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Maltseva D, Kirillov I, Zhiyanov A, Averinskaya D, Suvorov R, Gubani D, Kudriaeva A, Belogurov A, Tonevitsky A. Incautious design of shRNAs for stable overexpression of miRNAs could result in generation of undesired isomiRs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195046. [PMID: 38876159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
shRNA-mediated strategy of miRNA overexpression based on RNA Polymerase (Pol III) expression cassettes is widely used for miRNA functional studies. For some miRNAs, e.g., encoded in the genome as a part of a polycistronic miRNA cluster, it is most likely the only way for their individual stable overexpression. Here we have revealed that expression of miRNAs longer than 19 nt (e.g. 23 nt in length hsa-miR-93-5p) using such approach could be accompanied by undesired predominant generation of 5' end miRNA isoforms (5'-isomiRs). Extra U residues (up to five) added by Pol III at the 3' end of the transcribed shRNA during transcription termination could cause a shift in the Dicer cleavage position of the shRNA. This results in the formation of 5'-isomiRs, which have a significantly altered seed region compared to the initially encoded canonical hsa-miR-93-5p. We demonstrated that the commonly used qPCR method is insensitive to the formation of 5'-isomiRs and cannot be used to confirm miRNA overexpression. However, the predominant expression of 5'-isomiRs without three or four first nucleotides instead of the canonical isoform could be disclosed based on miRNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, mRNA sequencing data showed that the 5'-isomiRs of hsa-miR-93-5p presumably regulate their own mRNA targets. Thus, omitting miRNA-Seq analysis may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding revealed mRNA targets and possible molecular mechanisms in which studied miRNA is involved. Overall, the presented results show that structures of shRNAs for stable overexpression of miRNAs requires careful design to avoid generation of undesired 5'-isomiRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maltseva
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Ivan Kirillov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Anton Zhiyanov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Daria Averinskaya
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Roman Suvorov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Daria Gubani
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Anna Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander Tonevitsky
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 101000, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; Art Photonics GmbH, Berlin 12489, Germany.
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2
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Brown SD, Klimi E, Bakker WAM, Beqqali A, Baker AH. Non-coding RNAs to treat vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38773733 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) dysfunction is a critical contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, restenosis and vein graft failure. Recent advances have unveiled a fascinating range of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in regulating vSMC function. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying vSMC dysfunction and the therapeutic potential of various ncRNAs in mitigating this dysfunction, either preventing or reversing it. We explore the intricate interplay of microRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, shedding light on their roles in regulating key signalling pathways associated with vSMC dysfunction. We also discuss the prospects and challenges associated with developing ncRNA-based therapies for this prevalent type of cardiovascular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Brown
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Eftychia Klimi
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Abdelaziz Beqqali
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew H Baker
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Klementieva NV, Lunev EA, Shmidt AA, Loseva EM, Savchenko IM, Svetlova EA, Galkin II, Polikarpova AV, Usachev EV, Vassilieva SG, Marina VI, Dzhenkova MA, Romanova AD, Agutin AV, Timakova AA, Reshetov DA, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. RNA Interference Effectors Selectively Silence the Pathogenic Variant GNAO1 c.607 G > A In Vitro. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:90-99. [PMID: 38215303 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0043] [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: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics hold the potential for dominant genetic disorders, enabling sequence-specific inhibition of pathogenic gene products. We aimed to direct RNAi for the selective suppression of the heterozygous GNAO1 c.607 G > A variant causing GNAO1 encephalopathy. By screening short interfering RNA (siRNA), we showed that GNAO1 c.607G>A is a druggable target for RNAi. The si1488 candidate achieved at least twofold allelic discrimination and downregulated mutant protein to 35%. We created vectorized RNAi by incorporating the si1488 sequence into the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The shRNA stem and loop were modified to improve the transcription, processing, and guide strand selection. All tested shRNA constructs demonstrated selectivity toward mutant GNAO1, while tweaking hairpin structure only marginally affected the silencing efficiency. The selectivity of shRNA-mediated silencing was confirmed in the context of AAV vector transduction. To conclude, RNAi effectors ranging from siRNA to AAV-RNAi achieve suppression of the pathogenic GNAO1 c.607G>A and discriminate alleles by the single-nucleotide substitution. For gene therapy development, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefit of these RNAi effectors in patient-specific neurons and animal models of the GNAO1 encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Klementieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgenii A Lunev
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Irina M Savchenko
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Svetlova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan I Galkin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Usachev
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana G Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | | | - Marina A Dzhenkova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Anna D Romanova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton V Agutin
- State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of Moscow Region "Balashikha Hospital," Balashikha, Russia
| | - Anna A Timakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Maryana V Bardina
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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4
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Le CT, Nguyen TD, Nguyen TA. Two-motif model illuminates DICER cleavage preferences. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1860-1877. [PMID: 38167721 PMCID: PMC10899750 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1186] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, DICER is a key regulator of gene expression through its production of miRNAs and siRNAs by processing miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs), short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). To advance our understanding of this process, we employed high-throughput dicing assays using various shRNA variants and both wild-type and mutant DICER. Our analysis revealed that DICER predominantly cleaves shRNAs at two positions, specifically at 21 (DC21) and 22 (DC22) nucleotides from their 5'-end. Our investigation identified two different motifs, mWCU and YCR, that determine whether DICER cleaves at DC21 or DC22, depending on their locations in shRNAs/pre-miRNAs. These motifs can work together or independently to determine the cleavage sites of DICER. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dsRNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of DICER enhances its cleavage, and mWCU strengthens the interaction between dsRBD and RNA, leading to an even greater enhancement of the cleavage. Conversely, YCR functions independently of dsRBD. Our study proposes a two-motif model that sheds light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in gene expression by elucidating how DICER recognizes its substrates, providing valuable insights into this critical biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Truc Le
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Trung Duc Nguyen
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tuan Anh Nguyen
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Dehghan H, Ghasempour A, Sabeti Akbar-Abad M, Khademi Z, Sedighi M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. An update on the therapeutic role of RNAi in NAFLD/NASH. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 204:45-67. [PMID: 38458743 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Unhealthy lifestyles have given rise to a growing epidemic of metabolic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD often occurs as a consequence of obesity, and currently, there is no FDA-approved drug for its treatment. However, therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as RNA interference (RNAi), represent a promising class of pharmacotherapy that can target previously untreatable conditions. The potential significance of RNAi in maintaining physiological homeostasis, understanding pathogenesis, and improving metabolic liver diseases, including NAFLD, is discussed in this article. We explore why NAFLD/NASH is an ideal target for therapeutic oligonucleotides and provide insights into the delivery platforms of RNAi and its therapeutic role in addressing NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Dehghan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasempour
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Sabeti Akbar-Abad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Zahra Khademi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sedighi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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6
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Ilia K, Shakiba N, Bingham T, Jones RD, Kaminski MM, Aravera E, Bruno S, Palacios S, Weiss R, Collins JJ, Del Vecchio D, Schlaeger TM. Synthetic genetic circuits to uncover the OCT4 trajectories of successful reprogramming of human fibroblasts. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8495. [PMID: 38019912 PMCID: PMC10686568 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is inefficient, with heterogeneity among transcription factor (TF) trajectories driving divergent cell states. Nevertheless, the impact of TF dynamics on reprogramming efficiency remains uncharted. We develop a system that accurately reports OCT4 protein levels in live cells and use it to reveal the trajectories of OCT4 in successful reprogramming. Our system comprises a synthetic genetic circuit that leverages noise to generate a wide range of OCT4 trajectories and a microRNA targeting endogenous OCT4 to set total cellular OCT4 protein levels. By fusing OCT4 to a fluorescent protein, we are able to track OCT4 trajectories with clonal resolution via live-cell imaging. We discover that a supraphysiological, stable OCT4 level is required, but not sufficient, for efficient iPSC colony formation. Our synthetic genetic circuit design and high-throughput live-imaging pipeline are generalizable for investigating TF dynamics for other cell fate programming applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Ilia
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nika Shakiba
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Trevor Bingham
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ross D. Jones
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Michael M. Kaminski
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, Berlin 10115, Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m.S. Nephrologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Eliezer Aravera
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Simone Bruno
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Domitilla Del Vecchio
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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7
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Minogue E, Cunha PP, Wadsworth BJ, Grice GL, Sah-Teli SK, Hughes R, Bargiela D, Quaranta A, Zurita J, Antrobus R, Velica P, Barbieri L, Wheelock CE, Koivunen P, Nathan JA, Foskolou IP, Johnson RS. Glutarate regulates T cell metabolism and anti-tumour immunity. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1747-1764. [PMID: 37605057 PMCID: PMC10590756 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
T cell function and fate can be influenced by several metabolites: in some cases, acting through enzymatic inhibition of α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, in others, through post-translational modification of lysines in important targets. We show here that glutarate, a product of amino acid catabolism, has the capacity to do both, and has potent effects on T cell function and differentiation. We found that glutarate exerts those effects both through α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase inhibition, and through direct regulation of T cell metabolism via glutarylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 subunit. Administration of diethyl glutarate, a cell-permeable form of glutarate, alters CD8+ T cell differentiation and increases cytotoxicity against target cells. In vivo administration of the compound is correlated with increased levels of both peripheral and intratumoural cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that glutarate is an important regulator of T cell metabolism and differentiation with a potential role in the improvement of T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Minogue
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pedro P Cunha
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brennan J Wadsworth
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Guinevere L Grice
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shiv K Sah-Teli
- Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rob Hughes
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Bargiela
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandro Quaranta
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Zurita
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Antrobus
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pedro Velica
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Barbieri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig E Wheelock
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peppi Koivunen
- Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - James A Nathan
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Randall S Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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8
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Colognori D, Trinidad M, Doudna JA. Precise transcript targeting by CRISPR-Csm complexes. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1256-1264. [PMID: 36690762 PMCID: PMC10497410 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Robust and precise transcript targeting in mammalian cells remains a difficult challenge using existing approaches due to inefficiency, imprecision and subcellular compartmentalization. Here we show that the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Csm complex, a multiprotein effector from type III CRISPR immune systems in prokaryotes, provides surgical RNA ablation of both nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts. As part of the most widely occurring CRISPR adaptive immune pathway, CRISPR-Csm uses a programmable RNA-guided mechanism to find and degrade target RNA molecules without inducing indiscriminate trans-cleavage of cellular RNAs, giving it an important advantage over the CRISPR-Cas13 family of enzymes. Using single-vector delivery of the Streptococcus thermophilus Csm complex, we observe high-efficiency RNA knockdown (90-99%) and minimal off-target effects in human cells, outperforming existing technologies including short hairpin RNA- and Cas13-mediated knockdown. We also find that catalytically inactivated Csm achieves specific and durable RNA binding, a property we harness for live-cell RNA imaging. These results establish the feasibility and efficacy of multiprotein CRISPR-Cas effector complexes as RNA-targeting tools in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Colognori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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9
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Zancanella V, Vallès A, Liefhebber JM, Paerels L, Tornero CV, Wattimury H, van der Zon T, van Rooijen K, Golinska M, Grevelink T, Ehlert E, Pieterman EJ, Keijzer N, Princen HMG, Stokman G, Liu YP. Proof-of-concept study for liver-directed miQURE technology in a dyslipidemic mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:454-467. [PMID: 37168797 PMCID: PMC10165407 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A gene-silencing platform (miQURE) has been developed and successfully used to deliver therapeutic microRNA (miRNA) to the brain, reducing levels of neurodegenerative disease-causing proteins/RNAs via RNA interference and improving the disease phenotype in animal models. This study evaluates the use of miQURE technology to deliver therapeutic miRNA for liver-specific indications. Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) was selected as the target mRNA because it is produced in the liver and because loss-of-function ANGPTL3 mutations and/or pharmacological inhibition of ANGPTL3 protein lowers lipid levels and reduces cardiovascular risk. Overall, 14 candidate miRNA constructs were tested in vitro, the most potent of which (miAngE) was further evaluated in mice. rAAV5-miAngE led to dose-dependent (≤-77%) decreases in Angptl3 mRNA in WT mice with ≤-90% reductions in plasma ANGPTL3 protein. In dyslipidemic APOE∗3-Leiden.CETP mice, AAV5-miAngE significantly reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels vs. vehicle and scrambled (miSCR) controls when administrated alone, with greater reductions when co-administered with lipid-lowering therapy (atorvastatin). A significant decrease in total atherosclerotic lesion area (-58% vs. miSCR) was observed in AAV5-miAngE-treated dyslipidemic mice, which corresponded with the maintenance of a non-diseased plaque phenotype and reduced lesion severity. These results support the development of this technology for liver-directed indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zancanella
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Vallès
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M.P. Liefhebber
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieke Paerels
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos Vendrell Tornero
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrina Wattimury
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Zon
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel van Rooijen
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Golinska
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamar Grevelink
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erich Ehlert
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nanda Keijzer
- TNO Metabolic Health Research, Sylviusweg 71 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Geurt Stokman
- TNO Metabolic Health Research, Sylviusweg 71 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Poi Liu
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Department of Research and Development, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Gao R, Li A, Li S, Li X, Zhang S, Zhang X, Xu J. Induced regulatory T cells modified by knocking down T-bet in combination with ectopic expression of inhibitory cytokines effectively protect Graft-versus-Host Disease. Am J Transplant 2023:S1600-6135(23)00415-X. [PMID: 37084847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Induced regulatory T (iTreg) cells play a vital role in immune tolerance and in controlling chronic inflammation. Generated in the periphery, iTreg cells are suitable for responding to alloantigens and preventing transplant rejection. Nevertheless, their clinical application has been impeded by the plasticity and instability attributed to the loss of Foxp3 expression, raising concerns that iTreg may be converted to Teff cells and even exert a pathogenic effect. Herein, second-generation short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) loaded with three pairs of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were utilized to target the transcription factor T-bet. In addition, two immunosuppressive cytokines, namely transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were constitutively expressed. This novel engineering strategy allowed the generation of stably-induced iTreg cells (SI Treg), which maintained the expression of Foxp3 even in an unfavorable environment and exerted potent immunosuppressive functions in vitro. Furthermore, SI Treg cells demonstrated an effector transcriptional profile. Finally, SI Treg showed a significant protective effect against GVHD-related deaths in a xenotransplantation model. Collectively, these results signify that SI Treg cells hold great promise for future clinical application and offer a rational therapeutic approach for transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Gao
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Ang Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China
| | - Sen Li
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shuye Zhang
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China; Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China.
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China; Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China.
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11
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Sequence determinant of small RNA production by DICER. Nature 2023; 615:323-330. [PMID: 36813957 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing relies on specific and efficient processing of double-stranded RNA by Dicer, which yields microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)1,2. However, our current knowledge of the specificity of Dicer is limited to the secondary structures of its substrates: a double-stranded RNA of approximately 22 base pairs with a 2-nucleotide 3' overhang and a terminal loop3-11. Here we found evidence pointing to an additional sequence-dependent determinant beyond these structural properties. To systematically interrogate the features of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), we carried out massively parallel assays with pre-miRNA variants and human DICER (also known as DICER1). Our analyses revealed a deeply conserved cis-acting element, termed the 'GYM motif' (paired G, paired pyrimidine and mismatched C or A), near the cleavage site. The GYM motif promotes processing at a specific position and can override the previously identified 'ruler'-like counting mechanisms from the 5' and 3' ends of pre-miRNA3-6. Consistently, integrating this motif into short hairpin RNA or Dicer-substrate siRNA potentiates RNA interference. Furthermore, we find that the C-terminal double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of DICER recognizes the GYM motif. Alterations in the dsRBD reduce processing and change cleavage sites in a motif-dependent fashion, affecting the miRNA repertoire in cells. In particular, the cancer-associated R1855L substitution in the dsRBD strongly impairs GYM motif recognition. This study uncovers an ancient principle of substrate recognition by metazoan Dicer and implicates its potential in the design of RNA therapeutics.
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12
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Ilia K, Shakiba N, Bingham T, Jones RD, Kaminski MM, Aravera E, Bruno S, Palacios S, Weiss R, Collins JJ, Del Vecchio D, Schlaeger TM. Synthetic genetic circuits to uncover and enforce the OCT4 trajectories of successful reprogramming of human fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525529. [PMID: 36747813 PMCID: PMC9900859 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is inefficient, with heterogeneity among transcription factor (TF) trajectories driving divergent cell states. Nevertheless, the impact of TF dynamics on reprogramming efficiency remains uncharted. Here, we identify the successful reprogramming trajectories of the core pluripotency TF, OCT4, and design a genetic controller that enforces such trajectories with high precision. By combining a genetic circuit that generates a wide range of OCT4 trajectories with live-cell imaging, we track OCT4 trajectories with clonal resolution and find that a distinct constant OCT4 trajectory is required for colony formation. We then develop a synthetic genetic circuit that yields a tight OCT4 distribution around the identified trajectory and outperforms in terms of reprogramming efficiency other circuits that less accurately regulate OCT4. Our synthetic biology approach is generalizable for identifying and enforcing TF dynamics for cell fate programming applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Ilia
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Nika Shakiba
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Trevor Bingham
- Boston Children’s Hospital Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ross D. Jones
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Michael M. Kaminski
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - Eliezer Aravera
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Simone Bruno
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Domitilla Del Vecchio
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Thorsten M. Schlaeger
- Boston Children’s Hospital Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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13
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Jai J, Shirleen D, Hanbali C, Wijaya P, Anginan TB, Husada W, Pratama MY. Multiplexed shRNA-miRs as a candidate for anti HIV-1 therapy: strategies, challenges, and future potential. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:172. [PMID: 36576612 PMCID: PMC9797628 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00451-z] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The spread of HIV is on the rise and has become a global issue, especially for underdeveloped and developing countries. This is due to the fact that HIV majorly occurs asymptomatically and is implausible for early diagnosis. Recent advances in research and science have enabled the investigation of a new potential treatment involving gene-based therapy, known as RNA interference (RNAi) that will direct gene silencing and further compensate for natural variants and viral mutants. Several types of small regulatory RNA are discussed in this present study, including microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA).This paper examines the mechanism of RNAi as a viable HIV therapy, using a minimum of four shRNAs to target both dispensable host components (CCR5) and viral genes (Gag, Env, Tat, Pol I, Pol II and Vif). Moreover, a multiplexed mechanism of shRNAs and miRNA is known to be effective in preventing viral escape due to mutation as the miRNA develops a general polycistronic platform for the expression of a large amount of shRNA-miRs. Several administration methods as well as the advantages of this RNAi treatment are also discussed in this study. The administration methods include (1) ex vivo delivery with the help of viral vectors, nanoparticles, and electroporation, (2) nonspecific in vivo delivery using non-viral carriers including liposomes, dendrimers and aptamers, as well as (3) targeted delivery that uses antibodies, modified nanoparticles, nucleic acid aptamers, and tissue-specific serotypes of AAV. Moreover, the advantages of this treatment are related to the effectiveness in silencing the HIV gene, which is more compatible compared to other gene therapy treatments, such as ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Jai
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Deborah Shirleen
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Christian Hanbali
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Pamela Wijaya
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Theresia Brigita Anginan
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - William Husada
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biotechnology, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Yogi Pratama
- grid.504251.70000 0004 7706 8927Department of Biomedicine, Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, Indonesia ,grid.240324.30000 0001 2109 4251Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA
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14
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Tiyaboonchai A, Vonada A, Posey J, Pelz C, Wakefield L, Grompe M. Self-cleaving guide RNAs enable pharmacological selection of precise gene editing events in vivo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7391. [PMID: 36450762 PMCID: PMC9712609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of guide RNAs in the CRISPR/Cas9 system typically requires the use of RNA polymerase III promoters, which are not cell-type specific. Flanking the gRNA with self-cleaving ribozyme motifs to create a self-cleaving gRNA overcomes this limitation. Here, we use self-cleaving gRNAs to create drug-selectable gene editing events in specific hepatocyte loci. A recombinant Adeno Associated Virus vector targeting the Albumin locus with a promoterless self-cleaving gRNA to create drug resistance is linked in cis with the therapeutic transgene. Gene expression of both are dependent on homologous recombination into the target locus. In vivo drug selection for the precisely edited hepatocytes allows >30-fold expansion of gene-edited cells and results in therapeutic levels of a human Factor 9 transgene. Importantly, self-cleaving gRNA expression is also achieved after targeting weak hepatocyte genes. We conclude that self-cleaving gRNAs are a powerful system to enable cell-type specific in vivo drug resistance for therapeutic gene editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Tiyaboonchai
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Anne Vonada
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jeffrey Posey
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Carl Pelz
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Leslie Wakefield
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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15
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Kanapeckaitė A, Mažeikienė A, Geris L, Burokienė N, Cottrell GS, Widera D. Computational pharmacology: New avenues for COVID-19 therapeutics search and better preparedness for future pandemic crises. Biophys Chem 2022; 290:106891. [PMID: 36137310 PMCID: PMC9464258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106891] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented global healthcare emergency prompting the exploration of new therapeutic avenues, including drug repurposing. A large number of ongoing studies revealed pervasive issues in clinical research, such as the lack of accessible and organised data. Moreover, current shortcomings in clinical studies highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle this health crisis. Thus, we set out to explore and develop new strategies for drug repositioning by employing computational pharmacology, data mining, systems biology, and computational chemistry to advance shared efforts in identifying key targets, affected networks, and potential pharmaceutical intervention options. Our study revealed that formulating pharmacological strategies should rely on both therapeutic targets and their networks. We showed how data mining can reveal regulatory patterns, capture novel targets, alert about side-effects, and help identify new therapeutic avenues. We also highlighted the importance of the miRNA regulatory layer and how this information could be used to monitor disease progression or devise treatment strategies. Importantly, our work bridged the interactome with the chemical compound space to better understand the complex landscape of COVID-19 drugs. Machine and deep learning allowed us to showcase limitations in current chemical libraries for COVID-19 suggesting that both in silico and experimental analyses should be combined to retrieve therapeutically valuable compounds. Based on the gathered data, we strongly advocate for taking this opportunity to establish robust practices for treating today's and future infectious diseases by preparing solid analytical frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austė Kanapeckaitė
- AK Consulting, Laisvės g. 7, LT 12007 Vilnius, Lithuania,Corresponding author
| | - Asta Mažeikienė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital, Avenue de l'Hôpital 11 (B34), Liège 4000, Belgium,Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300C (2419), Leuven 3001, Belgium,Skeletel Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 (813), Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Neringa Burokienė
- Clinics of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Graeme S. Cottrell
- University of Reading, School of Pharmacy, Hopkins Building, Reading RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
| | - Darius Widera
- University of Reading, School of Pharmacy, Hopkins Building, Reading RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
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16
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Wu S, Liu C, Bai S, Lu Z, Liu G. Broadening the Horizons of RNA Delivery Strategies in Cancer Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9100576. [PMID: 36290544 PMCID: PMC9598637 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapy is a promising and innovative strategy for cancer treatment. However, poor stability, immunogenicity, low cellular uptake rate, and difficulty in endosomal escape are considered the major obstacles in the cancer therapy process, severely limiting the development of clinical translation and application. For efficient and safe transport of RNA into cancer cells, it usually needs to be packaged in appropriate carriers so that it can be taken up by the target cells and then be released to the specific location to perform its function. In this review, we will focus on up-to-date insights of the RNA-based delivery carrier and comprehensively describe its application in cancer therapy. We briefly discuss delivery obstacles in RNA-mediated cancer therapy and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of different carriers (cationic polymers, inorganic nanoparticles, lipids, etc.). In addition, we further summarize and discuss the current RNA therapeutic strategies approved for clinical use. A comprehensive overview of various carriers and emerging delivery strategies for RNA delivery, as well as the current status of clinical applications and practice of RNA medicines are classified and integrated to inspire fresh ideas and breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shuang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhixiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (G.L.)
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17
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Avar M, Heinzer D, Thackray AM, Liu Y, Hruska‐Plochan M, Sellitto S, Schaper E, Pease DP, Yin J, Lakkaraju AKK, Emmenegger M, Losa M, Chincisan A, Hornemann S, Polymenidou M, Bujdoso R, Aguzzi A. An arrayed genome-wide perturbation screen identifies the ribonucleoprotein Hnrnpk as rate-limiting for prion propagation. EMBO J 2022; 41:e112338. [PMID: 36254605 PMCID: PMC9713719 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A defining characteristic of mammalian prions is their capacity for self-sustained propagation. Theoretical considerations and experimental evidence suggest that prion propagation is modulated by cell-autonomous and non-autonomous modifiers. Using a novel quantitative phospholipase protection assay (QUIPPER) for high-throughput prion measurements, we performed an arrayed genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen aimed at detecting cellular host-factors that can modify prion propagation. We exposed prion-infected cells in high-density microplates to 35,364 ternary pools of 52,746 siRNAs targeting 17,582 genes representing the majority of the mouse protein-coding transcriptome. We identified 1,191 modulators of prion propagation. While 1,151 modified the expression of both the pathological prion protein, PrPSc , and its cellular counterpart, PrPC , 40 genes selectively affected PrPSc . Of the latter 40 genes, 20 augmented prion production when suppressed. A prominent limiter of prion propagation was the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein Hnrnpk. Psammaplysene A (PSA), which binds Hnrnpk, reduced prion levels in cultured cells and protected them from cytotoxicity. PSA also reduced prion levels in infected cerebellar organotypic slices and alleviated locomotor deficits in prion-infected Drosophila melanogaster expressing ovine PrPC . Hence, genome-wide QUIPPER-based perturbations can discover actionable cellular pathways involved in prion propagation. Further, the unexpected identification of a prion-controlling ribonucleoprotein suggests a role for RNA in the generation of infectious prions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Avar
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Daniel Heinzer
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Alana M Thackray
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Yingjun Liu
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Stefano Sellitto
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Elke Schaper
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Daniel P Pease
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jiang‐An Yin
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Marc Emmenegger
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Marco Losa
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Andra Chincisan
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Simone Hornemann
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Raymond Bujdoso
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of NeuropathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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18
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Waldron E, Tanhehco YC. Under the Hood: The Molecular Biology Driving Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. Transfus Apher Sci 2022; 61:103566. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2022.103566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Goel K, Ploski JE. RISC-y Business: Limitations of Short Hairpin RNA-Mediated Gene Silencing in the Brain and a Discussion of CRISPR/Cas-Based Alternatives. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:914430. [PMID: 35959108 PMCID: PMC9362770 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.914430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulating gene expression within and outside the nervous system is useful for interrogating gene function and developing therapeutic interventions for a variety of diseases. Several approaches exist which enable gene manipulation in preclinical models, and some of these have been approved to treat human diseases. For the last couple of decades, RNA interference (RNAi) has been a leading technique to knockdown (i.e., suppress) specific RNA expression. This has been partly due to the technology’s simplicity, which has promoted its adoption throughout biomedical science. However, accumulating evidence indicates that this technology can possess significant shortcomings. This review highlights the overwhelming evidence that RNAi can be prone to off-target effects and is capable of inducing cytotoxicity in some cases. With this in mind, we consider alternative CRISPR/Cas-based approaches, which may be safer and more reliable for gene knockdown. We also discuss the pros and cons of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanishk Goel
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan E. Ploski
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan E. Ploski,
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20
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Wang T, Yao Y, Hu X, Zhao Y. Message in hand: the application of CRISPRi, RNAi, and LncRNA in adenocarcinoma. Med Oncol 2022; 39:148. [PMID: 35834017 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01727-7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing interference technology has been flourishing for more than 30 years. It has always been a common means to interfere with the expression of particular genes. Today it has shown a broad application prospect in clinical treatment, especially in adenocarcinoma treatment. In just a few years, the CRISPRi technology has attracted much z attention with its precise targeting and convenient operability significantly promoted the transformation from bench to bedside, and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020. In recent years, the importance of non-coding RNA has led LncRNA research to the center. At the same time, it also recalls the surprises obtained in laboratory and clinic research by RNAi technologies such as microRNA, siRNA, and shRNA at the beginning of the century. Therefore, this article focuses on CRISPRi, RNAi, and LncRNA to review their gene interference mechanisms currently expected to be translational research. Their applications and differences in adenocarcinoma research will also be described powerfully. It will provide a helpful reference for scientists to understand better and apply several RNA interference technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
- Pathology Department, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yunhong Yao
- Pathology Department, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Xinrong Hu
- Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
- Pathology Department, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523713, China.
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21
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Rad SMAH, Halpin JC, Tawinwung S, Suppipat K, Hirankarn N, McLellan AD. MicroRNA‐mediated metabolic reprogramming of chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2022; 100:424-439. [PMID: 35507473 PMCID: PMC9322280 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini Rad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology School of Biomedical Science University of Otago Dunedin Otago New Zealand
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune‐mediated Diseases Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
- Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Joshua Colin Halpin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology School of Biomedical Science University of Otago Dunedin Otago New Zealand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune‐mediated Diseases Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Koramit Suppipat
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune‐mediated Diseases Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nattiya Hirankarn
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune‐mediated Diseases Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
- Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Alexander D McLellan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology School of Biomedical Science University of Otago Dunedin Otago New Zealand
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22
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Lunev E, Karan A, Egorova T, Bardina M. Adeno-Associated Viruses for Modeling Neurological Diseases in Animals: Achievements and Prospects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051140. [PMID: 35625877 PMCID: PMC9139062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have become an attractive tool for efficient gene transfer into animal tissues. Extensively studied as the vehicles for therapeutic constructs in gene therapy, AAVs are also applied for creating animal models of human genetic disorders. Neurological disorders are challenging to model in laboratory animals by transgenesis or genome editing, at least partially due to the embryonic lethality and the timing of the disease onset. Therefore, gene transfer with AAV vectors provides a more flexible option for simulating genetic neurological disorders. Indeed, the design of the AAV expression construct allows the reproduction of various disease-causing mutations, and also drives neuron-specific expression. The natural and newly created AAV serotypes combined with various delivery routes enable differentially targeting neuronal cell types and brain areas in vivo. Moreover, the same viral vector can be used to reproduce the main features of the disorder in mice, rats, and large laboratory animals such as non-human primates. The current review demonstrates the general principles for the development and use of AAVs in modeling neurological diseases. The latest achievements in AAV-mediated modeling of the common (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ataxias, etc.) and ultra-rare disorders affecting the central nervous system are described. The use of AAVs to create multiple animal models of neurological disorders opens opportunities for studying their mechanisms, understanding the main pathological features, and testing therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Lunev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Anna Karan
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Tatiana Egorova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Maryana Bardina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
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23
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Yadav K, Singh D, Singh MR, Minz S, Sahu KK, Kaurav M, Pradhan M. Dermal nanomedicine: Uncovering the ability of nucleic acid to alleviate autoimmune and other related skin disorders. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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24
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Secondary structure RNA elements control the cleavage activity of DICER. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2138. [PMID: 35440644 PMCID: PMC9018771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29822-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate and efficient cleavage of shRNAs and pre-miRNAs by DICER is crucial for their gene-silencing activity. Here, we conduct high-throughput DICER cleavage assays for more than ~20,000 different shRNAs and show the comprehensive cleavage activities of DICER on these sequences. We discover a single-nucleotide bulge (22-bulge), which facilitates the cleavage activity of DICER on shRNAs and human pre-miRNAs. As a result, this 22-bulge enhances the gene-silencing activity of shRNAs and the accuracy of miRNA biogenesis. In addition, various single-nucleotide polymorphism-edited 22-bulges are found to govern the cleavage sites of DICER on pre-miRNAs and thereby control their functions. Finally, we identify the single cleavage of DICER and reveal its molecular mechanism. Our findings improve the understanding of the DICER cleavage mechanism, provide a foundation for the design of accurate and efficient shRNAs for gene-silencing, and indicate the function of bulges in regulating miRNA biogenesis. MicroRNA precursors are cleaved by DICER to generate mature microRNAs in the cytoplasm. Here the authors employ high-throughput analysis of DICER cleavage activity and identify RNA secondary elements in precursor miRNAs and shRNAs, including a single nucleotide bulge, which govern its cleavage efficiency and accuracy.
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25
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Elucidation of the conformational dynamics and assembly of Argonaute−RNA complexes by distinct yet coordinated actions of the supplementary microRNA. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1352-1365. [PMID: 35356544 PMCID: PMC8933676 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute (AGO) proteins, the core of RNA-induced silencing complex, are guided by microRNAs (miRNAs) to recognize target RNA for repression. The miRNA–target RNA recognition forms initially through pairing at the seed region while the additional supplementary pairing can enhance target recognition and compensate for seed mismatch. The extension of miRNA lengths can strengthen the target affinity when pairing both in the seed and supplementary regions. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of the supplementary pairing on the conformational dynamics and the assembly of AGO–RNA complex remains poorly understood. To address this, we performed large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of AGO–RNA complexes with different pairing patterns and miRNA lengths. The results reveal that the additional supplementary pairing can not only strengthen the interaction between miRNA and target RNA, but also induce the increased plasticity of the PAZ domain and enhance the domain connectivity among the PAZ, PIWI, N domains of the AGO protein. The strong community network between these domains tightens the mouth of the supplementary chamber of AGO protein, which prevents the escape of target RNA from the complex and shields it from solvent water attack. Importantly, the inner stronger matching pairs between the miRNA and target RNA can compensate for weaker mismatches at the edge of supplementary region. These findings provide guidance for the design of miRNA mimics and anti-miRNAs for both clinical and experimental use and open the way for further engineering of AGO proteins as a new tool in the field of gene regulation.
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26
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Sun J, Li Y, Yang X, Dong W, Yang J, Hu Q, Zhang C, Fang H, Liu A. Growth differentiation factor 11 accelerates liver senescence through the inhibition of autophagy. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13532. [PMID: 34905649 PMCID: PMC8761011 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The “rejuvenating” effect of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is called into question recently, and its role, as well as plausible signaling mechanisms in liver senescence, is unclear. To overexpress or knockdown GDF11, aged male mice are injected with a single dose of adeno‐associated viruses‐GDF11 or adenovirus‐small hairpin RNA‐GDF11, respectively. GDF11 overexpression significantly accelerates liver senescence in aged mice, whereas GDF11 knockdown has opposite effects. Concomitantly, autophagic flux is impaired in livers from GDF11 overexpression mice. Conversely, GDF11 knockdown increases autophagic flux. Moreover, rapamycin successfully restores the impaired autophagic flux and alleviates liver senescence in GDF11 overexpression mice, while the GDF11 knockdown‐mediated benefits are abolished by the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1. GDF11 leads to a drop in lysosomal biogenesis resulting in defective autophagic flux at autophagosome clearance step. Mechanistically, GDF11 significantly activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and subsequently represses transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Inhibition of mTORC1 or TFEB overexpression rescues the GDF11‐impaired autophagic flux and cellular senescence. Hepatocyte‐specific deletion of GDF11 does not alter serum GDF11 levels and liver senescence. Collectively, suppression of autophagic activity via mTORC1/TFEB signaling may be a critical molecular mechanism by which GDF11 exacerbates liver senescence. Rather than a “rejuvenating” agent, GDF11 may have a detrimental effect on liver senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital,Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital,Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Ying Li
- Experimental Medicine Center Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Wei Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary Diseases Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery Wuhan, Hubei China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation,Ministry of Education;NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Jiankun Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Qi Hu
- Department of Geriatrics Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Haoshu Fang
- Department of Pathophysiology Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Anding Liu
- Experimental Medicine Center Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei China
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27
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Animal models of developmental dyslexia: Where we are and what we are missing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1180-1197. [PMID: 34699847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common learning disability among both school-aged children and across languages. Recently, sensory and cognitive mechanisms have been reported to be potential endophenotypes (EPs) for DD, and nine DD-candidate genes have been identified. Animal models have been used to investigate the etiopathological pathways that underlie the development of complex traits, as they enable the effects of genetic and/or environmental manipulations to be evaluated. Animal research designs have also been linked to cutting-edge clinical research questions by capitalizing on the use of EPs. For the present scoping review, we reviewed previous studies of murine models investigating the effects of DD-candidate genes. Moreover, we highlighted the use of animal models as an innovative way to unravel new insights behind the pathophysiology of reading (dis)ability and to assess cutting-edge preclinical models.
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Rinoldi C, Zargarian SS, Nakielski P, Li X, Liguori A, Petronella F, Presutti D, Wang Q, Costantini M, De Sio L, Gualandi C, Ding B, Pierini F. Nanotechnology-Assisted RNA Delivery: From Nucleic Acid Therapeutics to COVID-19 Vaccines. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2100402. [PMID: 34514087 PMCID: PMC8420172 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the main quest of science has been the pioneering of the groundbreaking biomedical strategies needed for achieving a personalized medicine. Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are outstanding bioactive macromolecules identified as pivotal actors in regulating a wide range of biochemical pathways. The ability to intimately control the cell fate and tissue activities makes RNA-based drugs the most fascinating family of bioactive agents. However, achieving a widespread application of RNA therapeutics in humans is still a challenging feat, due to both the instability of naked RNA and the presence of biological barriers aimed at hindering the entrance of RNA into cells. Recently, material scientists' enormous efforts have led to the development of various classes of nanostructured carriers customized to overcome these limitations. This work systematically reviews the current advances in developing the next generation of drugs based on nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery. The features of the most used RNA molecules are presented, together with the development strategies and properties of nanostructured vehicles. Also provided is an in-depth overview of various therapeutic applications of the presented systems, including coronavirus disease vaccines and the newest trends in the field. Lastly, emerging challenges and future perspectives for nanotechnology-mediated RNA therapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rinoldi
- Department of Biosystems and Soft MatterInstitute of Fundamental Technological ResearchPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawińskiego 5BWarsaw02‐106Poland
| | - Seyed Shahrooz Zargarian
- Department of Biosystems and Soft MatterInstitute of Fundamental Technological ResearchPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawińskiego 5BWarsaw02‐106Poland
| | - Pawel Nakielski
- Department of Biosystems and Soft MatterInstitute of Fundamental Technological ResearchPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawińskiego 5BWarsaw02‐106Poland
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and TechnologyDonghua UniversityWest Yan'an Road 1882Shanghai200051China
| | - Anna Liguori
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of BolognaUniversity of BolognaVia Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Francesca Petronella
- Institute of Crystallography CNR‐ICNational Research Council of ItalyVia Salaria Km 29.300Monterotondo – Rome00015Italy
| | - Dario Presutti
- Institute of Physical ChemistryPolish Academy of Sciencesul. M. Kasprzaka 44/52Warsaw01‐224Poland
| | - Qiusheng Wang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and TechnologyDonghua UniversityWest Yan'an Road 1882Shanghai200051China
| | - Marco Costantini
- Institute of Physical ChemistryPolish Academy of Sciencesul. M. Kasprzaka 44/52Warsaw01‐224Poland
| | - Luciano De Sio
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesResearch Center for BiophotonicsSapienza University of RomeCorso della Repubblica 79Latina04100Italy
- CNR‐Lab. LicrylInstitute NANOTECArcavacata di Rende87036Italy
| | - Chiara Gualandi
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of BolognaUniversity of BolognaVia Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Advanced Applications in Mechanical Engineering and Materials TechnologyCIRI‐MAMUniversity of BolognaViale Risorgimento 2Bologna40136Italy
| | - Bin Ding
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and TechnologyDonghua UniversityWest Yan'an Road 1882Shanghai200051China
| | - Filippo Pierini
- Department of Biosystems and Soft MatterInstitute of Fundamental Technological ResearchPolish Academy of Sciencesul. Pawińskiego 5BWarsaw02‐106Poland
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29
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Zhiyanov A, Nersisyan S, Tonevitsky A. Hairpin sequence and structure is associated with features of isomiR biogenesis. RNA Biol 2021; 18:430-438. [PMID: 34286662 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1952759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNA isoforms (isomiRs) are single stranded small RNAs originating from the same pri-miRNA hairpin as a result of cleavage by Drosha and Dicer enzymes. Variations at the 5'-end of a miRNA alter the seed region of the molecule, thus affecting the targetome of the miRNA. In this manuscript, we analysed the distribution of miRNA cleavage positions across 31 different cancers using miRNA sequencing data of TCGA project. As a result, we found that the processing positions are not tissue specific and that all miRNAs could be correctly classified as ones exhibiting homogeneous or heterogeneous cleavage at one of the four cleavage sites. In 42% of cases (42 out of 100 miRNAs), we observed imprecise 5'-end Dicer cleavage, while this fraction was only 14% for Drosha (14 out of 99). To the contrary, almost all cleavage sites of 3'-ends (either Drosha or Dicer) were heterogeneous. With the use of only four nucleotides surrounding a 5'-end Dicer cleavage position we built a model which allowed us to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous cleavage with the reliable quality (ROC AUC = 0.68). Finally, we showed the possible applications of the study by the analysis of two 5'-end isoforms originating from the same exogeneous shRNA hairpin. It turned out that the less expressed shRNA variant was functionally active, which led to the increased off-targeting. Thus, the obtained results could be applied to the design of shRNAs whose processing will result in a single 5'-variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Zhiyanov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan Nersisyan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
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30
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Herrera-Carrillo E, Gao Z, Berkhout B. CRISPR therapy towards an HIV cure. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 19:201-208. [PMID: 31711197 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tools based on RNA interference (RNAi) and the recently developed clustered regularly short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system enable the selective modification of gene expression, which also makes them attractive therapeutic reagents for combating HIV infection and other infectious diseases. Several parallels can be drawn between the RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 platforms. An ideal RNAi or CRISPR-Cas9 therapeutic strategy for treating infectious or genetic diseases should exhibit potency, high specificity and safety. However, therapeutic applications of RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 have been challenged by several major limitations, some of which can be overcome by optimal design of the therapy or the design of improved reagents. In this review, we will discuss some advantages and limitations of anti-HIV strategies based on RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 with a focus on the efficiency, specificity, off-target effects and delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Department of Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Experimental Virology Amsterdam UMC, AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zongliang Gao
- Department of Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Experimental Virology Amsterdam UMC, AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Department of Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Experimental Virology Amsterdam UMC, AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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31
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Wang D, Sang Y, Sun T, Kong P, Zhang L, Dai Y, Cao Y, Tao Z, Liu W. Emerging roles and mechanisms of microRNA‑222‑3p in human cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:20. [PMID: 33760107 PMCID: PMC7979259 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of small non‑coding RNAs that maintain the precise balance of various physiological processes through regulating the function of target mRNAs. Dysregulation of miRNAs is closely associated with various types of human cancer. miR‑222‑3p is considered a canonical factor affecting the expression and signal transduction of multiple genes involved in tumor occurrence and progression. miR‑222‑3p in human biofluids, such as urine and plasma, may be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of tumors. In addition, miR‑222‑3p acts as a prognostic factor for the survival of patients with cancer. The present review first summarizes and discusses the role of miR‑222‑3p as a biomarker for diverse types of cancers, and then focuses on its essential roles in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. Finally, the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of miR‑222‑3p at the molecular level are summarized. Overall, the current evidence highlights the crucial role of miR‑222‑3p in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Piaoping Kong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yibei Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Tao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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32
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Thavarajah W, Hertz LM, Bushhouse DZ, Archuleta CM, Lucks JB. RNA Engineering for Public Health: Innovations in RNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:263-286. [PMID: 33900805 PMCID: PMC9714562 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101420-014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA is essential for cellular function: From sensing intra- and extracellular signals to controlling gene expression, RNA mediates a diverse and expansive list of molecular processes. A long-standing goal of synthetic biology has been to develop RNA engineering principles that can be used to harness and reprogram these RNA-mediated processes to engineer biological systems to solve pressing global challenges. Recent advances in the field of RNA engineering are bringing this to fruition, enabling the creation of RNA-based tools to combat some of the most urgent public health crises. Specifically, new diagnostics using engineered RNAs are able to detect both pathogens and chemicals while generating an easily detectable fluorescent signal as an indicator. New classes of vaccines and therapeutics are also using engineered RNAs to target a wide range of genetic and pathogenic diseases. Here, we discuss the recent breakthroughs in RNA engineering enabling these innovations and examine how advances in RNA design promise to accelerate the impact of engineered RNA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Laura M Hertz
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - David Z Bushhouse
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Chloé M Archuleta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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33
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Zhao J, Wang H, Zhou J, Qian J, Yang H, Zhou Y, Ding H, Gong Y, Qi X, Jiao Y, Ying P, Tang L, Sun Y, Zhu W. miR-130a-3p, a Preclinical Therapeutic Target for Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2021; 15:647-664. [PMID: 33022049 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease [CD] is a chronic, relapsing and incurable inflammatory disorder. Micro RNAs [miRNAs], which modulate gene expression by binding to mRNAs, may make significant contributions to understanding the complex pathobiology and aetiology of CD. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic role and mechanism of miR-130a-3p in CD. METHODS Differentially expressed miRNAs in colon tissues of CD patients and normal controls [NCs] were screened using an miRNA microarray and then validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR [qRT-PCR]. The functional role of miR-130a-3p in the pathogenesis of CD was then demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. The target genes of miR-130a-3p and the associated signalling pathways were identified using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification of the interactions between the target predicted by the algorithms and dysregulated mRNAs. The therapeutic role of miR-130a-3p in trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid [TNBS]-induced colitis models was further investigated. RESULTS Our data demonstrated that miR-130a-3p is the most significantly upregulated miRNA and that miR-130a knockout significantly protects mice against TNBS-induced colitis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that miR-130a-3p promotes CD development by targeting ATG16L1 via the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, an miR-130a-3p inhibitor significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activity by inducing autophagy in a mouse macrophage cell line [RAW264.7]. Therapeutically, an miR-130a-3p inhibitor effectively ameliorated the severity of TNBS-induced colitis. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that miR-130a-3p promotes CD progression via the ATG16L1/NF-κB pathway and serves as a potential preclinical therapeutic target in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Honggang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou People's Hospital, Medical School of Nantong University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwen Jiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pu Ying
- Department of Orthopedics, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liming Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Abstract
Delivery of genetic material to tissues in vivo is an important technique used in research settings and is the foundation upon which clinical gene therapy is built. The lung is a prime target for gene delivery due to a host of genetic, acquired, and infectious diseases that manifest themselves there, resulting in many pathologies. However, the in vivo delivery of genetic material to the lung remains a practical problem clinically and is considered the major obstacle needed to be overcome for gene therapy. Currently there are four main strategies for in vivo gene delivery to the lung: viral vectors, liposomes, nanoparticles, and electroporation. Viral delivery uses several different genetically modified viruses that enter the cell and express desired genes that have been inserted to the viral genome. Liposomes use combinations of charged and neutral lipids that can encapsulate genetic cargo and enter cells through endogenous mechanisms, thereby delivering their cargoes. Nanoparticles are defined by their size (typically less than 100 nm) and are made up of many different classes of building blocks, including biological and synthetic polymers, cell penetrant and other peptides, and dendrimers, that also enter cells through endogenous mechanisms. Electroporation uses mild to moderate electrical pulses to create pores in the cell membrane through which delivered genetic material can enter a cell. An emerging fifth category, exosomes and extracellular vesicles, may have advantages of both viral and non-viral approaches. These extracellular vesicles bud from cellular membranes containing receptors and ligands that may aid cell targeting and which can be loaded with genetic material for efficient transfer. Each of these vectors can be used for different gene delivery applications based on mechanisms of action, side-effects, and other factors, and their use in the lung and possible clinical considerations is the primary focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday K Baliga
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David A Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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35
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Kotowska-Zimmer A, Pewinska M, Olejniczak M. Artificial miRNAs as therapeutic tools: Challenges and opportunities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1640. [PMID: 33386705 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been used for almost two decades to study gene functions and in therapeutic approaches. It uses cellular machinery and small, designed RNAs in the form of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or vector-based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) to inhibit a gene of interest. Artificial miRNAs, known also as miRNA mimics, shRNA-miRs, or pri-miRNA-like shRNAs have the most complex structures and undergo two-step processing in cells to form mature siRNAs, which are RNAi effectors. AmiRNAs are composed of a target-specific siRNA insert and scaffold based on a natural primary miRNA (pri-miRNA). siRNAs serve as a guide to search for complementary sequences in transcripts, whereas pri-miRNA scaffolds ensure proper processing and transport. The dynamics of siRNA maturation and siRNA levels in the cell resemble those of endogenous miRNAs; therefore amiRNAs are safer than other RNAi triggers. Delivered as viral vectors and expressed under tissue-specific polymerase II (Pol II) promoters, amiRNAs provide long-lasting silencing and expression in selected tissues. Therefore, amiRNAs are useful therapeutic tools for a broad spectrum of human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers and viral infections. Recent reports on the role of sequence and structure in pri-miRNA processing may contribute to the improvement of the amiRNA tools. In addition, the success of a recently initiated clinical trial for Huntington's disease could pave the way for other amiRNA-based therapies, if proven effective and safe. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kotowska-Zimmer
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marianna Pewinska
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Olejniczak
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS, Poznan, Poland
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36
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Khan AH, Lin A, Wang RT, Bloom JS, Lange K, Smith DJ. Pooled analysis of radiation hybrids identifies loci for growth and drug action in mammalian cells. Genome Res 2020; 30:1458-1467. [PMID: 32878976 PMCID: PMC7605260 DOI: 10.1101/gr.262204.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic screens in mammalian cells commonly focus on loss-of-function approaches. To evaluate the phenotypic consequences of extra gene copies, we used bulk segregant analysis (BSA) of radiation hybrid (RH) cells. We constructed six pools of RH cells, each consisting of ∼2500 independent clones, and placed the pools under selection in media with or without paclitaxel. Low pass sequencing identified 859 growth loci, 38 paclitaxel loci, 62 interaction loci, and three loci for mitochondrial abundance at genome-wide significance. Resolution was measured as ∼30 kb, close to single-gene. Divergent properties were displayed by the RH-BSA growth genes compared to those from loss-of-function screens, refuting the balance hypothesis. In addition, enhanced retention of human centromeres in the RH pools suggests a new approach to functional dissection of these chromosomal elements. Pooled analysis of RH cells showed high power and resolution and should be a useful addition to the mammalian genetic toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad H Khan
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1735, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- Office of Information Technology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1557, USA
| | - Richard T Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7088, USA
| | - Joshua S Bloom
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7088, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7088, USA
| | - Kenneth Lange
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7088, USA
| | - Desmond J Smith
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1735, USA
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37
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Sheng P, Flood KA, Xie M. Short Hairpin RNAs for Strand-Specific Small Interfering RNA Production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:940. [PMID: 32850763 PMCID: PMC7427337 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective mechanism for inhibiting gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Expression of a messenger RNA (mRNA) can be inhibited by a ∼22-nucleotide (nt) small interfering (si)RNA with the corresponding reverse complementary sequence. Typically, a duplex of siRNA, composed of the desired siRNA and a passenger strand, is processed from a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) precursor by Dicer. Subsequently, one strand of the siRNA duplex is associated with Argonaute (Ago) protein for RNAi. Although RNAi is widely used, the off-target effect induced by the passenger strand remains a potential problem. Here, based on current understanding of endogenous precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) hairpins, called Ago-shRNA and m7G-capped pre-miRNA, we discuss the principles of shRNA designs that produce a single siRNA from one strand of the hairpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peike Sheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Krystal A Flood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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38
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Bofill-De Ros X, Chen K, Chen S, Tesic N, Randjelovic D, Skundric N, Nesic S, Varjacic V, Williams EH, Malhotra R, Jiang M, Gu S. QuagmiR: a cloud-based application for isomiR big data analytics. Bioinformatics 2020; 35:1576-1578. [PMID: 30295744 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/bty843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as master regulators of gene expression. Recent studies demonstrate that miRNA isoforms (isomiRs) play a unique role in cancer development. Here, we present QuagmiR, the first cloud-based tool to analyze isomiRs from next generation sequencing data. Using a novel and flexible searching algorithm designed for the detection and annotation of heterogeneous isomiRs, it permits extensive customization of the query process and reference databases to meet the user 's diverse research needs. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION QuagmiR is written in Python and can be obtained freely from GitHub (https://github.com/Gu-Lab-RBL-NCI/QuagmiR). QuagmiR can be run from the command line on local machines, as well as on high-performance servers. A web-accessible version of the tool has also been made available for use by academic researchers through the National Cancer Institute-funded Seven Bridges Cancer Genomics Cloud (https://cancergenomicscloud.org). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bofill-De Ros
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Chen
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Susanna Chen
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Minjie Jiang
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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39
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Yu X, Fang X, Xiao H, Zhao Z, Maak S, Wang M, Yang R. The effect of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 on triglyceride synthesis in bovine preadipocytes. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:257-264. [PMID: 31807636 PMCID: PMC6859912 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-257-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 (ACSL5)
is a member of the acyl coenzyme A (CoA) long-chain synthase families (ACSLs), and it
plays a key role in fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we proved an association
between the ACSL5 gene and triglyceride metabolism at the cellular
level in cattle. pBI-CMV3-ACSL5 and pGPU6/GFP/Neo-ACSL5 plasmids were
constructed and transfected into bovine preadipocytes by electroporation. The expression
level of ACSL5 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. The
triglyceride content was detected by a triglyceride kit. The results indicated that the
expression level of ACSL5 mRNA and protein in the
pBI-CMV3-ACSL5-transfected group was significantly increased compared with those
in the control group. Furthermore, the pGPU6/GFP/Neo-ACSL5-transfected group was
significantly decreased compared with those in the control group. A cell triglyceride
test showed that overexpression or silencing of the ACSL5 gene could affect
synthesis of cellular triglycerides. This study investigated the mechanism of ACSL on
bovine fat deposition, and also provides a new candidate gene for meat quality traits in
beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Xibi Fang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Hang Xiao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China.,College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, P. R. China
| | - Steffen Maak
- Institute of Muscle Biology and Growth, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, 18196, Germany
| | - Mengyan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Runjun Yang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
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40
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Zimmer AM, Pan YK, Chandrapalan T, Kwong RWM, Perry SF. Loss-of-function approaches in comparative physiology: is there a future for knockdown experiments in the era of genome editing? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/7/jeb175737. [PMID: 30948498 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.175737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function technologies, such as morpholino- and RNAi-mediated gene knockdown, and TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, are widely used to investigate gene function and its physiological significance. Here, we provide a general overview of the various knockdown and knockout technologies commonly used in comparative physiology and discuss the merits and drawbacks of these technologies with a particular focus on research conducted in zebrafish. Despite their widespread use, there is an ongoing debate surrounding the use of knockdown versus knockout approaches and their potential off-target effects. This debate is primarily fueled by the observations that, in some studies, knockout mutants exhibit phenotypes different from those observed in response to knockdown using morpholinos or RNAi. We discuss the current debate and focus on the discrepancies between knockdown and knockout phenotypes, providing literature and primary data to show that the different phenotypes are not necessarily a direct result of the off-target effects of the knockdown agents used. Nevertheless, given the recent evidence of some knockdown phenotypes being recapitulated in knockout mutants lacking the morpholino or RNAi target, we stress that results of knockdown experiments need to be interpreted with caution. We ultimately argue that knockdown experiments should not be discontinued if proper control experiments are performed, and that with careful interpretation, knockdown approaches remain useful to complement the limitations of knockout studies (e.g. lethality of knockout and compensatory responses).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Yihang K Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | | | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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41
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Haldeman JM, Conway AE, Arlotto ME, Slentz DH, Muoio DM, Becker TC, Newgard CB. Creation of versatile cloning platforms for transgene expression and dCas9-based epigenome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e23. [PMID: 30590691 PMCID: PMC6393299 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic manipulation via transgene overexpression, RNAi, or Cas9-based methods is central to biomedical research. Unfortunately, use of these tools is often limited by vector options. We have created a modular platform (pMVP) that allows a gene of interest to be studied in the context of an array of promoters, epitope tags, conditional expression modalities, and fluorescent reporters, packaged in 35 custom destination vectors, including adenovirus, lentivirus, PiggyBac transposon, and Sleeping Beauty transposon, in aggregate >108,000 vector permutations. We also used pMVP to build an epigenetic engineering platform, pMAGIC, that packages multiple gRNAs and either Sa-dCas9 or x-dCas9(3.7) fused to one of five epigenetic modifiers. Importantly, via its compatibility with adenoviral vectors, pMAGIC uniquely enables use of dCas9/LSD1 fusions to interrogate enhancers within primary cells. To demonstrate this, we used pMAGIC to target Sa-dCas9/LSD1 and modify the epigenetic status of a conserved enhancer, resulting in altered expression of the homeobox transcription factor PDX1 and its target genes in pancreatic islets and insulinoma cells. In sum, the pMVP and pMAGIC systems empower researchers to rapidly generate purpose-built, customized vectors for manipulation of gene expression, including via targeted epigenetic modification of regulatory elements in a broad range of disease-relevant cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Haldeman
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Amanda E Conway
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Michelle E Arlotto
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Dorothy H Slentz
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Deborah M Muoio
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Thomas C Becker
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Christopher B Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
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42
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Koczka K, Ernst W, Palmberger D, Klausberger M, Nika L, Grabherr R. Development of a Dual-Vector System Utilizing MicroRNA Mimics of the Autographa californica miR-1 for an Inducible Knockdown in Insect Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E533. [PMID: 30691228 PMCID: PMC6387257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is a popular tool for the manufacturing of various attractive recombinant products. Over the years, several attempts have been made to engineer and further improve this production platform by targeting host or baculoviral genes by RNA interference. In this study, an inducible knockdown system was established in insect (Sf9) cells by combining an artificial microRNA precursor mimic of baculoviral origin and the bacteriophage T7 transcription machinery. Four structurally different artificial precursor constructs were created and tested in a screening assay. The most efficient artificial microRNA construct resulted in a 69% reduction in the fluorescence intensity of the target enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP). Next, recombinant baculoviruses were created carrying either the selected artificial precursor mimic under the transcriptional control of the T7 promoter or solely the T7 RNA polymerase under a baculoviral promoter. Upon co-infecting Sf9 cells with these two viruses, the fluorescence intensity of eYFP was suppressed by ~30⁻40% on the protein level. The reduction in the target mRNA level was demonstrated with real-time quantitative PCR. The presented inducible knockdown system may serve as an important and valuable tool for basic baculovirus-insect cell research and for the improvement of production processes using this platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Koczka
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Ernst
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dieter Palmberger
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lisa Nika
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Reingard Grabherr
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology - acib, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
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43
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Park SK, Kee Y, Hwang BJ. Enhancement of gene knockdown efficiency by CNNC motifs in the intronic shRNA precursor. Genes Genomics 2019; 41:491-498. [PMID: 30656519 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-019-00783-0] [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: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) expressed from vectors have been used as an effective means of exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in mammalian cells. Of several methods to express shRNA, a method of transcribing shRNAs embedded in microRNA precursors has been more widely used than the one that directly expresses shRNA from RNA polymerase III promoters because the microRNA precursor form of shRNA is known to cause lower levels of cytotoxicity and off-target effects than the overexpressed shRNAs from the RNA polymerase III promoters. OBJECTIVE We study the primary sequence features of microRNA precursors, which enhance their processing into mature form, helps design more potent shRNA precursors embedded in microRNA precursors. METHODS We measure the enhancement of gene knockdown efficiency by adding CNNC motifs in the 3' flanking region of shRNA precursor embedded in the human miR-30a microRNA precursor. RESULTS By systemically adding three CNNC motifs in the 3' flanking region of shRNA precursor, we found that addition of two CNNC motifs saturates their enhanced knockdown ability of shRNA and that the CNNC motif in the + 17 to + 20 from the drosha cleavage site is most important for the shRNA-mediated target gene knock down. We also did see little knockdown of target gene expression by the shRNA precursor lacking CNNC motif. CONCLUSION Since genetic studies generally require techniques that could reduce gene expression at different degrees, the findings in this study will allow us to use RNAi for genetic studies of reducing gene expression at different degrees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Kyun Park
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kee
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Joon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Bofill-De Ros X, Kasprzak WK, Bhandari Y, Fan L, Cavanaugh Q, Jiang M, Dai L, Yang A, Shao TJ, Shapiro BA, Wang YX, Gu S. Structural Differences between Pri-miRNA Paralogs Promote Alternative Drosha Cleavage and Expand Target Repertoires. Cell Rep 2019; 26:447-459.e4. [PMID: 30625327 PMCID: PMC6369706 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) processing begins with Drosha cleavage, the fidelity of which is critical for downstream processing and mature miRNA target specificity. To understand how pri-miRNA sequence and structure influence Drosha cleavage, we studied the maturation of three pri-miR-9 paralogs, which encode the same mature miRNA but differ in the surrounding scaffold. We show that pri-miR-9-1 has a unique Drosha cleavage profile due to its distorted and flexible stem structure. Cleavage of pri-miR-9-1, but not pri-miR-9-2 or pri-miR-9-3, generates an alternative miR-9 with a shifted seed sequence that expands the scope of its target RNAs. Analyses of low-grade glioma patient samples indicate that the alternative-miR-9 has a potential role in tumor progression. Furthermore, we provide evidence that distortion of pri-miRNA stems induced by asymmetric internal loops correlates with Drosha cleavage at non-canonical sites. Our studies reveal that pri-miRNA paralogs can have distinct functions via differential Drosha processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bofill-De Ros
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wojciech K Kasprzak
- Basic Science Program, RNA Biology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yuba Bhandari
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section, Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lixin Fan
- Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Core Facility, Center for Cancer Research of the National Cancer Institute, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Quinn Cavanaugh
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Minjie Jiang
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lisheng Dai
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Acong Yang
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tie-Juan Shao
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; School of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Bruce A Shapiro
- RNA Structure and Design Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yun-Xing Wang
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section, Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Mediated Gene Regulation Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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45
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Edholm ES, Robert J. RNAi-Mediated Loss of Function of Xenopus Immune Genes by Transgenesis. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2018; 2018:pdb.prot101519. [PMID: 29382811 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Generation of transgenic frogs through the stable integration of foreign DNA into the genome is well established in Xenopus This protocol describes the combination of transgenesis with stable RNA interference as an efficient reverse genetic approach to study gene function in Xenopus Initially developed in the fish medaka and later adapted to Xenopus, this transgenic method uses the I-SceI meganuclease, a "rare-cutter" endonuclease with an 18 bp recognition sequence. In this protocol, transgenic X. laevis with knocked down expression of a specific gene are generated using a double promoter expression cassette. This cassette, which is flanked by I-SceI recognition sites, contains the shRNA of choice under the control of the human U6 promoter and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene under the control of the human EF-1α promoter. Prior to microinjection the plasmid is linearized by digestion with I-SceI and the entire reaction is then microinjected into one-cell stage eggs. The highly stringent recognition sequence of I-SceI is thought to maintain the linearized plasmid in a nonconcatamerized state, which promotes random integration of the plasmid transgene in the genome. The injected embryos are reared until larval stage 56 and then screened for GFP expression by fluorescence microscopy and assessed for effective knockdown by quantitative RT-PCR using a tail biopsy. Typically, the I-SceI meganuclease transgenesis technique results in 35%-50% transgenesis efficiency, a high survival rate (>35%) and bright nonmosaic GFP expression. A key advantage of this technique is that the high efficiency and nonmosaic transgene expression permit the direct use of F0 animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Stina Edholm
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14620
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14620
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46
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Masliah G, Maris C, König SL, Yulikov M, Aeschimann F, Malinowska AL, Mabille J, Weiler J, Holla A, Hunziker J, Meisner-Kober N, Schuler B, Jeschke G, Allain FHT. Structural basis of siRNA recognition by TRBP double-stranded RNA binding domains. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201797089. [PMID: 29449323 PMCID: PMC5852647 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate cleavage of pre‐micro(mi)RNAs by Dicer and mi/siRNA guide strand selection are important steps in forming the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC). The role of Dicer binding partner TRBP in these processes remains poorly understood. Here, we solved the solution structure of the two N‐terminal dsRNA binding domains (dsRBDs) of TRBP in complex with a functionally asymmetric siRNA using NMR, EPR, and single‐molecule spectroscopy. We find that siRNA recognition by the dsRBDs is not sequence‐specific but rather depends on the RNA shape. The two dsRBDs can swap their binding sites, giving rise to two equally populated, pseudo‐symmetrical complexes, showing that TRBP is not a primary sensor of siRNA asymmetry. Using our structure to model a Dicer‐TRBP‐siRNA ternary complex, we show that TRBP's dsRBDs and Dicer's RNase III domains bind a canonical 19 base pair siRNA on opposite sides, supporting a mechanism whereby TRBP influences Dicer‐mediated cleavage accuracy by binding the dsRNA region of the pre‐miRNA during Dicer cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregoire Masliah
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Maris
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Maxim Yulikov
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna L Malinowska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julie Mabille
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Weiler
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Holla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Hunziker
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Benjamin Schuler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gunnar Jeschke
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frederic H-T Allain
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Shapiro
- RNA Structure and Design Section, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Stuart F J Le Grice
- RT Biochemistry Section, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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48
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Guidi LG, Mattley J, Martinez-Garay I, Monaco AP, Linden JF, Velayos-Baeza A, Molnár Z. Knockout Mice for Dyslexia Susceptibility Gene Homologs KIAA0319 and KIAA0319L have Unaffected Neuronal Migration but Display Abnormal Auditory Processing. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:5831-5845. [PMID: 29045729 PMCID: PMC5939205 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects reading ability caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. Amongst the susceptibility genes identified to date, KIAA0319 is a prime candidate. RNA-interference experiments in rats suggested its involvement in cortical migration but we could not confirm these findings in Kiaa0319-mutant mice. Given its homologous gene Kiaa0319L (AU040320) has also been proposed to play a role in neuronal migration, we interrogated whether absence of AU040320 alone or together with KIAA0319 affects migration in the developing brain. Analyses of AU040320 and double Kiaa0319;AU040320 knockouts (dKO) revealed no evidence for impaired cortical lamination, neuronal migration, neurogenesis or other anatomical abnormalities. However, dKO mice displayed an auditory deficit in a behavioral gap-in-noise detection task. In addition, recordings of click-evoked auditory brainstem responses revealed suprathreshold deficits in wave III amplitude in AU040320-KO mice, and more general deficits in dKOs. These findings suggest that absence of AU040320 disrupts firing and/or synchrony of activity in the auditory brainstem, while loss of both proteins might affect both peripheral and central auditory function. Overall, these results stand against the proposed role of KIAA0319 and AU040320 in neuronal migration and outline their relationship with deficits in the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz G Guidi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Jane Mattley
- Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK
| | - Isabel Martinez-Garay
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Anthony P Monaco
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Current address: Office of the President, Ballou Hall, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jennifer F Linden
- Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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49
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Gao Z, Herrera-Carrillo E, Berkhout B. Delineation of the Exact Transcription Termination Signal for Type 3 Polymerase III. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 10:36-44. [PMID: 29499947 PMCID: PMC5725217 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Type 3 Pol III promoters such as U6 are widely used for expression of small RNAs, including short hairpin RNA for RNAi applications and guide RNA in CRISPR genome-editing platforms. RNA polymerase III uses a T-stretch as termination signal, but the exact properties have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we systematically measured the in vivo termination efficiency and the actual site of termination for different T-stretch signals in three commonly used human Pol III promoters (U6, 7SK, and H1). Both the termination efficiency and the actual termination site depend on the T-stretch signal. The T4 signal acts as minimal terminator, but full termination efficiency is reached only with a T-stretch of ≥6. The termination site within the T-stretch is quite heterogeneous, and consequently small RNAs have a variable U-tail of 1–6 nucleotides. We further report that such variable U-tails can have a significant negative effect on the functionality of the crRNA effector of the CRISPR-AsCpf1 system. We next improved these crRNAs by insertion of the HDV ribozyme to avoid U-tails. This study provides detailed design guidelines for small RNA expression cassettes based on Pol III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Gao
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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50
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Du X, Cai Y, Xi W, Zhang R, Jia L, Yang A, Zhao J, Yan B. Multi‑target inhibition by four tandem shRNAs embedded in homo‑ or hetero‑miRNA backbones. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:307-314. [PMID: 29115602 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional influence of microRNA (miRNA)backbone selection remains unclear with respect to multiplexing miRNA‑based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAmiRs), due to a lack of comparative studies. To this end, a pair of shRNAmiR tetramers were designed in the present study that targeted four genes with a shared miR30a backbone (homo‑BB) or four miRNA backbones (hetero‑BB). A PBLT+ 293A cell line overexpressing four targets was established, which permitted simultaneous dissection of individual gene knockdown. Multi‑target inhibition was confirmed by a decrease in positive cell populations of the relative gene and mean fluorescence intensities, with almost comparable activities of homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetramers. Of note, this multi‑inhibition was sustained over a 1‑month period, with no notable difference, particularly in the late‑phased inhibitory effects between homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetra‑shRNA miRs. These preliminary data may indicate little influence of scaffold substitution in the functionalities of multiplexed shRNAmiRs and little recombination‑depleted risk of repetitively adopting the same miRNA backbone in this artificial in vitro system. More comparative studies are further required to explore extended repertoires of scaffold‑paralleled multi‑shRNAmiRs in more physiologically relevant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Yanhui Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Xi
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Angang Yang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
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