (MMR) for a homology-independent strategy. We also discuss base editing and prime editing that enable direct conversion of nucleotides in genomic DNA without damaging the DNA or requiring donor DNA. Notably, we illustrate the key mechanisms and design principles for each strategy, providing design guidelines for multiplex, flexible, scarless gene insertion and replacement at high efficiency and specificity. In addition, we highlight next-generation base editors that provide higher editing efficiency, fewer undesired by-products, and broader targeting scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cia-Hin Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Academic 1, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Tin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Academic 1, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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105
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Porto EM, Komor AC, Slaymaker IM, Yeo GW. Base editing: advances and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:839-859. [PMID: 33077937 PMCID: PMC7721651 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Base editing - the introduction of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) into DNA or RNA in living cells - is one of the most recent advances in the field of genome editing. As around half of known pathogenic genetic variants are due to SNVs, base editing holds great potential for the treatment of numerous genetic diseases, through either temporary RNA or permanent DNA base alterations. Recent advances in the specificity, efficiency, precision and delivery of DNA and RNA base editors are revealing exciting therapeutic opportunities for these technologies. We expect the correction of single point mutations will be a major focus of future precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Porto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexis C Komor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Ian M Slaymaker
- Synthetic Biology Department, Beam Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Programs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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106
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Ahmadi F, Quach ABV, Shih SCC. Is microfluidics the "assembly line" for CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing? BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:061301. [PMID: 33262863 PMCID: PMC7688342 DOI: 10.1063/5.0029846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acclaimed as one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs, the technology of CRISPR has brought significant improvement in the biotechnological spectrum-from editing genetic defects in diseases for gene therapy to modifying organisms for the production of biofuels. Since its inception, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has become easier and more versatile to use. Many variants have been found, giving the CRISPR toolkit a great range that includes the activation and repression of genes aside from the previously known knockout and knockin of genes. Here, in this Perspective, we describe efforts on automating the gene-editing workflow, with particular emphasis given on the use of microfluidic technology. We discuss how automation can address the limitations of gene-editing and how the marriage between microfluidics and gene-editing will expand the application space of CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steve C. C. Shih
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1-(514) 848-2424 x7579
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107
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Duarte F, Déglon N. Genome Editing for CNS Disorders. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:579062. [PMID: 33192264 PMCID: PMC7642486 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.579062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders have a social and economic burden on modern societies, and the development of effective therapies is urgently required. Gene editing may prevent or cure a disease by inducing genetic changes at endogenous loci. Genome editing includes not only the insertion, deletion or replacement of nucleotides, but also the modulation of gene expression and epigenetic editing. Emerging technologies based on ZFs, TALEs, and CRISPR/Cas systems have extended the boundaries of genome manipulation and promoted genome editing approaches to the level of promising strategies for counteracting genetic diseases. The parallel development of efficient delivery systems has also increased our access to the CNS. In this review, we describe the various tools available for genome editing and summarize in vivo preclinical studies of CNS genome editing, whilst considering current limitations and alternative approaches to overcome some bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Duarte
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and NeuroModulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
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108
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Abstract
The mouse is one of the most widely used model organisms for genetic study. The tools available to alter the mouse genome have developed over the preceding decades from forward screens to gene targeting in stem cells to the recent influx of CRISPR approaches. In this review, we first consider the history of mice in genetic study, the development of classic approaches to genome modification, and how such approaches have been used and improved in recent years. We then turn to the recent surge of nuclease-mediated techniques and how they are changing the field of mouse genetics. Finally, we survey common classes of alleles used in mice and discuss how they might be engineered using different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Colin J Dinsmore
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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109
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Vu A, McCray PB. New Directions in Pulmonary Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:921-939. [PMID: 32814451 PMCID: PMC7495918 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung has long been a target for gene therapy, yet efficient delivery and phenotypic disease correction has remained challenging. Although there have been significant advancements in gene therapies of other organs, including the development of several ex vivo therapies, in vivo therapeutics of the lung have been slower to transition to the clinic. Within the past few years, the field has witnessed an explosion in the development of new gene addition and gene editing strategies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. In this review, we will summarize current developments in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and surfactant protein deficiencies. We will explore the different gene addition and gene editing strategies under investigation and review the challenges of delivery to the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Vu
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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110
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Villanueva MT. Base editing rescues hearing in mice. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:443. [DOI: 10.1038/d41573-020-00106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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111
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Quarterly picks from the editors. Sci Transl Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The
Science Translational Medicine
editors highlight interesting translational ties across select articles published recently in the
Science
family of journals.
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