1
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Zhou H, Ye P, Xiong W, Duan X, Jing S, He Y, Zeng Z, Wei Y, Ye Q. Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screening in stem cells: theories, applications and challenges. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:218. [PMID: 39026343 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03831-z] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid development of stem cell technology, there have been tremendous advances in molecular biological and pathological research, cell therapy as well as organoid technologies over the past decades. Advances in genome editing technology, particularly the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-related protein 9 (Cas9), have further facilitated the rapid development of stem cell researches. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology now goes beyond creating single gene editing to enable the inhibition or activation of endogenous gene loci by fusing inhibitory (CRISPRi) or activating (CRISPRa) domains with deactivated Cas9 proteins (dCas9). These tools have been utilized in genome-scale CRISPRi/a screen to recognize hereditary modifiers that are synergistic or opposing to malady mutations in an orderly and fair manner, thereby identifying illness mechanisms and discovering novel restorative targets to accelerate medicinal discovery investigation. However, the application of this technique is still relatively rare in stem cell research. There are numerous specialized challenges in applying large-scale useful genomics approaches to differentiated stem cell populations. Here, we present the first comprehensive review on CRISPR-based functional genomics screening in the field of stem cells, as well as practical considerations implemented in a range of scenarios, and exploration of the insights of CRISPR-based screen into cell fates, disease mechanisms and cell treatments in stem cell models. This review will broadly benefit scientists, engineers and medical practitioners in the areas of stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhou
- Center of Regenerative Medicine and Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Center of Regenerative Medicine and Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxiang Duan
- Center of Regenerative Medicine and Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuili Jing
- Center of Regenerative Medicine and Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan He
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430064, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yen Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingsong Ye
- Center of Regenerative Medicine and Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Ciucci G, Braga L, Zacchigna S. Discovery platforms for RNA therapeutics. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38760893 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16424] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics are emerging as a unique opportunity to drug currently "undruggable" molecules and diseases. While their advantages over conventional, small molecule drugs, their therapeutic implications and the tools for their effective in vivo delivery have been extensively reviewed, little attention has been so far paid to the technological platforms exploited for the discovery of RNA therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of the existing platforms and ex vivo assays for RNA discovery, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their main fields of application, with specific focus on RNA therapies that have reached either phase 3 or market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ciucci
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Braga
- Functional Cell Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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3
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Franks SN, Heon-Roberts R, Ryan BJ. CRISPRi: a way to integrate iPSC-derived neuronal models. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:539-551. [PMID: 38526223 PMCID: PMC11088925 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230190] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The genetic landscape of neurodegenerative diseases encompasses genes affecting multiple cellular pathways which exert effects in an array of neuronal and glial cell-types. Deconvolution of the roles of genes implicated in disease and the effects of disease-associated variants remains a vital step in the understanding of neurodegeneration and the development of therapeutics. Disease modelling using patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has enabled the generation of key cell-types associated with disease whilst maintaining the genomic variants that predispose to neurodegeneration. The use of CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), alongside other CRISPR-perturbations, allows the modelling of the effects of these disease-associated variants or identifying genes which modify disease phenotypes. This review summarises the current applications of CRISPRi in iPSC-derived neuronal models, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based screens, and discusses the future opportunities for disease modelling, identification of disease risk modifiers and target/drug discovery in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N.J. Franks
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Rachel Heon-Roberts
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Brent J. Ryan
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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4
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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5
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Kinnart I, Manders L, Heyninck T, Imberechts D, Praschberger R, Schoovaerts N, Verfaillie C, Verstreken P, Vandenberghe W. Elevated α-synuclein levels inhibit mitophagic flux. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:80. [PMID: 38594264 PMCID: PMC11004019 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00696-0] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic effect of SNCA gene multiplications indicates that elevation of wild-type α-synuclein levels is sufficient to cause Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondria have been proposed to be a major target of α-synuclein-induced damage. PINK1/parkin/DJ-1-mediated mitophagy is a defense strategy that allows cells to selectively eliminate severely damaged mitochondria. Here, we quantified mitophagic flux and non-mitochondrial autophagic flux in three models of increased α-synuclein expression: 1/Drosophila melanogaster that transgenically express human wild-type and mutant α-synuclein in flight muscle; 2/human skin fibroblasts transfected with α-synuclein or β-synuclein; and 3/human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons carrying an extra copy of wild-type SNCA under control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter, allowing titratable α-synuclein upregulation. In each model, elevated α-synuclein levels potently suppressed mitophagic flux, while non-mitochondrial autophagy was preserved. In human neurons, a twofold increase in wild-type α-synuclein was already sufficient to induce this effect. PINK1 and parkin activation and mitochondrial translocation of DJ-1 after mitochondrial depolarization were not affected by α-synuclein upregulation. Overexpression of the actin-severing protein cofilin or treatment with CK666, an inhibitor of the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, rescued mitophagy in neurons with increased α-synuclein, suggesting that excessive actin network stabilization mediated the mitophagy defect. In conclusion, elevated α-synuclein levels inhibit mitophagic flux. Disruption of actin dynamics may play a key role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Kinnart
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liselot Manders
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thibaut Heyninck
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dorien Imberechts
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman Praschberger
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nils Schoovaerts
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrik Verstreken
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuronal Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Parkinson Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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Beirute-Herrera J, López-Amo Calvo B, Edenhofer F, Esk C. The promise of genetic screens in human in vitro brain models. Biol Chem 2024; 405:13-24. [PMID: 37697643 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0174] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances of in vitro culture models have allowed unprecedented insights into human neurobiology. At the same time genetic screening has matured into a robust and accessible experimental strategy allowing for the simultaneous study of many genes in parallel. The combination of both technologies is a newly emerging tool for neuroscientists, opening the door to identifying causal cell- and tissue-specific developmental and disease mechanisms. However, with complex experimental genetic screening set-ups new challenges in data interpretation and experimental scope arise that require a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges of individual approaches. In this review, we summarize the literature that applies genetic screening to in vitro brain models, compare experimental strengths and weaknesses and point towards future directions of these promising approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Beirute-Herrera
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatriz López-Amo Calvo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher Esk
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biosciences, University Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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7
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Punetha M, Saini S, Chaudhary S, Yadav PS, Whitworth K, Green J, Kumar D, Kues WA. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Era of Precise Genome Editing. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:307-315. [PMID: 36880183 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230307115326] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing has enhanced our ability to understand the role of genetics in a number of diseases by facilitating the development of more precise cellular and animal models to study pathophysiological processes. These advances have shown extraordinary promise in a multitude of areas, from basic research to applied bioengineering and biomedical research. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are known for their high replicative capacity and are excellent targets for genetic manipulation as they can be clonally expanded from a single cell without compromising their pluripotency. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR/Cas RNA-guided nucleases have rapidly become the method of choice for gene editing due to their high specificity, simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Coupling the cellular versatility of iPSCs differentiation with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology can be an effective experimental technique for providing new insights into the therapeutic use of this technology. However, before using these techniques for gene therapy, their therapeutic safety and efficacy following models need to be assessed. In this review, we cover the remarkable progress that has been made in the use of genome editing tools in iPSCs, their applications in disease research and gene therapy as well as the hurdles that remain in the actual implementation of CRISPR/Cas systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeti Punetha
- 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
| | - Prem Singh Yadav
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Höltystr 10, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
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8
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Balmas E, Sozza F, Bottini S, Ratto ML, Savorè G, Becca S, Snijders KE, Bertero A. Manipulating and studying gene function in human pluripotent stem cell models. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2250-2287. [PMID: 37519013 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14709] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are uniquely suited to study human development and disease and promise to revolutionize regenerative medicine. These applications rely on robust methods to manipulate gene function in hPSC models. This comprehensive review aims to both empower scientists approaching the field and update experienced stem cell biologists. We begin by highlighting challenges with manipulating gene expression in hPSCs and their differentiated derivatives, and relevant solutions (transfection, transduction, transposition, and genomic safe harbor editing). We then outline how to perform robust constitutive or inducible loss-, gain-, and change-of-function experiments in hPSCs models, both using historical methods (RNA interference, transgenesis, and homologous recombination) and modern programmable nucleases (particularly CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives, i.e., CRISPR interference, activation, base editing, and prime editing). We further describe extension of these approaches for arrayed or pooled functional studies, including emerging single-cell genomic methods, and the related design and analytical bioinformatic tools. Finally, we suggest some directions for future advancements in all of these areas. Mastering the combination of these transformative technologies will empower unprecedented advances in human biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Balmas
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sozza
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Sveva Bottini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Ratto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Savorè
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Becca
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Kirsten Esmee Snijders
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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9
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Shevade K, Peddada S, Mader K, Przybyla L. Functional genomics in stem cell models: considerations and applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1236553. [PMID: 37554308 PMCID: PMC10404852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1236553] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protocols to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells have advanced in terms of cell type specificity and tissue-level complexity over the past 2 decades, which has facilitated human disease modeling in the most relevant cell types. The ability to generate induced PSCs (iPSCs) from patients further enables the study of disease mutations in an appropriate cellular context to reveal the mechanisms that underlie disease etiology and progression. As iPSC-derived disease models have improved in robustness and scale, they have also been adopted more widely for use in drug screens to discover new therapies and therapeutic targets. Advancement in genome editing technologies, in particular the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9, has further allowed for rapid development of iPSCs containing disease-causing mutations. CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have now evolved beyond creating single gene edits, aided by the fusion of inhibitory (CRISPRi) or activation (CRISPRa) domains to a catalytically dead Cas9 protein, enabling inhibition or activation of endogenous gene loci. These tools have been used in CRISPR knockout, CRISPRi, or CRISPRa screens to identify genetic modifiers that synergize or antagonize with disease mutations in a systematic and unbiased manner, resulting in identification of disease mechanisms and discovery of new therapeutic targets to accelerate drug discovery research. However, many technical challenges remain when applying large-scale functional genomics approaches to differentiated PSC populations. Here we review current technologies in the field of iPSC disease modeling and CRISPR-based functional genomics screens and practical considerations for implementation across a range of modalities, applications, and disease areas, as well as explore CRISPR screens that have been performed in iPSC models to-date and the insights and therapies these screens have produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaivalya Shevade
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sailaja Peddada
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karl Mader
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laralynne Przybyla
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Abstract
Neurons are markedly compartmentalized, which makes them reliant on axonal transport to maintain their health. Axonal transport is important for anterograde delivery of newly synthesized macromolecules and organelles from the cell body to the synapse and for the retrograde delivery of signaling endosomes and autophagosomes for degradation. Dysregulation of axonal transport occurs early in neurodegenerative diseases and plays a key role in axonal degeneration. Here, we provide an overview of mechanisms for regulation of axonal transport; discuss how these mechanisms are disrupted in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, hereditary spastic paraplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting axonal transport.
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11
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Li K, Ouyang M, Zhan J, Tian R. CRISPR-based functional genomics screening in human-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cell types. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100300. [PMID: 37228745 PMCID: PMC10203043 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
While our knowledge of gene expression in different human cell types is rapidly expanding with advances in transcriptomic profiling technologies, the next challenge is to understand gene function in each cell type. CRISPR-Cas9-based functional genomics screening offers a powerful approach to determine gene function in a high-throughput manner. With the maturation of stem cell technology, a variety of human cell types can be derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Recently, the integration of CRISPR screening with hPSC differentiation technologies opens up unprecedented opportunities to systematically examine gene function in different human cell types and identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets for human diseases. This review highlights recent progress in the development and applications of CRISPR-Cas9-based functional genomics screening in hPSC-derived cell types, discusses current challenges and limitations, and outlines future directions for this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
| | - Miao Ouyang
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
| | - Jiangshan Zhan
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
| | - Ruilin Tian
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, China
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12
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Troakes C, Conforti FL. Editorial: The role of gene mutations in the neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)- Progress and challenges. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1145823. [PMID: 36925944 PMCID: PMC10011696 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1145823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Troakes
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Ahmed M, Muffat J, Li Y. Understanding neural development and diseases using CRISPR screens in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158373. [PMID: 37101616 PMCID: PMC10123288 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most complex part of the human body in form and function. Much remains unclear about the molecular mechanisms that regulate its normal and pathological physiology. This lack of knowledge largely stems from the inaccessible nature of the human brain, and the limitation of animal models. As a result, brain disorders are difficult to understand and even more difficult to treat. Recent advances in generating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) neural cultures have provided an accessible system to model the human brain. Breakthroughs in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 further elevate the hPSCs into a genetically tractable experimental system. Powerful genetic screens, previously reserved for model organisms and transformed cell lines, can now be performed in human neural cells. Combined with the rapidly expanding single-cell genomics toolkit, these technological advances culminate to create an unprecedented opportunity to study the human brain using functional genomics. This review will summarize the current progress of applying CRISPR-based genetic screens in hPSCs-derived 2D neural cultures and 3D brain organoids. We will also evaluate the key technologies involved and discuss their related experimental considerations and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Ahmed
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Yun Li,
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Kurishev AO, Karpov DS, Nadolinskaia NI, Goncharenko AV, Golimbet VE. CRISPR/Cas-Based Approaches to Study Schizophrenia and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010241. [PMID: 36613684 PMCID: PMC9820593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) at the molecular level is challenging because of the complexity of neural circuits and the huge number of specialized cell types. Moreover, genomic association studies have revealed the complex genetic architecture of schizophrenia and other genetically determined mental disorders. Investigating such complex genetic architecture to decipher the molecular basis of CNS pathologies requires the use of high-throughput models such as cells and their derivatives. The time is coming for high-throughput genetic technologies based on CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat)/Cas systems to manipulate multiple genomic targets. CRISPR/Cas systems provide the desired complexity, versatility, and flexibility to create novel genetic tools capable of both altering the DNA sequence and affecting its function at higher levels of genetic information flow. CRISPR/Cas tools make it possible to find and investigate the intricate relationship between the genotype and phenotype of neuronal cells. The purpose of this review is to discuss innovative CRISPR-based approaches for studying the molecular mechanisms of CNS pathologies using cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dmitry S. Karpov
- Mental Health Research Center, Kashirskoe sh. 34, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov str. 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nonna I. Nadolinskaia
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Biotechnology Federal Research Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V. Goncharenko
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Biotechnology Federal Research Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera E. Golimbet
- Mental Health Research Center, Kashirskoe sh. 34, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Towards elucidating disease-relevant states of neurons and glia by CRISPR-based functional genomics. Genome Med 2022; 14:130. [PMID: 36401300 PMCID: PMC9673433 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neurological diseases has been tremendously enhanced over the past decade by the application of new technologies. Genome-wide association studies have highlighted glial cells as important players in diseases. Single-cell profiling technologies are providing descriptions of disease states of neurons and glia at unprecedented molecular resolution. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms driving disease-associated cell states, and how these states contribute to disease. These gaps in our understanding can be bridged by CRISPR-based functional genomics, a powerful approach to systematically interrogate gene function. In this review, we will briefly review the current literature on neurological disease-associated cell states and introduce CRISPR-based functional genomics. We discuss how advances in CRISPR-based screens, especially when implemented in the relevant brain cell types or cellular environments, have paved the way towards uncovering mechanisms underlying neurological disease-associated cell states. Finally, we will delineate current challenges and future directions for CRISPR-based functional genomics to further our understanding of neurological diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
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