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Idiago-López J, Ferreira D, Asín L, Moros M, Armenia I, Grazú V, Fernandes AR, de la Fuente JM, Baptista PV, Fratila RM. Membrane-localized magnetic hyperthermia promotes intracellular delivery of cell-impermeant probes. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:15176-15195. [PMID: 39052238 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01955e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we report the disruptive use of membrane-localized magnetic hyperthermia to promote the internalization of cell-impermeant probes. Under an alternating magnetic field, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) immobilized on the cell membrane via bioorthogonal click chemistry act as nanoheaters and lead to the thermal disruption of the plasma membrane, which can be used for internalization of different types of molecules, such as small fluorescent probes and nucleic acids. Noteworthily, no cell death, oxidative stress and alterations of the cell cycle are detected after the thermal stimulus, although cells are able to sense and respond to the thermal stimulus through the expression of different types of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this approach for the transfection of cells with a small interference RNA (siRNA), revealing a similar efficacy to a standard transfection method based on the use of cationic lipid-based reagents (such as Lipofectamine), but with lower cell toxicity. These results open the possibility of developing new procedures for "opening and closing" cellular membranes with minimal disturbance of cellular integrity. This on-demand modification of cell membrane permeability could allow the direct intracellular delivery of biologically relevant (bio)molecules, drugs and nanomaterials, thus overcoming traditional endocytosis pathways and avoiding endosomal entrapment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Idiago-López
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Daniela Ferreira
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Laura Asín
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - María Moros
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Ilaria Armenia
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Valeria Grazú
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Alexandra R Fernandes
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Jesús M de la Fuente
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Pedro V Baptista
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Raluca M Fratila
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, INMA (CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
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Yin JH, Horzmann KA. Embryonic Zebrafish as a Model for Investigating the Interaction between Environmental Pollutants and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1559. [PMID: 39062132 PMCID: PMC11275083 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071559] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants have been linked to neurotoxicity and are proposed to contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. The zebrafish model provides a high-throughput platform for large-scale chemical screening and toxicity assessment and is widely accepted as an important animal model for the investigation of neurodegenerative disorders. Although recent studies explore the roles of environmental pollutants in neurodegenerative disorders in zebrafish models, current knowledge of the mechanisms of environmentally induced neurodegenerative disorders is relatively complex and overlapping. This review primarily discusses utilizing embryonic zebrafish as the model to investigate environmental pollutants-related neurodegenerative disease. We also review current applicable approaches and important biomarkers to unravel the underlying mechanism of environmentally related neurodegenerative disorders. We found embryonic zebrafish to be a powerful tool that provides a platform for evaluating neurotoxicity triggered by environmentally relevant concentrations of neurotoxic compounds. Additionally, using variable approaches to assess neurotoxicity in the embryonic zebrafish allows researchers to have insights into the complex interaction between environmental pollutants and neurodegenerative disorders and, ultimately, an understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharine A. Horzmann
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;
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3
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Zhou C, Wagner S, Liang FS. Induced proximity labeling and editing for epigenetic research. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1118-1131. [PMID: 38866004 PMCID: PMC11193966 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.005] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in various biological and disease processes. Two key lines of investigation have been pursued that aim to unravel endogenous epigenetic events at particular genes (probing) and artificially manipulate the epigenetic landscape (editing). The concept of induced proximity has inspired the development of powerful tools for epigenetic research. Induced proximity strategies involve bringing molecular effectors into spatial proximity with specific genomic regions to achieve the probing or manipulation of local epigenetic environments with increased proximity. In this review, we detail the development of induced proximity methods and applications in shedding light on the intricacies of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Wagner
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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4
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Zhang X, Blumenthal RM, Cheng X. Keep Fingers on the CpG Islands. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:23. [PMID: 38920624 PMCID: PMC11202855 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8020023] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-genomic era has ushered in the extensive application of epigenetic editing tools, allowing for precise alterations of gene expression. The use of reprogrammable editors that carry transcriptional corepressors has significant potential for long-term epigenetic silencing for the treatment of human diseases. The ideal scenario involves precise targeting of a specific genomic location by a DNA-binding domain, ensuring there are no off-target effects and that the process yields no genetic remnants aside from specific epigenetic modifications (i.e., DNA methylation). A notable example is a recent study on the mouse Pcsk9 gene, crucial for cholesterol regulation and expressed in hepatocytes, which identified synthetic zinc-finger (ZF) proteins as the most effective DNA-binding editors for silencing Pcsk9 efficiently, specifically, and persistently. This discussion focuses on enhancing the specificity of ZF-array DNA binding by optimizing interactions between specific amino acids and DNA bases across three promoters containing CpG islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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Alex K, Winkler EC. Comparative ethical evaluation of epigenome editing and genome editing in medicine: first steps and future directions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:398-406. [PMID: 37527926 PMCID: PMC11137457 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108888] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted modifications of the human epigenome, epigenome editing (EE), are around the corner. For EE, techniques similar to genome editing (GE) techniques are used. While in GE the genetic information is changed by directly modifying DNA, intervening in the epigenome requires modifying the configuration of DNA, for example, how it is folded. This does not come with alterations in the base sequence ('genetic code'). To date, there is almost no ethical debate about EE, whereas the discussions about GE are voluminous. Our article introduces EE into bioethics by translating knowledge from science to ethics and by comparing the risks of EE with those of GE. We, first (I), make the case that a broader ethical debate on EE is due, provide scientific background on EE, compile potential use-cases and recap previous debates. We then (II) compare EE and GE and suggest that the severity of risks of novel gene technologies depends on three factors: (i) the choice of an ex vivo versus an in vivo editing approach, (ii) the time of intervention and intervention windows and (iii) the targeted diseases. Moreover, we show why germline EE is not effective and reject the position of strong epigenetic determinism. We conclude that EE is not always ethically preferable to GE in terms of risks, and end with suggestions for next steps in the current ethical debate on EE by briefly introducing ethical challenges of new areas of preventive applications of EE (III).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Alex
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Mohamad Zamberi NN, Abuhamad AY, Low TY, Mohtar MA, Syafruddin SE. dCas9 Tells Tales: Probing Gene Function and Transcription Regulation in Cancer. CRISPR J 2024; 7:73-87. [PMID: 38635328 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0078] [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: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing is evolving into an essential tool in the field of biological and medical research. Notably, the development of catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme has substantially broadened its traditional boundaries in gene editing or perturbation. The conjugation of dCas9 with various molecular effectors allows precise control over transcriptional processes, epigenetic modifications, visualization of chromosomal dynamics, and several other applications. This expanded repertoire of CRISPR-Cas9 applications has emerged as an invaluable molecular tool kit that empowers researchers to comprehensively interrogate and gain insights into health and diseases. This review delves into the advancements in Cas9 protein engineering, specifically on the generation of various dCas9 tools that have significantly enhanced the CRISPR-based technology capability and versatility. We subsequently discuss the multifaceted applications of dCas9, especially in interrogating the regulation and function of genes that involve in supporting cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we also delineate the designing and utilization of dCas9-based tools as well as highlighting its current constraints and transformative potentials in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Nadia Mohamad Zamberi
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Asmaa Y Abuhamad
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Gene Circuits for Regulation of Next-Generation Cell-Based Therapeutics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309088. [PMID: 38126677 PMCID: PMC10885662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309088] [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: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Arming human cells with synthetic gene circuits enables to expand their capacity to execute superior sensing and response actions, offering tremendous potential for innovative cellular therapeutics. This can be achieved by assembling components from an ever-expanding molecular toolkit, incorporating switches based on transcriptional, translational, or post-translational control mechanisms. This review provides examples from the three classes of switches, and discusses their advantages and limitations to regulate the activity of therapeutic cells in vivo. Genetic switches designed to recognize internal disease-associated signals often encode intricate actuation programs that orchestrate a reduction in the sensed signal, establishing a closed-loop architecture. Conversely, switches engineered to detect external molecular or physical cues operate in an open-loop fashion, switching on or off upon signal exposure. The integration of such synthetic gene circuits into the next generation of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells is already enabling precise calibration of immune responses in terms of magnitude and timing, thereby improving the potency and safety of therapeutic cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical engineered cells targeting other chronic diseases are gathering increasing attention, and this review discusses the path forward for achieving clinical success. With synthetic biology at the forefront, cellular therapeutics holds great promise for groundbreaking treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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Singh VK, Ahmed S, Saini DK, Gahlaut V, Chauhan S, Khandare K, Kumar A, Sharma PK, Kumar J. Manipulating epigenetic diversity in crop plants: Techniques, challenges and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130544. [PMID: 38104668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130544] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications act as conductors of inheritable alterations in gene expression, all while keeping the DNA sequence intact, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping plant growth and development. This review article presents an overview of techniques employed to investigate and manipulate epigenetic diversity in crop plants, focusing on both naturally occurring and artificially induced epialleles. The significance of epigenetic modifications in facilitating adaptive responses is explored through the examination of how various biotic and abiotic stresses impact them. Further, environmental chemicals are explored for their role in inducing epigenetic changes, particularly focusing on inhibitors of DNA methylation like 5-AzaC and zebularine, as well as inhibitors of histone deacetylation including trichostatin A and sodium butyrate. The review delves into various approaches for generating epialleles, including tissue culture techniques, mutagenesis, and grafting, elucidating their potential to induce heritable epigenetic modifications in plants. In addition, the ground breaking CRISPR/Cas is emphasized for its accuracy in targeting specific epigenetic changes. This presents a potent tools for deciphering the intricacies of epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, the intricate relationship between epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNA expression, including siRNAs and miRNAs, is investigated. The emerging role of exo-RNAi in epigenetic regulation is also introduced, unveiling its promising potential for future applications. The article concludes by addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by these techniques, emphasizing their implications for crop improvement. Conclusively, this extensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate realm of epigenetic changes, illuminating their significance in phenotypic plasticity and their potential in advancing crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shoeb Ahmed
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Gahlaut
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | | | - Kiran Khandare
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sharma
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India; Maharaja Suhel Dev State University, Azamgarh 276404, U.P., India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India.
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Sarno F, Koncz M, Eilers RE, Verschure PJ, Rots MG. Generation of Cell Lines Stably Expressing a dCas9-Fusion or sgRNA to Address Dynamics of Long-Term Effects of Epigenetic Editing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:289-307. [PMID: 39012602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_15] [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] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating gene expression patterns. Through epigenetic editing approaches, the chromatin structure is modified and the activity of the targeted gene can be reprogrammed without altering the DNA sequence. By using the CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic repeats) platform with nuclease-deactivated dCas9 proteins to direct epigenetic effector domains (EDs) to genomic regulatory regions, the expression of the targeted gene can be modulated. However, the long-term stability of these effects, although demonstrated, remains unpredictable. The versatility and flexibility of (co-)targeting different genes with multiple epigenetic effectors has made the CRISPR/dCas9 platform the most widely used gene modulating technology currently available. Efficient delivery of large dCas9-ED fusion constructs into target cells, however, is challenging. An approach to overcome this limitation is to generate cells that stably express sgRNA(s) or dCas9-ED constructs. The sgRNA(s) or dCas9-ED stable cell lines can be used to study the mechanisms underlying sustained gene expression reprogramming by transiently expressing the other of the two constructs. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for the engineering of cells that stably express CRISPR/dCas9 or sgRNA. Creating a system where one component of the CRISPR/dCas9 is stably expressed while the other is transiently expressed offers a versatile platform for investigating the dynamics of epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sarno
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Epigenetic Editing Research Group, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, MATRIX Research Group, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mihaly Koncz
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Roos E Eilers
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Epigenetic Editing Research Group, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pernette J Verschure
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Epigenetic Editing Research Group, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Bakulski KM, Blostein F, London SJ. Linking Prenatal Environmental Exposures to Lifetime Health with Epigenome-Wide Association Studies: State-of-the-Science Review and Future Recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:126001. [PMID: 38048101 PMCID: PMC10695268 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12956] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal environment influences lifetime health; epigenetic mechanisms likely predominate. In 2016, the first international consortium paper on cigarette smoking during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation identified extensive, reproducible exposure signals. This finding raised expectations for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of other exposures. OBJECTIVE We review the current state-of-the-science for DNA methylation associations across prenatal exposures in humans and provide future recommendations. METHODS We reviewed 134 prenatal environmental EWAS of DNA methylation in newborns, focusing on 51 epidemiological studies with meta-analysis or replication testing. Exposures spanned cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, dietary factors, psychosocial stress, metals, other chemicals, and other exogenous factors. Of the reproducible DNA methylation signatures, we examined implementation as exposure biomarkers. RESULTS Only 19 (14%) of these prenatal EWAS were conducted in cohorts of 1,000 or more individuals, reflecting the still early stage of the field. To date, the largest perinatal EWAS sample size was 6,685 participants. For comparison, the most recent genome-wide association study for birth weight included more than 300,000 individuals. Replication, at some level, was successful with exposures to cigarette smoking, folate, dietary glycemic index, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μ m and < 2.5 μ m , nitrogen dioxide, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, electronic waste, PFAS, and DDT. Reproducible effects of a more limited set of prenatal exposures (smoking, folate) enabled robust methylation biomarker creation. DISCUSSION Current evidence demonstrates the scientific premise for reproducible DNA methylation exposure signatures. Better powered EWAS could identify signatures across many exposures and enable comprehensive biomarker development. Whether methylation biomarkers of exposures themselves cause health effects remains unclear. We expect that larger EWAS with enhanced coverage of epigenome and exposome, along with improved single-cell technologies and evolving methods for integrative multi-omics analyses and causal inference, will expand mechanistic understanding of causal links between environmental exposures, the epigenome, and health outcomes throughout the life course. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12956.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freida Blostein
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephanie J. London
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Fadul SM, Arshad A, Mehmood R. CRISPR-based epigenome editing: mechanisms and applications. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1137-1155. [PMID: 37990877 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic anomalies contribute significantly to the development of numerous human disorders. The development of epigenetic research tools is essential for understanding how epigenetic marks contribute to gene expression. A gene-editing technique known as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) typically targets a particular DNA sequence using a guide RNA (gRNA). CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been remodeled for epigenome editing by generating a 'dead' Cas9 protein (dCas9) that lacks nuclease activity and juxtaposing it with an epigenetic effector domain. Based on fusion partners of dCas9, a specific epigenetic state can be achieved. CRISPR-based epigenome editing has widespread application in drug screening, cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. This paper discusses the tools developed for CRISPR-based epigenome editing and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima M Fadul
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aleeza Arshad
- Medical Teaching Insitute, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, 22020, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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13
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Subica AM. CRISPR in Public Health: The Health Equity Implications and Role of Community in Gene-Editing Research and Applications. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:874-882. [PMID: 37200601 PMCID: PMC10323846 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a Nobel Prize-winning technology that holds significant promise for revolutionizing the prevention and treatment of human disease through gene editing. However, CRISPR's public health implications remain relatively uncertain and underdiscussed because (1) targeting genetic factors alone will have limited influence on population health, and (2) minority populations (racial/ethnic, sexual and gender)-who bear the nation's greatest health burdens-historically suffer unequal benefits from emerging health care innovations and tools. This article introduces CRISPR and its potential public health benefits (e.g., improving virus surveillance, curing genetic diseases that pose public health problems such as sickle cell anemia) while outlining several major ethical and practical threats to health equity. This includes minorities' grave underrepresentation in genomics research, which may lead to less effective and accepted CRISPR tools and therapies for these groups, and their anticipated unequal access to these tools and therapies in health care. Informed by the principles of fairness, justice, and equitable access, ensuring gene editing promotes rather than diminishes health equity will require the meaningful centering and engagement of minority patients and populations in gene-editing research using community-based participatory research approaches. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):874-882. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307315).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Subica
- Andrew M. Subica is with the Department of Social Medicine, Population, and Public Health, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
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14
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Yano N, Fedulov AV. Targeted DNA Demethylation: Vectors, Effectors and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051334. [PMID: 37239005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051334] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation at regulatory cis-elements of particular genes is seen in a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, as well as in cancer, diabetes and others. Thus, approaches for experimental and therapeutic DNA demethylation have a great potential to demonstrate mechanistic importance, and even causality of epigenetic alterations, and may open novel avenues to epigenetic cures. However, existing methods based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors that elicit genome-wide demethylation are not suitable for treatment of diseases with specific epimutations and provide a limited experimental value. Therefore, gene-specific epigenetic editing is a critical approach for epigenetic re-activation of silenced genes. Site-specific demethylation can be achieved by utilizing sequence-dependent DNA-binding molecules such as zinc finger protein array (ZFA), transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9). Synthetic proteins, where these DNA-binding domains are fused with the DNA demethylases such as ten-eleven translocation (Tet) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) enzymes, successfully induced or enhanced transcriptional responsiveness at targeted loci. However, a number of challenges, including the dependence on transgenesis for delivery of the fusion constructs, remain issues to be solved. In this review, we detail current and potential approaches to gene-specific DNA demethylation as a novel epigenetic editing-based therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Yano
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Alexey V Fedulov
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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15
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Baccarelli A, Dolinoy DC, Walker CL. A precision environmental health approach to prevention of human disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2449. [PMID: 37117186 PMCID: PMC10147599 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human health is determined by the interaction of our environment with the genome, epigenome, and microbiome, which shape the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic landscape of cells and tissues. Precision environmental health is an emerging field leveraging environmental and system-level ('omic) data to understand underlying environmental causes of disease, identify biomarkers of exposure and response, and develop new prevention and intervention strategies. In this article we provide real-life illustrations of the utility of precision environmental health approaches, identify current challenges in the field, and outline new opportunities to promote health through a precision environmental health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cheryl Lyn Walker
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Increasing Specificity of Targeted DNA Methylation Editing by Non-Enzymatic CRISPR/dCas9-Based Steric Hindrance. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051238. [PMID: 37238909 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051238] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As advances in genome engineering inch the technology towards wider clinical use-slowed by technical and ethical hurdles-a newer offshoot, termed "epigenome engineering", offers the ability to correct disease-causing changes in the DNA without changing its sequence and, thus, without some of the unfavorable correlates of doing so. In this review, we note some of the shortcomings of epigenetic editing technology-specifically the risks involved in the introduction of epigenetic enzymes-and highlight an alternative epigenetic editing strategy using physical occlusion to modify epigenetic marks at target sites without a requirement for any epigenetic enzyme. This may prove to be a safer alternative for more specific epigenetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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17
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Meng X, Wu TG, Lou QY, Niu KY, Jiang L, Xiao QZ, Xu T, Zhang L. Optimization of CRISPR-Cas system for clinical cancer therapy. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10474. [PMID: 36925702 PMCID: PMC10013785 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a genetic disease caused by alterations in genome and epigenome and is one of the leading causes for death worldwide. The exploration of disease development and therapeutic strategies at the genetic level have become the key to the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. The functional analysis of genes and mutations has been slow and laborious. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative approaches to improve the current status of cancer research. Gene editing technologies provide technical support for efficient gene disruption and modification in vivo and in vitro, in particular the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems. Currently, the applications of CRISPR-Cas systems in cancer rely on different Cas effector proteins and the design of guide RNAs. Furthermore, effective vector delivery must be met for the CRISPR-Cas systems to enter human clinical trials. In this review article, we describe the mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas systems and highlight the applications of class II Cas effector proteins. We also propose a synthetic biology approach to modify the CRISPR-Cas systems, and summarize various delivery approaches facilitating the clinical application of the CRISPR-Cas systems. By modifying the CRISPR-Cas system and optimizing its in vivo delivery, promising and effective treatments for cancers using the CRISPR-Cas system are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Meng
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Gang Wu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Lou
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yuan Niu
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Heart Centre (G23) London UK.,Department of Otolaryngology The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei China
| | - Lei Jiang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Zhong Xiao
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Heart Centre (G23) London UK
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products Anhui Medical University Hefei China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Hefei China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China.,Department of Periodontology Anhui Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University Hefei China
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18
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Toward the Development of Epigenome Editing-Based Therapeutics: Potentials and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054778. [PMID: 36902207 PMCID: PMC10003136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement in epigenetics research over the past several decades has led to the potential application of epigenome-editing technologies for the treatment of various diseases. In particular, epigenome editing is potentially useful in the treatment of genetic and other related diseases, including rare imprinted diseases, as it can regulate the expression of the epigenome of the target region, and thereby the causative gene, with minimal or no modification of the genomic DNA. Various efforts are underway to successfully apply epigenome editing in vivo, such as improving target specificity, enzymatic activity, and drug delivery for the development of reliable therapeutics. In this review, we introduce the latest findings, summarize the current limitations and future challenges in the practical application of epigenome editing for disease therapy, and introduce important factors to consider, such as chromatin plasticity, for a more effective epigenome editing-based therapy.
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19
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Maruyama S, Kusakabe T, Zou X, Kobayashi Y, Asano Y, Wang QS, Ui-Tei K. SNPD-CRISPR: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Distinguishable Repression or Enhancement of a Target Gene Expression by CRISPR System. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2637:49-62. [PMID: 36773137 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3016-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, or neurodegenerative diseases, have been associated with single nucleotide mutations in their causative genes. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a flexible and efficient genome engineering technology widely used for researches and therapeutic applications which offers immense opportunity to treat genetic diseases. The complex of Cas9 and the guide RNA acts as an RNA-guided endonuclease. Cas9 recognizes a sequence motif known as a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), and then the guide RNA base pairs with its proximal target region of 20 nucleotides with sequence complementarity. Here we describe the procedure named single nucleotide polymorphism-distinguishable (SNPD)-CRISPR system which can suppress or enhance the expression of disease-causative gene with single nucleotide mutation distinguished from its wild-type. In this study, we used HRAS, one of most famous cancer-causative genes, as an example of a target gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Maruyama
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Kusakabe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xinyi Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kobayashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Asano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qingbo S Wang
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Statistical Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ui-Tei
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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20
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van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Koulousakis P, Tiane A, Hellings N, Prickaerts J. A perspective on causality assessment in epigenetic research on neurodegenerative disorders. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:331-332. [PMID: 35900421 PMCID: PMC9396512 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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21
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Cabrera A, Edelstein HI, Glykofrydis F, Love KS, Palacios S, Tycko J, Zhang M, Lensch S, Shields CE, Livingston M, Weiss R, Zhao H, Haynes KA, Morsut L, Chen YY, Khalil AS, Wong WW, Collins JJ, Rosser SJ, Polizzi K, Elowitz MB, Fussenegger M, Hilton IB, Leonard JN, Bintu L, Galloway KE, Deans TL. The sound of silence: Transgene silencing in mammalian cell engineering. Cell Syst 2022; 13:950-973. [PMID: 36549273 PMCID: PMC9880859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate principles operating in native biological systems and to develop novel biotechnologies, synthetic biology aims to build and integrate synthetic gene circuits within native transcriptional networks. The utility of synthetic gene circuits for cell engineering relies on the ability to control the expression of all constituent transgene components. Transgene silencing, defined as the loss of expression over time, persists as an obstacle for engineering primary cells and stem cells with transgenic cargos. In this review, we highlight the challenge that transgene silencing poses to the robust engineering of mammalian cells, outline potential molecular mechanisms of silencing, and present approaches for preventing transgene silencing. We conclude with a perspective identifying future research directions for improving the performance of synthetic gene circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Cabrera
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hailey I Edelstein
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Fokion Glykofrydis
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9080, USA
| | - Kasey S Love
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Josh Tycko
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sarah Lensch
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cara E Shields
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mark Livingston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Karmella A Haynes
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9080, USA
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ahmad S Khalil
- Biological Design Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Biological Design Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9080, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Susan J Rosser
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK; Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel 4058, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Joshua N Leonard
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Lacramioara Bintu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kate E Galloway
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tara L Deans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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22
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Willis JCW, Silva-Pinheiro P, Widdup L, Minczuk M, Liu DR. Compact zinc finger base editors that edit mitochondrial or nuclear DNA in vitro and in vivo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7204. [PMID: 36418298 PMCID: PMC9684478 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) use programmable DNA-binding TALE repeat arrays, rather than CRISPR proteins, a split double-stranded DNA cytidine deaminase (DddA), and a uracil glycosylase inhibitor to mediate C•G-to-T•A editing in nuclear and organelle DNA. Here we report the development of zinc finger DdCBEs (ZF-DdCBEs) and the improvement of their editing performance through engineering their architectures, defining improved ZF scaffolds, and installing DddA activity-enhancing mutations. We engineer variants with improved DNA specificity by integrating four strategies to reduce off-target editing. We use optimized ZF-DdCBEs to install or correct disease-associated mutations in mitochondria and in the nucleus. Leveraging their small size, we use a single AAV9 to deliver into heart, liver, and skeletal muscle in post-natal mice ZF-DdCBEs that efficiently install disease-associated mutations. While off-target editing of ZF-DdCBEs is likely too high for therapeutic applications, these findings demonstrate a compact, all-protein base editing research tool for precise editing of organelle or nuclear DNA without double-strand DNA breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C W Willis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Lily Widdup
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michal Minczuk
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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23
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Microbial Remediation: A Promising Tool for Reclamation of Contaminated Sites with Special Emphasis on Heavy Metal and Pesticide Pollution: A Review. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10071358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal and pesticide pollution have become an inevitable part of the modern industrialized environment that find their way into all ecosystems. Because of their persistent nature, recalcitrance, high toxicity and biological enrichment, metal and pesticide pollution has threatened the stability of the environment as well as the health of living beings. Due to the environmental persistence of heavy metals and pesticides, they get accumulated in the environs and consequently lead to food chain contamination. Therefore, remediation of heavy metals and pesticide contaminations needs to be addressed as a high priority. Various physico-chemical approaches have been employed for this purpose, but they have significant drawbacks such as high expenses, high labor, alteration in soil properties, disruption of native soil microflora and generation of toxic by-products. Researchers worldwide are focusing on bioremediation strategies to overcome this multifaceted problem, i.e., the removal, immobilization and detoxification of pesticides and heavy metals, in the most efficient and cost-effective ways. For a period of millions of evolutionary years, microorganisms have become resistant to intoxicants and have developed the capability to remediate heavy metal ions and pesticides, and as a result, they have helped in the restoration of the natural state of degraded environs with long term environmental benefits. Keeping in view the environmental and health concerns imposed by heavy metals and pesticides in our society, we aimed to present a generalized picture of the bioremediation capacity of microorganisms. We explore the use of bacteria, fungi, algae and genetically engineered microbes for the remediation of both metals and pesticides. This review summarizes the major detoxification pathways and bioremediation technologies; in addition to that, a brief account is given of molecular approaches such as systemic biology, gene editing and omics that have enhanced the bioremediation process and widened its microbiological techniques toward the remediation of heavy metals and pesticides.
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24
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Kropocheva EV, Lisitskaya LA, Agapov AA, Musabirov AA, Kulbachinskiy AV, Esyunina DM. Prokaryotic Argonaute Proteins as a Tool for Biotechnology. Mol Biol 2022; 56:854-873. [PMID: 36060308 PMCID: PMC9427165 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322060103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Programmable nucleases are the most important tool for manipulating the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Since the end of the 20th century, many approaches were developed for specific modification of the genome. The review briefly considers the advantages and disadvantages of the main genetic editors known to date. The main attention is paid to programmable nucleases from the family of prokaryotic Argonaute proteins. Argonaute proteins can recognize and cleave DNA sequences using small complementary guide molecules and play an important role in protecting prokaryotic cells from invading DNA. Argonaute proteins have already found applications in biotechnology for targeted cleavage and detection of nucleic acids and can potentially be used for genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. V. Kropocheva
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - L. A. Lisitskaya
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Agapov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Musabirov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - D. M. Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
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25
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Zhao Z, Li C, Tong F, Deng J, Huang G, Sang Y. Review of applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology in cancer research. Biol Proced Online 2021; 23:14. [PMID: 34261433 PMCID: PMC8281662 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-021-00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterized by multiple complex mutations, including activation by oncogenes and inhibition by tumor suppressors, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology in cancer research has aroused great interest, promoting the exploration of the molecular mechanism of cancer progression and development of precise therapy. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology provides a solid basis for identifying driver and passenger mutations in cancer genomes, which is of great value in genetic screening and for developing cancer models and treatments. This article reviews the current applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology in various cancer studies, the challenges faced, and the existing solutions, highlighting the potential of this technology for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China
| | - Fei Tong
- Orthodontic Department of Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China
| | - Jingkuang Deng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China
| | - Guofu Huang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China.
| | - Yi Sang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, China.
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26
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Pacheco MB, Camilo V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic Editing in Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities. Epigenetics 2021; 17:564-588. [PMID: 34130596 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1939477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing consists of fusing a predesigned DNA recognition unit to the catalytic domain of a chromatin modifying enzyme leading to the introduction or removal of an epigenetic mark at a specific locus. These platforms enabled the study of the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic changes in several research domains such as those addressing pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Despite the continued efforts required to overcome some limitations, which include specificity, off-target effects, efficacy, and longevity, these tools have been rapidly progressing and improving.Since prostate cancer is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect different signalling pathways, epigenetic editing constitutes a promising strategy to hamper cancer progression. Therefore, by modulating chromatin structure through epigenome editing, its conformation might be better understood and events that drive prostate carcinogenesis might be further unveiled.This review describes the different epigenome engineering tools, their mechanisms concerning gene's expression and regulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities concerning prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Brütt Pacheco
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Camilo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. DR. António Bernardino De Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
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27
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George MN, Leavens KF, Gadue P. Genome Editing Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model β-Cell Disease and Unmask Novel Genetic Modifiers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:682625. [PMID: 34149620 PMCID: PMC8206553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.682625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of the genetic basis of complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus remain elusive due in large part to the activity of genetic disease modifiers that impact the penetrance and/or presentation of disease phenotypes. In the face of such complexity, rare forms of diabetes that result from single-gene mutations (monogenic diabetes) can be used to model the contribution of individual genetic factors to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and the breakdown of glucose homeostasis. Here we review the contribution of protein coding and non-protein coding genetic disease modifiers to the pathogenesis of diabetes subtypes, as well as how recent technological advances in the generation, differentiation, and genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) enable the development of cell-based disease models. Finally, we describe a disease modifier discovery platform that utilizes these technologies to identify novel genetic modifiers using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from patients with monogenic diabetes caused by heterozygous mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N. George
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Karla F. Leavens
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paul Gadue
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Brodie ED, Gregory B, Lisch D, Riddle NC. The epigenome and beyond: How does non-genetic inheritance change our view of evolution? Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2199-2207. [PMID: 34028538 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from across the tree of life suggests that epigenetic inheritance is more common than previously thought. If epigenetic inheritance is indeed as common as the data suggest, this finding has potentially important implications for evolutionary theory and our understanding of how evolution and adaptation progress. However, we currently lack an understanding of how common various epigenetic inheritance types are, and how they impact phenotypes. In this perspective, we review the open questions that need to be addressed to fully integrate epigenetic inheritance into evolutionary theory and to develop reliable predictive models for phenotypic evolution. We posit that addressing these challenges will require the collaboration of biologists from different disciplines and a focus on the exploration of data and phenomena without preconceived limits on potential mechanisms or outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund D Brodie
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Brian Gregory
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Damon Lisch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Nicole C Riddle
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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29
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Ramzan F, Vickers MH, Mithen RF. Epigenetics, microRNA and Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095047. [PMID: 34068765 PMCID: PMC8126218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the DNA chemistry changes that result in the modification of gene transcription and translation independently of the underlying DNA coding sequence. Epigenetic modifications are reported to involve various molecular mechanisms, including classical epigenetic changes affecting DNA methylation and histone modifications and small RNA-mediated processes, particularly that of microRNAs. Epigenetic changes are reversible and are closely interconnected. They are recognised to play a critical role as mediators of gene regulation, and any alteration in these mechanisms has been identified to mediate various pathophysiological conditions. Moreover, genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including dietary alterations, lifestyle or metabolic status, are identified to interact with the human epigenome, highlighting the importance of epigenetic factors as underlying processes in the aetiology of various diseases such as MetS. This review will reflect on how both the classical and microRNA-regulated epigenetic changes are associated with the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. We will then focus on the various aspects of epigenetic-based strategies used to modify MetS outcomes, including epigenetic diet, epigenetic drugs, epigenome editing tools and miRNA-based therapies.
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30
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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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31
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Rahman MM, Tollefsbol TO. Targeting cancer epigenetics with CRISPR-dCAS9: Principles and prospects. Methods 2021; 187:77-91. [PMID: 32315755 PMCID: PMC7572534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutics is an ever-evolving field due to incessant demands for effective and precise treatment options. Over the last few decades, cancer treatment strategies have shifted somewhat from surgery to targeted precision medicine. CRISPR-dCas9 is an emerging version of precision cancer therapy that has been adapted from the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas system. Once ligated to epigenetic effectors (EE), CRISPR-dCas9 can function as an epigenetic editing tool and CRISPR-dCas9-EE complexes could be exploited to alter cancerous epigenetic features associated with different cancer hallmarks. In this article, we discuss the rationale of epigenetic editing as a therapeutic strategy against cancer. We also outline how sgRNA-dCas9 was derived from the CRISPR-Cas system. In addition, the current status of sgRNA-dCas9 use (in vivo and in vitro) in cancer is updated with a molecular illustration of CRISPR-dCas9-mediated epigenetic and transcriptional modulation. As sgRNA-dCas9 is still at the developmental phase, challenges are inherent to its use. We evaluate major challenges in targeting cancer with sgRNA-dCas9 such as off-target effects, lack of sgRNA designing rubrics, target site selection dilemmas and deficient sgRNA-dCas9 delivery systems. Finally, we appraise the sgRNA-dCas9 as a prospective cancer therapeutic by summarizing ongoing improvements of sgRNA-dCas9 methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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32
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Satish L, Lavanya G, Kasthuri T, Kalaivaani A, Shamili S, Muthuramalingam P, Gowrishankar S, Pandian SK, Singh V, Sitrit Y, Kushmaro A. CRISPR based development of RNA editing and the diagnostic platform. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 179:117-159. [PMID: 33785175 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat-CRISPR-Associated (CRISPR-Cas) system has improved the ability to edit and control gene expression as desired. Genome editing approaches are currently leading the biomedical research with improved focus on direct nuclease dependent editing. So far, the research was predominantly intended on genome editing over the DNA level, recent adapted techniques are initiating to secure momentum through their proficiency to provoke modifications in RNA sequence. Integration of this system besides to lateral flow method allows reliable, quick, sensitive, precise and inexpensive diagnostic. These interesting methods illustrate only a small proportion of what is technically possible for this novel technology, but several technological obstacles need to be overcome prior to the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system can meet its full ability. This chapter covers the particulars on recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology including diagnosis and technical advancements, followed by molecular mechanism of CRISPR-based RNA editing and diagnostic tools and types, and CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakkakula Satish
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Bergman Campus, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gunamalai Lavanya
- Department of Postharvest and Fresh Produce, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Thirupathi Kasthuri
- Department of Biotechnology, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aruchamy Kalaivaani
- Department of Postharvest and Fresh Produce, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Sasanala Shamili
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Bergman Campus, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Yaron Sitrit
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Bergman Campus, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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33
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Martinez-Escobar A, Luna-Callejas B, Ramón-Gallegos E. CRISPR-dCas9-Based Artificial Transcription Factors to Improve Efficacy of Cancer Treatment With Drug Repurposing: Proposal for Future Research. Front Oncol 2021; 10:604948. [PMID: 33614489 PMCID: PMC7887379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.604948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high resistance that cancer has shown to conventional therapies, it is difficult to treat this disease, particularly in advanced stages. In recent decades, treatments have been improved, being more specific according to the characteristics of the tumor, becoming more effective, less toxic, and invasive. Cancer can be treated by the combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or drug administration, but therapies based on anticancer drugs are the main cancer treatment. Cancer drug development requires long-time preclinical and clinical studies and is not cost-effective. Drug repurposing is an alternative for cancer therapies development since it is faster, safer, easier, cheaper, and repurposed drugs do not have serious side effects. However, cancer is a complex, heterogeneous, and highly dynamic disease with multiple evolving molecular constituents. This tumor heterogeneity causes several resistance mechanisms in cancer therapies, mainly the target mutation. The CRISPR-dCas9-based artificial transcription factors (ATFs) could be used in cancer therapy due to their possibility to manipulate DNA to modify target genes, activate tumor suppressor genes, silence oncogenes, and tumor resistance mechanisms for targeted therapy. In addition, drug repurposing combined with the use of CRISPR-dCas9-based ATFs could be an alternative cancer treatment to reduce cancer mortality. The aim of this review is to describe the potential of the repurposed drugs combined with CRISPR-dCas9-based ATFs to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment, discussing the possible advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Martinez-Escobar
- Environmental Cytopathology Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Luna-Callejas
- Environmental Cytopathology Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eva Ramón-Gallegos
- Environmental Cytopathology Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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34
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Sgro A, Blancafort P. Epigenome engineering: new technologies for precision medicine. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:12453-12482. [PMID: 33196851 PMCID: PMC7736826 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin adopts different configurations that are regulated by reversible covalent modifications, referred to as epigenetic marks. Epigenetic inhibitors have been approved for clinical use to restore epigenetic aberrations that result in silencing of tumor-suppressor genes, oncogene addictions, and enhancement of immune responses. However, these drugs suffer from major limitations, such as a lack of locus selectivity and potential toxicities. Technological advances have opened a new era of precision molecular medicine to reprogram cellular physiology. The locus-specificity of CRISPR/dCas9/12a to manipulate the epigenome is rapidly becoming a highly promising strategy for personalized medicine. This review focuses on new state-of-the-art epigenome editing approaches to modify the epigenome of neoplasms and other disease models towards a more 'normal-like state', having characteristics of normal tissue counterparts. We highlight biomolecular engineering methodologies to assemble, regulate, and deliver multiple epigenetic effectors that maximize the longevity of the therapeutic effect, and we discuss limitations of the platforms such as targeting efficiency and intracellular delivery for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Sgro
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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35
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Fal K, Tomkova D, Vachon G, Chabouté ME, Berr A, Carles CC. Chromatin Manipulation and Editing: Challenges, New Technologies and Their Use in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E512. [PMID: 33419220 PMCID: PMC7825600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An ongoing challenge in functional epigenomics is to develop tools for precise manipulation of epigenetic marks. These tools would allow moving from correlation-based to causal-based findings, a necessary step to reach conclusions on mechanistic principles. In this review, we describe and discuss the advantages and limits of tools and technologies developed to impact epigenetic marks, and which could be employed to study their direct effect on nuclear and chromatin structure, on transcription, and their further genuine role in plant cell fate and development. On one hand, epigenome-wide approaches include drug inhibitors for chromatin modifiers or readers, nanobodies against histone marks or lines expressing modified histones or mutant chromatin effectors. On the other hand, locus-specific approaches consist in targeting precise regions on the chromatin, with engineered proteins able to modify epigenetic marks. Early systems use effectors in fusion with protein domains that recognize a specific DNA sequence (Zinc Finger or TALEs), while the more recent dCas9 approach operates through RNA-DNA interaction, thereby providing more flexibility and modularity for tool designs. Current developments of "second generation", chimeric dCas9 systems, aiming at better targeting efficiency and modifier capacity have recently been tested in plants and provided promising results. Finally, recent proof-of-concept studies forecast even finer tools, such as inducible/switchable systems, that will allow temporal analyses of the molecular events that follow a change in a specific chromatin mark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Fal
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France; (K.F.); (G.V.)
| | - Denisa Tomkova
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084 Strasbourg CEDEX, France; (D.T.); (M.-E.C.)
| | - Gilles Vachon
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France; (K.F.); (G.V.)
| | - Marie-Edith Chabouté
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084 Strasbourg CEDEX, France; (D.T.); (M.-E.C.)
| | - Alexandre Berr
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084 Strasbourg CEDEX, France; (D.T.); (M.-E.C.)
| | - Cristel C. Carles
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France; (K.F.); (G.V.)
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36
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Santos-Moreno J, Schaerli Y. CRISPR-based gene expression control for synthetic gene circuits. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1979-1993. [PMID: 32964920 PMCID: PMC7609024 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic gene circuits allow us to govern cell behavior in a programmable manner, which is central to almost any application aiming to harness engineered living cells for user-defined tasks. Transcription factors (TFs) constitute the 'classic' tool for synthetic circuit construction but some of their inherent constraints, such as insufficient modularity, orthogonality and programmability, limit progress in such forward-engineering endeavors. Here we review how CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology offers new and powerful possibilities for synthetic circuit design. CRISPR systems offer superior characteristics over TFs in many aspects relevant to a modular, predictable and standardized circuit design. Thus, the choice of CRISPR technology as a framework for synthetic circuit design constitutes a valid alternative to complement or replace TFs in synthetic circuits and promises the realization of more ambitious designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Santos-Moreno
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yolanda Schaerli
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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37
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Zhang D, Hussain A, Manghwar H, Xie K, Xie S, Zhao S, Larkin RM, Qing P, Jin S, Ding F. Genome editing with the CRISPR-Cas system: an art, ethics and global regulatory perspective. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1651-1669. [PMID: 32271968 PMCID: PMC7336378 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, the development of new genome editing techniques, such as ODM, TALENs, ZFNs and the CRISPR-Cas system, has led to significant progress in the field of plant and animal breeding. The CRISPR-Cas system is the most versatile genome editing tool discovered in the history of molecular biology because it can be used to alter diverse genomes (e.g. genomes from both plants and animals) including human genomes with unprecedented ease, accuracy and high efficiency. The recent development and scope of CRISPR-Cas system have raised new regulatory challenges around the world due to moral, ethical, safety and technical concerns associated with its applications in pre-clinical and clinical research, biomedicine and agriculture. Here, we review the art, applications and potential risks of CRISPR-Cas system in genome editing. We also highlight the patent and ethical issues of this technology along with regulatory frameworks established by various nations to regulate CRISPR-Cas-modified organisms/products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- College of Public AdministrationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Amjad Hussain
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hakim Manghwar
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Kabin Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and ReproductionMinistry of EducationWuhanChina
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and ReproductionMinistry of EducationWuhanChina
| | - Robert M. Larkin
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant BiologyMinistry of EducationCollege of Horticulture and Forestry SciencesHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ping Qing
- College of Public AdministrationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shuangxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fang Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant PathologyCollege of Plant Sciences and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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38
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Moses C, Hodgetts SI, Nugent F, Ben-Ary G, Park KK, Blancafort P, Harvey AR. Transcriptional repression of PTEN in neural cells using CRISPR/dCas9 epigenetic editing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11393. [PMID: 32647121 PMCID: PMC7347541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
After damage to the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), surviving neurons have limited capacity to regenerate and restore functional connectivity. Conditional genetic deletion of PTEN results in robust CNS axon regrowth, while PTEN repression with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) improves regeneration but to a lesser extent, likely due to suboptimal PTEN mRNA knockdown using this approach. Here we employed the CRISPR/dCas9 system to repress PTEN transcription in neural cells. We targeted the PTEN proximal promoter and 5' untranslated region with dCas9 fused to the repressor protein Krüppel-associated box (KRAB). dCas9-KRAB delivered in a lentiviral vector with one CRISPR guide RNA (gRNA) achieved potent and specific PTEN repression in human cell line models and neural cells derived from human iPSCs, and induced histone (H)3 methylation and deacetylation at the PTEN promoter. The dCas9-KRAB system outperformed a combination of four shRNAs targeting the PTEN transcript, a construct previously used in CNS injury models. The CRISPR system also worked more effectively than shRNAs for Pten repression in rat neural crest-derived PC-12 cells, and enhanced neurite outgrowth after nerve growth factor stimulation. PTEN silencing with CRISPR/dCas9 epigenetic editing may provide a new option for promoting axon regeneration and functional recovery after CNS trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moses
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - S I Hodgetts
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - F Nugent
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - G Ben-Ary
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - K K Park
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - P Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - A R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
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Abstract
Background Epigenetic processes control timing and level of gene expression throughout life, during development, differentiation, and aging, and are the link to adapting gene expression profiles to environmental cues. To qualify for the definition of ‘epigenetic’, a change to a gene's activity must be inherited through at least one mitotic division. Epigenetic mechanisms link changes in the environment to adaptions of the genome that do not rely on changes in the DNA sequence. In the past two decades, multiple studies have aimed to identify epigenetic mechanisms, and to define their role in development, differentiation and disease. Scope of review In this review, we will focus on the current knowledge of the epigenetic control of pancreatic beta cell maturation and dysfunction and its relationship to the development of islet cell failure in diabetes. Most of the data currently available have been obtained in mice, but we will summarize studies of human data as well. We will focus here on DNA methylation, as this is the most stable epigenetic mark, and least impacted by the variables inherent in islet procurement, isolation, and culture. Major conclusions DNA methylation patterns of beta cell are dynamic during maturation and during the diabetic process. In both cases, the changes occur at cell specific regulatory regions such as enhancers, where the methylation profile is cell type specific. Frequently, the differentially methylated regulatory elements are associated with key function genes such as PDX1, NKX6-1 and TCF7L2. During maturation, enhancers tend to become demethylated in association with increased activation of beta cell function genes and increased functionality, as indicated by glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Likewise, the changes to the DNA methylome that are present in pancreatic islets from diabetic donors are enriched in regulatory regions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Avrahami
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Department, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Dai X, Blancafort P, Wang P, Sgro A, Thompson EW, Ostrikov K(K. Innovative Precision Gene-Editing Tools in Personalized Cancer Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1902552. [PMID: 32596104 PMCID: PMC7312441 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has spurred a successive wave of genome-engineering following zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and made gene-editing a promising strategy in the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases. However, gene-editing is not widely adopted in clinics due to some technical issues that challenge its safety and efficacy, and the lack of appropriate clinical regulations allowing them to advance toward improved human health without impinging on human ethics. By systematically examining the oncological applications of gene-editing tools and critical factors challenging their medical translation, genome-editing has substantial contributions to cancer driver gene discovery, tumor cell epigenome normalization, targeted delivery, cancer animal model establishment, and cancer immunotherapy and prevention in clinics. Gene-editing tools, epitomized by CRISPR, are predicted to represent a promising strategy toward the precise control of cancer initiation and development. However, some technical problems and ethical concerns are serious issues that need to be appropriately addressed before CRISPR can be incorporated into the next generation of molecular precision medicine. In this light, new technical developments to limit off-target effects are discussed herein, and the use of gene-editing approaches for treating otherwise incurable cancers is brought into focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of MedicineJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical ResearchNedlandsWestern Australia6009Australia
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaNedlandsWestern Australia6009Australia
- The Greehey Children's Cancer Research InstituteThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTX78229USA
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueensland4059Australia
- School of Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueensland4059Australia
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueensland4102Australia
| | - Agustin Sgro
- The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical ResearchNedlandsWestern Australia6009Australia
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaNedlandsWestern Australia6009Australia
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueensland4059Australia
- School of Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueensland4059Australia
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueensland4102Australia
| | - Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueensland4102Australia
- School of Chemistry and PhysicsQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueensland4000Australia
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41
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Breton C, Clark PM, Wang L, Greig JA, Wilson JM. ITR-Seq, a next-generation sequencing assay, identifies genome-wide DNA editing sites in vivo following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated genome editing. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:239. [PMID: 32183699 PMCID: PMC7076944 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying nuclease-induced double-stranded breaks in DNA on a genome-wide scale is critical for assessing the safety and efficacy of genome editing therapies. We previously demonstrated that after administering adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated genome-editing strategies in vivo, vector sequences integrated into the host organism's genomic DNA at double-stranded breaks. Thus, identifying the genomic location of inserted AAV sequences would enable us to identify DSB events, mainly derived from the nuclease on- and off-target activity. RESULTS Here, we developed a next-generation sequencing assay that detects insertions of specific AAV vector sequences called inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). This assay, ITR-Seq, enables us to identify off-target nuclease activity in vivo. Using ITR-Seq, we analyzed liver DNA samples of rhesus macaques treated with AAV vectors expressing a meganuclease. We found dose-dependent off-target activity and reductions in off-target events induced by further meganuclease development. In mice, we identified the genomic locations of ITR integration after treatment with Cas9 nucleases and their corresponding single-guide RNAs. CONCLUSIONS In sum, ITR-Seq is a powerful method for identifying off-target sequences induced by AAV vector-delivered genome-editing nucleases. ITR-Seq will help us understand the specificity and efficacy of different genome-editing nucleases in animal models and clinical studies. This information can help enhance the safety profile of gene-editing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Breton
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Peter M Clark
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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42
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergic diseases are prototypic examples for gene × environment-wide interactions. This review considers the current evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in allergic diseases and highlights barriers and facilitators for the implementation of these novel tools both for research and clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS The value of whole-genome sequencing studies and the use of polygenic risk score analysis in homogeneous well characterized populations are currently being tested. Epigenetic mechanisms are known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, especially through mediating the effects of the environmental factors, well recognized risk modifiers. There is emerging evidence for the immune-modulatory role of probiotics through epigenetic changes. Direct or indirect targeting of epigenetic mechanisms affect expression of the genes favouring the development of allergic diseases and can improve tissue biology. The ability to specifically edit the epigenome, especially using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology, holds the promise of enhancing understanding of how epigenetic modifications function and enabling manipulation of cell phenotype for research or therapeutic purposes. SUMMARY Additional research in the role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in relation to allergic diseases' endotypes is needed. An international project characterizing the human epigenome in relation to allergic diseases is warranted.
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Kang Y, Patel NR, Shively C, Recio PS, Chen X, Wranik BJ, Kim G, McIsaac RS, Mitra R, Brent MR. Dual threshold optimization and network inference reveal convergent evidence from TF binding locations and TF perturbation responses. Genome Res 2020; 30:459-471. [PMID: 32060051 PMCID: PMC7111528 DOI: 10.1101/gr.259655.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A high-confidence map of the direct, functional targets of each transcription factor (TF) requires convergent evidence from independent sources. Two significant sources of evidence are TF binding locations and the transcriptional responses to direct TF perturbations. Systematic data sets of both types exist for yeast and human, but they rarely converge on a common set of direct, functional targets for a TF. Even the few genes that are both bound and responsive may not be direct functional targets. Our analysis shows that when there are many nonfunctional binding sites and many indirect targets, nonfunctional sites are expected to occur in the cis-regulatory DNA of indirect targets by chance. To address this problem, we introduce dual threshold optimization (DTO), a new method for setting significance thresholds on binding and perturbation-response data, and show that it improves convergence. It also enables comparison of binding data to perturbation-response data that have been processed by network inference algorithms, which further improves convergence. The combination of dual threshold optimization and network inference greatly expands the high-confidence TF network map in both yeast and human. Next, we analyze a comprehensive new data set measuring the transcriptional response shortly after inducing overexpression of a yeast TF. We also present a new yeast binding location data set obtained by transposon calling cards and compare it to recent ChIP-exo data. These new data sets improve convergence and expand the high-confidence network synergistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Kang
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Nikhil R Patel
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Christian Shively
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Pamela Samantha Recio
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Xuhua Chen
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Bernd J Wranik
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Griffin Kim
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - R Scott McIsaac
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Robi Mitra
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Michael R Brent
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
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44
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Schwarzer R, Gramatica A, Greene WC. Reduce and Control: A Combinatorial Strategy for Achieving Sustained HIV Remissions in the Absence of Antiretroviral Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020188. [PMID: 32046251 PMCID: PMC7077203 DOI: 10.3390/v12020188] [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: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) indefinitely persists, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), within a small pool of latently infected cells. These cells often display markers of immunologic memory and harbor both replication-competent and -incompetent proviruses at approximately a 1:100 ratio. Although complete HIV eradication is a highly desirable goal, this likely represents a bridge too far for our current and foreseeable technologies. A more tractable goal involves engineering a sustained viral remission in the absence of ART––a “functional cure.” In this setting, HIV remains detectable during remission, but the size of the reservoir is small and the residual virus is effectively controlled by an engineered immune response or other intervention. Biological precedence for such an approach is found in the post-treatment controllers (PTCs), a rare group of HIV-infected individuals who, following ART withdrawal, do not experience viral rebound. PTCs are characterized by a small reservoir, greatly reduced inflammation, and the presence of a poorly understood immune response that limits viral rebound. Our goal is to devise a safe and effective means for replicating durable post-treatment control on a global scale. This requires devising methods to reduce the size of the reservoir and to control replication of this residual virus. In the following sections, we will review many of the approaches and tools that likely will be important for implementing such a “reduce and control” strategy and for achieving a PTC-like sustained HIV remission in the absence of ART.
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45
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Zhao W, Wang Y, Liang FS. Chemical and Light Inducible Epigenome Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030998. [PMID: 32028669 PMCID: PMC7037166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome defines the unique gene expression patterns and resulting cellular behaviors in different cell types. Epigenome dysregulation has been directly linked to various human diseases. Epigenome editing enabling genome locus-specific targeting of epigenome modifiers to directly alter specific local epigenome modifications offers a revolutionary tool for mechanistic studies in epigenome regulation as well as the development of novel epigenome therapies. Inducible and reversible epigenome editing provides unique temporal control critical for understanding the dynamics and kinetics of epigenome regulation. This review summarizes the progress in the development of spatiotemporal-specific tools using small molecules or light as inducers to achieve the conditional control of epigenome editing and their applications in epigenetic research.
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46
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Perera BP, Faulk C, Svoboda LK, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC. The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:176-192. [PMID: 31177562 PMCID: PMC7252203 DOI: 10.1002/em.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The genetic material of every organism exists within the context of regulatory networks that govern gene expression, collectively called the epigenome. Epigenetics has taken center stage in the study of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but its integration into the field of environmental health is still emerging. As the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we have come together to review and summarize the seminal advances in the field of environmental epigenomics. Specifically, we focus on the role epigenetics may play in multigenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmentally induced health effects. We also summarize state of the art techniques for evaluating the epigenome, environmental epigenetic analysis, and the emerging field of epigenome editing. Finally, we evaluate transposon epigenetics as they relate to environmental exposures and explore the role of noncoding RNA as biomarkers of environmental exposures. Although the field has advanced over the past several decades, including being recognized by EMGS with its own Special Interest Group, recently renamed Epigenomics, we are excited about the opportunities for environmental epigenetic science in the next 50 years. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:176-192, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bambarendage P.U. Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Laurie K. Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence to: Dana C. Dolinoy, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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47
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Cancer's epigenetic drugs: where are they in the cancer medicines? THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2019; 20:367-379. [PMID: 31819161 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-019-0138-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modulation can affect the characteristics of cancers. Because it is likely to manipulate epigenetic genes, they can be considered as potential targets for cancer treatment. In this comprehensive study, epigenetic drugs are categorized according to anticancer mechanisms and phase of therapy. The relevant articles or databases were searched for epigenetic approaches to cancer therapy. Epigenetic drugs are divided according to their mechanisms and clinical phases that have been approved by the FDA or are undergoing evaluation phases. DNA methylation agents, chromatin remodelers specially HDACs, and noncoding RNAs especially microRNAs are the main epi-drugs for cancer. Despite many challenges, combination therapy using epi-drugs and routine therapies such as chemotherapy in various approaches have exhibited beneficial effects compared with each treatment alone. Cancer stem cell targeting and epigenetic editing have been confirmed as definitive pathways for cancer treatment. This paper reviewed the available epigenetic approaches to cancer therapy.
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48
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Tiane A, Schepers M, Rombaut B, Hupperts R, Prickaerts J, Hellings N, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T. From OPC to Oligodendrocyte: An Epigenetic Journey. Cells 2019; 8:E1236. [PMID: 31614602 PMCID: PMC6830107 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes provide metabolic and functional support to neuronal cells, rendering them key players in the functioning of the central nervous system. Oligodendrocytes need to be newly formed from a pool of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The differentiation of OPCs into mature and myelinating cells is a multistep process, tightly controlled by spatiotemporal activation and repression of specific growth and transcription factors. While oligodendrocyte turnover is rather slow under physiological conditions, a disruption in this balanced differentiation process, for example in case of a differentiation block, could have devastating consequences during ageing and in pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Over the recent years, increasing evidence has shown that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, are major contributors to OPC differentiation. In this review, we discuss how these epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate and influence oligodendrocyte maturation. These insights are a crucial starting point for studies that aim to identify the contribution of epigenetics in demyelinating diseases and may thus provide new therapeutic targets to induce myelin repair in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Tiane
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Raymond Hupperts
- Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen 6130 MB, The Netherlands.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Hellings
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg 97080, Germany.
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
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Gottesfeld JM. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics for the GAA·TTC Expansion Disease Friedreich Ataxia. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1032-1049. [PMID: 31317428 PMCID: PMC6985418 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common inherited ataxia, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the nuclear FXN gene, encoding the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. Currently, there is no approved therapy for this fatal disorder. Gene silencing in FRDA is due to hyperexpansion of the triplet repeat sequence GAA·TTC in the first intron of the FXN gene, which results in chromatin histone modifications consistent with heterochromatin formation. Frataxin is involved in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and the assembly and transfer of iron-sulfur clusters to various mitochondrial enzymes and components of the electron transport chain. Frataxin insufficiency leads to progressive spinocerebellar neurodegeneration, causing symptoms of gait and limb ataxia, slurred speech, muscle weakness, sensory loss, and cardiomyopathy in many patients, resulting in death in early adulthood. Numerous approaches are being taken to find a treatment for FRDA, including excision or correction of the repeats by genome engineering methods, gene activation with small molecules or artificial transcription factors, delivery of frataxin to affected cells by protein replacement therapy, gene therapy, or small molecules to increase frataxin protein levels, and therapies aimed at countering the cellular consequences of reduced frataxin. This review will summarize the mechanisms involved in repeat-mediated gene silencing and recent efforts aimed at development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Gottesfeld
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA.
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50
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Moses C, Kaur P. Applications of CRISPR systems in respiratory health: Entering a new 'red pen' era in genome editing. Respirology 2019; 24:628-637. [PMID: 30883991 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases, such as influenza infection, acute tracheal bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, continue to significantly impact human health. Diseases of the lung and respiratory tract are influenced by environmental conditions and socio-economic factors; however, many of these serious respiratory disorders are also rooted in genetic or epigenetic causes. Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, isolated from the immune system of prokaryotes, provide a tool to manipulate gene sequences and gene expression with significant implications for respiratory research. CRISPR/Cas systems allow preclinical modelling of causal factors involved in many respiratory diseases, providing new insights into their underlying mechanisms. CRISPR can also be used to screen for genes involved in respiratory processes, development and pathology, identifying novel disease drivers or drug targets. Finally, CRISPR/Cas systems can potentially correct genetic mutations and edit epigenetic marks that contribute to respiratory disorders, providing a form of personalized medicine that could be used in conjunction with other technologies such as stem cell reprogramming and transplantation. CRISPR gene editing is a young field of research, and concerns regarding its specificity, as well as the need for efficient and safe delivery methods, need to be addressed further. However, CRISPR/Cas systems represent a significant step forward for research and therapy in respiratory health, and it is likely we will see the breakthroughs generated from this technology continue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parwinder Kaur
- Faculty of Science, School of Human Sciences and School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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