1
|
Elagoz AM, Van Dijck M, Lassnig M, Seuntjens E. Embryonic development of a centralised brain in coleoid cephalopods. Neural Dev 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38907272 PMCID: PMC11191162 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-024-00186-2] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The last common ancestor of cephalopods and vertebrates lived about 580 million years ago, yet coleoid cephalopods, comprising squid, cuttlefish and octopus, have evolved an extraordinary behavioural repertoire that includes learned behaviour and tool utilization. These animals also developed innovative advanced defence mechanisms such as camouflage and ink release. They have evolved unique life cycles and possess the largest invertebrate nervous systems. Thus, studying coleoid cephalopods provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the evolution and development of large centralised nervous systems. As non-model species, molecular and genetic tools are still limited. However, significant insights have already been gained to deconvolve embryonic brain development. Even though coleoid cephalopods possess a typical molluscan circumesophageal bauplan for their central nervous system, aspects of its development are reminiscent of processes observed in vertebrates as well, such as long-distance neuronal migration. This review provides an overview of embryonic coleoid cephalopod research focusing on the cellular and molecular aspects of neurogenesis, migration and patterning. Additionally, we summarize recent work on neural cell type diversity in embryonic and hatchling cephalopod brains. We conclude by highlighting gaps in our knowledge and routes for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Elagoz
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marie Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark Lassnig
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kleinboehl EW, Laoharawee K, Lahr WS, Jensen JD, Peterson JJ, Bell JB, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Development and testing of a versatile genome editing application reporter (V-GEAR) system. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101253. [PMID: 38764780 PMCID: PMC11101715 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 and novel cas fusion proteins leveraging specific DNA targeting ability combined with deaminases or reverse transcriptases have revolutionized genome editing. However, their efficacy heavily relies upon protein variants, targeting single guide RNAs, and surrounding DNA sequence context within the targeted loci. This necessitates the need for efficient and rapid screening methods to evaluate these editing reagents and designs. Existing plasmid-based reporters lack flexibility, being fixed to specific DNA sequences, hindering direct comparisons between various editing approaches. To address this, we developed the versatile genome editing application reporter (V-GEAR) system. V-GEAR comprises genes detectable after desired editing via base editing, prime editing, or homology-directed repair within relevant genomic contexts. It employs a detectable synthetic cell surface protein (RQR8) followed by a customizable target sequence resembling genomic regions of interest. These genes allow for reliable identification of corrective editing and cell enrichment. We validated the V-GEAR system with base editors, prime editors, and Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair. Furthermore, the V-GEAR system offers versatility by allowing transient screening or stable integration at the AAVS1 safe harbor loci, rapidly achieved through immunomagnetic isolation. This innovative system enables direct comparisons among editing technologies, accelerating the development and testing of genome editing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan W. Kleinboehl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walker S. Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jacob D. Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph J. Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jason B. Bell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Beau R. Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S. Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brader M, Kim HYA, Koo O, Nagapudi K, Su Y. Industrial Horizons in Pharmaceutical Science. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 38807456 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Brader
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hai-Young Anne Kim
- Therapeutic Discovery, Johnson and Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Otilia Koo
- Emerging Technologies Portfolio Management, Novo Nordisk, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Karthik Nagapudi
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Yongchao Su
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gómez-Márquez J. The Lithbea Domain. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300679. [PMID: 38386280 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The tree of life is the evolutionary metaphor for the past and present connections of all cellular organisms. Today, to speak of biodiversity is not only to speak of archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes, but they should also consider the "new biodiversity" that includes viruses and synthetic organisms, which represent the new forms of life created in laboratories. There is even a third group of artificial entities that, although not living systems, pretend to imitate the living. To embrace and organize all this new biodiversity, I propose the creation of a new domain, with the name Lithbea (from life-on-the-border entites) The criteria for inclusion as members of Lithbea are: i) the acellular nature of the living system, ii) its origin in laboratory manipulation, iii) showing new biological traits, iv) the presence of exogenous genetic elements, v) artificial or inorganic nature. Within Lithbea there are two subdomains: Virworld (from virus world) which includes all viruses, regarded as lifeless living systems, and classified according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), and ii) Humade (from human-made) which includes all synthetic organisms and artificial entities. The relationships of Lithbea members to the three classical woesian domains and their implications are briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gómez-Márquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, 15782, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kaur N, Pati PK. Retron Library Recombineering: Next Powerful Tool for Genome Editing after CRISPR/Cas. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1019-1025. [PMID: 38480006 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00667] [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: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Retron library recombineering (RLR) is a powerful tool in the field of genome editing that exceeds the scope and specificity of the CRISPR/Cas technique. In RLR, single-stranded DNA produced in vivo by harnessing the in-built potential of bacterial retrons is used for replication-dependent genome editing. RLR introduces several genomic variations at once, resulting in pooled and barcoded variant libraries, thus permitting multiplexed applications. Retron-generated RT-DNA has already shown promise for use in genome editing. Thus, this new tool will result in fresh, intriguing, and surprising developments in molecular biology and its juncture with other disciplines of research, including medicine, agriculture, and microbiology. In this review, we discuss the current state of this brand-new tool that could eventually boost genome editing research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navdeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Pratap Kumar Pati
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abkallo HM, Arbuthnot P, Auer TO, Berger DK, Burger J, Chakauya E, Concordet JP, Diabate A, Di Donato V, Groenewald JH, Guindo A, Koekemoer LL, Nazare F, Nolan T, Okumu F, Orefuwa E, Paemka L, Prieto-Godino L, Runo S, Sadler M, Tesfaye K, Tripathi L, Wondji C. Making genome editing a success story in Africa. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:551-554. [PMID: 38504013 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas O Auer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- TReND in Africa, Brighton, UK.
| | - Dave K Berger
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johan Burger
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ereck Chakauya
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa.
- AUDA NEPAD Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBio), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Advanced Agriculture and Food Cluster (AAF), Pretoria, South Africa.
| | | | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de recherche en sciences de la santé (IRSS), Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Vincenzo Di Donato
- TReND in Africa, Brighton, UK.
- ZeClinics SL. Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Amadou Guindo
- African Center for Excellence in Molecular Engineering, Bamako, Mali
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Florence Nazare
- African Union Development Agency - NEPAD, Midrand, South Africa
| | - Tony Nolan
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fredros Okumu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma Orefuwa
- Pan-African Mosquito Association, (PAMCA), KEMRI Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lily Paemka
- University of Ghana, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Steven Runo
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marie Sadler
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kassahun Tesfaye
- Bio and Emerging Technology Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Leena Tripathi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Wondji
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, CRID, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Beschorner N, Künzle P, Voges M, Hauber I, Indenbirken D, Nakel J, Virdi S, Bradtke P, Lory NC, Rothe M, Paszkowski-Rogacz M, Buchholz F, Grundhoff A, Schambach A, Thirion C, Mittrücker HW, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Hauber J, Chemnitz J. Preclinical toxicity analyses of lentiviral vectors expressing the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298542. [PMID: 38457474 PMCID: PMC10923487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-based antiretroviral therapies (ART) efficiently suppress HIV replication in humans, but the virus persists as integrated proviral reservoirs in small numbers of cells. Importantly, ART cannot eliminate HIV from an infected individual, since it does not target the integrated provirus. Therefore, genome editing-based strategies that can inactivate or excise HIV genomes would provide the technology for novel curative therapies. In fact, the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1 has been shown to remove integrated proviruses from infected cells and is highly efficacious on clinical HIV-1 isolates in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that Brec1 has the potential for clinical development of advanced HIV-1 eradication strategies in people living with HIV. In line with the preparation of a first-in-human advanced therapy medicinal product gene therapy trial, we here present an extensive preclinical evaluation of Brec1 and lentiviral vectors expressing the Brec1 transgene. This included detailed functional analysis of potential genomic off-target sites, assessing vector safety by investigating vector copy number (VCN) and the risk for potential vector-related insertional mutagenesis, as well as analyzing the potential of Brec1 to trigger an undesired strong T cell immune response. In conclusion, the antiviral designer-recombinase Brec1 is shown to lack any detectable cytopathic, genotoxic or T cell-related immunogenic effects, thereby meeting an important precondition for clinical application of the therapeutic lentiviral vector LV-Brec1 in novel HIV-1 curative strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Beschorner
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Künzle
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Maike Voges
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilona Hauber
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Nakel
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Sanamjeet Virdi
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Peter Bradtke
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niels Christian Lory
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Frank Buchholz
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Chemnitz
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
De Saeger J, Coulembier Vandelannoote E, Lee H, Park J, Blomme J. Genome editing in macroalgae: advances and challenges. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1380682. [PMID: 38516199 PMCID: PMC10955705 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1380682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This minireview examines the current state and challenges of genome editing in macroalgae. Despite the ecological and economic significance of this group of organisms, genome editing has seen limited applications. While CRISPR functionality has been established in two brown (Ectocarpus species 7 and Saccharina japonica) and one green seaweed (Ulva prolifera), these studies are limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations. All studies also (co)-targeted ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYL TRANSFERASE to enrich for mutants, due to the relatively low editing efficiencies. To advance the field, there should be a focus on advancing auxiliary technologies, particularly stable transformation, so that novel editing reagents can be screened for their efficiency. More work is also needed on understanding DNA repair in these organisms, as this is tightly linked with the editing outcomes. Developing efficient genome editing tools for macroalgae will unlock the ability to characterize their genes, which is largely uncharted terrain. Moreover, given their economic importance, genome editing will also impact breeding campaigns to develop strains that have better yields, produce more commercially valuable compounds, and show improved resilience to the impacts of global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Saeger
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Emma Coulembier Vandelannoote
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hojun Lee
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihae Park
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonas Blomme
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Han J, Yang J, Zhang H. The structural biology of type III CRISPR-Cas systems. J Struct Biol 2024; 216:108070. [PMID: 38395113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2024.108070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas system is an RNA-guided adaptive immune system widespread in bacteria and archaea. Among them, type III CRISPR-Cas systems are the most ancient throughout the CRISPR-Cas family, proving anti-phage defense through a crRNA-guided RNA targeting manner and possessing multiple enzymatic activities. Type III CRISPR-Cas systems comprise four typical members (type III-A to III-D) and two atypical members (type III-E and type III-F), providing immune defense through distinct mechanisms. Here, we delve into structural studies conducted on three well-characterized members: the type III-A, III-B, and III-E systems, provide an overview of the structural insights into the crRNA-guided target RNA cleavage, self/non-self discrimination, and the target RNA-dependent regulation of enzymatic subunits in the effector complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuzichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baudrier L, Benamozig O, Langley J, Chopra S, Kalashnikova T, Benaoudia S, Singh G, Mahoney DJ, Wright NAM, Billon P. One-pot DTECT enables rapid and efficient capture of genetic signatures for precision genome editing and clinical diagnostics. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100698. [PMID: 38301655 PMCID: PMC10921016 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The detection of genomic sequences and their alterations is crucial for basic research and clinical diagnostics. However, current methodologies are costly and time-consuming and require outsourcing sample preparation, processing, and analysis to genomic companies. Here, we establish One-pot DTECT, a platform that expedites the detection of genetic signatures, only requiring a short incubation of a PCR product in an optimized one-pot mixture. One-pot DTECT enables qualitative, quantitative, and visual detection of biologically relevant variants, such as cancer mutations, and nucleotide changes introduced by prime editing and base editing into cancer cells and human primary T cells. Notably, One-pot DTECT achieves quantification accuracy for targeted genetic signatures comparable with Sanger and next-generation sequencing. Furthermore, its effectiveness as a diagnostic platform is demonstrated by successfully detecting sickle cell variants in blood and saliva samples. Altogether, One-pot DTECT offers an efficient, versatile, adaptable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods for detecting genomic signatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lou Baudrier
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Orléna Benamozig
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jethro Langley
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sanchit Chopra
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tatiana Kalashnikova
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Sacha Benaoudia
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicola A M Wright
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada; The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Pierre Billon
- The University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rogo U, Simoni S, Fambrini M, Giordani T, Pugliesi C, Mascagni F. Future-Proofing Agriculture: De Novo Domestication for Sustainable and Resilient Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2374. [PMID: 38397047 PMCID: PMC10888583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The worldwide agricultural system confronts a significant challenge represented by the increasing demand for food in the face of a growing global population. This challenge is exacerbated by a reduction in cultivable land and the adverse effects of climate change on crop yield quantity and quality. Breeders actively embrace cutting-edge omics technologies to pursue resilient genotypes in response to these pressing issues. In this global context, new breeding techniques (NBTs) are emerging as the future of agriculture, offering a solution to introduce resilient crops that can ensure food security, particularly against challenging climate events. Indeed, the search for domestication genes as well as the genetic modification of these loci in wild species using genome editing tools are crucial steps in carrying out de novo domestication of wild plants without compromising their genetic background. Current knowledge allows us to take different paths from those taken by early Neolithic farmers, where crop domestication has opposed natural selection. In this process traits and alleles negatively correlated with high resource environment performance are probably eradicated through artificial selection, while others may have been lost randomly due to domestication and genetic bottlenecks. Thus, domestication led to highly productive plants with little genetic diversity, owing to the loss of valuable alleles that had evolved to tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. Recent technological advances have increased the feasibility of de novo domestication of wild plants as a promising approach for crafting optimal crops while ensuring food security and using a more sustainable, low-input agriculture. Here, we explore what crucial domestication genes are, coupled with the advancement of technologies enabling the precise manipulation of target sequences, pointing out de novo domestication as a promising application for future crop development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 80-56124 Pisa, Italy; (U.R.); (S.S.); (M.F.); (T.G.); (F.M.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Orsi E, Nikel PI, Nielsen LK, Donati S. Synergistic investigation of natural and synthetic C1-trophic microorganisms to foster a circular carbon economy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6673. [PMID: 37865689 PMCID: PMC10590403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A true circular carbon economy must upgrade waste greenhouse gases. C1-based biomanufacturing is an attractive solution, in which one carbon (C1) molecules (e.g. CO2, formate, methanol, etc.) are converted by microbial cell factories into value-added goods (i.e. food, feed, and chemicals). To render C1-based biomanufacturing cost-competitive, we must adapt microbial metabolism to perform chemical conversions at high rates and yields. To this end, the biotechnology community has undertaken two (seemingly opposing) paths: optimizing natural C1-trophic microorganisms versus engineering synthetic C1-assimilation de novo in model microorganisms. Here, we pose how these approaches can instead create synergies for strengthening the competitiveness of C1-based biomanufacturing as a whole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo Ivan Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Keld Nielsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stefano Donati
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Arevalo Villa C, Marienhagen J, Noack S, Wahl SA. Achieving net zero CO 2 emission in the biobased production of reduced platform chemicals using defined co-feeding of methanol. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 82:102967. [PMID: 37441841 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation bioprocesses of a future bio-based economy will rely on a flexible mix of readily available feedstocks. Renewable energy can be used to generate sustainable CO2-derived substrates. Metabolic engineering already enables the functional implementation of different pathways for the assimilation of C1 substrates in various microorganisms. In addition to feedstocks, the benchmark for all future bioprocesses will be sustainability, including the avoidance of CO2 emissions. Here we review recent advances in the utilization of C1-compounds from different perspectives, considering both strain and bioprocess engineering technologies. In particular, we evaluate methanol as a co-feed for enabling the CO2 emission-free production of acetyl-CoA-derived compounds. The possible metabolic strategies are analyzed using stoichiometric modeling combined with thermodynamic analysis and prospects for industrial-scale implementation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Arevalo Villa
- Lehrstuhl für Bioverfahrenstechnik, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Marienhagen
- Institute of Bio, and Geosciences (IBG-1): Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425 Jülich, Germany; Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Noack
- Institute of Bio, and Geosciences (IBG-1): Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Aljoscha Wahl
- Lehrstuhl für Bioverfahrenstechnik, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zürcher JF, Kleefeldt AA, Funke LFH, Birnbaum J, Fredens J, Grazioli S, Liu KC, Spinck M, Petris G, Murat P, Rehm FBH, Sale JE, Chin JW. Continuous synthesis of E. coli genome sections and Mb-scale human DNA assembly. Nature 2023; 619:555-562. [PMID: 37380776 PMCID: PMC7614783 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Whole-genome synthesis provides a powerful approach for understanding and expanding organism function1-3. To build large genomes rapidly, scalably and in parallel, we need (1) methods for assembling megabases of DNA from shorter precursors and (2) strategies for rapidly and scalably replacing the genomic DNA of organisms with synthetic DNA. Here we develop bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) stepwise insertion synthesis (BASIS)-a method for megabase-scale assembly of DNA in Escherichia coli episomes. We used BASIS to assemble 1.1 Mb of human DNA containing numerous exons, introns, repetitive sequences, G-quadruplexes, and long and short interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs and SINEs). BASIS provides a powerful platform for building synthetic genomes for diverse organisms. We also developed continuous genome synthesis (CGS)-a method for continuously replacing sequential 100 kb stretches of the E. coli genome with synthetic DNA; CGS minimizes crossovers1,4 between the synthetic DNA and the genome such that the output for each 100 kb replacement provides, without sequencing, the input for the next 100 kb replacement. Using CGS, we synthesized a 0.5 Mb section of the E. coli genome-a key intermediate in its total synthesis1-from five episomes in 10 days. By parallelizing CGS and combining it with rapid oligonucleotide synthesis and episome assembly5,6, along with rapid methods for compiling a single genome from strains bearing distinct synthetic genome sections1,7,8, we anticipate that it will be possible to synthesize entire E. coli genomes from functional designs in less than 2 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme F Zürcher
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Askar A Kleefeldt
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise F H Funke
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jakob Birnbaum
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julius Fredens
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simona Grazioli
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kim C Liu
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Spinck
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gianluca Petris
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Pierre Murat
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fabian B H Rehm
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julian E Sale
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jason W Chin
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang J, Zheng J, Wang H, He H, Li S, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Xu X, Wang S. Gene therapy: an emerging therapy for hair cells regeneration in the cochlea. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1177791. [PMID: 37207182 PMCID: PMC10188948 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1177791] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is typically caused by damage to the cochlear hair cells (HCs) due to external stimuli or because of one's genetic factors and the inability to convert sound mechanical energy into nerve impulses. Adult mammalian cochlear HCs cannot regenerate spontaneously; therefore, this type of deafness is usually considered irreversible. Studies on the developmental mechanisms of HC differentiation have revealed that nonsensory cells in the cochlea acquire the ability to differentiate into HCs after the overexpression of specific genes, such as Atoh1, which makes HC regeneration possible. Gene therapy, through in vitro selection and editing of target genes, transforms exogenous gene fragments into target cells and alters the expression of genes in target cells to activate the corresponding differentiation developmental program in target cells. This review summarizes the genes that have been associated with the growth and development of cochlear HCs in recent years and provides an overview of gene therapy approaches in the field of HC regeneration. It concludes with a discussion of the limitations of the current therapeutic approaches to facilitate the early implementation of this therapy in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haoying He
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: You Wang,
| | - Xiaoxiang Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Xiaoxiang Xu,
| | - Shuyi Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Shuyi Wang,
| |
Collapse
|