1
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Schalkwijk HH, Georgala A, Gillemot S, Temblador A, Topalis D, Wittnebel S, Andrei G, Snoeck R. A Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA Polymerase Multidrug Resistance Mutation Identified in a Patient With Immunodeficiency and Confirmed by Gene Editing. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1505-1515. [PMID: 37224525 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad184] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus 1 can cause severe infections in individuals who are immunocompromised. In these patients, emergence of drug resistance mutations causes difficulties in infection management. METHODS Seventeen herpes simplex virus 1 isolates were obtained from orofacial/anogenital lesions in a patient with leaky severe combined immunodeficiency over 7 years, before and after stem cell transplantation. Spatial/temporal evolution of drug resistance was characterized genotypically-with Sanger and next-generation sequencing of viral thymidine kinase (TK) and DNA polymerase (DP)-and phenotypically. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to introduce the novel DP Q727R mutation, and dual infection-competition assays were performed to assess viral fitness. RESULTS Isolates had identical genetic backgrounds, suggesting that orofacial/anogenital infections derived from the same virus lineage. Eleven isolates proved heterogeneous TK virus populations by next-generation sequencing, undetectable by Sanger sequencing. Thirteen isolates were acyclovir resistant due to TK mutations, and the Q727R isolate additionally exhibited foscarnet/adefovir resistance. Recombinant Q727R mutant virus showed multidrug resistance and increased fitness under antiviral pressure. CONCLUSIONS Long-term follow-up of a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency revealed virus evolution and frequent reactivation of wild-type and TK mutant strains, mostly as heterogeneous populations. The DP Q727R resistance phenotype was confirmed with CRISPR/Cas9, a useful tool to validate novel drug resistance mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aspasia Georgala
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels
| | - Sarah Gillemot
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven
| | - Arturo Temblador
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven
| | - Dimitri Topalis
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven
| | - Sebastian Wittnebel
- Department of Hematology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven
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2
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Bottino P, Pastrone L, Curtoni A, Bondi A, Sidoti F, Zanotto E, Cavallo R, Solidoro P, Costa C. Antiviral Approach to Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Overview of Conventional and Novel Strategies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2372. [PMID: 37894030 PMCID: PMC10608897 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102372] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus capable of establishing a lifelong persistence in the host through a chronic state of infection and remains an essential global concern due to its distinct life cycle, mutations, and latency. It represents a life-threatening pathogen for immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplanted patients, HIV-positive individuals, and hematopoietic stem cell recipients. Multiple antiviral approaches are currently available and administered in order to prevent or manage viral infections in the early stages. However, limitations due to side effects and the onset of antidrug resistance are a hurdle to their efficacy, especially for long-term therapies. Novel antiviral molecules, together with innovative approaches (e.g., genetic editing and RNA interference) are currently in study, with promising results performed in vitro and in vivo. Since HCMV is a virus able to establish latent infection, with a consequential risk of reactivation, infection management could benefit from preventive treatment for critical patients, such as immunocompromised individuals and seronegative pregnant women. This review will provide an overview of conventional antiviral clinical approaches and their mechanisms of action. Additionally, an overview of proposed and developing new molecules is provided, including nucleic-acid-based therapies and immune-mediated approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bottino
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Lisa Pastrone
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Antonio Curtoni
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessandro Bondi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Sidoti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Elisa Zanotto
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Rossana Cavallo
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Paolo Solidoro
- Pneumology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Cristina Costa
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
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3
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Abeywickrema M, Kelly D, Kadambari S. Management of neonatal central nervous system viral infections: Knowledge gaps and research priorities. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2421. [PMID: 36639694 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Congenital CMV, enteroviruses, human parechovirus and herpes simplex virus are all common causes of severe central nervous system (CNS) infection in neonates. The introduction of screening (i.e. newborn hearing screening programme), integration of molecular syndromic testing (i.e. multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays) and increase in sexually transmitted infections (i.e. anogenital herpes) have contributed to increases in each of these infections over the last decade. However, therapeutic options are highly limited in part due to the lack of epidemiological data informing trials. This review will describe our current understanding of the clinical burden and epidemiology of these severe neonatal CNS infections, outline the novel antiviral and vaccines in the pipeline and suggest future research studies which could help develop new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Movin Abeywickrema
- Department of Infection, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dominic Kelly
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Seilesh Kadambari
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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4
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Hawsawi YM, Shams A, Theyab A, Siddiqui J, Barnawee M, Abdali WA, Marghalani NA, Alshelali NH, Al-Sayed R, Alzahrani O, Alqahtani A, Alsulaiman AM. The State-of-the-Art of Gene Editing and its Application to Viral Infections and Diseases Including COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:869889. [PMID: 35782122 PMCID: PMC9241565 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.869889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy delivers a promising hope to cure many diseases and defects. The discovery of gene-editing technology fueled the world with valuable tools that have been employed in various domains of science, medicine, and biotechnology. Multiple means of gene editing have been established, including CRISPR/Cas, ZFNs, and TALENs. These strategies are believed to help understand the biological mechanisms of disease progression. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been designated the causative virus for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that emerged at the end of 2019. This viral infection is a highly pathogenic and transmissible disease that caused a public health pandemic. As gene editing tools have shown great success in multiple scientific and medical areas, they could eventually contribute to discovering novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to battle the COVID-19 pandemic disease. This review aims to briefly highlight the history and some of the recent advancements of gene editing technologies. After that, we will describe various biological features of the CRISPR-Cas9 system and its diverse implications in treating different infectious diseases, both viral and non-viral. Finally, we will present current and future advancements in combating COVID-19 with a potential contribution of the CRISPR system as an antiviral modality in this battle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef M. Hawsawi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Yousef M. Hawsawi, ; Anwar Shams, ;
| | - Anwar Shams
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Yousef M. Hawsawi, ; Anwar Shams, ;
| | - Abdulrahman Theyab
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Laboratory & Blood Bank, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jumana Siddiqui
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mawada Barnawee
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wed A. Abdali
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada A. Marghalani
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada H. Alshelali
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Al-Sayed
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Othman Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alanoud Alqahtani
- Bristol Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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5
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Ghosh N, Saha I, Sharma N. Palindromic target site identification in SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1 by adopting CRISPR-Cas technique. Gene 2022; 818:146136. [PMID: 34999179 PMCID: PMC8734054 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) associated Cas protein (CRISPR-Cas) has turned out to be a very important tool for the rapid detection of viruses. This can be used for the identification of the target site in a virus by identifying a 3–6 nt length Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) adjacent to the potential target site, thus motivating us to adopt CRISPR-Cas technique to identify SARS-CoV-2 as well as other members of Coronaviridae family. In this regard, we have developed a fast and effective method using k-mer technique in order to identify the PAM by scanning the whole genome of the respective virus. Subsequently, palindromic sequences adjacent to the PAM locations are identified as the potential target sites. Palindromes are considered in this work as they are known to identify viruses. Once all the palindrome-PAM combinations are identified, PAMs specific for the RNA-guided DNA Cas9/Cas12 endonuclease are identified to bind and cut the target sites. In this regard, PAMs such as 5’-TGG-3’ and 5’-TTTA-3’ in NSP3 and Exon for SARS-CoV-2, 5’-GGG-3’ and 5’-TGG-3’ in Exon and NSP2 for MERS-CoV and 5’-AGG-3’ and 5’-TTTG-3’ in Helicase and NSP3 respectively for SARS-CoV-1 are identified corresponding to SpCas9 and FnCas12a endonucleases. Finally, to recognise the target sites of Coronaviridae family as cleaved by SpCas9 and FnCas12a, complements of the palindromic target regions are designed as primers or guide RNA (gRNA). Therefore, such complementary gRNAs along with respective Cas proteins can be considered in assays for the identification of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimisha Ghosh
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Poland; Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Indrajit Saha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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6
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Najafi S, Tan SC, Aghamiri S, Raee P, Ebrahimi Z, Jahromi ZK, Rahmati Y, Sadri Nahand J, Piroozmand A, Jajarmi V, Mirzaei H. Therapeutic potentials of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology in human viral infections. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112743. [PMID: 35228065 PMCID: PMC8872819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are a common cause of morbidity worldwide. The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to more attention to viral infections and finding novel therapeutics. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been recently proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of viral diseases. Here, we review the research progress in the use of CRISPR-Cas technology for treating viral infections, as well as the strategies for improving the delivery of this gene-editing tool in vivo. Key challenges that hinder the widespread clinical application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology are also discussed, and several possible directions for future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Najafi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pourya Raee
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kargar Jahromi
- Central Research Laboratory, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Yazdan Rahmati
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Piroozmand
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Vahid Jajarmi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence to: Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19395-4818, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,Corresponding author at: Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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7
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Jamehdor S, Pajouhanfar S, Saba S, Uzan G, Teimoori A, Naserian S. Principles and Applications of CRISPR Toolkit in Virus Manipulation, Diagnosis, and Virus-Host Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:999. [PMID: 35326449 PMCID: PMC8946942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are one of the most important concerns for human health, and overcoming viral infections is a worldwide challenge. However, researchers have been trying to manipulate viral genomes to overcome various disorders, including cancer, for vaccine development purposes. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is becoming one of the most functional and widely used tools for RNA and DNA manipulation in multiple organisms. This approach has provided an unprecedented opportunity for creating simple, inexpensive, specific, targeted, accurate, and practical manipulations of viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), and vaccinia virus. Furthermore, this method can be used to make an effective and precise diagnosis of viral infections. Nevertheless, a valid and scientifically designed CRISPR system is critical to make more effective and accurate changes in viruses. In this review, we have focused on the best and the most effective ways to design sgRNA, gene knock-in(s), and gene knock-out(s) for virus-targeted manipulation. Furthermore, we have emphasized the application of CRISPR technology in virus diagnosis and in finding significant genes involved in virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Jamehdor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 989155432609, Iran;
| | - Sara Pajouhanfar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Sadaf Saba
- Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Georges Uzan
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838738, Iran
| | - Sina Naserian
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
- CellMedEx, 94100 Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
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8
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Ullah MF, Ali Y, Khan MR, Khan IU, Yan B, Ijaz Khan M, Malik M. A review of COVID-19: Treatment strategies and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology approaches to the coronavirus disease. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:860-871. [PMID: 34658640 PMCID: PMC8511869 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put the world on lockdown for the first time in decades. This has wreaked havoc on the global economy, put additional burden on local and global public health resources, and, most importantly, jeopardised human health. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, and the CRISPR associated (Cas) protein (CRISPR/Cas) was identified to have structures in E. coli. The most modern of these systems is CRISPR/Cas. Editing the genomes of plants and animals took several years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars until the CRISPR approach was discovered in 2012. As a result, CRISPR/Cas has piqued the scientific community's attention, particularly for disease diagnosis and treatment, because it is faster, less expensive, and more precise than previous genome editing technologies. Data from gene mutations in specific patients gathered using CRISPR/Cas can aid in the identification of the best treatment strategy for each patient, as well as other research domains such as coronavirus replication in cell culture, such as SARS-CoV2. The implications of the most prevalent driver mutations, on the other hand, are often unknown, making treatment interpretation difficult. For detecting a wide range of target genes, the CRISPR/Cas categories provide highly sensitive and selective tools. Genome-wide association studies are a relatively new strategy to discovering genes involved in human disease when it comes to the next steps in genomic research. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas provides a method for modifying non-coding portions of the genome, which will help advance whole genome libraries by speeding up the analysis of these poorly defined parts of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farhat Ullah
- Genome Editing & Sequencing Lab, National Centre for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Ali
- Genome Editing & Sequencing Lab, National Centre for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ramzan Khan
- Genome Editing & Sequencing Lab, National Centre for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Inam Ullah Khan
- University of Sheffield, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Arts Tower Western Bank, Sheffield, S102TN, The University of Sheffield, Manchester, UK
| | - Bing Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - M. Ijaz Khan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Riphah International University, I-14, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - M.Y. Malik
- Department of Mathematics, College of Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Gowripalan A, Smith SA, Tscharke DC. Selection of Vaccinia Virus Recombinants Using CRISPR/Cas9. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4270. [PMID: 35087929 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The engineering of poxvirus genomes is fundamental to primary and applied virology research. Indeed, recombinant poxviruses form the basis for many novel vaccines and virotherapies but producing and purifying these viruses can be arduous. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 has become the favoured approach for genome manipulation due to its speed and high success rate. However, recent data suggests poxvirus genomes are not repaired well following Cas9 cleavage. As a result, CRISPR/Cas9 is inefficient as an editing tool, but very effective as a programmable selection agent. Here, we describe protocols for the generation and enrichment of recombinant vaccinia viruses using targeted Cas9 as a selection tool. This novel use of Cas9 is a simple addition to current homologous recombination-based methods that are widespread in the field, facilitating implementation in laboratories already working with poxviruses. This is also the first method that allows for isolation of new vaccinia viruses in less than a fortnight, without the need to incorporate a marker gene or manipulation of large poxvirus genomes in vitro and reactivation with helper viruses. Whilst this protocol describes applications for laboratory strains of vaccinia virus, it should be readily adaptable to other poxviruses. Graphic abstract: Pipeline for Cas9 selection of recombinant poxviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Gowripalan
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stewart A Smith
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - David C Tscharke
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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10
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Optimization of a Lambda-RED Recombination Method for Rapid Gene Deletion in Human Cytomegalovirus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910558. [PMID: 34638896 PMCID: PMC8508972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910558] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) continues to be a major cause of morbidity in transplant patients and newborns. However, the functions of many of the more than 282 genes encoded in the HCMV genome remain unknown. The development of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology contributes to the genetic manipulation of several organisms including HCMV. The maintenance of the HCMV BAC in E. coli cells permits the rapid generation of recombinant viral genomes that can be used to produce viral progeny in cell cultures for the study of gene function. We optimized the Lambda-Red Recombination system to construct HCMV gene deletion mutants rapidly in the complete set of tested genes. This method constitutes a useful tool that allows for the quick generation of a high number of gene deletion mutants, allowing for the analysis of the whole genome to improve our understanding of HCMV gene function. This may also facilitate the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics.
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11
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Zhang Q, Song X, Ma P, Lv L, Zhang Y, Deng J, Zhang Y. Human Cytomegalovirus miR-US33as-5p Targets IFNAR1 to Achieve Immune Evasion During Both Lytic and Latent Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:628364. [PMID: 33746965 PMCID: PMC7973039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As the first line of antiviral defense, type I interferon (IFN) binds IFN receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNAR2 to activate the Jak-STAT signal transduction pathway, producing IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) to control viral infection. The mechanisms by which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) counteracts the IFN pathway are only partially defined. We show that miR-US33as-5p encoded by HCMV is expressed in both lytic and latent infection. By analysis with RNA hybrid and screening with luciferase reporter assays, we identified IFNAR1 as a target of hcmv-miR-US33as-5p, which was further verified by examining the expression of two IFNAR1 mutants and the binding of IFNAR1 to miR-US33as-5p/miR-US33as-5p-M1/miR-US33as-5p-M2. We found that after the transfection of miR-US33as-5p mimics into different cell lines, the phosphorylation of downstream proteins and ISG expression were downregulated. Immunofluorescence showed that the miR-US33as-5p mimics also inhibited STAT1 translocation into the nucleus. Furthermore, we constructed HCMV with mutant miR-US33as-5p and determined that the mutation did not affect HCMV replication. We found that MRC-5/human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells infected with ΔmiRNA HCMV exhibited higher IFNAR1 and ISG expression and a reduced viral load in the presence of exogenous IFN than cells infected with WT HCMV did, confirming that the knockout of miR-US33as-5p impaired viral resistance to IFN. Finally, we tested the effect of ΔmiRNA HCMV on THP-1 and d-THP-1 cells, common in vitro models of latent infection and reactivation, respectively. Again, we found that cells infected with ΔmiRNA HCMV showed a reduced viral load in the presence of IFN than the control cells did, confirming that miR-US33as-5p also affects IFN resistance during both latency and reactivation. These results indicate a new microRNA (miRNA)-based immune evasion mechanism employed by HCMV to achieve lifelong infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Lv
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Deng
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
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12
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CRISPR/Cas9-Constructed Pseudorabies Virus Mutants Reveal the Importance of UL13 in Alphaherpesvirus Escape from Genome Silencing. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02286-20. [PMID: 33361431 PMCID: PMC8094956 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02286-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Latent and recurrent productive infection of long-living cells, such as neurons, enables alphaherpesviruses to persist in their host populations. Still, the viral factors involved in these events remain largely obscure. Using a complementation assay in compartmented primary peripheral nervous system (PNS) neuronal cultures, we previously reported that productive replication of axonally delivered genomes is facilitated by pseudorabies virus (PRV) tegument proteins. Here, we sought to unravel the role of tegument protein UL13 in this escape from silencing. We first constructed four new PRV mutants in the virulent Becker strain using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene replacement: (i) PRV Becker defective for UL13 expression (PRV ΔUL13), (ii) PRV where UL13 is fused to eGFP (PRV UL13-eGFP), and two control viruses (iii and iv) PRV where VP16 is fused with mTurquoise at either the N terminus (PRV mTurq-VP16) or the C terminus (PRV VP16-mTurq). Live-cell imaging of PRV capsids showed efficient retrograde transport after axonal infection with PRV UL13-eGFP, although we did not detect dual-color particles. However, immunofluorescence staining of particles in mid-axons indicated that UL13 might be cotransported with PRV capsids in PNS axons. Superinfecting nerve cell bodies with UV-inactivated PRV ΔUL13 failed to efficiently promote escape from genome silencing compared to UV-PRV wild type and UV-PRV UL13-eGFP superinfection. However, UL13 does not act directly in the escape from genome silencing, as adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated UL13 expression in neuronal cell bodies was not sufficient to provoke escape from genome silencing. Based on this, we suggest that UL13 may contribute to initiation of productive infection through phosphorylation of other tegument proteins.IMPORTANCE Alphaherpesviruses have mastered various strategies to persist in an immunocompetent host, including the induction of latency and reactivation in peripheral nervous system (PNS) ganglia. We recently discovered that the molecular mechanism underlying escape from latency by the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) relies on a structural viral tegument protein. This study aimed at unravelling the role of tegument protein UL13 in PRV escape from latency. First, we confirmed the use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene replacement as a versatile tool to modify the PRV genome. Next, we used our new set of viral mutants and AAV vectors to conclude the indirect role of UL13 in PRV escape from latency in primary neurons, along with its spatial localization during retrograde capsid transport in axons. Based on these findings, we speculate that UL13 phosphorylates one or more tegument proteins, thereby priming these putative proteins to induce escape from genome silencing.
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13
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Chen YC. CRISPR based genome editing and removal of human viruses. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 179:93-116. [PMID: 33785179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins 9 (Cas9), a gene-editing technology, has been extensively applied as a tool for genetic engineering in basic research. Efficient genome engineering has been performed in viruses, human cells, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, etc. Currently, it has been employed to edit human viruses for studying viral molecular biology, pathogenesis and oncogenesis, and facilitate the development of antiviral agents and vaccine. The virus is ubiquitous worldwide and elicits global health problems, many human diseases are associated with virus infections. Although traditional drugs can be used to treat or prevent productive viral infections, their efficacy is limited because of toxicity, side effects and other problems. Additionally, no current drugs are approved to be indicated for latent infections. Therefore, the next highlight is to develop antiviral approaches to against both productive and latent infections. Fortunately, CRISPR has been successfully applied in the removal of human viruses ex vivo and/or in vivo, and has the potential to be used to manufacture antiviral agents for clinical application. CRISPR/Cas9 is promising in applications, even though some technical challenges, safety concerns, ethic concerns need to be improved. In this article, the discovery and application of genome editing and removal of human viruses based on CRISPR are explored. Additionally, we evaluate the prospects and limitations of this novel antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chuan Chen
- Jenteh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli County, Taiwan; Program in Comparative Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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14
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Gabaev I, Williamson JC, Crozier TW, Schulz TF, Lehner PJ. Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Lytic KSHV Infection in Human Endothelial Cells Reveals Targets of Viral Immune Modulation. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108249. [PMID: 33053346 PMCID: PMC7567700 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic human virus and the leading cause of mortality in HIV infection. KSHV reactivation from latent- to lytic-stage infection initiates a cascade of viral gene expression. Here we show how these changes remodel the host cell proteome to enable viral replication. By undertaking a systematic and unbiased analysis of changes to the endothelial cell proteome following KSHV reactivation, we quantify >7,000 cellular proteins and 71 viral proteins and provide a temporal profile of protein changes during the course of lytic KSHV infection. Lytic KSHV induces >2-fold downregulation of 291 cellular proteins, including PKR, the key cellular sensor of double-stranded RNA. Despite the multiple episomes per cell, CRISPR-Cas9 efficiently targets KSHV genomes. A complementary KSHV genome-wide CRISPR genetic screen identifies K5 as the viral gene responsible for the downregulation of two KSHV targets, Nectin-2 and CD155, ligands of the NK cell DNAM-1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildar Gabaev
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - James C. Williamson
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK,Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Thomas W.M. Crozier
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK,Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Thomas F. Schulz
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, Hannover 30625, Germany,German Center for Infection Research, Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Paul J. Lehner
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK,Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK,Corresponding author
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15
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Abstract
Gene drives are genetic modifications designed to propagate in a population with high efficiency. Current gene drive strategies rely on sexual reproduction and are thought to be restricted to sexual organisms. Here, we report on a gene drive system that allows the spread of an engineered trait in populations of DNA viruses and, in particular, herpesviruses. We describe the successful transmission of a gene drive sequence between distinct strains of human cytomegalovirus (human herpesvirus 5) and show that gene drive viruses can efficiently target and replace wildtype populations in cell culture experiments. Moreover, by targeting sequences necessary for viral replication, our results indicate that a viral gene drive can be used as a strategy to suppress a viral infection. Taken together, this work offers a proof of principle for the design of a gene drive in viruses. Current gene drive strategies are restricted to sexually reproducing species. Here the authors develop a gene drive in herpesviruses that allows the spread of an engineered trait through a viral population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Walter
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
| | - Eric Verdin
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
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16
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Potential Therapeutic Approaches Against Brain Diseases Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041376. [PMID: 32085671 PMCID: PMC7073089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the major human health threats worldwide, especially for immunologically comprised patients. CMV may cause opportunistic infections, congenital infections, and brain diseases (e.g., mental retardation and glioblastoma). The etiology of brain diseases associated with human CMV (HCMV) infections is usually complex and it is particularly difficult to treat because HCMV has a life-long infection in its hosts, high mutation rate, and latent infections. Moreover, it is almost impossible to eradicate latent viruses in humans. Although there has been progress in drug discovery recently, current drugs used for treating active CMV infections are still limited in efficacy due to side effects, toxicity, and viral resistance. Fortunately, letermovir which targets the HCMV terminase complex rather than DNA polymerase with fewer adverse reactions has been approved to treat CMV infections in humans. The researchers are focusing on developing approaches against both productive and latent infections of CMV. The gene or RNA targeting approaches including the external guide sequences (EGSs)-RNase, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are being investigated to remove acute and/or latent CMV infections. For the treatment of glioblastoma, vaccine therapy through targeting specific CMV antigens has improved patients’ survival outcomes significantly and immunotherapy has also emerged as an alternative modality. The advanced research for developing anti-CMV agents and approaches is promising to obtain significant outcomes and expecting to have a great impact on the therapy of brain diseases associated with CMV infections.
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17
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Chen SJ, Wang SC, Chen YC. Antiviral Agents as Therapeutic Strategies Against Cytomegalovirus Infections. Viruses 2019; 12:v12010021. [PMID: 31878068 PMCID: PMC7019738 DOI: 10.3390/v12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a threat to human health in the world, particularly for immunologically weak patients. CMV may cause opportunistic infections, congenital infections and central nervous system infections. CMV infections are difficult to treat due to their specific life cycles, mutation, and latency characteristic. Despite recent advances, current drugs used for treating active CMV infections are limited in their efficacy, and the eradication of latent infections is impossible. Current antiviral agents which target the UL54 DNA polymerase are restricted because of nephrotoxicity and viral resistance. CMV also cannot be prevented or eliminated with a vaccine. Fortunately, letermovir which targets the human CMV (HCMV) terminase complex has been recently approved to treat CMV infections in humans. The growing point is developing antiviral agents against both lytically and latently infected cells. The nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches including the external guide sequences (EGSs)-RNase, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are being explored to remove acute and/or latent CMV infections. HCMV vaccine is being developed for prophylaxis. Additionally, adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) has been experimentally used to combate drug-resistant and recurrent CMV in patients after cell and/or organ transplantation. Developing antiviral agents is promising in this area to obtain fruitful outcomes and to have a great impact on humans for the therapy of CMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiu-Jau Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10491, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medicine College, Taipei 25245, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Cheng Wang
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan 71742, Taiwan;
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuan-Chuan Chen
- Program in Comparative Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Correspondence:
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18
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Pazmiño-Ibarra V, Mengual-Martí A, Targovnik AM, Herrero S. Improvement of baculovirus as protein expression vector and as biopesticide by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:2823-2833. [PMID: 31403180 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system-associated Cas9 endonuclease is a molecular tool that enables specific sequence editing with high efficiency. In this study, we have explored the use of CRISPR/Cas9 system for the engineering of baculovirus. We have shown that the delivering of Cas9-single guide RNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with or without DNA repair template into Sf21 insect cells through lipofection might be efficient to produce knockouts as well as knock-ins into the baculovirus. To evaluate potential application of our CRISPR/Cas9 method to improve baculovirus as protein expression vector and as biopesticide, we attempted to knockout several genes from a recombinant AcMNPV form used in the baculovirus expression system as well as in a natural occurring viral isolate from the same virus. We have additionally confirmed the adaptation of this methodology for the generation of viral knock-ins in specific regions of the viral genome. Analysis of the generated mutants revealed that the editing efficiency and the type of changes was variable but relatively high. Depending on the targeted gene, the editing rate ranged from 10% to 40%. This study established the first report revealing the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing in baculovirus, contributing to the engineering of baculovirus as a protein expression vector as well as a biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Pazmiño-Ibarra
- Department of Genetics and Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI-BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Adrià Mengual-Martí
- Department of Genetics and Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI-BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alexandra Marisa Targovnik
- Department of Genetics and Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI-BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Salvador Herrero
- Department of Genetics and Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI-BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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