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Sauvagère S, Siatka C. CRISPR-Cas: 'The Multipurpose Molecular Tool' for Gene Therapy and Diagnosis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1542. [PMID: 37628594 PMCID: PMC10454384 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas engineering system in 2012, several approaches for using this innovative molecular tool in therapeutic strategies and even diagnosis have been investigated. The use of this tool requires a global approach to DNA damage processes and repair systems in cells. The diversity in the functions of various Cas proteins allows for the use of this technology in clinical applications and trials. Wide variants of Cas12 and Cas13 are exploited using the collateral effect in many diagnostic applications. Even though this tool is well known, its use still raises real-world ethical and regulatory questions.
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2
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Naeem M, Alkhnbashi OS. Current Bioinformatics Tools to Optimize CRISPR/Cas9 Experiments to Reduce Off-Target Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076261. [PMID: 37047235 PMCID: PMC10094584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system has evolved into a cutting-edge technology that has transformed the field of biological sciences through precise genetic manipulation. CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease is evolving into a revolutionizing method to edit any gene of any species with desirable outcomes. The swift advancement of CRISPR-Cas technology is reflected in an ever-expanding ecosystem of bioinformatics tools designed to make CRISPR/Cas9 experiments easier. To assist researchers with efficient guide RNA designs with fewer off-target effects, nuclease target site selection, and experimental validation, bioinformaticians have built and developed a comprehensive set of tools. In this article, we will review the various computational tools available for the assessment of off-target effects, as well as the quantification of nuclease activity and specificity, including web-based search tools and experimental methods, and we will describe how these tools can be optimized for gene knock-out (KO) and gene knock-in (KI) for model organisms. We also discuss future directions in precision genome editing and its applications, as well as challenges in target selection, particularly in predicting off-target effects.
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3
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Martinez MG, Smekalova E, Combe E, Gregoire F, Zoulim F, Testoni B. Gene Editing Technologies to Target HBV cccDNA. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122654. [PMID: 36560658 PMCID: PMC9787400 DOI: 10.3390/v14122654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, since chronic HBV infection is associated with elevated risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current licensed therapies against HBV efficiently suppress viral replication; however, they do not have significant effects on the intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of the viral minichromosome responsible for viral persistence. Thus, life-long treatment is required to avoid viral rebound. There is a significant need for novel therapies that can reduce, silence or eradicate cccDNA, thus preventing HBV reemergence after treatment withdrawal. In this review, we discuss the latest developments and applications of gene editing and related approaches for directly targeting HBV DNA and, more specifically, cccDNA in infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Combe
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69002 Lyon, France
- Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
- Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69008 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
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4
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Sharma KK, Palakolanu SR, Bhattacharya J, Shankhapal AR, Bhatnagar-Mathur P. CRISPR for accelerating genetic gains in under-utilized crops of the drylands: Progress and prospects. Front Genet 2022; 13:999207. [PMID: 36276961 PMCID: PMC9582247 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.999207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies and innovations are critical for addressing the future food system needs where genetic resources are an essential component of the change process. Advanced breeding tools like "genome editing" are vital for modernizing crop breeding to provide game-changing solutions to some of the "must needed" traits in agriculture. CRISPR/Cas-based tools have been rapidly repurposed for editing applications based on their improved efficiency, specificity and reduced off-target effects. Additionally, precise gene-editing tools such as base editing, prime editing, and multiplexing provide precision in stacking of multiple traits in an elite variety, and facilitating specific and targeted crop improvement. This has helped in advancing research and delivery of products in a short time span, thereby enhancing the rate of genetic gains. A special focus has been on food security in the drylands through crops including millets, teff, fonio, quinoa, Bambara groundnut, pigeonpea and cassava. While these crops contribute significantly to the agricultural economy and resilience of the dryland, improvement of several traits including increased stress tolerance, nutritional value, and yields are urgently required. Although CRISPR has potential to deliver disruptive innovations, prioritization of traits should consider breeding product profiles and market segments for designing and accelerating delivery of locally adapted and preferred crop varieties for the drylands. In this context, the scope of regulatory environment has been stated, implying the dire impacts of unreasonable scrutiny of genome-edited plants on the evolution and progress of much-needed technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K. Sharma
- Sustainable Agriculture Programme, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India Habitat Center, New Delhi, India
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sudhakar Reddy Palakolanu
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, India
| | - Joorie Bhattacharya
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Aishwarya R. Shankhapal
- Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Plant Sciences and the Bioeconomy, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, India
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), México, United Kingdom
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5
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Eskandarzade N, Ghorbani A, Samarfard S, Diaz J, Guzzi PH, Fariborzi N, Tahmasebi A, Izadpanah K. Network for network concept offers new insights into host- SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions and potential novel targets for developing antiviral drugs. Comput Biol Med 2022; 146:105575. [PMID: 35533462 PMCID: PMC9055686 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, is primarily a pulmonary virus that can directly or indirectly infect several organs. Despite many studies carried out during the current COVID-19 pandemic, some pathological features of SARS-CoV-2 have remained unclear. It has been recently attempted to address the current knowledge gaps on the viral pathogenicity and pathological mechanisms via cellular-level tropism of SARS-CoV-2 using human proteomics, visualization of virus-host protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and enrichment analysis of experimental results. The synergistic use of models and methods that rely on graph theory has enabled the visualization and analysis of the molecular context of virus/host PPIs. We review current knowledge on the SARS-COV-2/host interactome cascade involved in the viral pathogenicity through the graph theory concept and highlight the hub proteins in the intra-viral network that create a subnet with a small number of host central proteins, leading to cell disintegration and infectivity. Then we discuss the putative principle of the "gene-for-gene and "network for network" concepts as platforms for future directions toward designing efficient anti-viral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Eskandarzade
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abozar Ghorbani
- Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), Karaj, Iran,Corresponding author
| | - Samira Samarfard
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah, NT, 0828, Australia
| | - Jose Diaz
- Laboratorio de Dinámica de Redes Genéticas, Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Pietro H. Guzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Laboratory of Bioinformatics Unit, Italy
| | - Niloofar Fariborzi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tahmasebi
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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6
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Tiwari JK, A J, Tuteja N, Khurana SMP. Genome editing (CRISPR-Cas)-mediated virus resistance in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:12109-12119. [PMID: 35764748 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Plant viruses are the major pathogens that cause heavy yield loss in potato. The important viruses are potato virus X, potato virus Y and potato leaf roll virus around the world. Besides these three viruses, a novel tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus is serious in India. Conventional cum molecular breeding and transgenics approaches have been applied to develop virus resistant potato genotypes. But progress is slow in developing resistant varieties due to lack of host genes and long breeding process, and biosafety concern with transgenics. Hence, CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing has emerged as a powerful technology to address these issues. CRISPR-Cas technology has been deployed in potato for several important traits. We highlight here CRISPR-Cas approaches of virus resistance through targeting viral genome (DNA or RNA), host factor gene and multiplexing of target genes simultaneously. Further, advancement in CRISPR-Cas research is presented in the area of DNA-free genome editing, virus-induced genome editing, and base editing. CRISPR-Cas delivery, transformation methods, and challenges in tetraploid potato and possible methods are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagesh Kumar Tiwari
- ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India.
| | - Jeevalatha A
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673012, India
| | - Narendra Tuteja
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi, 110067, India
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7
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Hirano J, Murakami K, Hayashi T. CRISPR-Cas9-Based Technology for Studying Enteric Virus Infection. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:888878. [PMID: 35755450 PMCID: PMC9213734 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.888878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric viruses, including numerous viruses that initiate infection in enteric canal, are recognized as important agents that cause wide spectrum of illnesses in humans, depending on the virus type. They are mainly transmitted by fecal-oral route with several vector such as contaminated water or food. Infections by enteric viruses, such as noroviruses and rotaviruses, frequently cause widespread acute gastroenteritis, leading to significant health and economic burdens and therefore remain a public health concern. Like other viruses, enteric viruses ''hijack'' certain host factors (so called pro-viral factors) for replication in infected cells, while escaping the host defense system by antagonizing host anti-viral factors. Identification(s) of these factors is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication and pathogenicity, which will aid the development of efficient antiviral strategies. Recently, the advancement of genome-editing technology, especially the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9 system, has precipitated numerous breakthroughs across the field of virology, including enteric virus research. For instance, unbiased genome-wide screening employing the CRISPR-Cas9 system has successfully identified a number of previously unrecognized host factors associated with infection by clinically relevant enteric viruses. In this review, we briefly introduce the common techniques of the CRISPR-Cas9 system applied to virological studies and discuss the major findings using this system for studying enteric virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Hirano
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Murakami
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Islam MM, Koirala D. Toward a next-generation diagnostic tool: A review on emerging isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1209:339338. [PMID: 35569864 PMCID: PMC8633689 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect human health across the globe rapid, simple, point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of infectious viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 remains challenging. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis has risen to meet these demands and despite its high-throughput and accuracy, it has failed to gain traction in the rapid, low-cost, point-of-test settings. In contrast, different emerging isothermal amplification-based detection methods show promise in the rapid point-of-test market. In this comprehensive study of the literature, several promising isothermal amplification methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 are critically reviewed that can also be applied to other infectious viruses detection. Starting with a brief discussion on the SARS-CoV-2 structure, its genomic features, and the epidemiology of the current pandemic, this review focuses on different emerging isothermal methods and their advancement. The potential of isothermal amplification combined with the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas system for a more powerful detection tool is also critically reviewed. Additionally, the commercial success of several isothermal methods in the pandemic are highlighted. Different variants of SARS-CoV-2 and their implication on isothermal amplifications are also discussed. Furthermore, three most crucial aspects in achieving a simple, fast, and multiplexable platform are addressed.
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9
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You H, Gordon CA, MacGregor SR, Cai P, McManus DP. Potential of the CRISPR-Cas system for improved parasite diagnosis: CRISPR-Cas mediated diagnosis in parasitic infections: CRISPR-Cas mediated diagnosis in parasitic infections. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100286. [PMID: 35142378 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology accelerates development of fast, accurate, and portable diagnostic tools, typified by recent applications in COVID-19 diagnosis. Parasitic helminths cause devastating diseases afflicting 1.5 billion people globally, representing a significant public health and economic burden, especially in developing countries. Currently available diagnostic tests for worm infection are neither sufficiently sensitive nor field-friendly for use in low-endemic or resource-poor settings, leading to underestimation of true prevalence rates. Mass drug administration programs are unsustainable long-term, and diagnostic tools - required to be rapid, specific, sensitive, cost-effective, and user-friendly without specialized equipment and expertise - are urgently needed for rapid mapping of helminthic diseases and monitoring control programs. We describe the key features of the CRISPR-Cas12/13 system and emphasise its potential for the development of effective tools for the diagnosis of parasitic and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a key recommendation of the NTDs 2021-2030 roadmap released by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Skye R MacGregor
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Puig-Serra P, Casado-Rosas MC, Martinez-Lage M, Olalla-Sastre B, Alonso-Yanez A, Torres-Ruiz R, Rodriguez-Perales S. CRISPR Approaches for the Diagnosis of Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031757. [PMID: 35163678 PMCID: PMC8836363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas is a prokaryotic self-defense system, widely known for its use as a gene-editing tool. Because of their high specificity to detect DNA and RNA sequences, different CRISPR systems have been adapted for nucleic acid detection. CRISPR detection technologies differ highly among them, since they are based on four of the six major subtypes of CRISPR systems. In just 5 years, the CRISPR diagnostic field has rapidly expanded, growing from a set of specific molecular biology discoveries to multiple FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests and the establishment of several companies. CRISPR-based detection methods are coupled with pre-existing preamplification and readout technologies, achieving sensitivity and reproducibility comparable to the current gold standard nucleic acid detection methods. Moreover, they are very versatile, can be easily implemented to detect emerging pathogens and new clinically relevant mutations, and offer multiplexing capability. The advantages of the CRISPR-based diagnostic approaches are a short sample-to-answer time and no requirement of laboratory settings; they are also much more affordable than current nucleic acid detection procedures. In this review, we summarize the applications and development trends of the CRISPR/Cas13 system in the identification of particular pathogens and mutations and discuss the challenges and future prospects of CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Puig-Serra
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
| | - Maria Cruz Casado-Rosas
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
| | - Marta Martinez-Lage
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
| | - Beatriz Olalla-Sastre
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
| | - Alejandro Alonso-Yanez
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
| | - Raul Torres-Ruiz
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
- Centro de Investigacion Energeticas Medioambientales y Tecnologicas (CIEMAT), Advanced Therapies Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Fundacion Jimenez Diaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.T.-R.); (S.R.-P.)
| | - Sandra Rodriguez-Perales
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), Molecular Cytogenetics & Genome Editing Unit, Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (P.P.-S.); (M.C.C.-R.); (M.M.-L.); (B.O.-S.); (A.A.-Y.)
- Correspondence: (R.T.-R.); (S.R.-P.)
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Lai M, Maori E, Quaranta P, Matteoli G, Maggi F, Sgarbanti M, Crucitta S, Pacini S, Turriziani O, Antonelli G, Heeney JL, Freer G, Pistello M. CRISPR/Cas9 Ablation of Integrated HIV-1 Accumulates Proviral DNA Circles with Reformed Long Terminal Repeats. J Virol 2021; 95:e0135821. [PMID: 34549986 PMCID: PMC8577360 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01358-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing may be used to excise the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) provirus from the host cell genome, possibly eradicating the infection. Here, using cells acutely or latently infected by HIV-1 and treated with long terminal repeat (LTR)-targeting CRISPR/Cas9, we show that the excised HIV-1 provirus persists for a few weeks and may rearrange in circular molecules. Although circular proviral DNA is naturally formed during HIV-1 replication, we observed that gene editing might increase proviral DNA circles with restored LTRs. These extrachromosomal elements were recovered and probed for residual activity through their transfection in uninfected cells. We discovered that they can be transcriptionally active in the presence of Tat and Rev. Although confirming that gene editing is a powerful tool to eradicate HIV-1 infection, this work highlights that, to achieve this goal, the LTRs must be cleaved in several pieces to avoid residual activity and minimize the risk of reintegration in the context of genomic instability, possibly caused by the off-target activity of Cas9. IMPORTANCE The excision of HIV-1 provirus from the host cell genome has proven feasible in vitro and, to some extent, in vivo. Among the different approaches, CRISPR/Cas9 is the most promising tool for gene editing. The present study underlines the remarkable effectiveness of CRISPR/Cas9 in removing the HIV-1 provirus from infected cells and investigates the fate of the excised HIV-1 genome. This study demonstrates that the free provirus may persist in the cell after editing and in appropriate circumstances may reactivate. As an episome, it might be transcriptionally active, especially in the presence of Tat and Rev. The persistence of the HIV-1 episome was strongly decreased by gene editing with multiple targets. Although gene editing has the potential to eradicate HIV-1 infection, this work highlights a potential issue that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Lai
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eyal Maori
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Quaranta
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Matteoli
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Crucitta
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Pacini
- Hematology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jonathan L. Heeney
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Freer
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Koniali L, Lederer CW, Kleanthous M. Therapy Development by Genome Editing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:1492. [PMID: 34198536 PMCID: PMC8231983 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accessibility of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for the manipulation and repopulation of the blood and immune systems has placed them at the forefront of cell and gene therapy development. Recent advances in genome-editing tools, in particular for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) and CRISPR/Cas-derived editing systems, have transformed the gene therapy landscape. Their versatility and the ability to edit genomic sequences and facilitate gene disruption, correction or insertion, have broadened the spectrum of potential gene therapy targets and accelerated the development of potential curative therapies for many rare diseases treatable by transplantation or modification of HSCs. Ongoing developments seek to address efficiency and precision of HSC modification, tolerability of treatment and the distribution and affordability of corresponding therapies. Here, we give an overview of recent progress in the field of HSC genome editing as treatment for inherited disorders and summarize the most significant findings from corresponding preclinical and clinical studies. With emphasis on HSC-based therapies, we also discuss technical hurdles that need to be overcome en route to clinical translation of genome editing and indicate advances that may facilitate routine application beyond the most common disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Koniali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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