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Alinejad T, Modarressi S, Sadri Z, Hao Z, Chen CS. Diagnostic applications and therapeutic option of Cascade CRISPR/Cas in the modulation of miRNA in diverse cancers: promises and obstacles. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9557-9575. [PMID: 37222810 PMCID: PMC10423114 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04747-6] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas technology is a molecular tool specific to sequences for engineering genomes. Among diverse clusters of Cas proteins, the class 2/type II CRISPR/Cas9 system, despite several challenges, such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and efficient delivery, has shown great promise for driver gene mutation discovery, high-throughput gene screening, epigenetic modulation, nucleic acid detection, disease modeling, and more importantly for therapeutic purposes. CRISPR-based clinical and experimental methods have applications across a wide range of areas, especially for cancer research and, possibly, anticancer therapy. On the other hand, given the influential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulations of cellular division, carcinogenicity, tumorigenesis, migration/invasion, and angiogenesis in diverse normal and pathogenic cellular processes, in different stages of cancer, miRNAs are either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, according to what type of cancer they are involved in. Hence, these noncoding RNA molecules are conceivable biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Moreover, they are suggested to be adequate predictors for cancer prediction. Conclusive evidence proves that CRISPR/Cas system can be applied to target small non-coding RNAs. However, the majority of studies have highlighted the application of the CRISPR/Cas system for targeting protein-coding regions. In this review, we specifically discuss diverse applications of CRISPR-based tools for probing miRNA gene function and miRNA-based therapeutic involvement in different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Alinejad
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Shabnam Modarressi
- Department of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C. Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zahra Sadri
- The Department of Biological Science, Molecular and Cell Biology, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, TX USA
| | - Zuo Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Shui Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
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Selma S, Sanmartín N, Espinosa‐Ruiz A, Gianoglio S, Lopez‐Gresa MP, Vázquez‐Vilar M, Flors V, Granell A, Orzaez D. Custom-made design of metabolite composition in N. benthamiana leaves using CRISPR activators. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:1578-1590. [PMID: 35514036 PMCID: PMC9342607 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture expand our ability to reprogramme endogenous gene expression in plants. One of their potential applications is the customization of plant metabolome through the activation of selected enzymes in a given metabolic pathway. Using the previously described multiplexable CRISPR activator dCasEV2.1, we assayed the selective enrichment in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves of four different flavonoids, namely, naringenin, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and quercetin. After careful selection of target genes and guide RNAs combinations, we created successful activation programmes for each of the four metabolites, each programme activating between three and seven genes, and with individual gene activation levels ranging from 4- to 1500-fold. Metabolic analysis of the flavonoid profiles of each multigene activation programme showed a sharp and selective enrichment of the intended metabolites and their glycosylated derivatives. Remarkably, principal component analysis of untargeted metabolic profiles clearly separated samples according to their activation treatment, and hierarchical clustering separated the samples into five groups, corresponding to the expected four highly enriched metabolite groups, plus an un-activated control. These results demonstrate that dCasEV2.1 is a powerful tool for re-routing metabolic fluxes towards the accumulation of metabolites of interest, opening the door for the custom-made design of metabolic contents in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Selma
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
| | - Neus Sanmartín
- Escuela Superior de Tecnología y Ciencias ExperimentalesUniversidad Jaume ICastellón de la PlanaSpain
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor Flors
- Escuela Superior de Tecnología y Ciencias ExperimentalesUniversidad Jaume ICastellón de la PlanaSpain
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
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Solayappan M, Azlan A, Khor KZ, Yik MY, Khan M, Yusoff NM, Moses EJ. Utilization of CRISPR-Mediated Tools for Studying Functional Genomics in Hematological Malignancies: An Overview on the Current Perspectives, Challenges, and Clinical Implications. Front Genet 2022; 12:767298. [PMID: 35154242 PMCID: PMC8834884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.767298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies (HM) are a group of neoplastic diseases that are usually heterogenous in nature due to the complex underlying genetic aberrations in which collaborating mutations enable cells to evade checkpoints that normally safeguard it against DNA damage and other disruptions of healthy cell growth. Research regarding chromosomal structural rearrangements and alterations, gene mutations, and functionality are currently being carried out to understand the genomics of these abnormalities. It is also becoming more evident that cross talk between the functional changes in transcription and proteins gives the characteristics of the disease although specific mutations may induce unique phenotypes. Functional genomics is vital in this aspect as it measures the complete genetic change in cancerous cells and seeks to integrate the dynamic changes in these networks to elucidate various cancer phenotypes. The advent of CRISPR technology has indeed provided a superfluity of benefits to mankind, as this versatile technology enables DNA editing in the genome. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a precise genome editing tool, and it has revolutionized methodologies in the field of hematology. Currently, there are various CRISPR systems that are used to perform robust site-specific gene editing to study HM. Furthermore, experimental approaches that are based on CRISPR technology have created promising tools for developing effective hematological therapeutics. Therefore, this review will focus on diverse applications of CRISPR-based gene-editing tools in HM and its potential future trajectory. Collectively, this review will demonstrate the key roles of different CRISPR systems that are being used in HM, and the literature will be a representation of a critical step toward further understanding the biology of HM and the development of potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswaran Solayappan
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia
| | - Adam Azlan
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Emmanuel Jairaj Moses,
| | - Kang Zi Khor
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mot Yee Yik
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Matiullah Khan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia
| | - Narazah Mohd Yusoff
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Emmanuel Jairaj Moses
- Regenerative Medicine Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Emmanuel Jairaj Moses,
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Abdelrahman M, Wei Z, Rohila JS, Zhao K. Multiplex Genome-Editing Technologies for Revolutionizing Plant Biology and Crop Improvement. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:721203. [PMID: 34691102 PMCID: PMC8526792 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.721203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Multiplex genome-editing (MGE) technologies are recently developed versatile bioengineering tools for modifying two or more specific DNA loci in a genome with high precision. These genome-editing tools have greatly increased the feasibility of introducing desired changes at multiple nucleotide levels into a target genome. In particular, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) [CRISPR/Cas] system-based MGE tools allow the simultaneous generation of direct mutations precisely at multiple loci in a gene or multiple genes. MGE is enhancing the field of plant molecular biology and providing capabilities for revolutionizing modern crop-breeding methods as it was virtually impossible to edit genomes so precisely at the single base-pair level with prior genome-editing tools, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Recently, researchers have not only started using MGE tools to advance genome-editing applications in certain plant science fields but also have attempted to decipher and answer basic questions related to plant biology. In this review, we discuss the current progress that has been made toward the development and utilization of MGE tools with an emphasis on the improvements in plant biology after the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9. Furthermore, the most recent advancements involving CRISPR/Cas applications for editing multiple loci or genes are described. Finally, insights into the strengths and importance of MGE technology in advancing crop-improvement programs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelrahman
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Rice Research and Training Center, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Kafr El-Shaikh, Egypt
| | - Zheng Wei
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jai S. Rohila
- Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Services, Stuttgart, AR, United States
| | - Kaijun Zhao
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Huang D, Kosentka PZ, Liu W. Synthetic biology approaches in regulation of targeted gene expression. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:102036. [PMID: 33930839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology approaches are highly sought-after to facilitate the regulation of targeted gene expression in plants for functional genomics research and crop trait improvement. To date, synthetic regulation of gene expression predominantly focuses at the transcription level via engineering of synthetic promoters and transcription factors, while pioneering examples have started to emerge for synthetic regulation of gene expression at the levels of mRNA stability, translation, and protein degradation. This review discusses recent advances in plant synthetic biology for the regulation of gene expression at multiple levels, and highlights their future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debao Huang
- Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Pawel Z Kosentka
- Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Wusheng Liu
- Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Perspectives for epigenetic editing in crops. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:381-400. [PMID: 33891288 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific nucleases (SSNs) have drawn much attention in plant biotechnology due to their ability to drive precision mutagenesis, gene targeting or allele replacement. However, when devoid of its nuclease activity, the underlying DNA-binding activity of SSNs can be used to bring other protein functional domains close to specific genomic sites, thus expanding further the range of applications of the technology. In particular, the addition of functional domains encoding epigenetic effectors and chromatin modifiers to the CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complex opens the possibility to introduce targeted epigenomic modifications in plants in an easily programmable manner. Here we examine some of the most important agronomic traits known to be controlled epigenetically and review the best studied epigenetic catalytic effectors in plants, such as DNA methylases/demethylases or histone acetylases/deacetylases and their associated marks. We also review the most efficient strategies developed to date to functionalize Cas proteins with both catalytic and non-catalytic epigenetic effectors, and the ability of these domains to influence the expression of endogenous genes in a regulatable manner. Based on these new technical developments, we discuss the possibilities offered by epigenetic editing tools in plant biotechnology and their implications in crop breeding.
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Gong X, Zhang T, Xing J, Wang R, Zhao Y. Positional effects on efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional activation in rice plants. ABIOTECH 2020; 1:1-5. [PMID: 36305003 PMCID: PMC9590548 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-019-00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) has been reprogrammed for transcriptional activation by fusing dCas9 to a transcriptional activation domain. In the presence of a guide RNA (gRNA), the dCas9 fusions specifically bind to regions of a promoter to activate transcription. Significant amount of effort has been directed toward the identification and optimization of the fusions of dCas9-activation domain, but very little is known about the impact of gRNA target positions within a promoter in plants on transcriptional activation efficiency. The dCas9-6TAL-VP128 system (dCas9-TV) has been optimized to activate transcription in plants. Here we use the dCas9-TV to activate transcription of OsWOX11 and OsYUC1, two genes that cause dramatic developmental phenotypes when overexpressed. We designed a series of gRNAs targeting the promoters of the two genes. We show that gRNAs that target regions within 350 bp upstream of the transcription start site were most effective in transcriptional activation. Moreover, we show that using two gRNAs that simultaneously target two discrete sites in a promoter can further enhance transcription. This work provides guidelines for designed transcriptional activation through CRISPR/dCas9 systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Tao Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Jialing Xing
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Rongchen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yunde Zhao
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116 USA
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