1
|
Frenkel M, Raman S. Discovering mechanisms of human genetic variation and controlling cell states at scale. Trends Genet 2024; 40:587-600. [PMID: 38658256 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.03.010] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Population-scale sequencing efforts have catalogued substantial genetic variation in humans such that variant discovery dramatically outpaces interpretation. We discuss how single-cell sequencing is poised to reveal genetic mechanisms at a rate that may soon approach that of variant discovery. The functional genomics toolkit is sufficiently modular to systematically profile almost any type of variation within increasingly diverse contexts and with molecularly comprehensive and unbiased readouts. As a result, we can construct deep phenotypic atlases of variant effects that span the entire regulatory cascade. The same conceptual approach to interpreting genetic variation should be applied to engineering therapeutic cell states. In this way, variant mechanism discovery and cell state engineering will become reciprocating and iterative processes towards genomic medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Frenkel
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Srivatsan Raman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klockner TC, Campbell CS. Selection forces underlying aneuploidy patterns in cancer. Mol Cell Oncol 2024; 11:2369388. [PMID: 38919375 PMCID: PMC11197905 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2024.2369388] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Aneuploidy, the presence of an aberrant number of chromosomes, has been associated with tumorigenesis for over a century. More recently, advances in karyotyping techniques have revealed its high prevalence in cancer: About 90% of solid tumors and 50-70% of hematopoietic cancers exhibit chromosome gains or losses. When analyzed at the level of specific chromosomes, there are strong patterns that are observed in cancer karyotypes both pan-cancer and for specific cancer types. These specific aneuploidy patterns correlate strongly with outcomes for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis formation, immune evasion and resistance to therapeutic treatment. Despite their prominence, understanding the basis underlying aneuploidy patterns in cancer has been challenging. Advances in genetic engineering and bioinformatic analyses now offer insights into the genetic determinants of aneuploidy pattern selection. Overall, there is substantial evidence that expression changes of particular genes can act as the positive selective forces for adaptation through aneuploidy. Recent findings suggest that multiple genes contribute to the selection of specific aneuploid chromosomes in cancer; however, further research is necessary to identify the most impactful driver genes. Determining the genetic basis and accompanying vulnerabilities of specific aneuploidy patterns is an essential step in selectively targeting these hallmarks of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara C. Klockner
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biology, Department of Chromosome Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- A Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher S. Campbell
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Center for Molecular Biology, Department of Chromosome Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vitale M, Kranjc N, Leigh J, Kyrou K, Courty T, Marston L, Grilli S, Crisanti A, Bernardini F. Y chromosome shredding in Anopheles gambiae: Insight into the cellular dynamics of a novel synthetic sex ratio distorter. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011303. [PMID: 38848445 PMCID: PMC11189259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to explore the genome of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, the Y chromosome of this species remains enigmatic. The large number of repetitive and heterochromatic DNA sequences makes the Y chromosome exceptionally difficult to fully assemble, hampering the progress of gene editing techniques and functional studies for this chromosome. In this study, we made use of a bioinformatic platform to identify Y-specific repetitive DNA sequences that served as a target site for a CRISPR/Cas9 system. The activity of Cas9 in the reproductive organs of males caused damage to Y-bearing sperm without affecting their fertility, leading to a strong female bias in the progeny. Cytological investigation allowed us to identify meiotic defects and investigate sperm selection in this new synthetic sex ratio distorter system. In addition, alternative promoters enable us to target the Y chromosome in specific tissues and developmental stages of male mosquitoes, enabling studies that shed light on the role of this chromosome in male gametogenesis. This work paves the way for further insight into the poorly characterised Y chromosome of Anopheles gambiae. Moreover, the sex distorter strain we have generated promises to be a valuable tool for the advancement of studies in the field of developmental biology, with the potential to support the progress of genetic strategies aimed at controlling malaria mosquitoes and other pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vitale
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nace Kranjc
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Leigh
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kyrous Kyrou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Courty
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Marston
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Grilli
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Bernardini
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shahrouzi P, Forouz F, Mathelier A, Kristensen VN, Duijf PHG. Copy number alterations: a catastrophic orchestration of the breast cancer genome. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00120-5. [PMID: 38772764 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is a prevalent malignancy that predominantly affects women around the world. Somatic copy number alterations (CNAs) are tumor-specific amplifications or deletions of DNA segments that often drive BCa development and therapy resistance. Hence, the complex patterns of CNAs complement BCa classification systems. In addition, understanding the precise contributions of CNAs is essential for tailoring personalized treatment approaches. This review highlights how tumor evolution drives the acquisition of CNAs, which in turn shape the genomic landscapes of BCas. It also discusses advanced methodologies for identifying recurrent CNAs, studying CNAs in BCa and their clinical impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Shahrouzi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Farzaneh Forouz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony Mathelier
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; Center for Bioinformatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vessela N Kristensen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Division of Medicine, Department of Clinical Molecular Biology and Laboratory Science (EpiGen), Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pascal H G Duijf
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Cancer Biology, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barriga FM, Lowe SW. Engineering megabase-sized genomic deletions with MACHETE (Molecular Alteration of Chromosomes with Engineered Tandem Elements). Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1381-1399. [PMID: 38326496 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00953-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The elimination of large genomic regions has been enabled by the advent of site-specific nucleases. However, as the intended deletions get larger, the efficiency of successful engineering decreases to a point where it is not feasible to retrieve edited cells due to the rarity of on-target events. To address this issue, we developed a system called molecular alteration of chromosomes with engineered tandem elements (MACHETE). MACHETE is a CRISPR-Cas9-based system involving two stages: the initial insertion of a bicistronic positive/negative selection cassette to the locus of interest. This is followed by the introduction of single-guide RNAs flanking the knockin cassette to engineer the intended deletion, where only cells that have lost the locus survive the negative selection. In contrast to other approaches optimizing the activity of sequence-specific nucleases, MACHETE selects for the deletion event itself, thus greatly enriching for cells with the engineered alteration. The procedure routinely takes 4-6 weeks from design to selection of polyclonal populations bearing the deletion of interest. We have successfully deployed MACHETE to engineer deletions of up to 45 Mb, as well as the rapid creation of allelic series to map the relevant activities within a locus. This protocol details the design and step-by-step procedure to engineer megabase-sized deletions in cells of interest, with potential application for cancer genetics, transcriptional regulation, genome architecture and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Barriga
- Systems Oncology Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
La Grua A, Rao I, Susani L, Lucchini F, Raimondi E, Vezzoni P, Paulis M. Chromosome Transplantation: Opportunities and Limitations. Cells 2024; 13:666. [PMID: 38667281 PMCID: PMC11048979 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There are thousands of rare genetic diseases that could be treated with classical gene therapy strategies such as the addition of the defective gene via viral or non-viral delivery or by direct gene editing. However, several genetic defects are too complex for these approaches. These "genomic mutations" include aneuploidies, intra and inter chromosomal rearrangements, large deletions, or inversion and copy number variations. Chromosome transplantation (CT) refers to the precise substitution of an endogenous chromosome with an exogenous one. By the addition of an exogenous chromosome and the concomitant elimination of the endogenous one, every genetic defect, irrespective of its nature, could be resolved. In the current review, we analyze the state of the art of this technique and discuss its possible application to human pathology. CT might not be limited to the treatment of human diseases. By working on sex chromosomes, we showed that female cells can be obtained from male cells, since chromosome-transplanted cells can lose either sex chromosome, giving rise to 46,XY or 46,XX diploid cells, a modification that could be exploited to obtain female gametes from male cells. Moreover, CT could be used in veterinary biology, since entire chromosomes containing an advantageous locus could be transferred to animals of zootechnical interest without altering their specific genetic background and the need for long and complex interbreeding. CT could also be useful to rescue extinct species if only male cells were available. Finally, the generation of "synthetic" cells could be achieved by repeated CT into a recipient cell. CT is an additional tool for genetic modification of mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela La Grua
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Ilaria Rao
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Lucia Susani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Lucchini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Elena Raimondi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Paolo Vezzoni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.R.); (L.S.)
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Naish M, Henderson IR. The structure, function, and evolution of plant centromeres. Genome Res 2024; 34:161-178. [PMID: 38485193 PMCID: PMC10984392 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278409.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are essential regions of eukaryotic chromosomes responsible for the formation of kinetochore complexes, which connect to spindle microtubules during cell division. Notably, although centromeres maintain a conserved function in chromosome segregation, the underlying DNA sequences are diverse both within and between species and are predominantly repetitive in nature. The repeat content of centromeres includes high-copy tandem repeats (satellites), and/or specific families of transposons. The functional region of the centromere is defined by loading of a specific histone 3 variant (CENH3), which nucleates the kinetochore and shows dynamic regulation. In many plants, the centromeres are composed of satellite repeat arrays that are densely DNA methylated and invaded by centrophilic retrotransposons. In some cases, the retrotransposons become the sites of CENH3 loading. We review the structure of plant centromeres, including monocentric, holocentric, and metapolycentric architectures, which vary in the number and distribution of kinetochore attachment sites along chromosomes. We discuss how variation in CENH3 loading can drive genome elimination during early cell divisions of plant embryogenesis. We review how epigenetic state may influence centromere identity and discuss evolutionary models that seek to explain the paradoxically rapid change of centromere sequences observed across species, including the potential roles of recombination. We outline putative modes of selection that could act within the centromeres, as well as the role of repeats in driving cycles of centromere evolution. Although our primary focus is on plant genomes, we draw comparisons with animal and fungal centromeres to derive a eukaryote-wide perspective of centromere structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Naish
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bhatia S, Khanna KK, Duijf PHG. Targeting chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:210-224. [PMID: 38355324 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer development and therapy resistance are driven by chromosomal instability (CIN), which causes chromosome gains and losses (i.e., aneuploidy) and structural chromosomal alterations. Technical limitations and knowledge gaps have delayed therapeutic targeting of CIN and aneuploidy in cancers. However, our toolbox for creating and studying aneuploidy in cell models has greatly expanded recently. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that seven conventional antimitotic chemotherapeutic drugs achieve clinical response by inducing CIN instead of mitotic arrest, although additional anticancer activities may also contribute in vivo. In this review, we discuss these recent developments. We also highlight new discoveries, which together show that 25 chromosome arm aneuploidies (CAAs) may be targetable by 36 drugs across 14 types of cancer. Collectively, these advances offer many new opportunities to improve cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health and Centre for Biomedical Technologies at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Pascal H G Duijf
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health and Centre for Biomedical Technologies at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mazzagatti A, Engel JL, Ly P. Boveri and beyond: Chromothripsis and genomic instability from mitotic errors. Mol Cell 2024; 84:55-69. [PMID: 38029753 PMCID: PMC10842135 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitotic cell division is tightly monitored by checkpoints that safeguard the genome from instability. Failures in accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis can cause numerical aneuploidy, which was hypothesized by Theodor Boveri over a century ago to promote tumorigenesis. Recent interrogation of pan-cancer genomes has identified unexpected classes of chromosomal abnormalities, including complex rearrangements arising through chromothripsis. This process is driven by mitotic errors that generate abnormal nuclear structures that provoke extensive yet localized shattering of mis-segregated chromosomes. Here, we discuss emerging mechanisms underlying chromothripsis from micronuclei and chromatin bridges, as well as highlight how this mutational cascade converges on the DNA damage response. A fundamental understanding of these catastrophic processes will provide insight into how initial errors in mitosis can precipitate rapid cancer genome evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mazzagatti
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Justin L Engel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Peter Ly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Puchta H, Houben A. Plant chromosome engineering - past, present and future. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:541-552. [PMID: 37984056 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19414] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous chromosomal rearrangements (CRs) play an essential role in speciation, genome evolution and crop domestication. To be able to use the potential of CRs for breeding, plant chromosome engineering was initiated by fragmenting chromosomes by X-ray irradiation. With the rise of the CRISPR/Cas system, it became possible to induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) in a highly efficient manner at will at any chromosomal position. This has enabled a completely new level of predesigned chromosome engineering. The genetic linkage between specific genes can be broken by inducing chromosomal translocations. Natural inversions, which suppress genetic exchange, can be reverted for breeding. In addition, various approaches for constructing minichromosomes by downsizing regular standard A or supernumerary B chromosomes, which could serve as future vectors in plant biotechnology, have been developed. Recently, a functional synthetic centromere could be constructed. Also, different ways of genome haploidization have been set up, some based on centromere manipulations. In the future, we expect to see even more complex rearrangements, which can be combined with previously developed engineering technologies such as recombinases. Chromosome engineering might help to redefine genetic linkage groups, change the number of chromosomes, stack beneficial genes on mini cargo chromosomes, or set up genetic isolation to avoid outcrossing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holger Puchta
- Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP) - Molecular Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Volpe E, Corda L, Tommaso ED, Pelliccia F, Ottalevi R, Licastro D, Guarracino A, Capulli M, Formenti G, Tassone E, Giunta S. The complete diploid reference genome of RPE-1 identifies human phased epigenetic landscapes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565049. [PMID: 38168337 PMCID: PMC10760208 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of recent human genome assemblies highlights profound sequence divergence that peaks within polymorphic loci such as centromeres. This raises the question about the adequacy of relying on human reference genomes to accurately analyze sequencing data derived from experimental cell lines. Here, we generated the complete diploid genome assembly for the human retinal epithelial cells (RPE-1), a widely used non-cancer laboratory cell line with a stable karyotype, to use as matched reference for multi-omics sequencing data analysis. Our RPE1v1.0 assembly presents completely phased haplotypes and chromosome-level scaffolds that span centromeres with ultra-high base accuracy (>QV60). We mapped the haplotype-specific genomic variation specific to this cell line including t(Xq;10q), a stable 73.18 Mb duplication of chromosome 10 translocated onto the microdeleted chromosome X telomere t(Xq;10q). Polymorphisms between haplotypes of the same genome reveals genetic and epigenetic variation for all chromosomes, especially at centromeres. The RPE-1 assembly as matched reference genome improves mapping quality of multi-omics reads originating from RPE-1 cells with drastic reduction in alignments mismatches compared to using the most complete human reference to date (CHM13). Leveraging the accuracy achieved using a matched reference, we were able to identify the kinetochore sites at base pair resolution and show unprecedented variation between haplotypes. This work showcases the use of matched reference genomes for multiomics analyses and serves as the foundation for a call to comprehensively assemble experimentally relevant cell lines for widespread application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Volpe
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Corda
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Di Tommaso
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Pelliccia
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ottalevi
- Department of Bioinformatic, Dante Genomics Corp Inc., 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA and S.s.17, 67100, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Guarracino
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mattia Capulli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulio Formenti
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, 10065 New York, USA
| | - Evelyne Tassone
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Giunta
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lakhani AA, Thompson SL, Sheltzer JM. Aneuploidy in human cancer: new tools and perspectives. Trends Genet 2023; 39:968-980. [PMID: 37778926 PMCID: PMC10715718 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.002] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome copy number imbalances, otherwise known as aneuploidies, are a common but poorly understood feature of cancer. Here, we describe recent advances in both detecting and manipulating aneuploidies that have greatly advanced our ability to study their role in tumorigenesis. In particular, new clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based techniques have been developed that allow the creation of isogenic cell lines with specific chromosomal changes, thereby facilitating experiments in genetically controlled backgrounds to uncover the consequences of aneuploidy. These approaches provide increasing evidence that aneuploidy is a key driver of cancer development and enable the identification of multiple dosage-sensitive genes encoded on aneuploid chromosomes. Consequently, measuring aneuploidy may inform clinical prognosis, while treatment strategies that target aneuploidy could represent a novel method to counter malignant growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asad A Lakhani
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring, Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
O'Brien S, Berger AH. Chromosome-level genome editing uncovers aneuploidy addiction in cancer. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100618. [PMID: 37820727 PMCID: PMC10626219 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Publishing in Science, Girish and colleagues achieve chromosome-level genome editing to reveal a requirement for aneuploidy in breast and melanoma cancers. Authors developed and leveraged ReDACT (restoring disomy in aneuploid cells using CRISPR targeting) to generate isogenic models of aneuploidy and demonstrate that some cancers are addicted to increased copy number of specific chromosome arms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Brien
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alice H Berger
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marques JF, Kops GJPL. Permission to pass: on the role of p53 as a gatekeeper for aneuploidy. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:31. [PMID: 37864038 PMCID: PMC10589155 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09741-9] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Aneuploidy-the karyotype state in which the number of chromosomes deviates from a multiple of the haploid chromosome set-is common in cancer, where it is thought to facilitate tumor initiation and progression. However, it is poorly tolerated in healthy cells: during development and tissue homeostasis, aneuploid cells are efficiently cleared from the population. It is still largely unknown how cancer cells become, and adapt to being, aneuploid. P53, the gatekeeper of the genome, has been proposed to guard against aneuploidy. Aneuploidy in cancer genomes strongly correlates with mutations in TP53, and p53 is thought to prevent the propagation of aneuploid cells. Whether p53 also participates in preventing the mistakes in cell division that lead to aneuploidy is still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of p53 in protecting cells from aneuploidy, and we explore the consequences of functional p53 loss for the propagation of aneuploidy in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Marques
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Hubrecht Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Geert J P L Kops
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Hubrecht Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Andrade JR, Gallagher AD, Maharaj J, McClelland SE. Disentangling the roles of aneuploidy, chromosomal instability and tumour heterogeneity in developing resistance to cancer therapies. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:28. [PMID: 37721639 PMCID: PMC10506951 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09737-5] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is defined as the cellular state of having a number of chromosomes that deviates from a multiple of the normal haploid chromosome number of a given organism. Aneuploidy can be present in a static state: Down syndrome individuals stably maintain an extra copy of chromosome 21 in their cells. In cancer cells, however, aneuploidy is usually present in combination with chromosomal instability (CIN) which leads to a continual generation of new chromosomal alterations and the development of intratumour heterogeneity (ITH). The prevalence of cells with specific chromosomal alterations is further shaped by evolutionary selection, for example, during the administration of cancer therapies. Aneuploidy, CIN and ITH have each been individually associated with poor prognosis in cancer, and a wealth of evidence suggests they contribute, either alone or in combination, to cancer therapy resistance by providing a reservoir of potential resistant states, or the ability to rapidly evolve resistance. A full understanding of the contribution and interplay between aneuploidy, CIN and ITH is required to tackle therapy resistance in cancer patients. However, these characteristics often co-occur and are intrinsically linked, presenting a major challenge to defining their individual contributions. Moreover, their accurate measurement in both experimental and clinical settings is a technical hurdle. Here, we attempt to deconstruct the contribution of the individual and combined roles of aneuploidy, CIN and ITH to therapy resistance in cancer, and outline emerging approaches to measure and disentangle their roles as a step towards integrating these principles into cancer therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Reis Andrade
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M6BQ, England
| | - Annie Dinky Gallagher
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M6BQ, England
| | - Jovanna Maharaj
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M6BQ, England
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sklavenitis-Pistofidis R, Lightbody ED, Reidy M, Tsuji J, Aranha MP, Heilpern-Mallory D, Huynh D, Chong SJF, Hackett L, Haradhvala NJ, Wu T, Su NK, Berrios B, Alberge JB, Dutta A, Davids MS, Papaioannou M, Getz G, Ghobrial IM, Manier S. Systematic characterization of therapeutic vulnerabilities in Multiple Myeloma with Amp1q reveals increased sensitivity to the combination of MCL1 and PI3K inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.551480. [PMID: 37577538 PMCID: PMC10418223 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of targeted therapy for patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) is hampered by the low frequency of actionable genetic abnormalities. Gain or amplification of chr1q (Amp1q) is the most frequent arm-level copy number gain in patients with MM, and it is associated with higher risk of progression and death despite recent advances in therapeutics. Thus, developing targeted therapy for patients with MM and Amp1q stands to benefit a large portion of patients in need of more effective management. Here, we employed large-scale dependency screens and drug screens to systematically characterize the therapeutic vulnerabilities of MM with Amp1q and showed increased sensitivity to the combination of MCL1 and PI3K inhibitors. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we compared subclones with and without Amp1q within the same patient tumors and showed that Amp1q is associated with higher levels of MCL1 and the PI3K pathway. Furthermore, by isolating isogenic clones with different copy number for part of the chr1q arm, we showed increased sensitivity to MCL1 and PI3K inhibitors with arm-level gain. Lastly, we demonstrated synergy between MCL1 and PI3K inhibitors and dissected their mechanism of action in MM with Amp1q.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romanos Sklavenitis-Pistofidis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elizabeth D. Lightbody
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mairead Reidy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Junko Tsuji
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michelle P. Aranha
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Heilpern-Mallory
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daisy Huynh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J. F. Chong
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liam Hackett
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Haradhvala
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ting Wu
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nang K. Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Berrios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Alberge
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ankit Dutta
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Papaioannou
- Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Hematology Unit, 1st Internal Medicine Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gad Getz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene M. Ghobrial
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Salomon Manier
- INSERM UMRS1277, CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000, France
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, Lille University, 59000, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Schloo C, Kutscher LM. Modeling brain and neural crest neoplasms with human pluripotent stem cells. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1225-1235. [PMID: 36757217 PMCID: PMC10326493 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells offer unique avenues to study human-specific aspects of disease and are a highly versatile tool in cancer research. Oncogenic processes and developmental programs often share overlapping transcriptomic and epigenetic signatures, which can be reactivated in induced pluripotent stem cells. With the emergence of brain organoids, the ability to recapitulate brain development and structure has vastly improved, making in vitro models more realistic and hence more suitable for biomedical modeling. This review highlights recent research and current challenges in human pluripotent stem cell modeling of brain and neural crest neoplasms, and concludes with a call for more rigorous quality control and for the development of models for rare tumor subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedar Schloo
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena M Kutscher
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Developmental Origins of Pediatric Cancer Junior Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Angrisani A, Fachinetti D. The KaryoCreate technology generates specific aneuploid karyotypes on demand. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100514. [PMID: 37426746 PMCID: PMC10326432 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
In a recent issue of Cell, Bosco et al. present an innovative methodology named KaryoCreate that allows the generation of chromosome-specific aneuploidy in human cells in order to investigate the ontogenesis and the multifaceted aspects of aneuploidy in physio-pathological contexts.
Collapse
|
20
|
Tovini L, Johnson SC, Guscott MA, Andersen AM, Spierings DCJ, Wardenaar R, Foijer F, McClelland SE. Targeted assembly of ectopic kinetochores to induce chromosome-specific segmental aneuploidies. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111587. [PMID: 37063065 PMCID: PMC10183824 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells display persistent underlying chromosomal instability, with individual tumour types intriguingly exhibiting characteristic subsets of whole, and subchromosomal aneuploidies. Few methods to induce specific aneuploidies will exist, hampering investigation of functional consequences of recurrent aneuploidies, as well as the acute consequences of specific chromosome mis-segregation. We therefore investigated the possibility of sabotaging the mitotic segregation of specific chromosomes using nuclease-dead CRISPR-Cas9 (dCas9) as a cargo carrier to specific genomic loci. We recruited the kinetochore-nucleating domain of centromere protein CENP-T to assemble ectopic kinetochores either near the centromere of chromosome 9, or the telomere of chromosome 1. Ectopic kinetochore assembly led to increased chromosome instability and partial aneuploidy of the target chromosomes, providing the potential to induce specific chromosome mis-segregation events in a range of cell types. We also provide an analysis of putative endogenous repeats that could support ectopic kinetochore formation. Overall, our findings provide new insights into ectopic kinetochore biology and represent an important step towards investigating the role of specific aneuploidy and chromosome mis-segregation events in diseases associated with aneuploidy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah C Johnson
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational BiologyBarts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Molly A Guscott
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational BiologyBarts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Alexander M Andersen
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational BiologyBarts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Diana Carolina Johanna Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of AgeingUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of AgeingUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of AgeingUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sarah E McClelland
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational BiologyBarts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|