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Lu P, Zuo E, Yan J. Developing a multi-modular assembled prime editing (mPE) system improved precise multi-base insertion efficiency in dicots. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00259-5. [PMID: 38942381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Prime Editing (PE) system is a precise and versatile genome editing tool with great potential in plant breeding and plant synthetic biology. However, low PE efficiency severely restricts its application, especially in dicots. PE can introduce small tags to trace target protein or cis-element to regulate gene transcription which is an expertise superior to other gene editing tools. Owing to low efficiency, PE adaption in stably transformed Arabidopsis is lacking. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the issue of low PE efficiency in dicots and develop systematic solutions to improve it. Currently, PE in dicots is undetectable and inconsistent, and this study seeks to address it. Split PE into several parts showed better performance in some target sites in mammal cells. We plan to discover the optimal split PE combination in dicot. METHODS We conducted large-scale transformation experiments in dicot model plants Arabidopsis thaliana (At) and Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with deep amplicon sequencing (0.2-0.5 million clean total reads). RESULTS The editing efficiency decreased upon using a fused reverse transcriptase (RT) or an extended pegRNA separately and further decreased dramatically when these were used together. With the help of the pol II strategy to express PE gRNA (pegRNA), we named the most effective split PE combination as a multi-modular assembled prime editing system (mPE). mPE exhibited improved precise editing efficiency on most gene sites with various editing types, ranging from 1.3-fold to 1288.5-fold and achieved PE on some sites that could not be edited by original PE2. Especially, mPE showed superiority for multi-base insertion with an average improvement of 197.9-fold. CONCLUSION The original PE architecture strongly inhibited the cleavage activity of Cas9. Split PE improved PE efficiency extensively and was in favor of introducing small insertions in dicot plants, indicating that different PE variants might have their own expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjun Lu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Erwei Zuo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Jianbin Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China.
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2
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Maltseva D, Kirillov I, Zhiyanov A, Averinskaya D, Suvorov R, Gubani D, Kudriaeva A, Belogurov A, Tonevitsky A. Incautious design of shRNAs for stable overexpression of miRNAs could result in generation of undesired isomiRs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195046. [PMID: 38876159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
shRNA-mediated strategy of miRNA overexpression based on RNA Polymerase (Pol III) expression cassettes is widely used for miRNA functional studies. For some miRNAs, e.g., encoded in the genome as a part of a polycistronic miRNA cluster, it is most likely the only way for their individual stable overexpression. Here we have revealed that expression of miRNAs longer than 19 nt (e.g. 23 nt in length hsa-miR-93-5p) using such approach could be accompanied by undesired predominant generation of 5' end miRNA isoforms (5'-isomiRs). Extra U residues (up to five) added by Pol III at the 3' end of the transcribed shRNA during transcription termination could cause a shift in the Dicer cleavage position of the shRNA. This results in the formation of 5'-isomiRs, which have a significantly altered seed region compared to the initially encoded canonical hsa-miR-93-5p. We demonstrated that the commonly used qPCR method is insensitive to the formation of 5'-isomiRs and cannot be used to confirm miRNA overexpression. However, the predominant expression of 5'-isomiRs without three or four first nucleotides instead of the canonical isoform could be disclosed based on miRNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, mRNA sequencing data showed that the 5'-isomiRs of hsa-miR-93-5p presumably regulate their own mRNA targets. Thus, omitting miRNA-Seq analysis may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding revealed mRNA targets and possible molecular mechanisms in which studied miRNA is involved. Overall, the presented results show that structures of shRNAs for stable overexpression of miRNAs requires careful design to avoid generation of undesired 5'-isomiRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maltseva
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Ivan Kirillov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Anton Zhiyanov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Daria Averinskaya
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Roman Suvorov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Daria Gubani
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Anna Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander Tonevitsky
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; Art Photonics GmbH, Berlin 12489, Germany.
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3
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Yao D, Tycko J, Oh JW, Bounds LR, Gosai SJ, Lataniotis L, Mackay-Smith A, Doughty BR, Gabdank I, Schmidt H, Guerrero-Altamirano T, Siklenka K, Guo K, White AD, Youngworth I, Andreeva K, Ren X, Barrera A, Luo Y, Yardımcı GG, Tewhey R, Kundaje A, Greenleaf WJ, Sabeti PC, Leslie C, Pritykin Y, Moore JE, Beer MA, Gersbach CA, Reddy TE, Shen Y, Engreitz JM, Bassik MC, Reilly SK. Multicenter integrated analysis of noncoding CRISPRi screens. Nat Methods 2024; 21:723-734. [PMID: 38504114 PMCID: PMC11009116 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02216-7] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The ENCODE Consortium's efforts to annotate noncoding cis-regulatory elements (CREs) have advanced our understanding of gene regulatory landscapes. Pooled, noncoding CRISPR screens offer a systematic approach to investigate cis-regulatory mechanisms. The ENCODE4 Functional Characterization Centers conducted 108 screens in human cell lines, comprising >540,000 perturbations across 24.85 megabases of the genome. Using 332 functionally confirmed CRE-gene links in K562 cells, we established guidelines for screening endogenous noncoding elements with CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), including accurate detection of CREs that exhibit variable, often low, transcriptional effects. Benchmarking five screen analysis tools, we find that CASA produces the most conservative CRE calls and is robust to artifacts of low-specificity single guide RNAs. We uncover a subtle DNA strand bias for CRISPRi in transcribed regions with implications for screen design and analysis. Together, we provide an accessible data resource, predesigned single guide RNAs for targeting 3,275,697 ENCODE SCREEN candidate CREs with CRISPRi and screening guidelines to accelerate functional characterization of the noncoding genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yao
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Josh Tycko
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jin Woo Oh
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lexi R Bounds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sager J Gosai
- Broad Institute of Harvard & MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Center for System Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Science, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lazaros Lataniotis
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Franscisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ava Mackay-Smith
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Idan Gabdank
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Henri Schmidt
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tania Guerrero-Altamirano
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keith Siklenka
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Guo
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander D White
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Kalina Andreeva
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xingjie Ren
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Franscisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yunhai Luo
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Anshul Kundaje
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - William J Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard & MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Center for System Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Leslie
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuri Pritykin
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jill E Moore
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Beer
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Franscisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jesse M Engreitz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- BASE Initiative, Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Steven K Reilly
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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4
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McGee AV, Liu YV, Griffith AL, Szegletes ZM, Wen B, Kraus C, Miller NW, Steger RJ, Escude Velasco B, Bosch JA, Zirin JD, Viswanatha R, Sontheimer EJ, Goodale A, Greene MA, Green TM, Doench JG. Modular vector assembly enables rapid assessment of emerging CRISPR technologies. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100519. [PMID: 38484704 PMCID: PMC10943585 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The diversity of CRISPR systems, coupled with scientific ingenuity, has led to an explosion of applications; however, to test newly described innovations in their model systems, researchers typically embark on cumbersome, one-off cloning projects to generate custom reagents that are optimized for their biological questions. Here, we leverage Golden Gate cloning to create the Fragmid toolkit, a modular set of CRISPR cassettes and delivery technologies, along with a web portal, resulting in a combinatorial platform that enables scalable vector assembly within days. We further demonstrate that multiple CRISPR technologies can be assessed in parallel in a pooled screening format using this resource, enabling the rapid optimization of both novel technologies and cellular models. These results establish Fragmid as a robust system for the rapid design of CRISPR vectors, and we anticipate that this assembly approach will be broadly useful for systematic development, comparison, and dissemination of CRISPR technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby V McGee
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yanjing V Liu
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Audrey L Griffith
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zsofia M Szegletes
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bronte Wen
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Carolyn Kraus
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nathan W Miller
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ryan J Steger
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Berta Escude Velasco
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Justin A Bosch
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan D Zirin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raghuvir Viswanatha
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, 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
| | - Amy Goodale
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew A Greene
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Thomas M Green
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - John G Doench
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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5
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Truong DJJ, Geilenkeuser J, Wendel SV, Wilming JCH, Armbrust N, Binder EMH, Santl TH, Siebenhaar A, Gruber C, Phlairaharn T, Živanić M, Westmeyer GG. Exonuclease-enhanced prime editors. Nat Methods 2024; 21:455-464. [PMID: 38302659 PMCID: PMC10927552 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02162-w] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a powerful gene-editing technique based on targeted gRNA-templated reverse transcription and integration of the de novo synthesized single-stranded DNA. To circumvent one of the main bottlenecks of the method, the competition of the reverse-transcribed 3' flap with the original 5' flap DNA, we generated an enhanced fluorescence-activated cell sorting reporter cell line to develop an exonuclease-enhanced PE strategy ('Exo-PE') composed of an improved PE complex and an aptamer-recruited DNA-exonuclease to remove the 5' original DNA flap. Exo-PE achieved better overall editing efficacy than the reference PE2 strategy for insertions ≥30 base pairs in several endogenous loci and cell lines while maintaining the high editing precision of PE2. By enabling the precise incorporation of larger insertions, Exo-PE complements the growing palette of different PE tools and spurs additional refinements of the PE machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Jiunn Jeffery Truong
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Geilenkeuser
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Victoria Wendel
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Clemens Heinrich Wilming
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Niklas Armbrust
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Hildegard Binder
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Heinrich Santl
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annika Siebenhaar
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Gruber
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Teeradon Phlairaharn
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Milica Živanić
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gil Gregor Westmeyer
- Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine,Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Pietralla J, Capdeville N, Schindele P, Puchta H. Optimizing ErCas12a for efficient gene editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:401-412. [PMID: 37864303 PMCID: PMC10826985 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14194] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The ErCas12a nuclease, also known as MAD7, is part of a CRISPR/Cas system from Eubacterium rectale and distantly related to Cas12a nucleases. As it shares only 31% sequence homology with the commonly used AsCas12a, its intellectual property may not be covered by the granted patent rights for Cas12a nucleases. Thus, ErCas12a became an attractive alternative for practical applications. However, the editing efficiency of ErCas12a is strongly target sequence- and temperature-dependent. Therefore, optimization of the enzyme activity through protein engineering is especially attractive for its application in plants, as they are cultivated at lower temperatures. Based on the knowledge obtained from the optimization of Cas12a nucleases, we opted to improve the gene editing efficiency of ErCas12a by introducing analogous amino acid exchanges. Interestingly, neither of these mutations analogous to those in the enhanced or Ultra versions of AsCas12a resulted in significant editing enhancement of ErCas12a in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, two different mutations, V156R and K172R, in putative alpha helical structures of the enzyme showed a detectable improvement in editing. By combining these two mutations, we obtained an improved ErCas12a (imErCas12a) variant, showing several-fold increase in activity in comparison to the wild-type enzyme in Arabidopsis. This variant yields strong editing efficiencies at 22 °C which could be further increased by raising the cultivation temperature to 28 °C and even enabled editing of formerly inaccessible targets. Additionally, no enhanced off-site activity was detected. Thus, imErCas12a is an economically attractive and efficient alternative to other CRISPR/Cas systems for plant genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Pietralla
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Niklas Capdeville
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Patrick Schindele
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Holger Puchta
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
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7
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Sylla MM, Kolesinkova M, da Costa BL, Maumenee IH, Tsang SH, Quinn PMJ. A novel pathogenic CRB1 variant presenting as Leber Congenital Amaurosis 8 and evaluation of gene editing feasibility. Doc Ophthalmol 2023; 147:217-224. [PMID: 37804373 PMCID: PMC11149456 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-023-09951-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited retinal disease that presents in infancy with severely decreased vision, nystagmus, and extinguished electroretinography findings. LCA8 is linked to variants in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene. CASE DESCRIPTION We report a novel CRB1 variant in a 14-year-old male presenting with nystagmus, worsening vision, and inability to fixate on toys in his infancy. Color fundus photography revealed nummular pigments in the macula and periphery. Imaging studies revealed thickened retina on standard domain optical coherence tomography and widespread atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium on autofluorescence. Full-field electroretinography revealed extinguished scotopic and significantly reduced photopic responses. Genetic testing demonstrated a novel homozygous variant, c.3057 T > A; p.(Tyr1019Ter), in the CRB1 gene. This variant is not currently amenable to base editing, however, in silico analysis revealed several potential prime editing strategies for correction. CONCLUSION This case presentation is consistent with LCA8, suggesting pathogenicity of this novel variant and expanding our knowledge of disease-causing CRB1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Sylla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- State University of New York at Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Masha Kolesinkova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- State University of New York at Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Irene H Maumenee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Hammer Health Sciences Building, 701 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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8
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McGee AV, Liu YV, Griffith AL, Szegletes ZM, Wen B, Kraus C, Miller NW, Steger RJ, Velasco BE, Bosch JA, Zirin JD, Viswanatha R, Sontheimer EJ, Goodale A, Greene MA, Green TM, Doench JG. Modular vector assembly enables rapid assessment of emerging CRISPR technologies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.25.564061. [PMID: 37961518 PMCID: PMC10634825 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.25.564061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The diversity of CRISPR systems, coupled with scientific ingenuity, has led to an explosion of applications; however, to test newly-described innovations in their model systems, researchers typically embark on cumbersome, one-off cloning projects to generate custom reagents that are optimized for their biological questions. Here, we leverage Golden Gate cloning to create the Fragmid toolkit, a modular set of CRISPR cassettes and delivery technologies, along with a web portal, resulting in a combinatorial platform that enables scalable vector assembly within days. We further demonstrate that multiple CRISPR technologies can be assessed in parallel in a pooled screening format using this resource, enabling the rapid optimization of both novel technologies and cellular models. These results establish Fragmid as a robust system for the rapid design of CRISPR vectors, and we anticipate that this assembly approach will be broadly useful for systematic development, comparison, and dissemination of CRISPR technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby V McGee
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yanjing V Liu
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Audrey L Griffith
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zsofia M Szegletes
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bronte Wen
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Carolyn Kraus
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nathan W Miller
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ryan J Steger
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Berta Escude Velasco
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Justin A Bosch
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan D Zirin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raghuvir Viswanatha
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, 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
| | - Amy Goodale
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew A Greene
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Thomas M Green
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - John G Doench
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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9
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Colognori D, Trinidad M, Doudna JA. Precise transcript targeting by CRISPR-Csm complexes. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1256-1264. [PMID: 36690762 PMCID: PMC10497410 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Robust and precise transcript targeting in mammalian cells remains a difficult challenge using existing approaches due to inefficiency, imprecision and subcellular compartmentalization. Here we show that the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Csm complex, a multiprotein effector from type III CRISPR immune systems in prokaryotes, provides surgical RNA ablation of both nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts. As part of the most widely occurring CRISPR adaptive immune pathway, CRISPR-Csm uses a programmable RNA-guided mechanism to find and degrade target RNA molecules without inducing indiscriminate trans-cleavage of cellular RNAs, giving it an important advantage over the CRISPR-Cas13 family of enzymes. Using single-vector delivery of the Streptococcus thermophilus Csm complex, we observe high-efficiency RNA knockdown (90-99%) and minimal off-target effects in human cells, outperforming existing technologies including short hairpin RNA- and Cas13-mediated knockdown. We also find that catalytically inactivated Csm achieves specific and durable RNA binding, a property we harness for live-cell RNA imaging. These results establish the feasibility and efficacy of multiprotein CRISPR-Cas effector complexes as RNA-targeting tools in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Colognori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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10
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Bush K, Corsi GI, Yan AC, Haynes K, Layzer JM, Zhou JH, Llanga T, Gorodkin J, Sullenger BA. Utilizing directed evolution to interrogate and optimize CRISPR/Cas guide RNA scaffolds. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:879-892.e5. [PMID: 37390831 PMCID: PMC10529641 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.007] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based editing has revolutionized genome engineering despite the observation that many DNA sequences remain challenging to target. Unproductive interactions formed between the single guide RNA's (sgRNA) Cas9-binding scaffold domain and DNA-binding antisense domain are often responsible for such limited editing resolution. To bypass this limitation, we develop a functional SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) approach, termed BLADE (binding and ligand activated directed evolution), to identify numerous, diverse sgRNA variants that bind Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 and support DNA cleavage. These variants demonstrate surprising malleability in sgRNA sequence. We also observe that particular variants partner more effectively with specific DNA-binding antisense domains, yielding combinations with enhanced editing efficiencies at various target sites. Using molecular evolution, CRISPR-based systems could be created to efficiently edit even challenging DNA sequences making the genome more tractable to engineering. This selection approach will be valuable for generating sgRNAs with a range of useful activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korie Bush
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Moderna Genomics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Giulia I Corsi
- Center for non-Coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Tessera Therapeutics, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
| | - Amy C Yan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Keith Haynes
- Department of Information Technology, Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC 29202, USA
| | | | - Jonathan H Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Telmo Llanga
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Center for non-Coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Bruce A Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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11
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Mathis N, Allam A, Kissling L, Marquart KF, Schmidheini L, Solari C, Balázs Z, Krauthammer M, Schwank G. Predicting prime editing efficiency and product purity by deep learning. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1151-1159. [PMID: 36646933 PMCID: PMC7614945 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing is a versatile genome editing tool but requires experimental optimization of the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to achieve high editing efficiency. Here we conducted a high-throughput screen to analyze prime editing outcomes of 92,423 pegRNAs on a highly diverse set of 13,349 human pathogenic mutations that include base substitutions, insertions and deletions. Based on this dataset, we identified sequence context features that influence prime editing and trained PRIDICT (prime editing guide prediction), an attention-based bidirectional recurrent neural network. PRIDICT reliably predicts editing rates for all small-sized genetic changes with a Spearman's R of 0.85 and 0.78 for intended and unintended edits, respectively. We validated PRIDICT on endogenous editing sites as well as an external dataset and showed that pegRNAs with high (>70) versus low (<70) PRIDICT scores showed substantially increased prime editing efficiencies in different cell types in vitro (12-fold) and in hepatocytes in vivo (tenfold), highlighting the value of PRIDICT for basic and for translational research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Mathis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Allam
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim Fabiano Marquart
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Schmidheini
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Solari
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zsolt Balázs
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Krauthammer
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Hudzik C, Maguire S, Guan S, Held J, Axtell MJ. Trans-species microRNA loci in the parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris have a U6-like snRNA promoter. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1834-1847. [PMID: 36896651 PMCID: PMC10226579 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs can move between organisms and regulate gene expression in the recipient. Whether the trans-species small RNAs being exported are distinguished from the normal endogenous small RNAs of the source organism is not known. The parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris (dodder) produces many microRNAs that specifically accumulate at the host-parasite interface, several of which have trans-species activity. We found that induction of C. campestris interface-induced microRNAs is similar regardless of host species and occurs in C. campestris haustoria produced in the absence of any host. The loci-encoding C. campestris interface-induced microRNAs are distinguished by a common cis-regulatory element. This element is identical to a conserved upstream sequence element (USE) used by plant small nuclear RNA loci. The properties of the interface-induced microRNA primary transcripts strongly suggest that they are produced via U6-like transcription by RNA polymerase III. The USE promotes accumulation of interface-induced miRNAs (IIMs) in a heterologous system. This promoter element distinguishes C. campestris IIM loci from other plant small RNAs. Our data suggest that C. campestris IIMs are produced in a manner distinct from canonical miRNAs. All confirmed C. campestris microRNAs with documented trans-species activity are interface-induced and possess these features. We speculate that RNA polymerase III transcription of IIMs may allow these miRNAs to be exported to hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Hudzik
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sean Maguire
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Shengxi Guan
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Jeremy Held
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Michael J Axtell
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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13
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Sequence determinant of small RNA production by DICER. Nature 2023; 615:323-330. [PMID: 36813957 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing relies on specific and efficient processing of double-stranded RNA by Dicer, which yields microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)1,2. However, our current knowledge of the specificity of Dicer is limited to the secondary structures of its substrates: a double-stranded RNA of approximately 22 base pairs with a 2-nucleotide 3' overhang and a terminal loop3-11. Here we found evidence pointing to an additional sequence-dependent determinant beyond these structural properties. To systematically interrogate the features of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), we carried out massively parallel assays with pre-miRNA variants and human DICER (also known as DICER1). Our analyses revealed a deeply conserved cis-acting element, termed the 'GYM motif' (paired G, paired pyrimidine and mismatched C or A), near the cleavage site. The GYM motif promotes processing at a specific position and can override the previously identified 'ruler'-like counting mechanisms from the 5' and 3' ends of pre-miRNA3-6. Consistently, integrating this motif into short hairpin RNA or Dicer-substrate siRNA potentiates RNA interference. Furthermore, we find that the C-terminal double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of DICER recognizes the GYM motif. Alterations in the dsRBD reduce processing and change cleavage sites in a motif-dependent fashion, affecting the miRNA repertoire in cells. In particular, the cancer-associated R1855L substitution in the dsRBD strongly impairs GYM motif recognition. This study uncovers an ancient principle of substrate recognition by metazoan Dicer and implicates its potential in the design of RNA therapeutics.
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14
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Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of the Ten Most Prevalent CRB1 Mutations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020385. [PMID: 36830922 PMCID: PMC9953187 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene lead to severe inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), accounting for nearly 80,000 cases worldwide. To date, there is no therapeutic option for patients suffering from CRB1-IRDs. Therefore, it is of great interest to evaluate gene editing strategies capable of correcting CRB1 mutations. A retrospective chart review was conducted on ten patients demonstrating one or two of the top ten most prevalent CRB1 mutations and receiving care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. Patient phenotypes were consistent with previously published data for individual CRB1 mutations. To identify the optimal gene editing strategy for these ten mutations, base and prime editing designs were evaluated. For base editing, we adopted the use of a near-PAMless Cas9 (SpRY Cas9), whereas for prime editing, we evaluated the canonical NGG and NGA prime editors. We demonstrate that for the correction of c.2843G>A, p.(Cys948Tyr), the most prevalent CRB1 mutation, base editing has the potential to generate harmful bystanders. Prime editing, however, avoids these bystanders, highlighting its future potential to halt CRB1-mediated disease progression. Additional studies investigating prime editing for CRB1-IRDs are needed, as well as a thorough analysis of prime editing's application, efficiency, and safety in the retina.
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15
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Hussein M, Molina MA, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. A CRISPR-Cas Cure for HIV/AIDS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1563. [PMID: 36675077 PMCID: PMC9863116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and HIV-induced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to represent a global health burden. There is currently no effective vaccine, nor any cure, for HIV infections; existing antiretroviral therapy can suppress viral replication, but only as long as antiviral drugs are taken. HIV infects cells of the host immune system, and it can establish a long-lived viral reservoir, which can be targeted and edited through gene therapy. Gene editing platforms based on the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat-Cas system (CRISPR-Cas) have been recognized as promising tools in the development of gene therapies for HIV infections. In this review, we evaluate the current landscape of CRISPR-Cas-based therapies against HIV, with an emphasis on the infection biology of the virus as well as the activity of host restriction factors. We discuss the potential of a combined CRISPR-Cas approach that targets host and viral genes to activate antiviral host factors and inhibit viral replication simultaneously. Lastly, we focus on the challenges and potential solutions of CRISPR-Cas gene editing approaches in achieving an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Hwang GH, Bae S. Web-Based Computational Tools for Base Editors. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2606:13-22. [PMID: 36592304 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2879-9_2] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based base editors are efficient genome editing tools for use in base correction. Currently, there are various versions and types of base editors with different substitution patterns, editing windows, and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences. For the design of target sequences, consideration of off-target sequences is required. In addition, for assessment of base editing outcomes in bulk populations, the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data is required. Several web browser-based computation programs have been developed for the purpose of target design and NGS data analysis, especially for users with less computational knowledge. In this manuscript, depending on the purpose of each program, we provide an explanation of useful tools including BE-Designer for design of targets and BE-Analyzer for analysis of NGS data that were developed by our group, CRISPResso2 for analysis of NGS data developed by Luca Pinello group, DeepBaseEditor for prediction of target efficiency developed by Hyongbum Henry Kim group, and BE-Hive for prediction of target outcome developed by David Liu group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gue-Ho Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Kuzmin AA, Tomilin AN. Building Blocks of Artificial CRISPR-Based Systems beyond Nucleases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010397. [PMID: 36613839 PMCID: PMC9820447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tools developed in the fields of genome engineering, precise gene regulation, and synthetic gene networks have an increasing number of applications. When shared with the scientific community, these tools can be used to further unlock the potential of precision medicine and tissue engineering. A large number of different genetic elements, as well as modifications, have been used to create many different systems and to validate some technical concepts. New studies have tended to optimize or improve existing elements or approaches to create complex synthetic systems, especially those based on the relatively new CRISPR technology. In order to maximize the output of newly developed approaches and to move from proof-of-principle experiments to applications in regenerative medicine, it is important to navigate efficiently through the vast number of genetic elements to choose those most suitable for specific needs. In this review, we have collected information regarding the main genetic elements and their modifications, which can be useful in different synthetic systems with an emphasis of those based on CRISPR technology. We have indicated the most suitable elements and approaches to choose or combine in planning experiments, while providing their deeper understanding, and have also stated some pitfalls that should be avoided.
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18
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Oliynyk RT, Church GM. Efficient modification and preparation of circular DNA for expression in cell culture. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1393. [PMID: 36543890 PMCID: PMC9772414 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA plasmids are an essential tool for delivery and expression of RNAs and proteins in cell culture experiments. The preparation of plasmids typically involves a laborious process of bacterial cloning, validation, and purification. While the expression plasmids can be designed and ordered from the contract manufacturers, the cost may be prohibitive when a large number of plasmids is required. We have developed an efficient fully synthetic method and protocol that enables the production of circularized DNA containing expression elements ready for transfection in as little as 3 hours, thereby eliminating the bacterial cloning steps. The protocol describes how to take a linear double-stranded DNA fragment and efficiently circularize and purify this DNA fragment with minimal hands-on time. As proof of the principle, we applied Circular Vector expressing engineered prime editing guide RNA (epegRNA) in cell culture, and demonstrated matching and even exceeding performance of this method as compared to guides expressed by plasmids. The method's speed of preparation, low cost, and ease of use will make it a useful tool in applications requiring the expression of short RNAs and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Teo Oliynyk
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.9654.e0000 0004 0372 3343Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - George M. Church
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA USA
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19
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Wang D, Fan X, Li M, Liu T, Lu P, Wang G, Li Y, Han J, Zhao J. Prime Editing in Mammals: The Next Generation of Precision Genome Editing. CRISPR J 2022; 5:746-768. [PMID: 36512351 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0084] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently established prime editor (PE) system is regarded as next-generation gene-editing technology. This methodology can install any base-to-base change as well as insertions and deletions without the requirement for double-stranded break formation or donor DNA templates; thus, it offers more targeting flexibility and greater editing precision than conventional CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors. In this study, we introduce the basic principles of PE and then review its most recent progress in terms of editing versatility, specificity, and efficiency in mammals. Next, we summarize key considerations regarding the selection of PE variants, prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) design rules, and the efficiency and accuracy evaluation of PE. Finally, we highlight and discuss how PE can assist in a wide range of biological studies and how it can be applied to make precise genomic corrections in animal models, which paves the way for curing human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiude Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengzhu Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tianbo Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangxin Wang
- Shandong Innovation Center of Intelligent Diagnosis, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - JunMing Han
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - JiaJun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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20
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Doman JL, Sousa AA, Randolph PB, Chen PJ, Liu DR. Designing and executing prime editing experiments in mammalian cells. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2431-2468. [PMID: 35941224 PMCID: PMC9799714 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a precision gene editing technology that enables the programmable installation of substitutions, insertions and deletions in cells and animals without requiring double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs). The mechanism of PE makes it less dependent on cellular replication and endogenous DNA repair than homology-directed repair-based approaches, and its ability to precisely install edits without creating DSBs minimizes indels and other undesired outcomes. The capabilities of PE have also expanded since its original publication. Enhanced PE systems, PE4 and PE5, manipulate DNA repair pathways to increase PE efficiency and reduce indels. Other advances that improve PE efficiency include engineered pegRNAs (epegRNAs), which include a structured RNA motif to stabilize and protect pegRNA 3' ends, and the PEmax architecture, which improves editor expression and nuclear localization. New applications such as twin PE (twinPE) can precisely insert or delete hundreds of base pairs of DNA and can be used in tandem with recombinases to achieve gene-sized (>5 kb) insertions and inversions. Achieving optimal PE requires careful experimental design, and the large number of parameters that influence PE outcomes can be daunting. This protocol describes current best practices for conducting PE and twinPE experiments and describes the design and optimization of pegRNAs. We also offer guidelines for how to select the proper PE system (PE1 to PE5 and twinPE) for a given application. Finally, we provide detailed instructions on how to perform PE in mammalian cells. Compared with other procedures for editing human cells, PE offers greater precision and versatility, and can be completed within 2-4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Doman
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander A Sousa
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peyton B Randolph
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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21
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Avar M, Heinzer D, Thackray AM, Liu Y, Hruska‐Plochan M, Sellitto S, Schaper E, Pease DP, Yin J, Lakkaraju AKK, Emmenegger M, Losa M, Chincisan A, Hornemann S, Polymenidou M, Bujdoso R, Aguzzi A. An arrayed genome-wide perturbation screen identifies the ribonucleoprotein Hnrnpk as rate-limiting for prion propagation. EMBO J 2022; 41:e112338. [PMID: 36254605 PMCID: PMC9713719 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A defining characteristic of mammalian prions is their capacity for self-sustained propagation. Theoretical considerations and experimental evidence suggest that prion propagation is modulated by cell-autonomous and non-autonomous modifiers. Using a novel quantitative phospholipase protection assay (QUIPPER) for high-throughput prion measurements, we performed an arrayed genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen aimed at detecting cellular host-factors that can modify prion propagation. We exposed prion-infected cells in high-density microplates to 35,364 ternary pools of 52,746 siRNAs targeting 17,582 genes representing the majority of the mouse protein-coding transcriptome. We identified 1,191 modulators of prion propagation. While 1,151 modified the expression of both the pathological prion protein, PrPSc , and its cellular counterpart, PrPC , 40 genes selectively affected PrPSc . Of the latter 40 genes, 20 augmented prion production when suppressed. A prominent limiter of prion propagation was the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein Hnrnpk. Psammaplysene A (PSA), which binds Hnrnpk, reduced prion levels in cultured cells and protected them from cytotoxicity. PSA also reduced prion levels in infected cerebellar organotypic slices and alleviated locomotor deficits in prion-infected Drosophila melanogaster expressing ovine PrPC . Hence, genome-wide QUIPPER-based perturbations can discover actionable cellular pathways involved in prion propagation. Further, the unexpected identification of a prion-controlling ribonucleoprotein suggests a role for RNA in the generation of infectious prions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Avar
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Daniel Heinzer
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Alana M Thackray
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Yingjun Liu
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Stefano Sellitto
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Elke Schaper
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Daniel P Pease
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jiang‐An Yin
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Marc Emmenegger
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Marco Losa
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Andra Chincisan
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Simone Hornemann
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Raymond Bujdoso
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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22
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Corsi GI, Qu K, Alkan F, Pan X, Luo Y, Gorodkin J. CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA activity depends on free energy changes and on the target PAM context. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3006. [PMID: 35637227 PMCID: PMC9151727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering is that not all guide RNAs (gRNAs) cleave the DNA efficiently. Although the heterogeneity of gRNA activity is well recognized, the current understanding of how CRISPR/Cas9 activity is regulated remains incomplete. Here, we identify a sweet spot range of binding free energy change for optimal efficiency which largely explains why gRNAs display changes in efficiency at on- and off-target sites, including why gRNAs can cleave an off-target with higher efficiency than the on-target. Using an energy-based model, we show that local gRNA-DNA interactions resulting from Cas9 "sliding" on overlapping protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) profoundly impact gRNA activities. Combining the effects of local sliding for a given PAM context with global off-targets allows us to better identify highly specific, and thus efficient, gRNAs. We validate the effects of local sliding on gRNA efficiency using both public data and in-house data generated by measuring SpCas9 cleavage efficiency at 1024 sites designed to cover all possible combinations of 4-nt PAM and context sequences of 4 gRNAs. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of Cas9-PAM compatibility and cleavage activation, underlining the importance of accounting for local sliding in gRNA design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia I Corsi
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kunli Qu
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Ferhat Alkan
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoguang Pan
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark.
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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23
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Feser CJ, Lees CJ, Lammers DT, Riddle MJ, Bingham JR, Eckert MJ, Tolar J, Osborn MJ. Engineering CRISPR/Cas9 for Multiplexed Recombinant Coagulation Factor Production. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095090. [PMID: 35563479 PMCID: PMC9100926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current hemostatic agents are obtained from pooled plasma from multiple donors requiring costly pathogen screening and processing. Recombinant DNA-based production represents an engineering solution that could improve supply, uniformity, and safety. Current approaches are typically for single gene candidate peptides and often employ non-human cells. We devised an approach where multiple gene products could be produced from a single population of cells. We identified gene specific Synergistic Activation Mediators (SAM) from the CRISPR/Cas9 system for targeted overexpression of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, and fibrinogen. The components of the CRISPR-SAM system were expressed in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells (HEK293), and single (singleplex) or multi-gene (multiplex) upregulation was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and protein expression by ELISA analysis. Factor II, VII, IX, and X singleplex and multiplex activation resulted in 120–4700-fold and 60–680-fold increases in gene expression, respectively. Fibrinogen sub-unit gene activation resulted in a 1700–92,000-fold increases and 80–5500-fold increases in singleplex or multiplex approaches, respectively. ELISA analysis showed a concomitant upregulation of candidate gene products. Our findings demonstrate the capability of CRISPR/Cas9 SAMs for single or multi-agent production in human cells and represent an engineering advance that augments current recombinant peptide production techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colby J. Feser
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, MMC 366 Mayo, 8366A, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.F.); (C.J.L.); (M.J.R.); (J.T.)
| | - Christopher J. Lees
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, MMC 366 Mayo, 8366A, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.F.); (C.J.L.); (M.J.R.); (J.T.)
| | - Daniel T. Lammers
- Department of General Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98431, USA; (D.T.L.); (J.R.B.); (M.J.E.)
| | - Megan J. Riddle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, MMC 366 Mayo, 8366A, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.F.); (C.J.L.); (M.J.R.); (J.T.)
| | - Jason R. Bingham
- Department of General Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98431, USA; (D.T.L.); (J.R.B.); (M.J.E.)
| | - Matthew J. Eckert
- Department of General Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98431, USA; (D.T.L.); (J.R.B.); (M.J.E.)
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, 160 Dental Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, MMC 366 Mayo, 8366A, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.F.); (C.J.L.); (M.J.R.); (J.T.)
| | - Mark J. Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, MMC 366 Mayo, 8366A, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.F.); (C.J.L.); (M.J.R.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Kim DY, Lee JM, Moon SB, Chin HJ, Park S, Lim Y, Kim D, Koo T, Ko JH, Kim YS. Efficient CRISPR editing with a hypercompact Cas12f1 and engineered guide RNAs delivered by adeno-associated virus. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:94-102. [PMID: 34475560 PMCID: PMC8763643 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy would benefit from a miniature CRISPR system that fits into the small adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome and has high cleavage activity and specificity in eukaryotic cells. One of the most compact CRISPR-associated nucleases yet discovered is the archaeal Un1Cas12f1. However, Un1Cas12f1 and its variants have very low activity in eukaryotic cells. In the present study, we redesigned the natural guide RNA of Un1Cas12f1 at five sites: the 5' terminus of the trans-activating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA), the tracrRNA-crRNA complementary region, a penta(uridinylate) sequence, the 3' terminus of the crRNA and a disordered stem 2 region in the tracrRNA. These optimizations synergistically increased the average indel frequency by 867-fold. The optimized Un1Cas12f1 system enabled efficient, specific genome editing in human cells when delivered by plasmid vectors, PCR amplicons and AAV. As Un1Cas12f1 cleaves outside the protospacer, it can be used to create large deletions efficiently. The engineered Un1Cas12f1 system showed efficiency comparable to that of SpCas9 and specificity similar to that of AsCas12a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Yon Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- GenKOre, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Mi Lee
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Bin Moon
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Chin
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Daesik Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Heon Ko
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sam Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & BioTechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- GenKOre, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Viswanatha R, Mameli E, Rodiger J, Merckaert P, Feitosa-Suntheimer F, Colpitts TM, Mohr SE, Hu Y, Perrimon N. Bioinformatic and cell-based tools for pooled CRISPR knockout screening in mosquitos. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6825. [PMID: 34819517 PMCID: PMC8613219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases present a worldwide public health burden. Current efforts to understand and counteract them have been aided by the use of cultured mosquito cells. Moreover, application in mammalian cells of forward genetic approaches such as CRISPR screens have identified essential genes and genes required for host-pathogen interactions, and in general, aided in functional annotation of genes. An equivalent approach for genetic screening of mosquito cell lines has been lacking. To develop such an approach, we design a new bioinformatic portal for sgRNA library design in several mosquito genomes, engineer mosquito cell lines to express Cas9 and accept sgRNA at scale, and identify optimal promoters for sgRNA expression in several mosquito species. We then optimize a recombination-mediated cassette exchange system to deliver CRISPR sgRNA and perform pooled CRISPR screens in an Anopheles cell line. Altogether, we provide a platform for high-throughput genome-scale screening in cell lines from disease vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghuvir Viswanatha
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jonathan Rodiger
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Pierre Merckaert
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fabiana Feitosa-Suntheimer
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Tonya M Colpitts
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- HHMI, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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26
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Fareh M, Zhao W, Hu W, Casan JML, Kumar A, Symons J, Zerbato JM, Fong D, Voskoboinik I, Ekert PG, Rudraraju R, Purcell DFJ, Lewin SR, Trapani JA. Reprogrammed CRISPR-Cas13b suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication and circumvents its mutational escape through mismatch tolerance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4270. [PMID: 34257311 PMCID: PMC8277810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent dramatic appearance of variants of concern of SARS-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlights the need for innovative approaches that simultaneously suppress viral replication and circumvent viral escape from host immunity and antiviral therapeutics. Here, we employ genome-wide computational prediction and single-nucleotide resolution screening to reprogram CRISPR-Cas13b against SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNAs. Reprogrammed Cas13b effectors targeting accessible regions of Spike and Nucleocapsid transcripts achieved >98% silencing efficiency in virus-free models. Further, optimized and multiplexed Cas13b CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) suppress viral replication in mammalian cells infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, including the recently emerging dominant variant of concern B.1.1.7. The comprehensive mutagenesis of guide-target interaction demonstrated that single-nucleotide mismatches does not impair the capacity of a potent single crRNA to simultaneously suppress ancestral and mutated SARS-CoV-2 strains in infected mammalian cells, including the Spike D614G mutant. The specificity, efficiency and rapid deployment properties of reprogrammed Cas13b described here provide a molecular blueprint for antiviral drug development to suppress and prevent a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 mutants, and is readily adaptable to other emerging pathogenic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Fareh
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Wei Zhao
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wenxin Hu
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joshua M L Casan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Amit Kumar
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jori Symons
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Zerbato
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Fong
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilia Voskoboinik
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Paul G Ekert
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rajeev Rudraraju
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Reference in Influenza, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Damian F J Purcell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia.
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Joseph A Trapani
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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27
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Abstract
Implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies for mosquito gene editing has not yet become widespread. This protocol details the procedure for Aedes aegypti mosquito gene editing using homology-directed repair and fluorescent marker insertion, which facilitates the generation and screening of mutant mosquito lines for gene function testing. We describe optimized methods for single guide RNA plasmid preparation, homologous recombination donor plasmid construction, embryo microinjection, and precise gene knock-in confirmation. We also provide general guidance for establishing mutant mosquito lines. For details on the practical use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al. (2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Han Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P. Su
- Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
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28
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Mitschka S, Fansler MM, Mayr C. Generation of 3'UTR knockout cell lines by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. Methods Enzymol 2021; 655:427-457. [PMID: 34183132 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the protein code, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) also contain untranslated regions (UTRs). 3'UTRs span the region between the translational stop codon and the poly(A) tail. Sequence elements located in 3'UTRs are essential for pre-mRNA processing. 3'UTRs also contain elements that can regulate protein abundance, localization, and function. At least half of all human genes use alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) to further diversify the regulatory potential of protein functions. Traditional gene editing approaches are designed to disrupt the production of functional proteins. Here, we describe a method that allows investigators to manipulate 3'UTR sequences of endogenous genes for both single- 3'UTR and multi-3'UTR genes. As 3'UTRs can regulate individual functions of proteins, techniques to manipulate 3'UTRs at endogenous gene loci will help to disentangle multi-functionality of proteins. Furthermore, the ability to directly examine the impact of gene regulatory elements in 3'UTRs will provide further insights into their functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Mitschka
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mervin M Fansler
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill-Cornell Graduate College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christine Mayr
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill-Cornell Graduate College, New York, NY, United States.
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29
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Siegner SM, Karasu ME, Schröder MS, Kontarakis Z, Corn JE. PnB Designer: a web application to design prime and base editor guide RNAs for animals and plants. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:101. [PMID: 33653259 PMCID: PMC7923538 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid expansion of the CRISPR toolbox through tagging effector domains to either enzymatically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) or Cas9 nickase (nCas9) has led to several promising new gene editing strategies. Recent additions include CRISPR cytosine or adenine base editors (CBEs and ABEs) and the CRISPR prime editors (PEs), in which a deaminase or reverse transcriptase are fused to nCas9, respectively. These tools hold great promise to model and correct disease-causing mutations in animal and plant models. But so far, no widely-available tools exist to automate the design of both BE and PE reagents. RESULTS We developed PnB Designer, a web-based application for the design of pegRNAs for PEs and guide RNAs for BEs. PnB Designer makes it easy to design targeting guide RNAs for single or multiple targets on a variant or reference genome from organisms spanning multiple kingdoms. With PnB Designer, we designed pegRNAs to model all known disease causing mutations available in ClinVar. Additionally, PnB Designer can be used to design guide RNAs to install or revert a SNV, scanning the genome with one CBE and seven different ABE PAM variants and returning the best BE to use. PnB Designer is publicly accessible at http://fgcz-shiny.uzh.ch/PnBDesigner/ CONCLUSION: With PnB Designer we created a user-friendly design tool for CRISPR PE and BE reagents, which should simplify choosing editing strategy and avoiding design complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zacharias Kontarakis
- Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Genome Engineering and Measurement Lab, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacob E Corn
- Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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30
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Gonçalves E, Thomas M, Behan FM, Picco G, Pacini C, Allen F, Vinceti A, Sharma M, Jackson DA, Price S, Beaver CM, Dovey O, Parry-Smith D, Iorio F, Parts L, Yusa K, Garnett MJ. Minimal genome-wide human CRISPR-Cas9 library. Genome Biol 2021; 22:40. [PMID: 33478580 PMCID: PMC7818936 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02268-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR guide RNA libraries have been iteratively improved to provide increasingly efficient reagents, although their large size is a barrier for many applications. We design an optimised minimal genome-wide human CRISPR-Cas9 library (MinLibCas9) by mining existing large-scale gene loss-of-function datasets, resulting in a greater than 42% reduction in size compared to other CRISPR-Cas9 libraries while preserving assay sensitivity and specificity. MinLibCas9 provides backward compatibility with existing datasets, increases the dynamic range of CRISPR-Cas9 screens and extends their application to complex models and assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Thomas
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Fiona M Behan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Gabriele Picco
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Clare Pacini
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Felicity Allen
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Mamta Sharma
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - David A Jackson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Stacey Price
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Oliver Dovey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Francesco Iorio
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Human Technopole, Via Cristina Belgioioso 147, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Leopold Parts
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, 18 Narva St, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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31
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Goguen RP, Del Corpo O, Malard CMG, Daher A, Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Chen MJ, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. Efficacy, accumulation, and transcriptional profile of anti-HIV shRNAs expressed from human U6, 7SK, and H1 promoters. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:1020-1034. [PMID: 33614248 PMCID: PMC7868930 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in cells has many potential therapeutic applications, including as a functional cure for HIV. The RNA polymerase III promoters H1, 7SK, and U6 have all been used to express shRNAs. However, there have been no direct and simultaneous comparisons of shRNA potency, expression level, and transcriptional profile between the promoters. We show that the 7SK and U6 promoters result in higher shRNA levels and potency compared to the H1 promoter but that in transduced T lymphocytes, higher expression levels can also lead to growth defects. We present evidence that Dicer cleavage of shRNAs is measured from the first base pair in the shRNA stem, rather than from the 5' end as previously shown for structurally related microRNAs. As a result, guide-strand identity was unaffected by variations in 5' transcription start sites among the different promoters, making expression levels the main determinant of shRNA potency. While all promoters generated shRNAs with variable start sites, the U6 promoter was the most accurate in using its intended +1 position. Our results have implications for the development of therapeutic small RNAs for gene therapy and for our understanding of how shRNAs are processed in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Goguen
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Olivier Del Corpo
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Camille M G Malard
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Aïcha Daher
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sergio P Alpuche-Lazcano
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Michelle J Chen
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
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32
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Berkhout B, Gao Z, Herrera-Carrillo E. Design and Evaluation of Guide RNA Transcripts with a 3'-Terminal HDV Ribozyme to Enhance CRISPR-Based Gene Inactivation. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2167:205-224. [PMID: 32712922 PMCID: PMC7896425 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0716-9_12] [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] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cpf1 system, now reclassified as Cas12a, is a DNA-editing platform analogous to the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 system. The Cas12a system exhibits several distinct features over the CRISPR-Cas9 system, such as increased specificity and a smaller gene size to encode the nuclease and the matching CRISPR guide RNA (crRNA), which could mitigate off-target and delivery problems, respectively, described for the Cas9 system. However, the Cas12a system exhibits reduced gene editing efficiency compared to Cas9. A closer inspection of the crRNA sequence raised some uncertainty about the actual 5' and 3'-ends. RNA Polymerase (Pol) III promoters are generally used for the production of small RNAs with a precise 5' terminus, but the Pol III enzyme generates small RNAs with 3' U-tails of variable length. To optimize the CRISPR-Cas12a system, we describe the inclusion of a self-cleaving ribozyme in the vector design to facilitate accurate 3'-end processing of the crRNA transcript to produce precise molecules. This optimized design enhanced not only the gene editing efficiency, but also the activity of the catalytically inactive Cas12a-based CRISPR gene activation platform. We thus generated an improved CRISPR-Cas12a system for more efficient gene editing and gene regulation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Zongliang Gao
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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33
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Gao Z, van der Velden YU, Fan M, van der Linden CA, Vink M, Herrera-Carrillo E, Berkhout B. Engineered miniature H1 promoters with dedicated RNA polymerase II or III activity. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100026. [PMID: 33154168 PMCID: PMC7949045 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) promoters, such as 7SK, U6, and H1, are widely used for the expression of small noncoding RNAs, including short hairpin RNAs for RNAi experiments and guide RNAs for CRISPR-mediated genome editing. We previously reported dual RNA polymerase activity (Pol II/III) for the human H1 promoter and demonstrated that this promiscuous RNA polymerase use can be exploited for the simultaneous expression of both a noncoding RNA and an mRNA. However, this combination is not a desired feature in other experimental and therapeutic settings. To overcome this limitation of the H1 promoter, we engineered a miniature H1/7SK hybrid promoter with minimal Pol II activity, thereby boosting Pol III activity to a level that is higher than that of either parental promoter. In parallel, we also engineered small Pol II-specific H1 promoter variants and explored their use as general Pol II promoters for protein expression. The newly engineered promoter variants form an attractive alternative to the commonly used H1 promoter in terms of not only activity and small promoter size but also concerning safety by exclusive expression of the desired therapeutic transcript (either pol II or pol III but not both).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Gao
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yme Ubeles van der Velden
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Minghui Fan
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Alyssa van der Linden
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique Vink
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. Design and Evaluation of AgoshRNAs with 3'-Terminal HDV Ribozymes to Enhance the Silencing Activity. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2167:225-252. [PMID: 32712923 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0716-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the first application of RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells, the expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules for targeted gene silencing has become a benchmark technology. Plasmid and viral vector systems can be used to express shRNA precursor transcripts that are processed by the cellular RNAi pathway to trigger sequence-specific gene knockdown. Intensive RNAi investigations documented that only a small percentage of computationally predicted target sequences can be used for efficient gene silencing, in part because not all shRNA designs are active. Many factors influence the shRNA activity and guidelines for optimal shRNA design have been proposed. We recently described an alternatively processed shRNA molecule termed AgoshRNA with a ~18 base pairs (bp) stem and a 3-5 nucleotides (nt) loop. This molecule is alternatively processed by the Argonaute (Ago) protein into a single guide RNA strand that efficiently induces the RNAi mechanism. The design rules proposed for regular shRNAs do not apply to AgoshRNA molecules and therefore new rules had to be defined. We optimized the AgoshRNA design and managed to create a set of active AgoshRNAs targeted against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In an attempt to enhance the silencing activity of the AgoshRNA molecules, we included the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme at the 3' terminus, which generates a uniform 3' end instead of a 3' U-tail of variable length. We evaluated the impact of this 3'-end modification on AgoshRNA processing and its gene silencing activity and we demonstrate that this novel AgoshRNA-HDV design exhibits enhanced antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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35
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Fan J, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Papadopoulos V. Genome-wide expression analysis of a new class of lncRNAs driven by SINE B2. Gene 2020; 768:145332. [PMID: 33278552 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive short interspersed elements B2 (SINE B2) have been shown to possess two promoters: polymerase III promoter for producing short B2-S RNAs and polymerase II promoter for driving the expression of long non-coding RNA (B2-AS lncRNAs). Using a B2-antisense (B2-AS) transcript sequence from the SINE B2 resident in mitochondrial translocator protein gene (Tspo) locus, we constructed a B2-AS specific RNA library and identified 96,862 sequences encoding potential B2-mediated lncRNAs, of which 55,592 lncRNAs with more than 390 nt in length possess a feature of potential genomic locus-specific effect. In addition, small RNA-Northern hybridization showed that the new B2-AS lncRNAs are constantly degraded by the Dicer1 enzyme, a finding further confirmed by in vitro Dicer1 enzyme digestion. B2-AS lncRNAs regulate the expression of target genes in a different fashion than B2-S RNAs. Genome-wide cross-comparison with mRNA mapping showed a total of 904 mRNA loci directly targeted by B2-AS lncRNAs, suggesting a locus-specific effect of the B2-AS lncRNAs and a general effect of B2-S RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjiang Fan
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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36
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Linker SB, Randolph-Moore L, Kottilil K, Qiu F, Jaeger BN, Barron J, Gage FH. Identification of bona fide B2 SINE retrotransposon transcription through single-nucleus RNA-seq of the mouse hippocampus. Genome Res 2020; 30:1643-1654. [PMID: 33122305 PMCID: PMC7605253 DOI: 10.1101/gr.262196.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, researchers rely on generalized methods to quantify transposable element (TE) RNA expression, such as RT-qPCR and RNA-seq, that do not distinguish between TEs expressed from their own promoter (bona fide) and TEs that are transcribed from a neighboring gene promoter such as within an intron or exon. This distinction is important owing to the differing functional roles of TEs depending on whether they are independently transcribed. Here we report a simple strategy to examine bona fide TE expression, termed BonaFide-TEseq. This approach can be used with any template-switch based library such as Smart-seq2 or the single-cell 5′ gene expression kit from 10x, extending its utility to single-cell RNA-sequencing. This approach does not require TE-specific enrichment, enabling the simultaneous examination of TEs and protein-coding genes. We show that TEs identified through BonaFide-TEseq are expressed from their own promoter, rather than captured as internal products of genes. We reveal the utility of BonaFide-TEseq in the analysis of single-cell data and show that short-interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) show cell type–specific expression profiles in the mouse hippocampus. We further show that, in response to a brief exposure of home-cage mice to a novel stimulus, SINEs are activated in dentate granule neurons in a time course that is similar to that of protein-coding immediate early genes. This work provides a simple alternative approach to assess bona fide TE transcription at single-cell resolution and provides a proof-of-concept using this method to identify SINE activation in a context that is relevant for normal learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Linker
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Lynne Randolph-Moore
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Kalyani Kottilil
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Fan Qiu
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Baptiste N Jaeger
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jerika Barron
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Kapitansky O, Karmon G, Sragovich S, Hadar A, Shahoha M, Jaljuli I, Bikovski L, Giladi E, Palovics R, Iram T, Gozes I. Single Cell ADNP Predictive of Human Muscle Disorders: Mouse Knockdown Results in Muscle Wasting. Cells 2020; 9:E2320. [PMID: 33086621 PMCID: PMC7603382 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) mutations are linked with cognitive dysfunctions characterizing the autistic-like ADNP syndrome patients, who also suffer from delayed motor maturation. We thus hypothesized that ADNP is deregulated in versatile myopathies and that local ADNP muscle deficiency results in myopathy, treatable by the ADNP fragment NAP. Here, single-cell transcriptomics identified ADNP as a major constituent of the developing human muscle. ADNP transcript concentrations further predicted multiple human muscle diseases, with concentrations negatively correlated with the ADNP target interacting protein, microtubule end protein 1 (EB1). Reverting back to modeling at the single-cell level of the male mouse transcriptome, Adnp mRNA concentrations age-dependently correlated with motor disease as well as with sexual maturation gene transcripts, while Adnp expressing limb muscle cells significantly decreased with aging. Mouse Adnp heterozygous deficiency exhibited muscle microtubule reduction and myosin light chain (Myl2) deregulation coupled with motor dysfunction. CRISPR knockdown of adult gastrocnemius muscle Adnp in a Cas9 mouse resulted in treadmill (male) and gait (female) dysfunctions that were specifically ameliorated by treatment with the ADNP snippet, microtubule interacting, Myl2-regulating, NAP (CP201). Taken together, our studies provide new hope for personalized diagnosis/therapeutics in versatile myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Kapitansky
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Gidon Karmon
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Shlomo Sragovich
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Adva Hadar
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Meishar Shahoha
- Intradepartmental Viral Infection Unit, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Iman Jaljuli
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, School of Mathematical Sciences, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Lior Bikovski
- The Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Eliezer Giladi
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Robert Palovics
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA; (R.P.); (T.I.)
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA
| | - Tal Iram
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA; (R.P.); (T.I.)
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA
| | - Illana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
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Veeneman B, Gao Y, Grant J, Fruhling D, Ahn J, Bosbach B, Bienkowska J, Follettie M, Arndt K, Myers J, Zhong W. PINCER: improved CRISPR/Cas9 screening by efficient cleavage at conserved residues. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:9462-9477. [PMID: 32821942 PMCID: PMC7515706 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 functional genomic screens have emerged as essential tools in drug target discovery. However, the sensitivity of available genome-wide CRISPR libraries is impaired by guides which inefficiently abrogate gene function. While Cas9 cleavage efficiency optimization and essential domain targeting have been developed as independent guide design rationales, no library has yet combined these into a single cohesive strategy to knock out gene function. Here, in a massive reanalysis of CRISPR tiling data using the most comprehensive feature database assembled, we determine which features of guides and their targets best predict activity and how to best combine them into a single guide design algorithm. We present the ProteIN ConsERvation (PINCER) genome-wide CRISPR library, which for the first time combines enzymatic efficiency optimization with conserved length protein region targeting, and also incorporates domains, coding sequence position, U6 termination (TTT), restriction sites, polymorphisms and specificity. Finally, we demonstrate superior performance of the PINCER library compared to alternative genome-wide CRISPR libraries in head-to-head validation. PINCER is available for individual gene knockout and genome-wide screening for both the human and mouse genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Veeneman
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Ying Gao
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Joy Grant
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - David Fruhling
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - James Ahn
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Benedikt Bosbach
- Emerging Sciences & Innovation, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jadwiga Bienkowska
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Maximillian Follettie
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Kim Arndt
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Jeremy Myers
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Wenyan Zhong
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
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Backstrom JR, Sheng J, Wang MC, Bernardo-Colón A, Rex TS. Optimization of S. aureus dCas9 and CRISPRi Elements for a Single Adeno-Associated Virus that Targets an Endogenous Gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:139-148. [PMID: 33024795 PMCID: PMC7530248 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The power of CRISPRi to decrease targeted gene expression for clinical applications has been inhibited by delivery challenges. Existing constructs are too large to fit within the ∼4.7 kb packaging size limitation of adeno-associated virus (AAV), the only FDA approved viral vector for clinical use. Therefore, we optimized CRISPRi components to generate a single AAV vector that contains all functional elements and effectively knocks down expression of an endogenous gene in vivo. First, we increased nuclear targeting of Staphylococcus aureus deactivated Cas9 (SadCas9) 4-fold by using a helical linker and the c-Myc nuclear localization signal. Second, we identified an amino-terminal Krüppel associated box (KRAB) construct as the most effective in decreasing expression of target genes in vitro. Third, we optimized promoters for guide RNA and evaluated mini-promoters for expression of KRAB-SadCas9 in liver cells. Our final construct decreased protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) mRNA and secreted protein 5-fold in vitro. The corresponding AAV2/8 vector was localized in nuclei of liver cells and decreased Pcsk9 mRNA and serum protein levels by 30% in vivo. This single AAV approach provides a potential clinically translatable method for decreasing targeted gene transcription by CRISPRi in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon R Backstrom
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jinsong Sheng
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael C Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Tonia S Rex
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Tng PYL, Carabajal Paladino L, Verkuijl SAN, Purcell J, Merits A, Leftwich PT, Fragkoudis R, Noad R, Alphey L. Cas13b-dependent and Cas13b-independent RNA knockdown of viral sequences in mosquito cells following guide RNA expression. Commun Biol 2020; 3:413. [PMID: 32737398 PMCID: PMC7395101 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are vectors of the RNA viruses chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue that currently have no specific therapeutic treatments. The development of new methods to generate virus-refractory mosquitoes would be beneficial. Cas13b is an enzyme that uses RNA guides to target and cleave RNA molecules and has been reported to suppress RNA viruses in mammalian and plant cells. We investigated the potential use of the Prevotella sp. P5-125 Cas13b system to provide viral refractoriness in mosquito cells, using a virus-derived reporter and a CHIKV split replication system. Cas13b in combination with suitable guide RNAs could induce strong suppression of virus-derived reporter RNAs in insect cells. Surprisingly, the RNA guides alone (without Cas13b) also gave substantial suppression. Our study provides support for the potential use of Cas13b in mosquitoes, but also caution in interpreting CRISPR/Cas data as we show that guide RNAs can have Cas-independent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Ying Lei Tng
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | | | - Sebald Alexander Nkosana Verkuijl
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Jessica Purcell
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu, 50411, Estonia
| | - Philip Thomas Leftwich
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Rennos Fragkoudis
- Arbovirus Pathogenesis, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
- The University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Rob Noad
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Luke Alphey
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK.
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Täuber H, Hüttelmaier S, Köhn M. POLIII-derived non-coding RNAs acting as scaffolds and decoys. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:880-885. [PMID: 31152666 PMCID: PMC6884708 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A large variety of eukaryotic small structured POLIII-derived non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been described in the past. However, for only few, e.g. 7SL and H1/MRP families, cellular functions are well understood. For the vast majority of these transcripts, cellular functions remain unknown. Recent findings on the role of Y RNAs and other POLIII-derived ncRNAs suggest an evolutionarily conserved function of these ncRNAs in the assembly and function of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). These RNPs provide cellular `machineries’, which are essential for guiding the fate and function of a variety of RNAs. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of POLIII-derived ncRNAs in the assembly and function of RNPs. We propose that these ncRNAs serve as scaffolding factors that `chaperone’ RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to form functional RNPs. In addition or associated with this role, some small ncRNAs act as molecular decoys impairing the RBP-guided control of RNA fate by competing with other RNA substrates. This suggests that POLIII-derived ncRNAs serve essential and conserved roles in the assembly of larger RNPs and thus the control of gene expression by indirectly guiding the fate of mRNAs and lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Täuber
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
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42
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Hanna RE, Doench JG. Design and analysis of CRISPR-Cas experiments. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:813-823. [PMID: 32284587 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A large and ever-expanding set of CRISPR-Cas systems now enables the rapid and flexible manipulation of genomes in both targeted and large-scale experiments. Numerous software tools and analytical methods have been developed for the design and analysis of CRISPR-Cas experiments, including resources to design optimal guide RNAs for various modes of manipulation and to analyze the results of such experiments. A major recent focus has been the development of comprehensive tools for use on data from large-scale CRISPR-based genetic screens. As this field continues to progress, a clear ongoing challenge is not only to innovate, but to actively maintain and improve existing tools so that researchers across disciplines can rely on a stable set of excellent computational resources for CRISPR-Cas experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Hanna
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John G Doench
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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43
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Zahm AM, Wang AW, Wang YJ, Schug J, Wangensteen KJ, Kaestner KH. A High-Content Screen Identifies MicroRNAs That Regulate Liver Repopulation After Injury in Mice. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1044-1057.e17. [PMID: 31759059 PMCID: PMC7472793 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver regeneration is impaired in mice with hepatocyte-specific deficiencies in microRNA (miRNA) processing, but it is not clear which miRNAs regulate this process. We developed a high-throughput screen to identify miRNAs that regulate hepatocyte repopulation after toxic liver injury using fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase-deficient mice. METHODS We constructed plasmid pools encoding more than 30,000 tough decoy miRNA inhibitors (hairpin nucleic acids designed to specifically inhibit interactions between miRNAs and their targets) to target hepatocyte miRNAs in a pairwise manner. The plasmid libraries were delivered to hepatocytes in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase-deficient mice at the time of liver injury via hydrodynamic tail-vein injection. Integrated transgene-containing transposons were quantified after liver repopulation via high-throughput sequencing. Changes in polysome-bound transcripts after miRNA inhibition were determined using translating ribosome affinity purification followed by high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS Analyses of tough decoy abundance in hepatocyte genomic DNA and input plasmid pools identified several thousand miRNA inhibitors that were significantly depleted or increased after repopulation. We classified a subset of miRNA binding sites as those that have strong effects on liver repopulation, implicating the targeted hepatocyte miRNAs as regulators of this process. We then generated a high-content map of pairwise interactions between 171 miRNA-binding sites and identified synergistic and redundant effects. CONCLUSIONS We developed a screen to identify miRNAs that regulate liver repopulation after injury in live mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue J Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Jonathan Schug
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kirk J Wangensteen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Chen CL, Rodiger J, Chung V, Viswanatha R, Mohr SE, Hu Y, Perrimon N. SNP-CRISPR: A Web Tool for SNP-Specific Genome Editing. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:489-494. [PMID: 31822517 PMCID: PMC7003079 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful genome editing technology in which a single guide RNA (sgRNA) confers target site specificity to achieve Cas9-mediated genome editing. Numerous sgRNA design tools have been developed based on reference genomes for humans and model organisms. However, existing resources are not optimal as genetic mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the targeting region affect the efficiency of CRISPR-based approaches by interfering with guide-target complementarity. To facilitate identification of sgRNAs (1) in non-reference genomes, (2) across varying genetic backgrounds, or (3) for specific targeting of SNP-containing alleles, for example, disease relevant mutations, we developed a web tool, SNP-CRISPR (https://www.flyrnai.org/tools/snp_crispr/). SNP-CRISPR can be used to design sgRNAs based on public variant data sets or user-identified variants. In addition, the tool computes efficiency and specificity scores for sgRNA designs targeting both the variant and the reference. Moreover, SNP-CRISPR provides the option to upload multiple SNPs and target single or multiple nearby base changes simultaneously with a single sgRNA design. Given these capabilities, SNP-CRISPR has a wide range of potential research applications in model systems and for design of sgRNAs for disease-associated variant correction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Rodiger
- Department of Genetics
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, and
| | - Verena Chung
- Department of Genetics
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, and
| | | | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, and
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, and
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics,
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115
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45
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Wang PA, Xiao H, Zhong JJ. CRISPR-Cas9 assisted functional gene editing in the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 104:1661-1671. [PMID: 31865439 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10298-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The genetic manipulation of basidiomycete mushrooms is notoriously difficult and immature, and there is a lack of research reports on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) based gene editing of functional genes in mushrooms. In this work, Ganoderma lucidum, a famous traditional medicinal basidiomycete mushroom, which produces a type of unique triterpenoid-anti-tumor ganoderic acids (GAs), was used, and a CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease (Cas9) editing system for functional genes of GA biosynthesis was constructed in the mushroom. As proof of concept, the effect of different gRNA constructs with endogenous u6 promoter and self-cleaving ribozyme HDV on ura3 disruption efficiency was investigated at first. The established system was applied to edit a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) gene cyp5150l8, which is responsible for a three-step biotransformation of lanosterol at C-26 to ganoderic acid 3-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-dien-26 oic acid. As a result, precisely edited cyp5150l8 disruptants were obtained after sequencing confirmation. The fermentation products of the wild type (WT) and cyp5150l8 disruptant were analyzed, and a significant decrease in the titer of four identified GAs was found in the mutant compared to WT. Another CYP gene involved in the biosynthesis of squalene-type triterpenoid 2, 3; 22, 23-squalene dioxide, cyp505d13, was also disrupted using the established CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing platform of G. lucidum. The work will be helpful to strain molecular breeding and biotechnological applications of G. lucidum and other basidiomycete mushrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-An Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and Laboratory of Molecular Biochemical Engineering and Advanced Fermentation Technology, Department of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Han Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and Laboratory of Molecular Biochemical Engineering and Advanced Fermentation Technology, Department of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Jian-Jiang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, and Laboratory of Molecular Biochemical Engineering and Advanced Fermentation Technology, Department of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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46
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Wierson WA, Simone BW, WareJoncas Z, Mann C, Welker JM, Kar B, Emch MJ, Friedberg I, Gendron WA, Barry MA, Clark KJ, Dobbs DL, McGrail MA, Ekker SC, Essner JJ. Expanding the CRISPR Toolbox with ErCas12a in Zebrafish and Human Cells. CRISPR J 2019; 2:417-433. [PMID: 31742435 PMCID: PMC6919245 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2019.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR and CRISPR-Cas effector proteins enable the targeting of DNA double-strand breaks to defined loci based on a variable length RNA guide specific to each effector. The guide RNAs are generally similar in size and form, consisting of a ∼20 nucleotide sequence complementary to the DNA target and an RNA secondary structure recognized by the effector. However, the effector proteins vary in protospacer adjacent motif requirements, nuclease activities, and DNA binding kinetics. Recently, ErCas12a, a new member of the Cas12a family, was identified in Eubacterium rectale. Here, we report the first characterization of ErCas12a activity in zebrafish and expand on previously reported activity in human cells. Using a fluorescent reporter system, we show that CRISPR-ErCas12a elicits strand annealing mediated DNA repair more efficiently than CRISPR-Cas9. Further, using our previously reported gene targeting method that utilizes short homology, GeneWeld, we demonstrate the use of CRISPR-ErCas12a to integrate reporter alleles into the genomes of both zebrafish and human cells. Together, this work provides methods for deploying an additional CRISPR-Cas system, thus increasing the flexibility researchers have in applying genome engineering technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A. Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Brandon W. Simone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zachary WareJoncas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Carla Mann
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Jordan M. Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Bibekananda Kar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michael J. Emch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Iddo Friedberg
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - William A.C. Gendron
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michael A. Barry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Karl J. Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Drena L. Dobbs
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Maura A. McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Stephen C. Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jeffrey J. Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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de Souza TB, Gaeta ML, Martins C, Vanzela ALL. IGS sequences in Cestrum present AT- and GC-rich conserved domains, with strong regulatory potential for 5S rDNA. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:55-66. [PMID: 31571109 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The 35S and 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) organized in thousands of copies in genomes, have been widely used in numerous comparative cytogenetic studies. Nevertheless, several questions related to the diversity and organization of regulatory motifs in 5S rDNA remain to be addressed. The 5S rDNA unit is composed of a conserved 120 bp length coding region and an intergenic spacer (IGS) containing potential regulatory motifs (Poly-T, AT-rich and GC-rich) differing in number, redundancy and position along the IGS. The Cestrum species (Solanaceae) have large genomes (about 10 pg/1C) and conserved 2n = 16 karyotypes. Strikingly, these genomes show high diversity of heterochromatin distribution, variability in 35S rDNA loci and the occurrence of B chromosomes. However, the 5S rDNA loci are highly conserved in the proximal region of chromosome 8. Comparison of seventy-one IGS sequences in plants revealed several conserved motifs with potential regulatory function. The AT- and GC-rich domains appeared highly conserved in Cestrum chromosomes. The 5S genic and the GC-rich IGS probe produced FISH signals in both A (pair 8) and B chromosomes. The GC-rich domain presented a strong potential for regulation because it may be associated with CpG islands organization, as well as to hairpin and loop organization. Another interesting aspect was the ability of AT- and GC-rich motifs to produce non-heterochromatic CMA/DAPI signals. While the length of the 5S rDNA IGS region varied in size between the Cestrum species, the individual sequence motifs seem to be conserved suggesting their regulatory function. The most striking feature was the conserved GC-rich domain in Cestrum, which is recognized as a signature trait of the proximal region of chromosome pair 8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaíssa Boldieri de Souza
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Diversidade Vegetal, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Marcos Letaif Gaeta
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Diversidade Vegetal, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Cesar Martins
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618689, Brazil
| | - André Luís Laforga Vanzela
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Diversidade Vegetal, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
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48
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Herrera-Carrillo E, Gao Z, Berkhout B. Influence of a 3' Terminal Ribozyme on AgoshRNA Biogenesis and Activity. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:452-462. [PMID: 31048184 PMCID: PMC6488825 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) can induce gene silencing via the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. We designed an alternative shRNA molecule with a relatively short base-paired stem that bypasses Dicer and instead is processed by the Argonaute 2 (Ago2) protein into a single guide RNA strand that effectively induces RNAi. We called these molecules AgoshRNAs. Active anti-HIV AgoshRNAs were developed, but their RNAi activity was generally reduced compared with the matching shRNAs. In an attempt to further optimize the AgoshRNA design, we inserted several self-cleaving ribozymes at the 3′ terminus of the transcribed AgoshRNA and evaluated the impact on AgoshRNA processing and activity. The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme is efficiently removed from the transcribed AgoshRNAs and generates a uniform 3′ overhang, which translates into the enhanced antiviral activity of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zongliang Gao
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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49
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beditor: A Computational Workflow for Designing Libraries of Guide RNAs for CRISPR-Mediated Base Editing. Genetics 2019; 212:377-385. [PMID: 30936113 PMCID: PMC6553823 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological relevance of the present method pertains to CRISPR-mediated base editing technology that has opened new avenues for scar-free genome-wide mutagenesis and thus to a wide range of applications in genome editing... CRISPR-mediated base editors have opened unique avenues for scar-free genome-wide mutagenesis. Here, we describe a comprehensive computational workflow called beditor that can be broadly adapted for designing guide RNA libraries with a range of CRISPR-mediated base editors, Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) recognition sequences, and genomes of many species. Additionally, to assist users in selecting the best sets of guide RNAs for their experiments, a priori estimates of editing efficiency, called beditor scores, are calculated. These beditor scores are intended to select guide RNAs that conform to requirements for optimal base editing: the editable base falls within maximum activity window of the CRISPR-mediated base editor and produces nonconfounding mutational effects with minimal predicted off-target effects. We demonstrate the utility of the software by designing guide RNAs for base editing to model or correct thousands of clinically important human disease mutations.
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50
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Graf R, Li X, Chu VT, Rajewsky K. sgRNA Sequence Motifs Blocking Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing. Cell Rep 2019; 26:1098-1103.e3. [PMID: 30699341 PMCID: PMC6352712 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cas9 nucleases can be programmed with single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to mediate gene editing. High CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout efficiencies are essential for genetic screens and critically depend on the properties of the sgRNAs used. The specificity of an sgRNA is defined by its targeting sequence. Here, we discovered that two short sequence motifs at the 3' end of the targeting sequence are almost exclusively present in inefficient sgRNAs of published sgRNA-activity datasets. By specific knock-in of sgRNA target sequences with or without these motifs and quantitative measurement of knockout efficiency, we show that the presence of these motifs in sgRNAs per se results in a 10-fold reduction of gene knockout frequencies. Mechanistically, the cause of the low efficiency differs between the two motifs. These sequence motifs are relevant for future sgRNA design approaches and studies of Cas9-DNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Graf
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Xun Li
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Van Trung Chu
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Rajewsky
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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