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Chialastri A, Hoffman H, Fink D, Dashnau JL. Clearance of residual genome editing components used for ex vivo genome-editing of allogeneic cell therapy products. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00756-4. [PMID: 39023463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.06.005] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-associated genome editing (GE) components (e.g., nucleases, guide RNAs (gRNAs), and plasmids) are used to genetically modify cells during development of ex vivo genome-edited cell therapies. Prolonged presence of GE components may increase the risk of unintended genome modifications (e.g., off-target editing and chromosomal rearrangements). This risk is a function of the stability of the GE components, culture conditions (i.e., culture length, media changes, etc.), and the nature of the GE component (i.e., only plasmids can be integrated into a cell's genome). Testing for residual GE components on ex vivo genetically edited drug products is generally recommended in current regulatory guidance (CBER 2024). For allogenic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), cells typically undergo clonal selection and extensive culturing following completion of genome editing. This post-engineering clonal selection substantially reduces the amount of residual GE components while the long-duration cell culture significantly reduces the presence of active residual GE components. Here we present a case in which the need for testing of the drug product for residual GE components has been eliminated. METHODS In silico modeling was used to estimate clearance mechanisms across a variety of relevant assumptions, including disposition of extracellular GE components via media changes and dilution of intracellular GE components via cell expansion. Determining the ability of each GE component-alone or in complex with other GE components-to modify genomic material was assessed by a series of both in vitro and ex vivo (i.e., engineering cells) studies. For the in vitro studies, a DNA cutting assay was developed to assess the ability of the component to cut a representative DNA strand. For the ex vivo modification of cells, an assessment of the knock-out of the relevant gene was completed by flow cytometry specifically assessing the presence or absence of protein expression on the modified cells. The persistence and stability of GE components were examined under cell-mimicking conditions and in ex vivo modified cells. The components were stressed under multiple conditions mimicking a range of culture conditions and tested in the aforementioned DNA cutting assay. The presence of residual gRNA was directly assessed in the ex vivo modified cells via a gRNA-specific digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay. RESULTS Simulations estimating genome editing residual clearance via dilution for extracellular residuals (via media changes) or intracellular residuals (via cell doubling) demonstrate clearance of measurable residuals within 28 days of cell culture. Studies simulating the stability of genome editing residuals estimate less than 7 days for the nuclease, gRNA and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. gRNA was undetectable by 8 days post-engineering under actual engineering conditions. Additionally, without gRNA present, CRISPR Cas12a nucleases did not demonstrate evidence of cutting. In contrast, plasmid DNA can be randomly integrated into the genome and free plasmid is highly stable under cell culture-like conditions (50+ days). Additionally, plasmid DNA integrated in cells will propagate during mitosis, leading to the additional risk of expansion of an unintentional integration event. CONCLUSIONS Both the gRNA and nuclease in the RNP complex are required for DNA cutting. Neither individual component nor the complex are stable beyond 7 days in culture-mimicking conditions. These findings suggest that the risk of unplanned genomic modification resulting from residual gRNA or nuclease is minimal for processes in which extensive culture is performed after the completion of genome editing and clonal selection. However, the risk of residual plasmid DNA integration is significantly higher regardless of the manufacturing process. The residual plasmid itself is quite stable (at least 50 days) and the risk of random, off-target integration is present. By establishing the stability of these components, we have demonstrated that testing for residual gRNA or nuclease is not warranted for clonally derived allogeneic cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Chialastri
- Century Therapeutics, Technical Development and Manufacturing
| | | | - Damien Fink
- Century Therapeutics, Technical Development and Manufacturing.
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2
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Prokhorova DV, Kupryushkin MS, Zhukov SA, Zharkov TD, Dovydenko IS, Yakovleva KI, Pereverzev IM, Matveeva AM, Pyshnyi DV, Stepanov GA. Effect of the Phosphoryl Guanidine Modification in Chimeric DNA-RNA crRNAs on the Activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 System In Vitro. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1311-1319. [PMID: 38814157 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the CRISPR-Cas9 system serves as a prevalent tool for genome editing and gene expression regulation. Its therapeutic application is limited by off-target effects that can affect genomic integrity through nonspecific, undesirable changes in the genome. Various strategies have been explored to mitigate the off-target effects. Many approaches focus on modifying components of the system, namely, Cas9 and guide RNAs, to enhance specificity. However, a common challenge is that methods aiming to increase specificity often result in a significant reduction in the editing efficiency. Here, we introduce a novel approach to modifying crRNA to balance CRISPR-Cas9 specificity and efficiency. Our approach involves incorporating nucleoside modifications, such as replacing ribo- to deoxyribonucleosides and backbone modifications, using phosphoryl guanidine groups, specifically 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-ylidene phosphoramidate. In this case, within the first 10 nucleotides from the 5' crRNA end, phosphodiester bonds are substituted with phosphoryl guanidine groups. We demonstrate that crRNAs containing a combination of deoxyribonucleosides and single or multiple phosphoryl guanidine groups facilitate the modulation of CRISPR-Cas9 system activity while improving its specificity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Prokhorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim S Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey A Zhukov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Timofey D Zharkov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ilya S Dovydenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Kristina I Yakovleva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ivan M Pereverzev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anastasiya M Matveeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitriy V Pyshnyi
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory A Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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3
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Bischof J, Hierl M, Koller U. Emerging Gene Therapeutics for Epidermolysis Bullosa under Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2243. [PMID: 38396920 PMCID: PMC10889532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042243] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The monogenetic disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is characterised by the formation of extended blisters and lesions on the patient's skin upon minimal mechanical stress. Causal for this severe condition are genetic mutations in genes, leading to the functional impairment, reduction, or absence of the encoded protein within the skin's basement membrane zone connecting the epidermis to the underlying dermis. The major burden of affected families justifies the development of long-lasting and curative therapies operating at the genomic level. The landscape of causal therapies for EB is steadily expanding due to recent breakthroughs in the gene therapy field, providing promising outcomes for patients suffering from this severe disease. Currently, two gene therapeutic approaches show promise for EB. The clinically more advanced gene replacement strategy was successfully applied in severe EB forms, leading to a ground-breaking in vivo gene therapy product named beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) recently approved from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the continuous innovations in both designer nucleases and gene editing technologies enable the efficient and potentially safe repair of mutations in EB in a potentially permanent manner, inspiring researchers in the field to define and reach new milestones in the therapy of EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Hierl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
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4
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Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Amrani N, Chen Z, Gaston N, Wagh A, Newby G, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe S, Khvorova A, Watts J, Sontheimer E. Self-delivering, chemically modified CRISPR RNAs for AAV co-delivery and genome editing in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:977-997. [PMID: 38033325 PMCID: PMC10810193 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1125] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a 'protecting oligo'), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Atish Wagh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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5
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Jones CH, Androsavich JR, So N, Jenkins MP, MacCormack D, Prigodich A, Welch V, True JM, Dolsten M. Breaking the mold with RNA-a "RNAissance" of life science. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38195675 PMCID: PMC10776758 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, RNA therapeutics have gone from being a promising concept to one of the most exciting frontiers in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The field is now entering what many call a renaissance or "RNAissance" which is being fueled by advances in genetic engineering and delivery systems to take on more ambitious development efforts. However, this renaissance is occurring at an unprecedented pace, which will require a different way of thinking if the field is to live up to its full potential. Recognizing this need, this article will provide a forward-looking perspective on the field of RNA medical products and the potential long-term innovations and policy shifts enabled by this revolutionary and game-changing technological platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina So
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | | | | | | | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | - Jane M True
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA.
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6
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Mojtaba Mousavi S, Alireza Hashemi S, Yari Kalashgrani M, Rahmanian V, Riazi M, Omidifar N, Hamed Althomali R, Rahman MM, Chiang WH, Gholami A. Recent Progress in Prompt Molecular Detection of Exosomes Using CRISPR/Cas and Microfluidic-Assisted Approaches Toward Smart Cancer Diagnosis and Analysis. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300359. [PMID: 37916531 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300359] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are essential indicators of molecular mechanisms involved in interacting with cancer cells and the tumor environment. As nanostructures based on lipids and nucleic acids, exosomes provide a communication pathway for information transfer by transporting biomolecules from the target cell to other cells. Importantly, these extracellular vesicles are released into the bloodstream by the most invasive cells, i. e., cancer cells; in this way, they could be considered a promising specific biomarker for cancer diagnosis. In this matter, CRISPR-Cas systems and microfluidic approaches could be considered practical tools for cancer diagnosis and understanding cancer biology. CRISPR-Cas systems, as a genome editing approach, provide a way to inactivate or even remove a target gene from the cell without affecting intracellular mechanisms. These practical systems provide vital information about the factors involved in cancer development that could lead to more effective cancer treatment. Meanwhile, microfluidic approaches can also significantly benefit cancer research due to their proper sensitivity, high throughput, low material consumption, low cost, and advanced spatial and temporal control. Thereby, employing CRISPR-Cas- and microfluidics-based approaches toward exosome monitoring could be considered a valuable source of information for cancer therapy and diagnosis. This review assesses the recent progress in these promising diagnosis approaches toward accurate cancer therapy and in-depth study of cancer cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, 106335, Taiwan
| | - Seyyed Alireza Hashemi
- Health Policy Research Center, Health Institute, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Rahmanian
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, Lodz, 90-363, Poland
| | - Mohsen Riazi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Navid Omidifar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) & Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, 106335, Taiwan
| | - Ahmad Gholami
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
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7
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Chanchal DK, Chaudhary JS, Kumar P, Agnihotri N, Porwal P. CRISPR-Based Therapies: Revolutionizing Drug Development and Precision Medicine. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:193-207. [PMID: 38310456 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232275754231204072320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
With the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9, drug development and precision medicine have undergone a major change. This review article looks at the new ways that CRISPR-based therapies are being used and how they are changing the way medicine is done. CRISPR technology's ability to precisely and flexibly edit genes has opened up new ways to find, validate, and develop drug targets. Also, it has made way for personalized gene therapies, precise gene editing, and advanced screening techniques, all of which hold great promise for treating a wide range of diseases. In this article, we look at the latest research and clinical trials that show how CRISPR could be used to treat genetic diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and other hard-to-treat conditions. However, ethical issues and problems with regulations are also discussed in relation to CRISPR-based therapies, which shows how important it is to use them safely and responsibly. As CRISPR continues to change how drugs are made and used, this review shines a light on the amazing things that have been done and what the future might hold in this rapidly changing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Kumar Chanchal
- Department of Pharmacy, Smt. Vidyawati College of Pharmacy, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Glocal School of Pharmacy, Glocal University Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur - 247121, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Pushpendra Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah 206130, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Agnihotri
- Department of Pharmacy, Maharana Pratap College of Pharmacy, Kothi, Mandhana, Kanpur-209217, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prateek Porwal
- Glocal School of Pharmacy, Glocal University Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur - 247121, Uttar Pradesh, India
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8
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Prokhorova D, Matveeva A, Zakabunin A, Ryabchenko A, Stepanov G. Influence of N1-Methylpseudouridine in Guide RNAs on CRISPR/Cas9 Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17116. [PMID: 38069437 PMCID: PMC10707292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there are many strategies to improve the activity of CRISPR/Cas9. A well-known and effective approach is guide RNA modification. Many chemical guide RNA modifications have been studied, whereas naturally occurring RNA modifications are largely unexplored. N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) is an RNA base modification widely used in mRNA therapy, and it holds great promise for application in genome editing systems. The present study focuses on investigating the effect of N1-methylpseudouridine on the functioning of CRISPR/Cas9. In vitro cleavage assays helped determine the level of m1Ψ guide RNA modification that is sufficient to cleave the target substrate. By analyzing FAM-labeled dsDNA substrate cleavage, we calculated the kinetic parameters and the specificity scores of modified guide RNAs. Neon transfection and digital PCR enabled us to assess the activity of modified guide RNAs in mammalian cells. Our study shows that the presence of m1Ψ in guide RNAs can help preserve on-target genome editing while significantly reducing the off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas9 in vitro. We also demonstrate that Cas9 complexes with guide RNAs containing m1Ψ allow for genome editing in human cells. Thus, the incorporation of m1Ψ into guide RNAs supports CRISPR/Cas9 activity both in vitro and in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Grigory Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.P.); (A.Z.)
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Kevadiya BD, Islam F, Deol P, Zaman LA, Mosselhy DA, Ashaduzzaman M, Bajwa N, Routhu NK, Singh PA, Dawre S, Vora LK, Nahid S, Mathur D, Nayan MU, Baldi A, Kothari R, Patel TA, Madan J, Gounani Z, Bariwal J, Hettie KS, Gendelman HE. Delivery of gene editing therapeutics. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102711. [PMID: 37813236 PMCID: PMC10843524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102711] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
For the past decades, gene editing demonstrated the potential to attenuate each of the root causes of genetic, infectious, immune, cancerous, and degenerative disorders. More recently, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) editing proved effective for editing genomic, cancerous, or microbial DNA to limit disease onset or spread. However, the strategies to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 cargos and elicit protective immune responses requires safe delivery to disease targeted cells and tissues. While viral vector-based systems and viral particles demonstrate high efficiency and stable transgene expression, each are limited in their packaging capacities and secondary untoward immune responses. In contrast, the nonviral vector lipid nanoparticles were successfully used for as vaccine and therapeutic deliverables. Herein, we highlight each available gene delivery systems for treating and preventing a broad range of infectious, inflammatory, genetic, and degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for disease treatment and prevention is an emerging field that can change the outcome of many chronic debilitating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavesh D Kevadiya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Farhana Islam
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Pallavi Deol
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Institute of Modeling Collaboration and Innovation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
| | - Lubaba A Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Dina A Mosselhy
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Microbiological Unit, Fish Diseases Department, Animal Health Research Institute, ARC, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt.
| | - Md Ashaduzzaman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Neha Bajwa
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Nanda Kishore Routhu
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Preet Amol Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Shilpa Dawre
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs, NMIMS, Babulde Banks of Tapi River, MPTP Park, Mumbai-Agra Road, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India.
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sumaiya Nahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | | | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Ashish Baldi
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Ramesh Kothari
- Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005, Gujarat, India.
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jitender Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-NIPER, Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India.
| | - Zahra Gounani
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jitender Bariwal
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430-6551, USA.
| | - Kenneth S Hettie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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10
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Kocsisova Z, Coneva V. Strategies for delivery of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing to obtain edited plants directly without transgene integration. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1209586. [PMID: 37545761 PMCID: PMC10398581 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1209586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased understanding of plant genetics and the development of powerful and easier-to-use gene editing tools over the past century have revolutionized humankind's ability to deliver precise genotypes in crops. Plant transformation techniques are well developed for making transgenic varieties in certain crops and model organisms, yet reagent delivery and plant regeneration remain key bottlenecks to applying the technology of gene editing to most crops. Typical plant transformation protocols to produce transgenic, genetically modified (GM) varieties rely on transgenes, chemical selection, and tissue culture. Typical protocols to make gene edited (GE) varieties also use transgenes, even though these may be undesirable in the final crop product. In some crops, the transgenes are routinely segregated away during meiosis by performing crosses, and thus only a minor concern. In other crops, particularly those propagated vegetatively, complex hybrids, or crops with long generation times, such crosses are impractical or impossible. This review highlights diverse strategies to deliver CRISPR/Cas gene editing reagents to regenerable plant cells and to recover edited plants without unwanted integration of transgenes. Some examples include delivering DNA-free gene editing reagents such as ribonucleoproteins or mRNA, relying on reagent expression from non-integrated DNA, using novel delivery mechanisms such as viruses or nanoparticles, using unconventional selection methods to avoid integration of transgenes, and/or avoiding tissue culture altogether. These methods are advancing rapidly and already enabling crop scientists to make use of the precision of CRISPR gene editing tools.
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11
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Sun YJ, Chen WD, Liu J, Li JJ, Zhang Y, Cai WQ, Liu L, Tang XJ, Hou J, Wang M, Cheng L. A Conformational Restriction Strategy for the Control of CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing with Photoactivatable Guide RNAs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202212413. [PMID: 36453982 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system is one of the most powerful tools for gene editing. However, approaches for precise control of genome editing and regulatory events are still desirable. Here, we report the spatiotemporal and efficient control of CRISPR/Cas9- and Cas12a-mediated editing with conformationally restricted guide RNAs (gRNAs). This approach relied on only two or three pre-installed photo-labile substituents followed by an intramolecular cyclization, representing a robust synthetic method in comparison to the heavily modified linear gRNAs that often require extensive screening and time-consuming optimization. This tactic could direct the precise cleavage of the genes encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) protein within a predefined cutting region without notable editing leakage in live cells. We also achieved light-mediated myostatin (MSTN) gene editing in embryos, wherein a new bow-knot-type gRNA was constructed with excellent OFF/ON switch efficiency. Overall, our work provides a significant new strategy in CRISPR/Cas editing with modified circular gRNAs to precisely manipulate where and when genes are edited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wen-Da Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ji Liu
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jun-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei-Qi Cai
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin-Jing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jian Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ming Wang
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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12
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Hu LF, Li YX, Wang JZ, Zhao YT, Wang Y. Controlling CRISPR-Cas9 by guide RNA engineering. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1731. [PMID: 35393779 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a product of million years of evolution by microbes to fight against invading genetic materials. Around 10 years ago, scientists started to repurpose the CRISPR as genetic tools by molecular engineering approaches. The guide RNA provides a versatile and unique platform for the innovation to improve and expand the application of CRISPR-Cas9 system. In this review, we will first introduce the basic sequence and structure of guide RNA and its role during the function of CRISPR-Cas9. We will then summarize recent progress on the development of various guide RNA engineering strategies. These strategies have been dedicated to improve the performance of CRISPR-Cas9, to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of CRISPR-Cas9, and to broaden the application of CRISPR-Cas9. Finally, we will briefly discuss the uniqueness and advantage of guide RNA-engineering based systems versus those with engineered Cas9 proteins and speculate potential future directions in guide RNA engineering. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Feng Hu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Zhen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhao
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangming Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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13
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Huang K, Zapata D, Tang Y, Teng Y, Li Y. In vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing components for therapeutic applications. Biomaterials 2022; 291:121876. [PMID: 36334354 PMCID: PMC10018374 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Since its mechanism discovery in 2012 and the first application for mammalian genome editing in 2013, CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized the genome engineering field and created countless opportunities in both basic science and translational medicine. The first clinical trial of CRISPR therapeutics was initiated in 2016, which employed ex vivo CRISPR-Cas9 edited PD-1 knockout T cells for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. So far there have been dozens of clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in regard to using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing as the main intervention for therapeutic applications; however, most of these studies use ex vivo genome editing approach, and only a few apply the in vivo editing strategy. Compared to ex vivo editing, in vivo genome editing bypasses tedious procedures related to cell isolation, maintenance, selection, and transplantation. It is also applicable to a wide range of diseases and disorders. The main obstacles to the successful translation of in vivo therapeutic genome editing include the lack of safe and efficient delivery system and safety concerns resulting from the off-target effects. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic applications of in vivo genome editing mediated by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Following a brief introduction of the history, biology, and functionality of CRISPR-Cas9, we showcase a series of exemplary studies in regard to the design and implementation of in vivo genome editing systems that target the brain, inner ear, eye, heart, liver, lung, muscle, skin, immune system, and tumor. Current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-enabled therapeutic in vivo genome editing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Daniel Zapata
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Yan Tang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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14
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Sakovina L, Vokhtantsev I, Vorobyeva M, Vorobyev P, Novopashina D. Improving Stability and Specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 System by Selective Modification of Guide RNAs with 2'-fluoro and Locked Nucleic Acid Nucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13460. [PMID: 36362256 PMCID: PMC9655745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome editing approach using the components of the CRISPR/Cas system has found wide application in molecular biology, fundamental medicine and genetic engineering. A promising method is to increase the efficacy and specificity of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing systems by modifying their components. Here, we designed and chemically synthesized guide RNAs (crRNA, tracrRNA and sgRNA) containing modified nucleotides (2'-O-methyl, 2'-fluoro, LNA-locked nucleic acid) or deoxyribonucleotides in certain positions. We compared their resistance to nuclease digestion and examined the DNA cleavage efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system guided by these modified guide RNAs. The replacement of ribonucleotides with 2'-fluoro modified or LNA nucleotides increased the lifetime of the crRNAs, while other types of modification did not change their nuclease resistance. Modification of crRNA or tracrRNA preserved the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Otherwise, the CRISPR/Cas9 systems with modified sgRNA showed a remarkable loss of DNA cleavage efficacy. The kinetic constant of DNA cleavage was higher for the system with 2'-fluoro modified crRNA. The 2'-modification of crRNA also decreased the off-target effect upon in vitro dsDNA cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubov Sakovina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ivan Vokhtantsev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya Vorobyeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Pavel Vorobyev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Darya Novopashina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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15
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Rozners E. Chemical Modifications of CRISPR RNAs to Improve Gene-Editing Activity and Specificity. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12584-12594. [PMID: 35796760 PMCID: PMC9636589 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats) has become a cutting-edge research method and holds great potential to revolutionize biotechnology and medicine. However, like other nucleic acid technologies, CRISPR will greatly benefit from chemical innovation to improve activity and specificity for critical in vivo applications. Chemists have started optimizing various components of the CRISPR system; the present Perspective focuses on chemical modifications of CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs). As with other nucleic acid-based technologies, early efforts focused on well-established sugar and backbone modifications (2'-deoxy, 2'-F, 2'-OMe, and phosphorothioates). Some more significant alterations of crRNAs have been done using bicyclic (locked) riboses and phosphate backbone replacements (phosphonoacetates and amides); however, the range of chemical innovation applied to crRNAs remains limited to modifications that have been successful in RNA interference and antisense technologies. The encouraging results given by these tried-and-true modifications suggest that, going forward, chemists should take a bolder approach─research must aim to investigate what chemistry will have the most impact on maturing CRISPR as therapeutic and other in vivo technologies. With an eye to the future, this Perspective argues that the complexity of CRISPR presents rich unprecedented opportunities for chemists to synergize advances in synthetic methodology and structural biochemistry to rationally optimize crRNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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16
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Engineering Toehold-Mediated Switches for Native RNA Detection and Regulation in Bacteria. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167689. [PMID: 35717997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA switches are versatile tools in synthetic biology for sensing and regulation applications. The discoveries of RNA-mediated translational and transcriptional control have facilitated the development of complexde novodesigns of RNA switches. Specifically, RNA toehold-mediated switches, in which binding to the toehold sensing domain controls the transition between switch states via strand displacement, have been extensively adapted for coupling systems responses to specifictrans-RNA inputs. This review highlights some of the challenges associated with applying these switches for native RNA detectionin vivo, including transferability between organisms. The applicability and design considerations of toehold-mediated switches are discussed by highlighting twelve recently developed switch designs. This review finishes with future perspectives to address current gaps in the field, particularly regarding the power of structural prediction algorithms for improved in vivo functionality of RNA switches.
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17
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Baron Y, Sens J, Lange L, Nassauer L, Klatt D, Hoffmann D, Kleppa MJ, Barbosa PV, Keisker M, Steinberg V, Suerth JD, Vondran FW, Meyer J, Morgan M, Schambach A, Galla M. Improved alpharetrovirus-based Gag.MS2 particles for efficient and transient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 into target cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:810-823. [PMID: 35141043 PMCID: PMC8801357 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA-modifying technologies, such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, are promising tools in the field of gene and cell therapies. However, high and prolonged expression of DNA-modifying enzymes may cause cytotoxic and genotoxic side effects and is therefore unwanted in therapeutic approaches. Consequently, development of new and potent short-term delivery methods is of utmost importance. Recently, we developed non-integrating gammaretrovirus- and MS2 bacteriophage-based Gag.MS2 (g.Gag.MS2) particles for transient transfer of non-retroviral CRISPR-Cas9 RNA into target cells. In the present study, we further improved the technique by transferring the system to the alpharetroviral vector platform (a.Gag.MS2), which significantly increased CRISPR-Cas9 delivery into target cells and allowed efficient targeted knockout of endogenous TP53/Trp53 genes in primary murine fibroblasts as well as primary human fibroblasts, hepatocytes, and cord-blood-derived CD34+ stem and progenitor cells. Strikingly, co-packaging of Cas9 mRNA and multiple single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) into a.Gag.MS2 chimera displayed efficient targeted knockout of up to three genes. Co-transfection of single-stranded DNA donor oligonucleotides during CRISPR-Cas9 particle production generated all-in-one particles, which mediated up to 12.5% of homology-directed repair in primary cell cultures. In summary, optimized a.Gag.MS2 particles represent a versatile tool for short-term delivery of DNA-modifying enzymes into a variety of target cells, including primary murine and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Baron
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johanna Sens
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Lucas Lange
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Larissa Nassauer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Denise Klatt
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Marc-Jens Kleppa
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Philippe Vollmer Barbosa
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Maximilian Keisker
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Viviane Steinberg
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Julia D. Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Florian W.R. Vondran
- ReMediES, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johann Meyer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
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18
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Allen D, Rosenberg M, Hendel A. Using Synthetically Engineered Guide RNAs to Enhance CRISPR Genome Editing Systems in Mammalian Cells. Front Genome Ed 2021; 2:617910. [PMID: 34713240 PMCID: PMC8525374 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.617910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is quickly revolutionizing the way we approach gene therapy. CRISPR-Cas9 is a complexed, two-component system using a short guide RNA (gRNA) sequence to direct the Cas9 endonuclease to the target site. Modifying the gRNA independent of the Cas9 protein confers ease and flexibility to improve the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a genome-editing tool. gRNAs have been engineered to improve the CRISPR system's overall stability, specificity, safety, and versatility. gRNAs have been modified to increase their stability to guard against nuclease degradation, thereby enhancing their efficiency. Additionally, guide specificity has been improved by limiting off-target editing. Synthetic gRNA has been shown to ameliorate inflammatory signaling caused by the CRISPR system, thereby limiting immunogenicity and toxicity in edited mammalian cells. Furthermore, through conjugation with exogenous donor DNA, engineered gRNAs have been shown to improve homology-directed repair (HDR) efficiency by ensuring donor proximity to the edited site. Lastly, synthetic gRNAs attached to fluorescent labels have been developed to enable highly specific nuclear staining and imaging, enabling mechanistic studies of chromosomal dynamics and genomic mapping. Continued work on chemical modification and optimization of synthetic gRNAs will undoubtedly lead to clinical and therapeutic benefits and, ultimately, routinely performed CRISPR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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19
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George JT, Azhar M, Aich M, Sinha D, Ambi UB, Maiti S, Chakraborty D, Srivatsan SG. Terminal Uridylyl Transferase Mediated Site-Directed Access to Clickable Chromatin Employing CRISPR-dCas9. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:13954-13965. [PMID: 32658470 PMCID: PMC7611130 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c06541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Locus-specific interrogation of target genes employing functional probes such as proteins and small molecules is paramount in decoding the molecular basis of gene function and designing tools to modulate its downstream effects. In this context, CRISPR-based gene editing and targeting technologies have proved tremendously useful, as they can be programmed to target any gene of interest by simply changing the sequence of the single guide RNA (sgRNA). Although these technologies are widely utilized in recruiting genetically encoded functional proteins, display of small molecules using CRISPR system is not well developed due to the lack of adequate techniques. Here, we have devised an innovative technology called sgRNA-Click (sgR-CLK) that harnesses the power of bioorthogonal click chemistry for remodeling guide RNA to display synthetic molecules on target genes. sgR-CLK employs a novel posttranscriptional chemoenzymatic labeling platform wherein a terminal uridylyl transferase (TUTase) was repurposed to generate clickable sgRNA of choice by site-specific tailoring of multiple azide-modified nucleotide analogues at the 3' end. The presence of a minimally invasive azide handle assured that the sgRNAs are indeed functional. Notably, an azide-tailed sgRNA targeting the telomeric repeat served as a Trojan horse on the CRISPR-dCas9 system to guide synthetic tags (biotin) site-specifically on chromatin employing copper-catalyzed or strain-promoted click reactions. Taken together, sgR-CLK presents a significant advancement on the utility of bioorthogonal chemistry, TUTase, and the CRISPR toolbox, which could offer a simplified solution for site-directed display of small molecule probes and diagnostic tools on target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrin Thomas George
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | | | | | | | - Uddhav B Ambi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Joint Center, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-NCL, Pune 411008, India
| | | | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
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20
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Strezoska Ž, Dickerson SM, Maksimova E, Chou E, Gross MM, Hemphill K, Hardcastle T, Perkett M, Stombaugh J, Miller GW, Anderson EM, Vermeulen A, Smith AVB. CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation with synthetic guide RNA. J Biotechnol 2020; 319:25-35. [PMID: 32470463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been adapted for transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) and several second-generation CRISPRa systems (including VPR, SunTag, and SAM) have been developed to recruit different transcriptional activators to a deactivated Cas9, which is guided to a transcriptional start site via base complementarity with a target guide RNA. Multiple studies have shown the benefit of CRISPRa using plasmid or lentiviral expressed guide RNA, but the use of synthetic guide RNA has not been reported. Here we demonstrate the effective use of synthetic guide RNA for gene activation via CRISPRa. CRISPRa crRNA may be used with a canonical tracrRNA using the VPR or SunTag activation systems or with an extended tracrRNA containing an aptamer sequence for the SAM system. Transcriptional activation with synthetic crRNA:tracrRNA is comparable to activation achieved with expression vectors and combining several crRNA sequences targeting the same gene can enhance transcriptional activation. The use of synthetic crRNA is also ideal for simultaneous activation of multiple genes or use with dCas9-VPR mRNA when viral transduction is not feasible. Here, we perform a proof-of-principle arrayed screen using a CRISPRa crRNA library consisting of 153 cytokine receptor targets to identify regulators of IL-6 cytokine secretion. Together, these results demonstrate the suitability of synthetic CRISPRa guide RNA for high throughput, arrayed screening applications which allow for more complex phenotypic readouts to complement viability and drug resistance assays typically used in a pooled screening format.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eldon Chou
- Horizon Discovery, Lafayette 80026, United States
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21
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Tay LS, Palmer N, Panwala R, Chew WL, Mali P. Translating CRISPR-Cas Therapeutics: Approaches and Challenges. CRISPR J 2020; 3:253-275. [PMID: 32833535 PMCID: PMC7469700 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas clinical trials have begun, offering a first glimpse at how DNA and RNA targeting could enable therapies for many genetic and epigenetic human diseases. The speedy progress of CRISPR-Cas from discovery and adoption to clinical use is built on decades of traditional gene therapy research and belies the multiple challenges that could derail the successful translation of these new modalities. Here, we review how CRISPR-Cas therapeutics are translated from technological systems to therapeutic modalities, paying particular attention to the therapeutic cascade from cargo to delivery vector, manufacturing, administration, pipelines, safety, and therapeutic target profiles. We also explore potential solutions to some of the obstacles facing successful CRISPR-Cas translation. We hope to illuminate how CRISPR-Cas is brought from the academic bench toward use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavina Sierra Tay
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wei Leong Chew
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW T cell-based cellular and antibody immunotherapies have dramatically altered the landscape of cancer treatment over the past decade. Over the same time span, gene editing technologies have enabled unprecedented degrees of genetic control. RECENT FINDINGS Knock-outs of endogenous genes, especially based on electroporation of targetable nucleases such as CRISPR/Cas9, have rapidly proliferated. Simultaneous introduction of large DNA sequences can integrate new synthetic genetic instructions with specific endogenous loci to alter T cell function and specificity. Recently developed discovery technologies to perform genome-wide knock-out and large-scale knock-in screens in T cells can rapidly identify endogenous gene targets and therapeutic knock-in programs. Endogenous gene knock-outs and targeted knock-ins may offer the chance to expand beyond the current limitations of randomly integrating viral vector-based T cell therapies, and extend immunotherapies' therapeutic advances to wider hematologic and solid tumor indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Roth
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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23
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Hansen L, Husein DM, Gericke B, Hansen T, Pedersen O, Tambe MA, Freeze HH, Naim HY, Henrissat B, Wandall HH, Clausen H, Bennett EP. A mutation map for human glycoside hydrolase genes. Glycobiology 2020; 30:500-515. [PMID: 32039448 PMCID: PMC7372926 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are found in all domains of life, and at least 87 distinct genes encoding proteins related to GHs are found in the human genome. GHs serve diverse functions from digestion of dietary polysaccharides to breakdown of intracellular oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycolipids. Congenital disorders of GHs (CDGHs) represent more than 30 rare diseases caused by mutations in one of the GH genes. We previously used whole-exome sequencing of a homogenous Danish population of almost 2000 individuals to probe the incidence of deleterious mutations in the human glycosyltransferases (GTs) and developed a mutation map of human GT genes (GlyMAP-I). While deleterious disease-causing mutations in the GT genes were very rare, and in many cases lethal, we predicted deleterious mutations in GH genes to be less rare and less severe given the higher incidence of CDGHs reported worldwide. To probe the incidence of GH mutations, we constructed a mutation map of human GH-related genes (GlyMAP-II) using the Danish WES data, and correlating this with reported disease-causing mutations confirmed the higher prevalence of disease-causing mutations in several GH genes compared to GT genes. We identified 76 novel nonsynonymous single-nucleotide variations (nsSNVs) in 32 GH genes that have not been associated with a CDGH phenotype, and we experimentally validated two novel potentially damaging nsSNVs in the congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency gene, SI. Our study provides a global view of human GH genes and disease-causing mutations and serves as a discovery tool for novel damaging nsSNVs in CDGHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hansen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Diab M Husein
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Birthe Gericke
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Torben Hansen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Oluf Pedersen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mitali A Tambe
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hudson H Freeze
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hassan Y Naim
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille University Marseille, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille CEDEX 09, France
| | - Hans H Wandall
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Eric P Bennett
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Mærsk Building, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 20, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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24
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Zhou LY, Qin Z, Zhu YH, He ZY, Xu T. Current RNA-based Therapeutics in Clinical Trials. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:172-196. [PMID: 31566126 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666190719100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term research on various types of RNAs has led to further understanding of diverse mechanisms, which eventually resulted in the rapid development of RNA-based therapeutics as powerful tools in clinical disease treatment. Some of the developing RNA drugs obey the antisense mechanisms including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, small activating RNAs, and ribozymes. These types of RNAs could be utilized to inhibit/activate gene expression or change splicing to provide functional proteins. In the meantime, some others based on different mechanisms like modified messenger RNAs could replace the dysfunctional endogenous genes to manage some genetic diseases, and aptamers with special three-dimensional structures could bind to specific targets in a high-affinity manner. In addition, the recent most popular CRISPR-Cas technology, consisting of a crucial single guide RNA, could edit DNA directly to generate therapeutic effects. The desired results from recent clinical trials indicated the great potential of RNA-based drugs in the treatment of various diseases, but further studies on improving delivery materials and RNA modifications are required for the novel RNA-based drugs to translate to the clinic. This review focused on the advances and clinical studies of current RNA-based therapeutics, analyzed their challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhou Qin
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang-Hui Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Yao He
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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25
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A review of CRISPR associated genome engineering: application, advances and future prospects of genome targeting tool for crop improvement. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:1611-1632. [PMID: 32642978 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02950-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Cas9 nuclease initiates double-stranded breaks at the target position in DNA, which are repaired by the intracellular restoration pathways to eliminate or insert pieces of DNA. CRISPR-Cas9 is proficient and cost-effective since cutting is guided by a piece of RNA instead of protein. Emphasis on this technology, in contrast with two recognized genome editing platforms (i.e., ZFNs and TALENs), is provided. This review evaluates the benefits of chemically synthesized gRNAs as well as the integration of chemical amendments to improve gene editing efficiencies. CRISPR is an indispensable means in biological investigations and is now as well transforming varied fields of biotechnology and agriculture. Recent advancement in targetable epigenomic-editing tools allows researchers to dispense direct functional and transcriptional significance to locus-explicit chromatin adjustments encompassing gene regulation and editing. An account of diverse sgRNA design tools is provided, principally on their target competence prediction model, off-target recognition algorithm, and generation of instructive annotations. The modern systems that have been utilized to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 in vivo and in vitro for crop improvement viz. nutritional enhancement, production of drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants, are also highlighted. The conclusion is focused on upcoming directions, biosafety concerns, and expansive prospects of CRISPR technologies.
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26
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O'Shea P, Wildenhain J, Leveridge M, Revankar C, Yang JP, Bradley J, Firth M, Pilling J, Piper D, Chesnut J, Isherwood B. A Novel Screening Approach for the Dissection of Cellular Regulatory Networks of NF-κB Using Arrayed CRISPR gRNA Libraries. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2020; 25:618-633. [PMID: 32476557 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220926160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is increasingly being used as a tool to prosecute functional genomic screens. However, it is not yet possible to apply the approach at scale across a full breadth of cell types and endpoints. In order to address this, we developed a novel and robust workflow for array-based lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 screening. We utilized a β-lactamase reporter gene assay to investigate mediators of TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling. The system was adapted for CRISPR/Cas9 through the development of a cell line stably expressing Cas9 and application of a lentiviral gRNA library comprising mixtures of four gRNAs per gene. We screened a 743-gene kinome library whereupon hits were independently ranked by percent inhibition, Z' score, strictly standardized mean difference, and T statistic. A consolidated and optimized ranking was generated using Borda-based methods. Screening data quality was above acceptable limits (Z' ≥ 0.5). In order to determine the contribution of individual gRNAs and to better understand false positives and negatives, a subset of gRNAs, against 152 genes, were profiled in singlicate format. We highlight the use of known reference genes and high-throughput, next-generation amplicon and RNA sequencing to assess screen data quality. Screening with singlicate gRNAs was more successful than screening with mixtures at identifying genes with known regulatory roles in TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling and was found to be superior to previous RNAi-based methods. These results add to the available data on TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling and establish a high-throughput functional genomic screening approach, utilizing a vector-based arrayed gRNA library, applicable across a wide variety of endpoints and cell types at a genome-wide scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Shea
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mathew Leveridge
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Jenna Bradley
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mike Firth
- Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Pilling
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Beverley Isherwood
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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27
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Araldi RP, Khalil C, Grignet PH, Teixeira MR, de Melo TC, Módolo DG, Fernandes LGV, Ruiz J, de Souza EB. Medical applications of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas) tool: A comprehensive overview. Gene 2020; 745:144636. [PMID: 32244056 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the double helix and the introduction of genetic engineering, the possibility to develop new strategies to manipulate the genome has fascinated scientists around the world. Currently scientists have the knowledge andabilitytoedit the genomes. Several methodologies of gene editing have been established, all of them working like "scissor", creating double strand breaks at specific spots. The introduction of a new technology, which was adapted from the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas bacterial immune system, has revolutionized the genetic therapy field, as it allows a much more precise editing of gene than the previously described tools and, therefore, to prevent and treat disease in humans. This review aims to revisit the genome editing history that led to the rediscovery of the CRISPR/Cas technology and to explore the technical aspects, applications and perspectives of this fascinating, powerful, precise, simpler and cheaper technology in different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil.
| | - Charbel Khalil
- Reviva Research and Application Center- Lebanese University, Middle East Institute of Health University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pedro Henrique Grignet
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza (ILACVN), Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Michelli Ramires Teixeira
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza (ILACVN), Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Thatiana Correa de Melo
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza (ILACVN), Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jorge Ruiz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil; Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza (ILACVN), Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Edislane Barreiros de Souza
- Laboratory of Genetics, Molecular Biology and Mutagenesis, Faculdade de Ciências e Letras de Assis, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Assis, SP, Brazil
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28
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Wang S, Wei L, Wang JQ, Ji H, Xiong W, Liu J, Yin P, Tian T, Zhou X. Light-Driven Activation of RNA-Guided Nucleic Acid Cleavage. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1455-1463. [PMID: 32378871 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most favorable stimuli, photoactivation provides an advantageous way to manipulate biological objects. In the current study, we have successfully demonstrated the use of light activation guide RNA (gRNA) strategy for controlling CRISPR systems. By conjugating photolabile protecting groups, the CRISPR functions became minimal, but exposure of acylated gRNAs to 365 nm light triggers the removal of masking groups, leading to the rescue of CRISPR functions. Furthermore, our strategy has been successfully used to control gene editing in human cells. This proof-of-concept study therefore demonstrates the promising potential of our strategy to versatile applications in chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoru Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lai Wei
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Huimin Ji
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ping Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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29
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Breunig CT, Köferle A, Neuner AM, Wiesbeck MF, Baumann V, Stricker SH. CRISPR Tools for Physiology and Cell State Changes: Potential of Transcriptional Engineering and Epigenome Editing. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:177-211. [PMID: 32525760 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the large amount of genome-wide data that have been collected during the last decades, a good understanding of how and why cells change during development, homeostasis, and disease might be expected. Unfortunately, the opposite is true; triggers that cause cellular state changes remain elusive, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Although genes with the potential to influence cell states are known, the historic dependency on methods that manipulate gene expression outside the endogenous chromatin context has prevented us from understanding how cells organize, interpret, and protect cellular programs. Fortunately, recent methodological innovations are now providing options to answer these outstanding questions, by allowing to target and manipulate individual genomic and epigenomic loci. In particular, three experimental approaches are now feasible due to DNA targeting tools, namely, activation and/or repression of master transcription factors in their endogenous chromatin context; targeting transcription factors to endogenous, alternative, or inaccessible sites; and finally, functional manipulation of the chromatin context. In this article, we discuss the molecular basis of DNA targeting tools and review the potential of these new technologies before we summarize how these have already been used for the manipulation of cellular states and hypothesize about future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Breunig
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anna Köferle
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea M Neuner
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Wiesbeck
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Valentin Baumann
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan H Stricker
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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30
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Moroz-Omori E, Satyapertiwi D, Ramel MC, Høgset H, Sunyovszki IK, Liu Z, Wojciechowski JP, Zhang Y, Grigsby CL, Brito L, Bugeon L, Dallman MJ, Stevens MM. Photoswitchable gRNAs for Spatiotemporally Controlled CRISPR-Cas-Based Genomic Regulation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:695-703. [PMID: 32490186 PMCID: PMC7256956 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered CRISPR-Cas gene editing system and its derivatives have found numerous applications in fundamental biology research and pharmaceutical sciences. The need for precise external control over the gene editing and regulatory events has driven the development of inducible CRISPR-Cas systems. While most of the light-controllable CRISPR-Cas systems are based on protein engineering, we developed an alternative synthetic approach based on modification of crRNA/tracrRNA duplex (guide RNA or gRNA) with photocaging groups, preventing the gRNA from recognizing its genome target sequence until its deprotection is induced within seconds of illumination. This approach relies on a straightforward solid-phase synthesis of the photocaged gRNAs, with simpler purification and characterization processes in comparison to engineering a light-responsive protein. We have demonstrated the feasibility of photocaging of gRNAs and light-mediated DNA cleavage upon brief exposure to light in vitro. We have achieved light-mediated spatiotemporally resolved gene editing as well as gene activation in cells, whereas photocaged gRNAs showed virtually no detectable gene editing or activation in the absence of light irradiation. Finally, we have applied this system to spatiotemporally control gene editing in zebrafish embryos in vivo, enabling the use of this strategy for developmental biology and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena
V. Moroz-Omori
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 65, Sweden
| | - Dwiantari Satyapertiwi
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Christine Ramel
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Håkon Høgset
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona K. Sunyovszki
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Division
of Cardiovascular Sciences, Myocardial Function, National Heart and
Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqian Liu
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P. Wojciechowski
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Yueyun Zhang
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L. Grigsby
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 65, Sweden
| | - Liliana Brito
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Division
of Cardiovascular Sciences, Myocardial Function, National Heart and
Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Bugeon
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret J. Dallman
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 65, Sweden
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31
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Stuart WD, Guo M, Fink-Baldauf IM, Coleman AM, Clancy JP, Mall MA, Lim FY, Brewington JJ, Maeda Y. CRISPRi-mediated functional analysis of lung disease-associated loci at non-coding regions. NAR Genom Bioinform 2020; 2:lqaa036. [PMID: 32500120 PMCID: PMC7252574 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified lung disease-associated loci; however, the functions of such loci are not well understood in part because the majority of such loci are located at non-coding regions. Hi-C, ChIP-seq and eQTL data predict potential roles (e.g. enhancer) of such loci; however, they do not elucidate the molecular function. To determine whether these loci function as gene-regulatory regions, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi; CRISPR/dCas9-KRAB) has been recently used. Here, we applied CRISPRi along with Hi-C, ChIP-seq and eQTL to determine the functional roles of loci established as highly associated with asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Notably, Hi-C, ChIP-seq and eQTL predicted that non-coding regions located at chromosome 19q13 or chromosome 17q21 harboring single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to asthma/CF/COPD and chromosome 11p15 harboring an SNP linked to IPF interact with nearby genes and function as enhancers; however, CRISPRi indicated that the regions with rs1800469, rs2241712, rs12603332 and rs35705950, but not others, regulate the expression of nearby genes (single or multiple genes). These data indicate that CRISPRi is useful to precisely determine the roles of non-coding regions harboring lung disease-associated loci as to whether they function as gene-regulatory regions at a genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Stuart
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Minzhe Guo
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Iris M Fink-Baldauf
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Alan M Coleman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Cincinnati Fetal Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - John P Clancy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, 10178, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Foong-Yen Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Cincinnati Fetal Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - John J Brewington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yutaka Maeda
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Livestock Gene Editing by One-step Embryo Manipulation. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103025. [PMID: 32563448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The breakthrough and rapid advance of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology has enabled the efficient generation of gene-edited animals by one-step embryo manipulation. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein 9 delivery to the livestock embryos has been typically achieved by intracytoplasmic microinjection; however, recent studies show that electroporation may be a reliable, efficient, and practical method for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. The source of embryos used to generate gene-edited animals varies from in vivo to in vitro produced, depending mostly on the species of interest. In addition, different Cas9 and gRNA reagents can be used for embryo editing, ranging from Cas9-coding plasmid or messenger RNA to Cas9 recombinant protein, which can be combined with in vitro transcribed or synthetic guide RNAs. Mosaicism is reported as one of the main problems with generation of animals by embryo editing. On the other hand, off-target mutations are rarely found in livestock derived from one-step editing. In this review, we discussed these and other aspects of generating gene-edited animals by single-step embryo manipulation.
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Ling X, Xie B, Gao X, Chang L, Zheng W, Chen H, Huang Y, Tan L, Li M, Liu T. Improving the efficiency of precise genome editing with site-specific Cas9-oligonucleotide conjugates. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz0051. [PMID: 32494588 PMCID: PMC7250679 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific chemical conjugation of proteins can enhance their therapeutic and diagnostic utility but has seldom been applied to CRISPR-Cas9, which is a rapidly growing field with great therapeutic potential. The low efficiency of homology-directed repair remains a major hurdle in CRISPR-Cas9-mediated precise genome editing, which is limited by low concentration of donor DNA template at the cleavage site. In this study, we have developed methodology to site-specifically conjugate oligonucleotides to recombinant Cas9 protein containing a genetically encoded noncanonical amino acid with orthogonal chemical reactivity. The Cas9-oligonucleotide conjugates recruited an unmodified donor DNA template to the target site through base pairing, markedly increasing homology-directed repair efficiency in both human cell culture and mouse zygotes. These chemically modified Cas9 mutants provide an additional tool, one that is complementary to chemically modified nucleic acids, for improving the utility of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-editing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bingteng Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, 100191 Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Heqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yujia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Linzhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mo Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, 100191 Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, 100191 Beijing, China
- Corresponding author. (T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Corresponding author. (T.L.); (M.L.)
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Gerashchenkov GA, Rozhnova NA, Kuluev BR, Kiryanova OY, Gumerova GR, Knyazev AV, Vershinina ZR, Mikhailova EV, Chemeris DA, Matniyazov RT, Baimiev AK, Gubaidullin IM, Baimiev AK, Chemeris AV. Design of Guide RNA for CRISPR/Cas Plant Genome Editing. Mol Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893320010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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35
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Wu J, Yin H. Engineering guide RNA to reduce the off-target effects of CRISPR. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:523-529. [PMID: 31902584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As versatile and robust genome editing tools, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technologies have been broadly used in basic research, biotechnology, and therapeutic development. Off-target mutagenesis by CRISPR systems has been demonstrated, and various methods have been developed to markedly increase their specificity. In this review, we highlight the efforts of producing and modifying guide RNA (gRNA) to minimize off-target activities, including sequence and structure design, tuning expression and chemical modification. The modalities of gRNA engineering can be applied across CRISPR systems. In conjunction with CRISPR protein effectors, the engineered gRNA enables efficient and precise genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, 430071, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, 430071, China; Department of Urology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Krichevsky AM, Uhlmann EJ. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics as a New Class of Drugs for Malignant Brain Tumors: Targeting mRNAs, Regulatory RNAs, Mutations, Combinations, and Beyond. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:319-347. [PMID: 30644073 PMCID: PMC6554258 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are rapidly progressive and often fatal owing to resistance to therapies and based on their complex biology, heterogeneity, and isolation from systemic circulation. Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, has high mortality, and affects both children and adults. Despite significant advances in understanding the pathology, multiple clinical trials employing various treatment strategies have failed. With much expanded knowledge of the GBM genome, epigenome, and transcriptome, the field of neuro-oncology is getting closer to achieve breakthrough-targeted molecular therapies. Current developments of oligonucleotide chemistries for CNS applications make this new class of drugs very attractive for targeting molecular pathways dysregulated in brain tumors and are anticipated to vastly expand the spectrum of currently targetable molecules. In this chapter, we will overview the molecular landscape of malignant gliomas and explore the most prominent molecular targets (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and genomic mutations) that provide opportunities for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics for this class of neurologic diseases. Because malignant brain tumors focally disrupt the blood-brain barrier, this class of diseases might be also more susceptible to systemic treatments with oligonucleotides than other neurologic disorders and, thus, present an entry point for the oligonucleotide therapeutics to the CNS. Nevertheless, delivery of oligonucleotides remains a crucial part of the treatment strategy. Finally, synthetic gRNAs guiding CRISPR-Cas9 editing technologies have a tremendous potential to further expand the applications of oligonucleotide therapeutics and take them beyond RNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Krichevsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - Erik J Uhlmann
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
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37
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Porter SN, Levine RM, Pruett-Miller SM. A Practical Guide to Genome Editing Using Targeted Nuclease Technologies. Compr Physiol 2019; 9:665-714. [PMID: 30873595 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Genome engineering using programmable nucleases is a rapidly evolving technique that enables precise genetic manipulations within complex genomes. Although this technology first surfaced with the creation of meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, CRISPR-Cas9 has been the most widely adopted platform because of its ease of use. This comprehensive review presents a basic overview of genome engineering and discusses the major technological advances in the field. In addition to nucleases, we discuss CRISPR-derived base editors and epigenetic modifiers. We also delve into practical applications of these tools, including creating custom-edited cell and animal models as well as performing genetic screens. Finally, we discuss the potential for therapeutic applications and ethical considerations related to employing this technology in humans. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:665-714, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina N Porter
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rachel M Levine
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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38
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Knopp Y, Geis FK, Heckl D, Horn S, Neumann T, Kuehle J, Meyer J, Fehse B, Baum C, Morgan M, Meyer J, Schambach A, Galla M. Transient Retrovirus-Based CRISPR/Cas9 All-in-One Particles for Efficient, Targeted Gene Knockout. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:256-274. [PMID: 30317165 PMCID: PMC6187057 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recently discovered CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used in basic research and is a useful tool for disease modeling and gene editing therapies. However, long-term expression of DNA-modifying enzymes can be associated with cytotoxicity and is particularly unwanted in clinical gene editing strategies. Because current transient expression methods may still suffer from cytotoxicity and/or low efficiency, we developed non-integrating retrovirus-based CRISPR/Cas9 all-in-one particles for targeted gene knockout. By redirecting the gammaretroviral packaging machinery, we transiently delivered Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) mRNA and single-guide RNA transcripts into various (including primary) cell types. Spatiotemporal co-delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components resulted in efficient disruption of a surrogate reporter gene, as well as functional knockout of endogenous human genes CXCR4 and TP53. Although acting in a hit-and-run fashion, knockout efficiencies of our transient particles corresponded to 52%-80% of those obtained from constitutively active integrating vectors. Stable SpCas9 overexpression at high doses in murine NIH3T3 cells caused a substantial G0/G1 arrest accompanied by reduced cell growth and metabolic activity, which was prevented by transient SpCas9 transfer. In summary, the non-integrating retrovirus-based vector particles introduced here allow efficient and dose-controlled delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components into target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Knopp
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Franziska K Geis
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Stefan Horn
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Janine Meyer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Christopher Baum
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Presidential Office, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johann Meyer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany.
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Hall B, Cho A, Limaye A, Cho K, Khillan J, Kulkarni AB. Genome Editing in Mice Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN CELL BIOLOGY 2018; 81:e57. [PMID: 30178917 PMCID: PMC9942237 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing in mice, allowing for simple and rapid development of knockouts and knockins. CRISPR relies on small guide RNAs that direct the RNA-guided nuclease Cas9 to a designated genomic site using ∼20 bp of corresponding sequence. Cas9 then creates a double-strand break in the targeted loci that is either patched in an error-prone fashion to produce a frame-shift mutation, a knockout, or is repaired by recombination with donor DNA containing homology arms, a knockin. This protocol covers the techniques needed to rapidly generate knockout and knockin mice with CRISPR via microinjection of Cas9, the guide RNA, and possible donor DNA into the mouse zygote. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford Hall
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrew Cho
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Advait Limaye
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kyoungin Cho
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jaspal Khillan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashok B Kulkarni
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) can interfere with biomolecules representing the entire extended central dogma. Antisense gapmer, steric block, splice-switching ONs, and short interfering RNA drugs have been successfully developed. Moreover, antagomirs (antimicroRNAs), microRNA mimics, aptamers, DNA decoys, DNAzymes, synthetic guide strands for CRISPR/Cas, and innate immunity-stimulating ONs are all in clinical trials. DNA-targeting, triplex-forming ONs and strand-invading ONs have made their mark on drug development research, but not yet as medicines. Both design and synthetic nucleic acid chemistry are crucial for achieving biologically active ONs. The dominating modifications are phosphorothioate linkages, base methylation, and numerous 2'-substitutions in the furanose ring, such as 2'-fluoro, O-methyl, or methoxyethyl. Locked nucleic acid and constrained ethyl, a related variant, are bridged forms where the 2'-oxygen connects to the 4'-carbon in the sugar. Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, carrying a modified heterocyclic backbone ring, have also been commercialized. Delivery remains a major obstacle, but systemic administration and intrathecal infusion are used for treatment of the liver and brain, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; .,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Eriyagama DNAM, Shahsavari S, Halami B, Lu BY, Wei F, Fang S. Parallel, Large-Scale, and Long Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide Purification Using the Catching Full-Length Sequence by Polymerization Technique. Org Process Res Dev 2018; 22:1282-1288. [PMID: 30906183 PMCID: PMC6428204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.8b00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The catching by polymerization synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) purification technique was shown to be potentially suitable for high throughput purification by purifying 12 ODNs simultaneously, to be convenient for large-scale purification by purifying at 60 μmol synthesis scale, and to be highly powerful for long ODN purification by purifying ODNs as long as 303-mer. LC-MS analysis indicated that the ODNs purified with the technique have excellent purity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahien Shahsavari
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological
University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Bhaskar Halami
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological
University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Bao-Yuan Lu
- Nalco Champion, an Ecolab Company, 11177 S. Stadium
Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478, USA
| | - Fengping Wei
- CGeneTech, Inc., 7202 E. 87th Street, Suite#100,
Indianapolis, IN 46256, USA
| | - Shiyue Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological
University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
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42
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Luther D, Lee Y, Nagaraj H, Scaletti F, Rotello V. Delivery approaches for CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutics in vivo: advances and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2018; 15:905-913. [PMID: 30169977 PMCID: PMC6295289 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1517746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Therapeutic gene editing is becoming a viable biomedical tool with the emergence of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. CRISPR-based technologies have promise as a therapeutic platform for many human genetic diseases previously considered untreatable, providing a flexible approach to high-fidelity gene editing. For many diseases, such as sickle-cell disease and beta thalassemia, curative therapy may already be on the horizon, with CRISPR-based clinical trials slated for the next few years. Translation of CRISPR-based therapy to in vivo application however, is no small feat, and major hurdles remain for efficacious use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in clinical contexts. AREAS COVERED In this topical review, we highlight recent advances to in vivo delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system using various packaging formats, including viral, mRNA, plasmid, and protein-based approaches. We also discuss some of the barriers which have yet to be overcome for successful translation of this technology. EXPERT OPINION This review focuses on the challenges to efficacy for various delivery formats, with specific emphasis on overcoming these challenges through the development of carrier vehicles for transient approaches to CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.C. Luther
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Y.W. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - H. Nagaraj
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Sastra Deemed-to-be University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur 613 401,Tamil Nadu, India
| | - F. Scaletti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - V.M. Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Chen X, Gonçalves MAFV. DNA, RNA, and Protein Tools for Editing the Genetic Information in Human Cells. iScience 2018; 6:247-263. [PMID: 30240615 PMCID: PMC6137403 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Solving the structure of DNA in 1953 has unleashed a tour de force in molecular biology that has illuminated how the genetic information stored in DNA is copied and flows downstream into RNA and proteins. Currently, increasingly powerful technologies permit not only reading and writing DNA in vitro but also editing the genetic instructions in cells from virtually any organism. Editing specific genomic sequences in living cells has been particularly accelerated with the introduction of programmable RNA-guided nucleases (RGNs) based on prokaryotic CRISPR adaptive immune systems. The repair of chromosomal breaks made by RGNs with donor DNA patches results in targeted genome editing involving the introduction of specific genetic changes at predefined genomic positions. Hence, donor DNAs, guide RNAs, and nuclease proteins, each representing the molecular entities underlying the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information, are, once delivered into cells, put to work as agents of change of that very same genetic text. Here, after providing an outline of the programmable nuclease-assisted genome editing field, we review the increasingly diverse range of DNA, RNA, and protein components (e.g., nucleases and "nickases") that, when brought together, underlie RGN-based genome editing in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, the Netherlands.
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Halami B, Shahsavari S, Nelson Z, Prehoda L, Eriyagama DNAM, Fang S. Incorporation of Sensitive Ester and Chloropurine Groups into Oligodeoxynucleotides through Solid Phase Synthesis. ChemistrySelect 2018; 3:8857-8862. [PMID: 30886889 PMCID: PMC6420219 DOI: 10.1002/slct.201801484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nucleosides containing ester groups that are sensitive to nucleophiles were incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) through solid phase chemical synthesis. The sensitive esters are located on a purine nucleobase. They are the esters of ethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 4-methoxyphenyl and phenyl groups, and a thioester. These esters cannot survive the deprotection and cleavage conditions used in known ODN synthesis technologies, which involve strong nucleophiles such as ammonium hydroxide and potassium methoxide (potassium carbonate in anhydrous methanol). To incorporate these sensitive groups into ODNs, the Dmoc phosphoramidites and linker were used for solid phase synthesis, which allowed ODN deprotection and cleavage to be carried out under non-nucleophilic oxidative conditions. Sixteen ODN sequences containing these groups were synthesized and characterized with MALDI MS. In addition, the synthesis and characterization of three ODNs containing a nucleophile sensitive 6-chloropurine using the same strategy are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Halami
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Shahien Shahsavari
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Zack Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Lucas Prehoda
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | | | - Shiyue Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
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45
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Easy In Vitro Synthesis of Optimised Functioning Reporter mRNA from Common eGFP Plasmid. Mol Biotechnol 2018; 60:762-771. [PMID: 30120676 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-018-0112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The extensive growth in number and importance of experiments and clinical-aimed techniques based solely or majorly on the activity of RNA strands, e.g. CRSPR/Cas9 and siRNA, has put emphasis on the necessity of standardisation of experiments with RNA. Considering RNA degradation during its handling seems to be a major hindrance in all RNA-based tools, the assessment of its integrity is of utmost importance. Furthermore, evaluating whether the RNA to be transfected is intact requires time-consuming electrophoresis protocol. In view of the RNA lability and the necessity for controlling experiments performed with this molecule, the transfection of a reporter mRNA may be of aid in optimising experiments. Nevertheless, commercial reporter mRNAs are far less available than plasmids for such purpose. Thus, in this work, we aimed at the optimisation of an easily performed protocol to produce a suitable eGFP mRNA. By utilising molecular biology kits customarily employed in molecular biology laboratories working with RNA-based techniques and starting from any eGFP coding vector, we produced four mRNA molecules: (1) eGFP mRNA (non-polyadenylated); (2) Kozak-eGFP mRNA (non-polyadenylated, produced from the Kozak-containing amplicon); (3) eGFP-PolyA mRNA (polyadenylated); (4) Kozak-eGFP-PolyA mRNA (containing both signals, Kozak sequence and poly(A) tail). These mRNA molecules were transfected into HEK 293 FT cells, readily transfectable, and into the MDBK bovine lineage, which has been observed as difficult-to-transfect DNA constructs. eGFP expression could be detected both by flow cytometry and by fluorescence microscopy after transfection with the polyadenylated mRNAs. Upon cytometric analysis, we noted a marked difference among the mRNA groups (p < 0.01), both in fluorescent population percentage and in florescence intensity. We showed here the necessity of the polyadenylation step in order to achieve cell expression of the eGFP observable under fluorescence microscopy. The presence of the Kozak sequence, as a 5' element, seems to augment significantly the level of protein produced upon mRNA transfection. We presented here an easy protocol to allow production of functioning mRNAs from any DNA construct. The molecules produced may aid in the standardisation and controlling most of the RNA-related experiments as well as it gives proper guidance for researchers performing expression of other proteins through mRNA transfection.
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Bošnjak B, Permanyer M, Sethi MK, Galla M, Maetzig T, Heinemann D, Willenzon S, Förster R, Heisterkamp A, Kalies S. CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Using Gold-Nanoparticle-Mediated Laserporation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berislav Bošnjak
- Institute of Immunology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Marc Permanyer
- Institute of Immunology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Maya K. Sethi
- Institute of Immunology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Tobias Maetzig
- Institute of Experimental Hematology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Dag Heinemann
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department; Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hollerithallee 8 30419 Hannover Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering; Implant Research and Development; Stadtfelddamm 34 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Stefani Willenzon
- Institute of Immunology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology; Hannover Medical School; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering; Implant Research and Development; Stadtfelddamm 34 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Alexander Heisterkamp
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering; Implant Research and Development; Stadtfelddamm 34 30625 Hannover Germany
- Institut für Quantenoptik; Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover; Welfengarten 1 30167 Hannover Germany
| | - Stefan Kalies
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH; Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hannover Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering; Implant Research and Development; Stadtfelddamm 34 30625 Hannover Germany
- Institut für Quantenoptik; Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover; Welfengarten 1 30167 Hannover Germany
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47
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Dewari PS, Southgate B, Mccarten K, Monogarov G, O'Duibhir E, Quinn N, Tyrer A, Leitner MC, Plumb C, Kalantzaki M, Blin C, Finch R, Bressan RB, Morrison G, Jacobi AM, Behlke MA, von Kriegsheim A, Tomlinson S, Krijgsveld J, Pollard SM. An efficient and scalable pipeline for epitope tagging in mammalian stem cells using Cas9 ribonucleoprotein. eLife 2018; 7:e35069. [PMID: 29638216 PMCID: PMC5947990 DOI: 10.7554/elife.35069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 can be used for precise genetic knock-in of epitope tags into endogenous genes, simplifying experimental analysis of protein function. However, Cas9-assisted epitope tagging in primary mammalian cell cultures is often inefficient and reliant on plasmid-based selection strategies. Here, we demonstrate improved knock-in efficiencies of diverse tags (V5, 3XFLAG, Myc, HA) using co-delivery of Cas9 protein pre-complexed with two-part synthetic modified RNAs (annealed crRNA:tracrRNA) and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) repair templates. Knock-in efficiencies of ~5-30%, were achieved without selection in embryonic stem (ES) cells, neural stem (NS) cells, and brain-tumor-derived stem cells. Biallelic-tagged clonal lines were readily derived and used to define Olig2 chromatin-bound interacting partners. Using our novel web-based design tool, we established a 96-well format pipeline that enabled V5-tagging of 60 different transcription factors. This efficient, selection-free and scalable epitope tagging pipeline enables systematic surveys of protein expression levels, subcellular localization, and interactors across diverse mammalian stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooran Singh Dewari
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Southgate
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Katrina Mccarten
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - German Monogarov
- German Cancer Research CenterUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Eoghan O'Duibhir
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Niall Quinn
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Ashley Tyrer
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Marie-Christin Leitner
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Colin Plumb
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Kalantzaki
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Carla Blin
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Finch
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Raul Bardini Bressan
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Gillian Morrison
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.CoralvilleUnited States
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Simon Tomlinson
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- German Cancer Research CenterUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Edinburgh Cancer Research United Kingdom CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
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48
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Nahar S, Sehgal P, Azhar M, Rai M, Singh A, Sivasubbu S, Chakraborty D, Maiti S. A G-quadruplex motif at the 3' end of sgRNAs improves CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing efficiency. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:2377-2380. [PMID: 29450416 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc08893k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Originating as a component of prokaryotic adaptive immunity, the type II CRISPR/Cas9 system has been repurposed for targeted genome editing in various organisms. Although Cas9 can bind and cleave DNA efficiently under in vitro conditions, its activity inside a cell can vary dramatically between targets owing to the differences between genomic loci and the availability of enough Cas9/sgRNA (single guide RNA) complex molecules for cleavage. Most methods have so far relied on Cas9 protein engineering or base modifications in the sgRNA sequence to improve CRISPR/Cas9 activity. Here we demonstrate that a structure based rational design of sgRNAs can enhance the efficiency of Cas9 cleavage in vivo. By appending a naturally forming RNA G-quadruplex motif to the 3' end of sgRNAs we can improve its stability and target cleavage efficiency in zebrafish embryos without inducing off-target activity, thereby underscoring its value in the design of better and optimized genome editing triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Nahar
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Paras Sehgal
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohd Azhar
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Manish Rai
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Amrita Singh
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Sridhar Sivasubbu
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110001, India and CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India and CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India.
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49
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Guo F, Li Q, Zhou C. Synthesis and biological applications of fluoro-modified nucleic acids. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 15:9552-9565. [PMID: 29086791 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02094e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the unique physical properties of a fluorine atom, incorporating fluoro-modifications into nucleic acids offers striking biophysical and biochemical features, and thus significantly extends the breadth and depth of biological applications of nucleic acids. In this review, fluoro-modified nucleic acids that have been synthesized through either solid phase synthesis or the enzymatic approach are briefly summarised, followed by a section describing their biomedical applications in nucleic acid-based therapeutics, 18F PET imaging and mechanistic studies of DNA modifying enzymes. In the last part, the utility of 19F NMR and MRI for probing the structure, dynamics and molecular interactions of fluorinated nucleic acids is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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50
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Ryan DE, Taussig D, Steinfeld I, Phadnis SM, Lunstad BD, Singh M, Vuong X, Okochi KD, McCaffrey R, Olesiak M, Roy S, Yung CW, Curry B, Sampson JR, Bruhn L, Dellinger DJ. Improving CRISPR-Cas specificity with chemical modifications in single-guide RNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:792-803. [PMID: 29216382 PMCID: PMC5778453 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR systems have emerged as transformative tools for altering genomes in living cells with unprecedented ease, inspiring keen interest in increasing their specificity for perfectly matched targets. We have developed a novel approach for improving specificity by incorporating chemical modifications in guide RNAs (gRNAs) at specific sites in their DNA recognition sequence ('guide sequence') and systematically evaluating their on-target and off-target activities in biochemical DNA cleavage assays and cell-based assays. Our results show that a chemical modification (2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphonoacetate, or 'MP') incorporated at select sites in the ribose-phosphate backbone of gRNAs can dramatically reduce off-target cleavage activities while maintaining high on-target performance, as demonstrated in clinically relevant genes. These findings reveal a unique method for enhancing specificity by chemically modifying the guide sequence in gRNAs. Our approach introduces a versatile tool for augmenting the performance of CRISPR systems for research, industrial and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xuan Vuong
- Agilent Research Laboratories, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bo Curry
- Agilent Research Laboratories, Santa Clara, CA, USA
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