Choosing the Right Tool for the Job: RNAi, TALEN, or CRISPR

Decoding protein networks during virus entry by quantitative proteomics

Virus entry into host cells relies on interactions between viral and host structures including lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Particularly, protein–protein interactions between viral surface proteins and host proteins as well as secondary host protein–protein interactions play a pivotal role in coordinating virus binding and uptake. These interactions are dynamic and frequently involve multiprotein complexes. In the past decade mass spectrometry based proteomics methods have reached sensitivities and high throughput compatibilities of genomics methods and now allow the reliable quantitation of proteins in complex samples from limited material. As proteomics provides essential information on the biologically active entity namely the protein, including its posttranslational modifications and its interactions with other proteins, it is an indispensable method in the virologist's toolbox. Here we review protein interactions during virus entry and compare classical biochemical methods to study entry with novel technically advanced quantitative proteomics techniques. We highlight the value of quantitative proteomics in mapping functional virus entry networks, discuss the benefits and limitations and illustrate how the methodology will help resolve unsettled questions in virus entry research in the future.

Come together, right now…

Editing the genome using approaches like TALEN and siRNA are already well tested. The new kid on the block is CRISPR-Cas9. CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly evolving with impressive refinements for specificity, eliminating off-target effects, and versatility. One can adjust constructs and conditions to produce opposite effects on the genome and for a specific purpose. The nuances of the system, the means to significantly reduce off-targeting, and numerous applications are now emerging rapidly. This B&B commentary looks forward into how the CRISPR-Cas9 tool might serve the CCN field.