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Khan MA, Herring G, Zhu JY, Oliva M, Fourie E, Johnston B, Zhang Z, Potter J, Pineda L, Pflueger J, Swain T, Pflueger C, Lloyd JPB, Secco D, Small I, Kidd BN, Lister R. CRISPRi-based circuits to control gene expression in plants. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02236-w. [PMID: 38769424 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The construction of synthetic gene circuits in plants has been limited by a lack of orthogonal and modular parts. Here, we implement a CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) interference (CRISPRi)-based reversible gene circuit platform in plants. We create a toolkit of engineered repressible promoters of different strengths and construct NOT and NOR gates in Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts. We determine the optimal processing system to express single guide RNAs from RNA Pol II promoters to introduce NOR gate programmability for interfacing with host regulatory sequences. The performance of a NOR gate in stably transformed Arabidopsis plants demonstrates the system's programmability and reversibility in a complex multicellular organism. Furthermore, cross-species activity of CRISPRi-based logic gates is shown in Physcomitrium patens, Triticum aestivum and Brassica napus protoplasts. Layering multiple NOR gates together creates OR, NIMPLY and AND logic functions, highlighting the modularity of our system. Our CRISPRi circuits are orthogonal, compact, reversible, programmable and modular and provide a platform for sophisticated spatiotemporal control of gene expression in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Adil Khan
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Herring
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jia Yuan Zhu
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marina Oliva
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Elliott Fourie
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin Johnston
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Zhining Zhang
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jarred Potter
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Pineda
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jahnvi Pflueger
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tessa Swain
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christian Pflueger
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James P B Lloyd
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Secco
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Small
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brendan N Kidd
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ryan Lister
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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2
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Motorina DM, Galimova YA, Battulina NV, Omelina ES. Systems for Targeted Silencing of Gene Expression and Their Application in Plants and Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5231. [PMID: 38791270 PMCID: PMC11121118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105231] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there are a variety of different approaches to the targeted regulation of gene expression. However, most approaches are devoted to the activation of gene transcription, and the methods for gene silencing are much fewer in number. In this review, we describe the main systems used for the targeted suppression of gene expression (including RNA interference (RNAi), chimeric transcription factors, chimeric zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs)-based repressors, optogenetic tools, and CRISPR/Cas-based repressors) and their application in eukaryotes-plants and animals. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, compare their effectiveness, and discuss the peculiarities of their usage in plant and animal organisms. This review will be useful for researchers in the field of gene transcription suppression and will allow them to choose the optimal method for suppressing the expression of the gene of interest depending on the research object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Galindo-Trigo S, Bågman AM, Ishida T, Sawa S, Brady SM, Butenko MA. Dissection of the IDA promoter identifies WRKY transcription factors as abscission regulators in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2417-2434. [PMID: 38294133 PMCID: PMC11016851 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae014] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Plants shed organs such as leaves, petals, or fruits through the process of abscission. Monitoring cues such as age, resource availability, and biotic and abiotic stresses allow plants to abscise organs in a timely manner. How these signals are integrated into the molecular pathways that drive abscission is largely unknown. The INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) gene is one of the main drivers of floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis and is known to transcriptionally respond to most abscission-regulating cues. By interrogating the IDA promoter in silico and in vitro, we identified transcription factors that could potentially modulate IDA expression. We probed the importance of ERF- and WRKY-binding sites for IDA expression during floral organ abscission, with WRKYs being of special relevance to mediate IDA up-regulation in response to biotic stress in tissues destined for separation. We further characterized WRKY57 as a positive regulator of IDA and IDA-like gene expression in abscission zones. Our findings highlight the promise of promoter element-targeted approaches to modulate the responsiveness of the IDA signaling pathway to harness controlled abscission timing for improved crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Galindo-Trigo
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Maarit Bågman
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Takashi Ishida
- International Research Organization for Advanced Science and Technology (IROAST), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Siobhán M Brady
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Melinka A Butenko
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
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4
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Bhuyan SJ, Kumar M, Ramrao Devde P, Rai AC, Mishra AK, Singh PK, Siddique KHM. Progress in gene editing tools, implications and success in plants: a review. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1272678. [PMID: 38144710 PMCID: PMC10744593 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1272678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic modifications are made through diverse mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement programs. Among these mutagenesis tools, the traditional methods involve chemical and radiation-induced mutagenesis, resulting in off-target and unintended mutations in the genome. However, recent advances have introduced site-directed nucleases (SDNs) for gene editing, significantly reducing off-target changes in the genome compared to induced mutagenesis and naturally occurring mutations in breeding populations. SDNs have revolutionized genetic engineering, enabling precise gene editing in recent decades. One widely used method, homology-directed repair (HDR), has been effective for accurate base substitution and gene alterations in some plant species. However, its application has been limited due to the inefficiency of HDR in plant cells and the prevalence of the error-prone repair pathway known as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The discovery of CRISPR-Cas has been a game-changer in this field. This system induces mutations by creating double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome and repairing them through associated repair pathways like NHEJ. As a result, the CRISPR-Cas system has been extensively used to transform plants for gene function analysis and to enhance desirable traits. Researchers have made significant progress in genetic engineering in recent years, particularly in understanding the CRISPR-Cas mechanism. This has led to various CRISPR-Cas variants, including CRISPR-Cas13, CRISPR interference, CRISPR activation, base editors, primes editors, and CRASPASE, a new CRISPR-Cas system for genetic engineering that cleaves proteins. Moreover, gene editing technologies like the prime editor and base editor approaches offer excellent opportunities for plant genome engineering. These cutting-edge tools have opened up new avenues for rapidly manipulating plant genomes. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of plant genetic engineering, focusing on recently developed tools for gene alteration and their potential applications in plant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Jyoti Bhuyan
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Pandurang Ramrao Devde
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Avinash Chandra Rai
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Prashant Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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5
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Zhong V, Archibald BN, Brophy JAN. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls for tuning gene expression in plants. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 71:102315. [PMID: 36462457 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant biotechnologists seek to modify plants through genetic reprogramming, but our ability to precisely control gene expression in plants is still limited. Here, we review transcription and translation in the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana with an eye toward control points that may be used to predictably modify gene expression. We highlight differences in gene expression requirements between these plants and other species, and discuss the ways in which our understanding of gene expression has been used to engineer plants. This review is intended to serve as a resource for plant scientists looking to achieve precise control over gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Zhong
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bella N Archibald
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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6
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Tang Y, Wang C, Wang F, Li M, Fang Y, Ji Z, Zhao K. Development of Designer Transcription Activator-Like Effector-Based Plant Growth Regulator for Higher Yield in Rice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:924645. [PMID: 35774805 PMCID: PMC9237611 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.924645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that reprogramming of gene expression in a genome can induce the production of proteins enabling yield increase. The transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) from several species of bacterial Xanthomonas have been extensively studied, and a series of research tools, such as genome editing tool TALENs and gene expression activators, have been developed based on the specific protein-nucleic acid recognition and binding mechanisms of TALEs. In this proof-of-principle study, we designed and constructed a designer TALE (dTALE), designated as dTALE-NOG1, to specifically target the promoter of OsNOG1 gene in rice, and demonstrated that this dTALE can be used as a new type of plant growth regulator for better crop growth and harvest. In doing so, the dTALE-NOG1 was transferred into the non-pathogenic Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain PH to generate a genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) strain called PH-dtNOG1. Functional verification showed that dTALE-NOG1 could significantly induce the expression of OsNOG1. By spraying cell suspension of PH-dtNOG1 on the rice plants during the tillering stage, the transcription level of OsNOG1 was highly enhanced, the grain number of rice plants was increased by more than 11.40%, and the grain yield per plant increased by more than 11.08%, demonstrating that the dTALE-NOG1 was highly effective in enhancing rice yield. This work provided a new strategy for manipulating agronomical traits by reprogramming gene expression in a crop genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Tang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlian Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fujun Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Man Li
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Fang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ji
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaijun Zhao
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Park J, Demirer GS, Cheung LS. Toolboxes for plant systems biology research. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102692. [PMID: 35144172 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The terms 'systems' and 'synthetic biology' are often used together, with most scientists striding between the two fields rather than adhering to a single side. Often too, scientists want to understand a system to inform the design of gene circuits that could endow it with new functions. However, this does not need to be the progression of research, as synthetic constructs can help improve our understanding of a system. Here, we review synthetic biology tool kits with the potential to overcome pleiotropic effects, compensatory mechanisms, and redundancy in plants. Combined with -omics techniques, these tools could reveal novel insights on plant growth and development, an aim that has gained renewed urgency given the impact of climate change on crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Park
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Gozde S Demirer
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Lily S Cheung
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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8
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Kues WA, Kumar D, Selokar NL, Talluri TR. Applications of genome editing tools in stem cells towards regenerative medicine: An update. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:267-279. [PMID: 34819011 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211124095527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Precise and site specific genome editing through application of emerging and modern gene engineering techniques, namely zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) have swiftly progressed the application and use of the stem cell technology in the sphere of in-vitro disease modelling and regenerative medicine. Genome editing tools facilitate the manipulating of any gene in various types of cells with target specific nucleases. These tools aid in elucidating the genetics and etiology behind different diseases and have immense promise as novel therapeutics for correcting the genetic mutations, make alterations and cure diseases permanently that are not responding and resistant to traditional therapies. These genome engineering tools have evolved in the field of biomedical research and have also shown to have a significant improvement in clinical trials. However, their widespread use in research revealed potential safety issues, which need to be addressed before implementing such techniques in clinical purposes. Significant and valiant attempts are being made in order to surpass those hurdles. The current review outlines the advancements of several genome engineering tools and describes suitable strategies for their application towards regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried A Kues
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Department of Biotechnology, Stem Cell Physiology, Höltystr 10, 31535 Neustadt. Germany
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar-125001, Haryana. India
| | - Naresh L Selokar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar-125001, Haryana. India
| | - Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Equine Production Campus, ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan. India
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Karlson CKS, Mohd-Noor SN, Nolte N, Tan BC. CRISPR/dCas9-Based Systems: Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Sciences. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102055. [PMID: 34685863 PMCID: PMC8540305 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA-guided genomic transcriptional regulation tools, namely clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) and CRISPR-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa), are a powerful technology for gene functional studies. Deriving from the CRISPR/Cas9 system, both systems consist of a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9), a transcriptional effector and a single guide RNA (sgRNA). This type of dCas9 is incapable to cleave DNA but retains its ability to specifically bind to DNA. The binding of the dCas9/sgRNA complex to a target gene results in transcriptional interference. The CRISPR/dCas9 system has been explored as a tool for transcriptional modulation and genome imaging. Despite its potential applications and benefits, the challenges and limitations faced by the CRISPR/dCas9 system include the off-target effects, protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence requirements, efficient delivery methods and the CRISPR/dCas9-interfered crops being labeled as genetically modified organisms in several countries. This review highlights the progression of CRISPR/dCas9 technology as well as its applications and potential challenges in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou Khai Soong Karlson
- Center for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Siti Nurfadhlina Mohd-Noor
- Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
| | - Nadja Nolte
- Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Boon Chin Tan
- Center for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-7967-7982
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Deciphering Plant Chromatin Regulation via CRISPR/dCas9-Based Epigenome Engineering. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5030017. [PMID: 34968366 PMCID: PMC8594717 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based epigenome editing uses dCas9 as a platform to recruit transcription or chromatin regulators at chosen loci. Despite recent and ongoing advances, the full potential of these approaches to studying chromatin functions in vivo remains challenging to exploit. In this review we discuss how recent progress in plants and animals provides new routes to investigate the function of chromatin regulators and address the complexity of associated regulations that are often interconnected. While efficient transcriptional engineering methodologies have been developed and can be used as tools to alter the chromatin state of a locus, examples of direct manipulation of chromatin regulators remain scarce in plants. These reports also reveal pitfalls and limitations of epigenome engineering approaches that are nevertheless informative as they are often associated with locus- and context-dependent features, which include DNA accessibility, initial chromatin and transcriptional state or cellular dynamics. Strategies implemented in different organisms to overcome and even take advantage of these limitations are highlighted, which will further improve our ability to establish the causality and hierarchy of chromatin dynamics on genome regulation.
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11
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The evolution and history of gene editing technologies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 178:1-62. [PMID: 33685594 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Scientific enquiry must be the driving force of research. This sentiment is manifested as the profound impact gene editing technologies are having in our current world. There exist three main gene editing technologies today: Zinc Finger Nucleases, TALENs and the CRISPR-Cas system. When these systems were being uncovered, none of the scientists set out to design tools to engineer genomes. They were simply trying to understand the mechanisms existing in nature. If it was not for this simple sense of wonder, we probably would not have these breakthrough technologies. In this chapter, we will discuss the history, applications and ethical issues surrounding these technologies, focusing on the now predominant CRISPR-Cas technology. Gene editing technologies, as we know them now, are poised to have an overwhelming impact on our world. However, it is impossible to predict the route they will take in the future or to comprehend the full impact of its repercussions.
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12
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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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13
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Yuan G, Hassan MM, Liu D, Lim SD, Yim WC, Cushman JC, Markel K, Shih PM, Lu H, Weston DJ, Chen JG, Tschaplinski TJ, Tuskan GA, Yang X. Biosystems Design to Accelerate C 3-to-CAM Progression. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2020; 2020:3686791. [PMID: 37849902 PMCID: PMC10521703 DOI: 10.34133/2020/3686791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Global demand for food and bioenergy production has increased rapidly, while the area of arable land has been declining for decades due to damage caused by erosion, pollution, sea level rise, urban development, soil salinization, and water scarcity driven by global climate change. In order to overcome this conflict, there is an urgent need to adapt conventional agriculture to water-limited and hotter conditions with plant crop systems that display higher water-use efficiency (WUE). Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species have substantially higher WUE than species performing C3 or C4 photosynthesis. CAM plants are derived from C3 photosynthesis ancestors. However, it is extremely unlikely that the C3 or C4 crop plants would evolve rapidly into CAM photosynthesis without human intervention. Currently, there is growing interest in improving WUE through transferring CAM into C3 crops. However, engineering a major metabolic plant pathway, like CAM, is challenging and requires a comprehensive deep understanding of the enzymatic reactions and regulatory networks in both C3 and CAM photosynthesis, as well as overcoming physiometabolic limitations such as diurnal stomatal regulation. Recent advances in CAM evolutionary genomics research, genome editing, and synthetic biology have increased the likelihood of successful acceleration of C3-to-CAM progression. Here, we first summarize the systems biology-level understanding of the molecular processes in the CAM pathway. Then, we review the principles of CAM engineering in an evolutionary context. Lastly, we discuss the technical approaches to accelerate the C3-to-CAM transition in plants using synthetic biology toolboxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Yuan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Md. Mahmudul Hassan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Degao Liu
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Precision Plant Genomics, and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Sung Don Lim
- Department of Applied Plant Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Cheol Yim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - John C. Cushman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Kasey Markel
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Patrick M. Shih
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Haiwei Lu
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - David J. Weston
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Jin-Gui Chen
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Timothy J. Tschaplinski
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Gerald A. Tuskan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
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14
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Espah Borujeni A, Zhang J, Doosthosseini H, Nielsen AAK, Voigt CA. Genetic circuit characterization by inferring RNA polymerase movement and ribosome usage. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5001. [PMID: 33020480 PMCID: PMC7536230 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18630-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To perform their computational function, genetic circuits change states through a symphony of genetic parts that turn regulator expression on and off. Debugging is frustrated by an inability to characterize parts in the context of the circuit and identify the origins of failures. Here, we take snapshots of a large genetic circuit in different states: RNA-seq is used to visualize circuit function as a changing pattern of RNA polymerase (RNAP) flux along the DNA. Together with ribosome profiling, all 54 genetic parts (promoters, ribozymes, RBSs, terminators) are parameterized and used to inform a mathematical model that can predict circuit performance, dynamics, and robustness. The circuit behaves as designed; however, it is riddled with genetic errors, including cryptic sense/antisense promoters and translation, attenuation, incorrect start codons, and a failed gate. While not impacting the expected Boolean logic, they reduce the prediction accuracy and could lead to failures when the parts are used in other designs. Finally, the cellular power (RNAP and ribosome usage) required to maintain a circuit state is calculated. This work demonstrates the use of a small number of measurements to fully parameterize a regulatory circuit and quantify its impact on host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Espah Borujeni
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hamid Doosthosseini
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alec A K Nielsen
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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15
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Xue J, Lu Z, Liu W, Wang S, Lu D, Wang X, He X. The genetic arms race between plant and Xanthomonas: lessons learned from TALE biology. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:51-65. [PMID: 32661897 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic bacterial genus Xanthomonas infects a wide variety of host plants and causes devastating diseases in many crops. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are important virulence factors secreted by Xanthomonas with the ability to directly bind to the promoters of target genes in plant hosts and activate their expression, which often facilitates the proliferation of pathogens. Understanding how plants cope with TALEs will provide mechanistic insights into crop breeding for Xanthomonas defense. Over the past 30 years, numerous studies have revealed the modes of action of TALEs in plant cells and plant defense strategies to overcome TALE attack. Based on these findings, new technologies were adopted for disease management to optimize crop production. In this article, we will review the most recent advances in the evolutionary arms race between plant resistance and TALEs from Xanthomonas, with a specific focus on TALE applications in the development of novel breeding strategies for durable and broad-spectrum resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Xue
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zhanhua Lu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Shiguang Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Dongbai Lu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiuying He
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
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16
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Kumar K, Gambhir G, Dass A, Tripathi AK, Singh A, Jha AK, Yadava P, Choudhary M, Rakshit S. Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects. PLANTA 2020; 251:91. [PMID: 32236850 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
While transgenic technology has heralded a new era in crop improvement, several concerns have precluded their widespread acceptance. Alternative technologies, such as cisgenesis and genome-editing may address many of such issues and facilitate the development of genetically engineered crop varieties with multiple favourable traits. Genetic engineering and plant transformation have played a pivotal role in crop improvement via introducing beneficial foreign gene(s) or silencing the expression of endogenous gene(s) in crop plants. Genetically modified crops possess one or more useful traits, such as, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional improvement. To date, nearly 525 different transgenic events in 32 crops have been approved for cultivation in different parts of the world. The adoption of transgenic technology has been shown to increase crop yields, reduce pesticide and insecticide use, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease the cost of crop production. However, widespread adoption of transgenic crops carrying foreign genes faces roadblocks due to concerns of potential toxicity and allergenicity to human beings, potential environmental risks, such as chances of gene flow, adverse effects on non-target organisms, evolution of resistance in weeds and insects etc. These concerns have prompted the adoption of alternative technologies like cisgenesis, intragenesis, and most recently, genome editing. Some of these alternative technologies can be utilized to develop crop plants that are free from any foreign gene hence, it is expected that such crops might achieve higher consumer acceptance as compared to the transgenic crops and would get faster regulatory approvals. In this review, we present a comprehensive update on the current status of the genetically modified (GM) crops under cultivation. We also discuss the issues affecting widespread adoption of transgenic GM crops and comment upon the recent tools and techniques developed to address some of these concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Geetika Gambhir
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Abhishek Dass
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Amit Kumar Tripathi
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, 462001, India
| | - Alla Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Jha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Pranjal Yadava
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Mukesh Choudhary
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
| | - Sujay Rakshit
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
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17
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Moradpour M, Abdulah SNA. CRISPR/dCas9 platforms in plants: strategies and applications beyond genome editing. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:32-44. [PMID: 31392820 PMCID: PMC6920162 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and Cas9-associated protein systems provide a powerful genetic manipulation tool that can drive plant research forward. Nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) is an enzymatically inactive mutant of Cas9 in which its endonuclease activity is non-functional. The applications of CRISPR/dCas9 have expanded and diversified in recent years. Originally, dCas9 was used as a CRISPR/Cas9 re-engineering tool that enables targeted expression of any gene or multiple genes through recruitment of transcriptional effector domains without introducing irreversible DNA-damaging mutations. Subsequent applications have made use of its ability to recruit modifying enzymes and reporter proteins to DNA target sites. In this paper, the most recent progress in the applications of CRISPR/dCas9 in plants, which include gene activation and repression, epigenome editing, modulation of chromatin topology, live-cell chromatin imaging and DNA-free genetic modification, will be reviewed. The associated strategies for exploiting the CRISPR/dCas9 system for crop improvement with a dimer of the future of the CRISPR/dCas9 system in the functional genomics of crops and the development of traits will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Moradpour
- Laboratory of Science and TechnologyInstitute of Plantation StudiesUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
| | - Siti Nor Akmar Abdulah
- Laboratory of Science and TechnologyInstitute of Plantation StudiesUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
- Department of Agricultural TechnologyFaculty of AgricultureUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
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18
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Lee JE, Neumann M, Duro DI, Schmid M. CRISPR-based tools for targeted transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in plants. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222778. [PMID: 31557222 PMCID: PMC6762090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmable gene regulators that can modulate the activity of selected targets in trans are a useful tool for probing and manipulating gene function. CRISPR technology provides a convenient method for gene targeting that can also be adapted for multiplexing and other modifications to enable strong regulation by a range of different effectors. We generated a vector toolbox for CRISPR/dCas9-based targeted gene regulation in plants, modified with the previously described MS2 system to amplify the strength of regulation, and using Golden Gate-based cloning to enable rapid vector assembly with a high degree of flexibility in the choice of promoters, effectors and targets. We tested the system using the floral regulator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) as a target and a range of different effector domains including the transcriptional activator VP64, the H3K27 acetyltransferase p300 and the H3K9 methyltransferase KRYPTONITE. When transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana, several of the constructs caused altered flowering time phenotypes that were associated with changes in FT expression and/or epigenetic status, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the system. The MS2-CRISPR/dCas9 system can be used to modulate transcriptional activity and epigenetic status of specific target genes in plants, and provides a versatile tool that can easily be used with different targets and types of regulation for a range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E. Lee
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Manuela Neumann
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Iglesias Duro
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Markus Schmid
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Tübingen, Germany
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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19
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Vï Lz R, Kim SK, Mi J, Mariappan KG, Siodmak A, Al-Babili S, Hirt H. A Chimeric IDD4 Repressor Constitutively Induces Immunity in Arabidopsis via the Modulation of Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid Homeostasis. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:1536-1555. [PMID: 30989238 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcz057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD)/BIRD proteins belong to a highly conserved plant-specific group of transcription factors with dedicated functions in plant physiology and development. Here, we took advantage of the chimeric repressor gene-silencing technology (CRES-T, SRDX) to widen our view on the role of IDD4/IMPERIAL EAGLE and IDD family members in plant immunity. The hypomorphic idd4SRDX lines are compromised in growth and show a robust autoimmune phenotype. Hormonal measurements revealed the concomitant accumulation of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid suggesting that IDDs are involved in regulating the metabolism of these biotic stress hormones. The analysis of immunity-pathways showed enhanced activation of immune MAP kinase-signaling pathways, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and spontaneous programmed cell death. The transcriptome of nonelicited idd4SRDX lines can be aligned to approximately 40% of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in flg22-treated wild-type plants. The pattern of DEGs implies IDDs as pivotal repressors of flg22-dependent gene induction. Infection experiments showed the increased resistance of idd4SRDX lines to Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea implying a function of IDDs in defense adaptation to hemibiotrophs and necrotrophs. Genome-wide IDD4 DNA-binding studies (DAP-SEQ) combined with DEG analysis of idd4SRDX lines identified IDD4-regulated functional gene clusters that contribute to plant growth and development. In summary, we discovered that the expression of idd4SRDX activates a wide range of defense-related traits opening up the possibility to apply idd4SRDX as a powerful tool to stimulate innate immunity in engineered crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Vï Lz
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Center for Fungal Genetic Resources and Plant Immunity Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon-Kap Kim
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jianing Mi
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kiruthiga G Mariappan
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Siodmak
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salim Al-Babili
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heribert Hirt
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, CNRS, INRA, Universit� Paris-Sud, Universit� Evry, Universit� Paris-Saclay, B�timent 630, Orsay, France
- Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Zhang N, McHale LK, Finer JJ. Changes to the core and flanking sequences of G-box elements lead to increases and decreases in gene expression in both native and synthetic soybean promoters. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:724-735. [PMID: 30191675 PMCID: PMC6419578 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements in promoters are major determinants of binding specificity of transcription factors (TFs) for transcriptional regulation. To improve our understanding of how these short DNA sequences regulate gene expression, synthetic promoters consisting of both classical (CACGTG) and variant G-box core sequences along with different flanking sequences derived from the promoters of three different highly expressing soybean genes, were constructed and used to regulate a green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene. Use of the classical 6-bp G-box provided information on the base level of GFP expression while modifications to the 2-4 flanking bases on either side of the G-box influenced the intensity of gene expression in both transiently transformed lima bean cotyledons and stably transformed soybean hairy roots. The proximal 2-bp sequences on either flank of the G-box significantly affected G-box activity, while the distal 2-bp flanking nucleotides also influenced gene expression albeit with a decreasing effect. Manipulation of the upstream 2- to 4-bp flanking sequence of a G-box variant (GACGTG), found in the proximal region of a relatively weak soybean glycinin promoter, significantly enhanced promoter activity using both transient and stable expression assays, if the G-box variant was first converted into a classical G-box (CACGTG). In addition to increasing our understanding of regulatory element composition and structure, this study shows that minimal targeted changes in native promoter sequences can lead to enhanced gene expression, and suggests that genome editing of the promoter region can result in useful and predictable changes in native gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
- Present address:
Boyce Thompson InstituteCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - Leah K. McHale
- Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - John J. Finer
- Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
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21
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Brazel AJ, Ó'Maoiléidigh DS. Photosynthetic activity of reproductive organs. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:1737-1754. [PMID: 30824936 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
During seed development, carbon is reallocated from maternal tissues to support germination and subsequent growth. As this pool of resources is depleted post-germination, the plant begins autotrophic growth through leaf photosynthesis. Photoassimilates derived from the leaf are used to sustain the plant and form new organs, including other vegetative leaves, stems, bracts, flowers, fruits, and seeds. In contrast to the view that reproductive tissues act only as resource sinks, many studies demonstrate that flowers, fruits, and seeds are photosynthetically active. The photosynthetic contribution to development is variable between these reproductive organs and between species. In addition, our understanding of the developmental control of photosynthetic activity in reproductive organs is vastly incomplete. A further complication is that reproductive organ photosynthesis (ROP) appears to be particularly important under suboptimal growth conditions. Therefore, the topic of ROP presents the community with a challenge to integrate the fields of photosynthesis, development, and stress responses. Here, we attempt to summarize our understanding of the contribution of ROP to development and the molecular mechanisms underlying its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailbhe J Brazel
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
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22
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Geiger-Schuller K, Mitra J, Ha T, Barrick D. Functional instability allows access to DNA in longer transcription Activator-Like effector (TALE) arrays. eLife 2019; 8:38298. [PMID: 30810525 PMCID: PMC6461438 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) bind DNA through an array of tandem 34-residue repeats. How TALE repeat domains wrap around DNA, often extending more than 1.5 helical turns, without using external energy is not well understood. Here, we examine the kinetics of DNA binding of TALE arrays with varying numbers of identical repeats. Single molecule fluorescence analysis and deterministic modeling reveal conformational heterogeneity in both the free- and DNA-bound TALE arrays. Our findings, combined with previously identified partly folded states, indicate a TALE instability that is functionally important for DNA binding. For TALEs forming less than one superhelical turn around DNA, partly folded states inhibit DNA binding. In contrast, for TALEs forming more than one turn, partly folded states facilitate DNA binding, demonstrating a mode of ‘functional instability’ that facilitates macromolecular assembly. Increasing repeat number slows down interconversion between the various DNA-free and DNA-bound states. The DNA contains all the information needed to build an organism. It is made up of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder to form the double helix. The strands consist of sugar and phosphate molecules, which attach to one of for bases. Genes are built from DNA, and contain specific sequences of these bases. Being able to modify DNA by deleting, inserting or changing certain sequences allows researchers to engineer tissues or even organisms for therapeutical and practical applications. One of these gene editing tools is the so-called transcription activator-like effector protein (or TALE for short). TALE proteins are derived from bacteria and are built from simple repeating units that can be linked to form a string-like structure. They have been found to be unstable proteins. To bind to DNA, TALES need to follow the shape of the double helix, adopting a spiral structure, but how exactly TALE proteins thread their way around the DNA is not clear. To investigate this, Geiger-Schuller et al. monitored single TALE units using fluorescent microscopy. This way, they could exactly measure the time it takes for single TALE proteins to bind and release DNA. The results showed that some TALE proteins bind DNA quickly, whereas others do this slowly. Using a computer model to analyze the different speeds of binding suggested that the fast binding comes from partly unfolded proteins that quickly associate with DNA, and that the slow binding comes from rigid, folded TALE proteins, which have a harder time wrapping around DNA. This suggest that the unstable nature of TALEs, helps these proteins to bind to DNA and turn on genes. These findings will help to design future TALE-based gene editing tools and also provide more insight into how large molecules can assemble into complex structures. A next step will be to identify TALE repeats with unstable states and to test TALE gene editing tools that have intentionally placed unstable units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Geiger-Schuller
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jaba Mitra
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States
| | - Taekjip Ha
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Physics, Center for the Physics of Living Cells, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, United States.,Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Doug Barrick
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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23
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Ali S, Kim WC. A Fruitful Decade Using Synthetic Promoters in the Improvement of Transgenic Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1433. [PMID: 31737027 PMCID: PMC6838210 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Advances in plant biotechnology provide various means to improve crop productivity and greatly contributing to sustainable agriculture. A significant advance in plant biotechnology has been the availability of novel synthetic promoters for precise spatial and temporal control of transgene expression. In this article, we review the development of various synthetic promotors and the rise of their use over the last several decades for regulating the transcription of various transgenes. Similarly, we provided a brief description of the structure and scope of synthetic promoters and the engineering of their cis-regulatory elements for different targets. Moreover, the functional characteristics of different synthetic promoters, their modes of regulating the expression of candidate genes in response to different conditions, and the resulting plant trait improvements reported in the past decade are discussed.
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Liu X, Galli M, Camehl I, Gallavotti A. RAMOSA1 ENHANCER LOCUS2-Mediated Transcriptional Repression Regulates Vegetative and Reproductive Architecture. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 179:348-363. [PMID: 30348817 PMCID: PMC6324236 DOI: 10.1104/pp.18.00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional repression in multicellular organisms orchestrates dynamic and precise gene expression changes that enable complex developmental patterns. Here, we present phenotypic and molecular characterization of the maize (Zea mays) transcriptional corepressor RAMOSA1 ENHANCER LOCUS2 (REL2), a unique member of the highly conserved TOPLESS (TPL) family. Analysis of single recessive mutations in rel2 revealed an array of vegetative and reproductive phenotypes, many related to defects in meristem initiation and maintenance. To better understand how REL2-mediated transcriptional complexes relate to rel2 phenotypes, we performed protein interaction assays and transcriptional profiling of mutant inflorescences, leading to the identification of different maize transcription factors and regulatory pathways that employ REL2 repression to control traits directly impacting maize yields. In addition, we used our REL2 interaction data to catalog conserved repression motifs present on REL2 interactors and showed that two of these, RLFGV- and DLN-type motifs, interact with the C-terminal WD40 domain of REL2 rather than the N terminus, which is known to bind LxLxL EAR motifs. These findings establish that the WD40 domain of TPL family proteins is an independent protein interaction surface that may work together with the N-terminal domain to allow the formation of large macromolecular complexes of functionally related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020
| | - Mary Galli
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020
| | - Iris Camehl
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020
| | - Andrea Gallavotti
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey USA 08901
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25
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Shah T, Andleeb T, Lateef S, Noor MA. Genome editing in plants: Advancing crop transformation and overview of tools. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2018; 131:12-21. [PMID: 29754773 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Genome manipulation technology is one of emerging field which brings real revolution in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Targeted editing of genomes pave path to address a wide range of goals not only to improve quality and productivity of crops but also permit to investigate the fundamental roots of biological systems. These goals includes creation of plants with valued compositional properties and with characters that confer resistance to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Numerous novel genome editing systems have been introduced during the past few years; these comprise zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9). Genome editing technique is consistent for improving average yield to achieve the growing demands of the world's existing food famine and to launch a feasible and environmentally safe agriculture scheme, to more specific, productive, cost-effective and eco-friendly. These exciting novel methods, concisely reviewed herein, have verified themselves as efficient and reliable tools for the genetic improvement of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key laboratory of Oil Crops Biology and Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| | - Tayyaba Andleeb
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Lateef
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehmood Ali Noor
- Instiute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology and Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
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26
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Arabidopsis Transcription Factor MYB102 Increases Plant Susceptibility to Aphids by Substantial Activation of Ethylene Biosynthesis. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8020039. [PMID: 29880735 PMCID: PMC6023100 DOI: 10.3390/biom8020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of ethylene biosynthesis by aphids increases the susceptibility of several plant species to aphids. Recent studies have indicated that some MYB transcription factors regulate the phloem-based defense against aphid infestation by modulating ethylene (ET) signaling. Arabidopsis MYB102 has previously been shown to be induced by wound signaling and regulate defense response against chewing insects. However, it remains unclear whether ArabidopsisMYB102 takes part in the defense response of plants to aphids. Here, we investigated the function of MYB102 in the response of Arabidopsis to aphid infestation. ArabidopsisMYB102 was primarily expressed in vascular tissues, and its transcription was remarkably induced by green peach aphids (GPA; Myzus persicae). The results of RNA-Sequencing revealed that overexpression of MYB102 in Arabidopsis promoted ET biosynthesis by upregulation of some 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) genes, which are rate-limiting enzymes of the ET-synthetic pathway. Enhanced ET levels led to reduced Arabidopsis resistance to GPA. Furthermore, dominant suppression of MYB102 inhibited aphid-induced increase of ET levels in Arabidopsis. In agreement with a negative regulatory role for ET in aphid defense responses, the MYB102-overexpressing lines were more susceptible to GPA than wild-type (WT) plants. Overexpression of MYB102 in Arabidopsis obviously repressed aphid-induced callose deposition. Conversely, overexpression of MYB102 failed to increase aphid susceptibility in both the ET-insensitive mutants and plants treated with inhibitors of ET signaling pathways, demonstrating that the ET was critical for promoting aphid performance conferred by overexpression of MYB102. Collectively, our findings indicate that the Arabidopsis MYB102 increases host susceptibility to GPA through the ET-dependent signaling pathways.
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27
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Islam W. CRISPR-Cas9; an efficient tool for precise plant genome editing. Mol Cell Probes 2018; 39:47-52. [PMID: 29621557 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Efficient plant genome editing is dependent upon induction of double stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) through site specified nucleases. These DSBs initiate the process of DNA repair which can either base upon homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end jointing (NHEJ). Recently, CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism got highlighted as revolutionizing genetic tool due to its simpler frame work along with the broad range of adaptability and applications. So, in this review, I have tried to sum up the application of this biotechnological tool in plant genome editing. Furthermore, I have tried to explain successful adaptation of CRISPR in various plant species where it is used for the successful generation of stable mutations in a steadily growing number of species through NHEJ. The review also sheds light upon other biotechnological approaches relying upon single DNA lesion induction such as genomic deletion or pair wise nickases for evasion of offsite effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Islam
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Govt.of Punjab, Agriculture Department, Lahore, Pakistan.
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28
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Zhao C, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Ying Y, Ai R, Zhang J, Wang Y. Multiple Chemical Inducible Tal Effectors for Genome Editing and Transcription Activation. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:609-617. [PMID: 29308880 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inducible modulation is often required for precise investigations and manipulations of dynamic biological processes. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) provide a powerful tool for targeted gene editing and transcriptional programming. We designed a series of chemical inducible systems by coupling TALEs with a mutated human estrogen receptor (ERT2), which renders them 4-hydroxyl-tamoxifen (4-OHT) inducible for access of the genome. Chemical inducible genome editing was achieved via fusing two tandem ERT2 domains to customized transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), which we termed "Hybrid Inducible Technology" (HIT-TALEN). Those for transcription activation were vigorously optimized using multiple construct designs. Most efficient drug induction for endogenous gene activation was accomplished with minimal background activity using an optimized inducible TALE based SunTag system (HIT-TALE-SunTag). The HIT-SunTag system is rapid, tunable, selective to 4-OHT over an endogenous ligand, and reversible in drug induced transcriptional activation. Versatile systems developed in this study can be easily applied for editing and transcriptional programming of potentially any genomic loci in a tight and effective chemical inducible fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yingze Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yue Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Runna Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Jingfang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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29
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Li Z, Woo HR, Guo H. Genetic redundancy of senescence-associated transcription factors in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2018; 69:811-823. [PMID: 29309664 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erx345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Leaf senescence is a genetically programmed process that constitutes the last stage of leaf development, and involves massive changes in gene expression. As a result of the intensive efforts that have been made to elucidate the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying leaf senescence, 184 genes that alter leaf senescence phenotypes when mutated or overexpressed have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana over the past two decades. Concurrently, experimental evidence on functional redundancy within senescence-associated genes (SAGs) has increased. In this review, we focus on transcription factors that play regulatory roles in Arabidopsis leaf senescence, and describe the relationships among gene duplication, gene expression level, and senescence phenotypes. Previous findings and our re-analysis demonstrate the widespread existence of duplicate SAG pairs and a correlation between gene expression levels in duplicate genes and senescence-related phenotypic severity of the corresponding mutants. We also highlight effective and powerful tools that are available for functional analyses of redundant SAGs. We propose that the study of duplicate SAG pairs offers a unique opportunity to understand the regulation of leaf senescence and can guide the investigation of the functions of redundant SAGs via reverse genetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghai Li
- Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Woo
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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30
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Lowder LG, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Malzahn A, Zhong Z, Hsieh TF, Voytas DF, Zhang Y, Qi Y. Robust Transcriptional Activation in Plants Using Multiplexed CRISPR-Act2.0 and mTALE-Act Systems. MOLECULAR PLANT 2018; 11:245-256. [PMID: 29197638 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
User-friendly tools for robust transcriptional activation of endogenous genes are highly demanded in plants. We previously showed that a dCas9-VP64 system consisting of the deactivated CRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) fused with four tandem repeats of the transcriptional activator VP16 (VP64) could be used for transcriptional activation of endogenous genes in plants. In this study, we developed a second generation of vector systems for enhanced transcriptional activation in plants. We tested multiple strategies for dCas9-based transcriptional activation, and found that simultaneous recruitment of VP64 by dCas9 and a modified guide RNA scaffold gRNA2.0 (designated CRISPR-Act2.0) yielded stronger transcriptional activation than the dCas9-VP64 system. Moreover, we developed a multiplex transcription activator-like effector activation (mTALE-Act) system for simultaneous activation of up to four genes in plants. Our results suggest that mTALE-Act is even more effective than CRISPR-Act2.0 in most cases tested. In addition, we explored tissue-specific gene activation using positive feedback loops. Interestingly, our study revealed that certain endogenous genes are more amenable than others to transcriptional activation, and tightly regulated genes may cause target gene silencing when perturbed by activation probes. Hence, these new tools could be used to investigate gene regulatory networks and their control mechanisms. Assembly of multiplex CRISPR-Act2.0 and mTALE-Act systems are both based on streamlined and PCR-independent Golden Gate and Gateway cloning strategies, which will facilitate transcriptional activation applications in both dicots and monocots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi G Lowder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Aimee Malzahn
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Zhaohui Zhong
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Tzung-Fu Hsieh
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Daniel F Voytas
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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31
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Ma L, Wang Q, Yuan M, Zou T, Yin P, Wang S. Xanthomonas TAL effectors hijack host basal transcription factor IIA α and γ subunits for invasion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 496:608-613. [PMID: 29331375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Xanthomonas genus includes Gram-negative plant-pathogenic bacteria, which infect a broad range of crops and wild plant species, cause symptoms with leaf blights, streaks, spots, stripes, necrosis, wilt, cankers and gummosis on leaves, stems and fruits in a wide variety of plants via injecting their effector proteins into the host cell during infection. Among these virulent effectors, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) interact with the γ subunit of host transcription factor IIA (TFIIAγ) to activate the transcription of host disease susceptibility genes. Functional TFIIA is a ternary complex comprising α, β and γ subunits. However, whether TALEs recruit TFIIAα, TFIIAβ, or both remains unknown. The underlying molecular mechanisms by which TALEs mediate host susceptibility gene activation require full elucidation. Here, we show that TALEs interact with the α+γ binary subcomplex but not the α+β+γ ternary complex of rice TFIIA (holo-OsTFIIA). The transcription factor binding (TFB) regions of TALEs, which are highly conserved in Xanthomonas species, have a dominant role in these interactions. Furthermore, the interaction between TALEs and the α+γ complex exhibits robust DNA binding activity in vitro. These results collectively demonstrate that TALE-carrying pathogens hijack the host basal transcription factors TFIIAα and TFIIAγ, but not TFIIAβ, to enhance host susceptibility during pathogen infection. The uncovered mechanism widens new insights on host-microbe interaction and provide an applicable strategy to breed high-resistance crop varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tingting Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ping Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Shiping Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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32
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Lowder LG, Malzahn A, Qi Y. Plant Gene Regulation Using Multiplex CRISPR-dCas9 Artificial Transcription Factors. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1676:197-214. [PMID: 28986912 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7315-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Besides genome editing, the CRISPR-Cas9-based platform provides a new way of engineering artificial transcription factors (ATFs). Multiplex of guide RNA (gRNA) expression cassettes holds a great promise for many useful applications of CRISPR-Cas9. In this chapter, we provide a detailed protocol for building advanced multiplexed CRISPR-dCas9-Activator/repressor T-DNA vectors for carrying out transcriptional activation or repression experiments in plants. We specifically describe the assembly of multiplex T-DNA vectors that can express multiple gRNAs to activate a silenced gene, or to repress two independent miRNA genes simultaneously in Arabidopsis. We then describe a "higher-order" vector assembly method for increased multiplexing capacity. This higher-order assembly method in principle allows swift stacking of gRNAs cassettes that are only limited by the loading capacity of a cloning or expression vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi G Lowder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Howell Science Complex, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Aimee Malzahn
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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33
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Rinaldi FC, Doyle LA, Stoddard BL, Bogdanove AJ. The effect of increasing numbers of repeats on TAL effector DNA binding specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:6960-6970. [PMID: 28460076 PMCID: PMC5499867 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) recognize their DNA targets via tandem repeats, each specifying a single nucleotide base in a one-to-one sequential arrangement. Due to this modularity and their ability to bind long DNA sequences with high specificity, TALEs have been used in many applications. Contributions of individual repeat-nucleotide associations to affinity and specificity have been characterized. Here, using in vitro binding assays, we examined the relationship between the number of repeats in a TALE and its affinity, for both target and non-target DNA. Each additional repeat provides extra binding energy for the target DNA, with the gain decaying exponentially such that binding energy saturates. Affinity for non-target DNA also increases non-linearly with the number of repeats, but with a slower decay of gain. The difference between the effect of length on affinity for target versus non-target DNA manifests in specificity increasing then diminishing with increasing TALE length, peaking between 15 and 19 repeats. Modeling across different hypothetical saturation levels and rates of gain decay, reflecting different repeat compositions, yielded a similar range of specificity optima. This range encompasses the mean and median length of native TALEs, suggesting that these proteins as a group have evolved for maximum specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio C Rinaldi
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lindsey A Doyle
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
| | - Adam J Bogdanove
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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34
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Kim MS, Kini AG. Engineering and Application of Zinc Finger Proteins and TALEs for Biomedical Research. Mol Cells 2017; 40:533-541. [PMID: 28835021 PMCID: PMC5582299 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2017.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered DNA-binding domains provide a powerful technology for numerous biomedical studies due to their ability to recognize specific DNA sequences. Zinc fingers (ZF) are one of the most common DNA-binding domains and have been extensively studied for a variety of applications, such as gene regulation, genome engineering and diagnostics. Another novel DNA-binding domain known as a transcriptional activator-like effector (TALE) has been more recently discovered, which has a previously undescribed DNA-binding mode. Due to their modular architecture and flexibility, TALEs have been rapidly developed into artificial gene targeting reagents. Here, we describe the methods used to design these DNA-binding proteins and their key applications in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Soo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101,
USA
| | - Anu Ganesh Kini
- Department of Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101,
USA
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35
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Geiger-Schuller K, Barrick D. Broken TALEs: Transcription Activator-like Effectors Populate Partly Folded States. Biophys J 2017; 111:2395-2403. [PMID: 27926841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effector proteins (TALEs) contain large numbers of repeats that bind double-stranded DNA, wrapping around DNA to form a continuous superhelix. Since unbound TALEs retain superhelical structure, it seems likely that DNA binding requires a significant structural distortion or partial unfolding. In this study, we use nearest-neighbor "Ising" analysis of consensus TALE (cTALE) repeat unfolding to quantify intrinsic folding free energies, coupling energies between repeats, and the free energy distribution of partly unfolded states, and to determine how those energies depend on the sequence that determines DNA-specificity (called the "RVD"). We find a moderate level of cooperativity for both the HD and NS RVD sequences (stabilizing interfaces combined with unstable repeats), as has been seen in other linear repeat proteins. Surprisingly, RVD sequence identity influences both the overall stability and the balance of intrinsic repeat stability and interfacial coupling energy. Using parameters from the Ising analysis, we have analyzed the distribution of partly folded states as a function of cTALE length and RVD sequence. We find partly unfolded states where one or more repeats are unfolded to be energetically accessible. Mixing repeats with different RVD sequences increases the population of partially folded states. Local folding free energies plateau for central repeats, suggesting that TALEs access partially folded states where a single internal repeat is unfolded while adjacent repeats remain folded. This breakage should allow TALEs to access superhelically-broken states, and may facilitate DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Geiger-Schuller
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Doug Barrick
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
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36
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Abstract
The discovery and adaption of bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems has revolutionized the way researchers edit genomes. Engineering of catalytically inactivated Cas variants (nuclease-deficient or nuclease-deactivated [dCas]) combined with transcriptional repressors, activators, or epigenetic modifiers enable sequence-specific regulation of gene expression and chromatin state. These CRISPR-Cas-based technologies have contributed to the rapid development of disease models and functional genomics screening approaches, which can facilitate genetic target identification and drug discovery. In this short review, we will cover recent advances of CRISPR-dCas9 systems and their use for transcriptional repression and activation, epigenome editing, and engineered synthetic circuits for complex control of the mammalian genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Lo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lei Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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37
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Liang Y, Richardson S, Yan J, Benites VT, Cheng-Yue C, Tran T, Mortimer J, Mukhopadhyay A, Keasling JD, Scheller HV, Loqué D. Endoribonuclease-Based Two-Component Repressor Systems for Tight Gene Expression Control in Plants. ACS Synth Biol 2017; 6:806-816. [PMID: 28094975 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.6b00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tight control and multifactorial regulation of gene expression are important challenges in genetic engineering and are critical for the development of regulatory circuits. Meeting these challenges will facilitate transgene expression regulation and support the fine-tuning of metabolic pathways to avoid the accumulation of undesired intermediates. By employing the endoribonuclease Csy4 and its recognition sequence from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and manipulating 5'UTR of mRNA, we developed a two-component expression-repression system to tightly control synthesis of transgene products. We demonstrated that this regulatory device was functional in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species, and showed that it can be used to repress transgene expression by >400-fold and to synchronize transgene repression. In addition to tissue-specific transgene repression, this system offers stimuli-dependent expression control. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified 54 orthologous systems from various bacteria, and then validated in planta the activity for a few of those systems, demonstrating the potential diversity of such a two-component repressor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Sarah Richardson
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jingwei Yan
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Veronica T. Benites
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Clarabelle Cheng-Yue
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Thu Tran
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jenny Mortimer
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Aindrila Mukhopadhyay
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jay D. Keasling
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Henrik V. Scheller
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Dominique Loqué
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, EmeryStation East, 5885 Hollis Street, 4th Floor, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Environmental
Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- INSA de Lyon, CNRS, UMR5240, Microbiologie,
Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 10 rue Raphaël Dubois, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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38
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Malzahn A, Lowder L, Qi Y. Plant genome editing with TALEN and CRISPR. Cell Biosci 2017; 7:21. [PMID: 28451378 PMCID: PMC5404292 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-017-0148-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing promises giant leaps forward in advancing biotechnology, agriculture, and basic research. The process relies on the use of sequence specific nucleases (SSNs) to make DNA double stranded breaks at user defined genomic loci, which are subsequently repaired by two main DNA repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology directed repair (HDR). NHEJ can result in frameshift mutations that often create genetic knockouts. These knockout lines are useful for functional and reverse genetic studies but also have applications in agriculture. HDR has a variety of applications as it can be used for gene replacement, gene stacking, and for creating various fusion proteins. In recent years, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated protein 9 or CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1 have emerged as the preferred SSNs for research purposes. Here, we review their applications in plant research, discuss current limitations, and predict future research directions in plant genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Malzahn
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Levi Lowder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 USA
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
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Zsögön A, Cermak T, Voytas D, Peres LEP. Genome editing as a tool to achieve the crop ideotype and de novo domestication of wild relatives: Case study in tomato. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 256:120-130. [PMID: 28167025 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The ideotype is a theoretical model of an archetypal cultivated plant. Recent progress in genome editing is aiding the pursuit of this ideal in crop breeding. Breeding is relatively straightforward when the traits in question are monogenic in nature and show Mendelian inheritance. Conversely, traits with a diffuse, polygenic basis such as abiotic stress resistance are more difficult to harness. In recent years, many genes have been identified that are important for plant domestication and act by increasing yield, grain or fruit size or altering plant architecture. Here, we propose that (a) key monogenic traits whose physiology has been unveiled can be molecularly tailored to achieve the ideotype; and (b) wild relatives of crops harboring polygenic stress resistance genes or other traits of interest could be de novo domesticated by manipulating monogenic yield-related traits through state-of-the-art gene editing techniques. An overview of the genomic and physiological challenges in the world's main staple crops is provided. We focus on tomato and its wild Solanum (section Lycopersicon) relatives as a suitable model for molecular design in the pursuit of the ideotype for elite cultivars and to test de novo domestication of wild relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Zsögön
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Physiology, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Tomas Cermak
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dan Voytas
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira Peres
- Laboratory of Hormonal Control of Plant Development, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, CP 09 13418-900 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
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40
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Genome Editing in Plants: An Overview of Tools and Applications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY 2017. [DOI: 10.1155/2017/7315351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of genome manipulation methods promises a real revolution in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Targeted editing of the genomes of living organisms not only permits investigations into the understanding of the fundamental basis of biological systems but also allows addressing a wide range of goals towards improving productivity and quality of crops. This includes the creation of plants with valuable compositional properties and with traits that confer resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. During the past few years, several novel genome editing systems have been developed; these include zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9). These exciting new methods, briefly reviewed herein, have proved themselves as effective and reliable tools for the genetic improvement of plants.
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41
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Ling Y, Alshareef S, Butt H, Lozano-Juste J, Li L, Galal AA, Moustafa A, Momin AA, Tashkandi M, Richardson DN, Fujii H, Arold S, Rodriguez PL, Duque P, Mahfouz MM. Pre-mRNA splicing repression triggers abiotic stress signaling in plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 89:291-309. [PMID: 27664942 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) of precursor RNAs enhances transcriptome plasticity and proteome diversity in response to diverse growth and stress cues. Recent work has shown that AS is pervasive across plant species, with more than 60% of intron-containing genes producing different isoforms. Mammalian cell-based assays have discovered various inhibitors of AS. Here, we show that the macrolide pladienolide B (PB) inhibits constitutive splicing and AS in plants. Also, our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data revealed that PB mimics abiotic stress signals including salt, drought and abscisic acid (ABA). PB activates the abiotic stress- and ABA-responsive reporters RD29A::LUC and MAPKKK18::uidA in Arabidopsis thaliana and mimics the effects of ABA on stomatal aperture. Genome-wide analysis of AS by RNA-seq revealed that PB perturbs the splicing machinery and leads to a striking increase in intron retention and a reduction in other forms of AS. Interestingly, PB treatment activates the ABA signaling pathway by inhibiting the splicing of clade A PP2C phosphatases while still maintaining to some extent the splicing of ABA-activated SnRK2 kinases. Taken together, our data establish PB as an inhibitor and modulator of splicing and a mimic of abiotic stress signals in plants. Thus, PB reveals the molecular underpinnings of the interplay between stress responses, ABA signaling and post-transcriptional regulation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Alshareef
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haroon Butt
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jorge Lozano-Juste
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, ES-46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lixin Li
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aya A Galal
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Afaque A Momin
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Tashkandi
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dale N Richardson
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Hiroaki Fujii
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Stefan Arold
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pedro L Rodriguez
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, ES-46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Duque
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Magdy M Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Lowder LG, Paul JW, Qi Y. Multiplexed Transcriptional Activation or Repression in Plants Using CRISPR-dCas9-Based Systems. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1629:167-184. [PMID: 28623586 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7125-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Novel tools and methods for regulating in vivo plant gene expression are quickly gaining popularity and utility due to recent advances in CRISPR-dCas9 chimeric effector regulators, otherwise known as CRISPR artificial transcription factors (CRISPR-ATFs). These tools are especially useful for studying gene function and interaction within various regulatory networks. First generation CRISPR-ATFs are nuclease-deactivated (dCas9) CRISPR systems where dCas9 proteins are fused to known transcriptional activator domains (VP64) or repressor domains (SRDX). When multiple chimeric dCas9-effector fusions are guided to gene regulatory regions via CRISPR gRNAs, they can modulate expression of transcript levels in planta. The protocol presented here provides a detailed procedure for activating AtPAP1 and repressing AtCSTF64 in Arabidopsis thaliana. This protocol makes use of our plant CRISPR toolbox to streamline the assembly and cloning of multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 transcriptional regulatory constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi G Lowder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Joseph W Paul
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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43
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Lin S, Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Gosney M, Deng X, Wang X, Lin J. An Effective and Inducible System of TAL Effector-Mediated Transcriptional Repression in Arabidopsis. MOLECULAR PLANT 2016; 9:1546-1549. [PMID: 27677459 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingfang Zhu
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Michael Gosney
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Xin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Jinxing Lin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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44
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Genome editing: the road of CRISPR/Cas9 from bench to clinic. Exp Mol Med 2016; 48:e265. [PMID: 27741224 PMCID: PMC5099421 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2016.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular scissors engineered for site-specific modification of the genome hold great promise for effective functional analyses of genes, genomes and epigenomes and could improve our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of disease states and facilitate novel therapeutic applications. Several platforms for molecular scissors that enable targeted genome engineering have been developed, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and, most recently, clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated-9 (Cas9). The CRISPR/Cas9 system's simplicity, facile engineering and amenability to multiplexing make it the system of choice for many applications. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to generate disease models to study genetic diseases. Improvements are urgently needed for various aspects of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, including the system's precision, delivery and control over the outcome of the repair process. Here, we discuss the current status of genome engineering and its implications for the future of biological research and gene therapy.
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45
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Kamthan A, Chaudhuri A, Kamthan M, Datta A. Genetically modified (GM) crops: milestones and new advances in crop improvement. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2016; 129:1639-55. [PMID: 27381849 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-016-2747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
New advances in crop genetic engineering can significantly pace up the development of genetically improved varieties with enhanced yield, nutrition and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetically modified (GM) crops can act as powerful complement to the crops produced by laborious and time consuming conventional breeding methods to meet the worldwide demand for quality foods. GM crops can help fight malnutrition due to enhanced yield, nutritional quality and increased resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, several biosafety issues and public concerns are associated with cultivation of GM crops developed by transgenesis, i.e., introduction of genes from distantly related organism. To meet these concerns, researchers have developed alternative concepts of cisgenesis and intragenesis which involve transformation of plants with genetic material derived from the species itself or from closely related species capable of sexual hybridization, respectively. Recombinase technology aimed at site-specific integration of transgene can help to overcome limitations of traditional genetic engineering methods based on random integration of multiple copy of transgene into plant genome leading to gene silencing and unpredictable expression pattern. Besides, recently developed technology of genome editing using engineered nucleases, permit the modification or mutation of genes of interest without involving foreign DNA, and as a result, plants developed with this technology might be considered as non-transgenic genetically altered plants. This would open the doors for the development and commercialization of transgenic plants with superior phenotypes even in countries where GM crops are poorly accepted. This review is an attempt to summarize various past achievements of GM technology in crop improvement, recent progress and new advances in the field to develop improved varieties aimed for better consumer acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Kamthan
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Abira Chaudhuri
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Mohan Kamthan
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Asis Datta
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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46
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Nongpiur RC, Singla-Pareek SL, Pareek A. Genomics Approaches For Improving Salinity Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants. Curr Genomics 2016; 17:343-57. [PMID: 27499683 PMCID: PMC4955028 DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666160331202517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Salinity is one of the major factors which reduces crop production worldwide. Plant responses to salinity are highly complex and involve a plethora of genes. Due to its multigenicity, it has been difficult to attain a complete understanding of how plants respond to salinity. Genomics has progressed tremendously over the past decade and has played a crucial role towards providing necessary knowledge for crop improvement. Through genomics, we have been able to identify and characterize the genes involved in salinity stress response, map out signaling pathways and ultimately utilize this information for improving the salinity tolerance of existing crops. The use of new tools, such as gene pyramiding, in genetic engineering and marker assisted breeding has tremendously enhanced our ability to generate stress tolerant crops. Genome editing technologies such as Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 also provide newer and faster avenues for plant biologists to generate precisely engineered crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsong Chantre Nongpiur
- Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067,India
| | - Sneh Lata Singla-Pareek
- Plant Molecular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110067,India
| | - Ashwani Pareek
- Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067,India
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47
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Loi P, Toschi P, Zacchini F, Ptak G, Scapolo PA, Capra E, Stella A, Marsan PA, Williams JL. Synergies between assisted reproduction technologies and functional genomics. Genet Sel Evol 2016; 48:53. [PMID: 27481215 PMCID: PMC4968447 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-016-0231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review, is a synopsis of advanced reproductive technologies in farm animals, including the discussion of their limiting factors as revealed by the study of offspring derived from embryos produced in vitro and through cloning. These studies show that the problems of epigenetic mis-programming, which were reported in the initial stages of assisted reproduction, still persist. The importance of whole-genome analyses, including the methylome and transcriptome, in improving embryo biotechnologies in farm animals, are discussed. Genome editing approaches for the improvement of economically-relevant traits in farm animals are also described. Efficient farm animal embryo biotechnologies, including cloning and the most recent technologies such as genome editing, will effectively complement the latest strategies to accelerate genetic improvement of farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Paola Toschi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Zacchini
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Grazyna Ptak
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland.,National Research Institute of Animal Production 1, Krakowska Street, 32-083, Balice n/Kraków, Poland
| | - Pier A Scapolo
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stella
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Istituto di Zootecnica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.,Proteomic and Nutrigenomic Research Center - PRONUTRIGEN, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - John L Williams
- Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
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48
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Abstract
The three-dimensional organization of the genome plays important roles in regulating the functional output of the genome and even in the maintenance of epigenetic inheritance and genome stability. Here, we review and compare a number of newly developed methods-especially those that utilize the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system-that enable the direct visualization of specific, endogenous DNA sequences in living cells. We also discuss the practical considerations in implementing the CRISPR imaging technique to achieve sufficient signal-to-background levels, high specificity, and high labeling efficiency. These DNA labeling methods enable tracking of the copy number, localization, and movement of genomic elements, and we discuss the potential applications of these methods in understanding the searching and targeting mechanism of the Cas9-sgRNA complex, investigating chromosome organization, and visualizing genome instability and rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143; , ,
| | - Juan Guan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143; , ,
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143; , ,
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49
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Piatek A, Mahfouz MM. Targeted genome regulation via synthetic programmable transcriptional regulators. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2016; 37:429-440. [DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2016.1165180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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50
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Lee HB, Sundberg BN, Sigafoos AN, Clark KJ. Genome Engineering with TALE and CRISPR Systems in Neuroscience. Front Genet 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27092173 PMCID: PMC4821859 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advancement in genome engineering technology is changing the landscape of biological research and providing neuroscientists with an opportunity to develop new methodologies to ask critical research questions. This advancement is highlighted by the increased use of programmable DNA-binding agents (PDBAs) such as transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas) systems. These PDBAs fused or co-expressed with various effector domains allow precise modification of genomic sequences and gene expression levels. These technologies mirror and extend beyond classic gene targeting methods contributing to the development of novel tools for basic and clinical neuroscience. In this Review, we discuss the recent development in genome engineering and potential applications of this technology in the field of neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han B Lee
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brynn N Sundberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ashley N Sigafoos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karl J Clark
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate SchoolRochester, MN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, USA
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