1
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Lin J, Jin M, Yang D, Li Z, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Wang Y, Yu Y, Zhang X, Shao Z, Shi L, Zhang S, Chen WJ, Wang N, Wu S, Yang H, Xu C, Li G. Adenine base editing-mediated exon skipping restores dystrophin in humanized Duchenne mouse model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5927. [PMID: 39009678 PMCID: PMC11251194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50340-x] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affecting 1 in 3500-5000 live male newborns is the frequently fatal genetic disease resulted from various mutations in DMD gene encoding dystrophin protein. About 70% of DMD-causing mutations are exon deletion leading to frameshift of open reading frame and dystrophin deficiency. To facilitate translating human DMD-targeting CRISPR therapeutics into patients, we herein establish a genetically humanized mouse model of DMD by replacing exon 50 and 51 of mouse Dmd gene with human exon 50 sequence. This humanized mouse model recapitulats patient's DMD phenotypes of dystrophin deficiency and muscle dysfunction. Furthermore, we target splicing sites in human exon 50 with adenine base editor to induce exon skipping and robustly restored dystrophin expression in heart, tibialis anterior and diaphragm muscles. Importantly, systemic delivery of base editor via adeno-associated virus in the humanized male mouse model improves the muscle function of DMD mice to the similar level of wildtype ones, indicating the therapeutic efficacy of base editing strategy in treating most of DMD types with exon deletion or point mutations via exon-skipping induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dong Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yu Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yin Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Zhurui Shao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Shiwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoling Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
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2
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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3
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Swiderski K, Chan AS, Herold MJ, Kueh AJ, Chung JD, Hardee JP, Trieu J, Chee A, Naim T, Gregorevic P, Lynch GS. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse exhibits a dystrophic muscle pathology and is a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050502. [PMID: 38602028 PMCID: PMC11095634 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating monogenic skeletal muscle-wasting disorder. Although many pharmacological and genetic interventions have been reported in preclinical studies, few have progressed to clinical trials with meaningful benefit. Identifying therapeutic potential can be limited by availability of suitable preclinical mouse models. More rigorous testing across models with varied background strains and mutations can identify treatments for clinical success. Here, we report the generation of a DMD mouse model with a CRISPR-induced deletion within exon 62 of the dystrophin gene (Dmd) and the first generated in BALB/c mice. Analysis of mice at 3, 6 and 12 months of age confirmed loss of expression of the dystrophin protein isoform Dp427 and resultant dystrophic pathology in limb muscles and the diaphragm, with evidence of centrally nucleated fibers, increased inflammatory markers and fibrosis, progressive decline in muscle function, and compromised trabecular bone development. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse is a novel model of DMD with associated variations in the immune response and muscle phenotype, compared with those of existing models. It represents an important addition to the preclinical model toolbox for developing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Audrey S. Chan
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marco J. Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Jin D. Chung
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Justin P. Hardee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Trieu
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gordon S. Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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4
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Aquino-Jarquin G. Genome and transcriptome engineering by compact and versatile CRISPR-Cas systems. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103793. [PMID: 37797813 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103793] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Comparative genomics has enabled the discovery of tiny clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) bacterial immune system effectors with enormous potential for manipulating eukaryotic genomes. Recently, smaller Cas proteins, including miniature Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 proteins, have been identified and validated as efficient genome editing and base editing tools in human cells. The compact size of these novel CRISPR effectors is highly desirable for generating CRISPR-based therapeutic approaches, mainly to overcome in vivo delivery constraints, providing a promising opportunity for editing pathogenic mutations of clinical relevance and knocking down RNAs in human cells without inducing chromosomal insertions or genome alterations. Thus, these tiny CRISPR-Cas systems represent new and highly programmable, specific, and efficient platforms, which expand the CRISPR toolkit for potential therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Aquino-Jarquin
- RNA Biology and Genome Editing Section. Research on Genomics, Genetics, and Bioinformatics Laboratory. Hemato-Oncology Building, 4th Floor, Section 2. Children's Hospital of Mexico, Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico.
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5
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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6
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Baghini SS, Razeghian E, Malayer SK, Pecho RDC, Obaid M, Awfi ZS, Zainab HA, Shamsara M. Recent advances in the application of genetic and epigenetic modalities in the improvement of antibody-producing cell lines. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110724. [PMID: 37582312 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There are numerous applications for recombinant antibodies (rAbs) in biological and toxicological research. Monoclonal antibodies are synthesized using genetic engineering and other related processes involved in the generation of rAbs. Because they can identify specific antigenic sites on practically any molecule, including medicines, hormones, microbial antigens, and cell receptors, rAbs are particularly useful in scientific research. The key benefits of rAbs are improved repeatability, control, and consistency, shorter manufacturing times than with hybridoma technology, an easier transition from one format of antibody to another, and an animal-free process. The engineering of the host cell has recently been developed method for enhancing the production efficiency and improving the quality of antibodies from mammalian cell lines. In this light, genetic engineering is mostly utilized to manage cellular chaperones, decrease cell death, increase cell viability, change the microRNAs (miRNAs) pattern in mammalian cells, and glycoengineered cell lines. Here, we shed light on how genetic engineering can be used therapeutically to produce antibodies at higher levels with greater potency and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Razeghian
- Human Genetics Division, Medical Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Setare Kakavand Malayer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Zinah Salem Awfi
- Department of Dental Industry Techniques, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq.
| | - H A Zainab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq.
| | - Mehdi Shamsara
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Kita Y, Okuzaki Y, Naoe Y, Lee J, Bang U, Okawa N, Ichiki A, Jonouchi T, Sakurai H, Kojima Y, Hotta A. Dual CRISPR-Cas3 system for inducing multi-exon skipping in DMD patient-derived iPSCs. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1753-1765. [PMID: 37625413 PMCID: PMC10545483 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To restore dystrophin protein in various mutation patterns of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the multi-exon skipping (MES) approach has been investigated. However, only limited techniques are available to induce a large deletion to cover the target exons spread over several hundred kilobases. Here, we utilized the CRISPR-Cas3 system for MES induction and showed that dual crRNAs could induce a large deletion at the dystrophin exon 45-55 region (∼340 kb), which can be applied to various types of DMD patients. We developed a two-color SSA-based reporter system for Cas3 to enrich the genome-edited cell population and demonstrated that MES induction restored dystrophin protein in DMD-iPSCs with three distinct mutations. Whole-genome sequencing and distance analysis detected no significant off-target deletion near the putative crRNA binding sites. Altogether, dual CRISPR-Cas3 is a promising tool to induce a gigantic genomic deletion and restore dystrophin protein via MES induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Kita
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuya Okuzaki
- Nagoya University Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Avian Bioscience Research Center, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aishi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Youichi Naoe
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Joseph Lee
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Uikyu Bang
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Natsumi Okawa
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akane Ichiki
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Jonouchi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kojima
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA Joint Program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
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8
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Lan T, Chen H, Tang C, Wei Y, Liu Y, Zhou J, Zhuang Z, Zhang Q, Chen M, Zhou X, Chi Y, Wang J, He Y, Lai L, Zou Q. Mini-PE, a prime editor with compact Cas9 and truncated reverse transcriptase. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:890-897. [PMID: 37680986 PMCID: PMC10480570 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Prime editor (PE) is a versatile genome editing tool that does not need extra DNA donors or inducing double-strand breaks. However, in vivo implementation of PE remains a challenge because of its oversized composition. In this study, we screened out the smallest truncated Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase (RT) with the F155Y mutation to keep gene editing efficiency. We discovered the most efficient gene editing variants of MMLV RT with the smallest size. After optimization of the pegRNAs and incorporation with nick sgRNAs, the mini-PE delivered up to 10% precise editing at target sites in human and mouse cells. It also edited the mouse Hsf1 gene in the mouse retina precisely after delivery with adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), although the editing efficiency was lower than 1%. We will focus on improving the editing efficiency of mini-PE and exploiting its therapeutic potential against human genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Huangyao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Yuhui Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jizeng Zhou
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Quanjun Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Yue Chi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Yu He
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529000, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
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9
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Lučanský V, Holubeková V, Kolková Z, Halašová E, Samec M, Golubnitschaja O. Multi-faceted CRISPR/Cas technological innovation aspects in the framework of 3P medicine. EPMA J 2023; 14:201-217. [PMID: 37275547 PMCID: PMC10201107 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-023-00324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since 2009, the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (EPMA, Brussels) promotes the paradigm change from reactive approach to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) to protect individuals in sub-optimal health conditions from the health-to-disease transition, to increase life-quality of the affected patient cohorts improving, therefore, ethical standards and cost-efficacy of healthcare to great benefits of the society at large. The gene-editing technology utilizing CRISPR/Cas gene-editing approach has demonstrated its enormous value as a powerful tool in a broad spectrum of bio/medical research areas. Further, CRISPR/Cas gene-editing system is considered applicable to primary and secondary healthcare, in order to prevent disease spread and to treat clinically manifested disorders, involving diagnostics of SARS-Cov-2 infection and experimental treatment of COVID-19. Although the principle of the proposed gene editing is simple and elegant, there are a lot of technological challenges and ethical considerations to be solved prior to its broadly scaled clinical implementation. This article highlights technological innovation beyond the state of the art, exemplifies current achievements, discusses unsolved technological and ethical problems, and provides clinically relevant outlook in the framework of 3PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lučanský
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Holubeková
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Kolková
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Erika Halašová
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive, Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Sufyan M, Daraz U, Hyder S, Zulfiqar U, Iqbal R, Eldin SM, Rafiq F, Mahmood N, Shahzad K, Uzair M, Fiaz S, Ali I. An overview of genome engineering in plants, including its scope, technologies, progress and grand challenges. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:119. [PMID: 37022538 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01036-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing is a useful, adaptable, and favored technique for both functional genomics and crop enhancement. Over the years, rapidly evolving genome editing technologies, including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), have shown broad application prospects in gene function research and improvement of critical agronomic traits in many crops. These technologies have also opened up opportunities for plant breeding. These techniques provide excellent chances for the quick modification of crops and the advancement of plant science in the future. The current review describes various genome editing techniques and how they function, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 systems, which can contribute significantly to the most accurate characterization of genomic rearrangement and plant gene functions as well as the enhancement of critical traits in field crops. To accelerate the use of gene-editing technologies for crop enhancement, the speed editing strategy of gene-family members was designed. As it permits genome editing in numerous biological systems, the CRISPR technology provides a valuable edge in this regard that particularly captures the attention of scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sufyan
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Umar Daraz
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sajjad Hyder
- Department of Botant, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Usman Zulfiqar
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Iqbal
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.
| | - Sayed M Eldin
- Center of Research, Faculty of Engineering, Future University in Egypt, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Farzana Rafiq
- School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NCEPU, Beijing, China
| | - Naveed Mahmood
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Khurram Shahzad
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Uzair
- National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology, Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Fiaz
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Haripur, 22620, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- Center for Plant Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat, Charbagh, 19120, Pakistan.
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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11
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Padmaswari MH, Agrawal S, Jia MS, Ivy A, Maxenberger DA, Burcham LA, Nelson CE. Delivery challenges for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011307. [PMID: 36864908 PMCID: PMC9969352 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects about one in every 5000 live male births. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, which is required for muscle membrane stabilization. The loss of functional dystrophin causes muscle degradation that leads to weakness, loss of ambulation, cardiac and respiratory complications, and eventually, premature death. Therapies to treat DMD have advanced in the past decade, with treatments in clinical trials and four exon-skipping drugs receiving conditional Food and Drug Administration approval. However, to date, no treatment has provided long-term correction. Gene editing has emerged as a promising approach to treating DMD. There is a wide range of tools, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and, most notably, RNA-guided enzymes from the bacterial adaptive immune system clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Although challenges in using CRISPR for gene therapy in humans still abound, including safety and efficiency of delivery, the future for CRISPR gene editing for DMD is promising. This review will summarize the progress in CRISPR gene editing for DMD including key summaries of current approaches, delivery methodologies, and the challenges that gene editing still faces as well as prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shilpi Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Mary S. Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Allie Ivy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Daniel A. Maxenberger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Landon A. Burcham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
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12
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Chey YCJ, Arudkumar J, Aartsma-Rus A, Adikusuma F, Thomas PQ. CRISPR applications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: From animal models to potential therapies. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1580. [PMID: 35909075 PMCID: PMC10078488 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR gene-editing technology creates precise and permanent modifications to DNA. It has significantly advanced our ability to generate animal disease models for use in biomedical research and also has potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disease that could potentially benefit from the development of CRISPR therapy. It is commonly associated with mutations that disrupt the reading frame of the DMD gene that encodes dystrophin, an essential scaffolding protein that stabilizes striated muscles and protects them from contractile-induced damage. CRISPR enables the rapid generation of various animal models harboring mutations that closely simulates the wide variety of mutations observed in DMD patients. These models provide a platform for the testing of sequence-specific interventions like CRISPR therapy that aim to reframe or skip DMD mutations to restore functional dystrophin expression. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu C J Chey
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jayshen Arudkumar
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fatwa Adikusuma
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Canberra, Australia
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Genome Editing (SAGE), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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13
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Small-molecule inhibitors of proteasome increase CjCas9 protein stability. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280353. [PMID: 36656806 PMCID: PMC9851528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The small size of CjCas9 can make easier its vectorization for in vivo gene therapy. However, compared to the SpCas9, the CjCas9 is, in general, less efficient to generate indels in target genes. The factors that affect its efficacity are not yet determined. We observed that the CjCas9 protein expressed in HEK293T cells after transfection of this transgene under a CMV promoter was much lower than the SpCas9 protein in the same conditions. We thus evaluated the effect of proteasome inhibitors on CjCas9 protein stability and its efficiency on FXN gene editing. Western blotting showed that the addition of MG132 or bortezomib, significantly increased CjCas9 protein levels in HEK293T and HeLa cells. Moreover, bortezomib increased the level of CjCas9 protein expressed under promoters weaker than CMV such as CBH or EFS but which are specific for certain tissues. Finally, ddPCR quantification showed that bortezomib treatment enhanced CjCas9 efficiency to delete GAA repeat region of FXN gene in HEK293T cells. The improvement of CjCas9 protein stability would facilitate its used in CRISPR/Cas system.
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14
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Soderstrom CI, Larsen J, Owen C, Gifondorwa D, Beidler D, Yong FH, Conrad P, Neubert H, Moore SA, Hassanein M. Development and Validation of a Western Blot Method to Quantify Mini-Dystrophin in Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsies. AAPS J 2022; 25:12. [PMID: 36539515 PMCID: PMC10034579 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative muscular disease affecting roughly one in 5000 males at birth. The disease is often caused by inherited X-linked recessive pathogenic variants in the dystrophin gene, but may also arise from de novo mutations. Disease-causing variants include nonsense, out of frame deletions or duplications that result in loss of dystrophin protein expression. There is currently no cure for DMD and the few treatment options available aim at slowing muscle degradation. New advances in gene therapy and understanding of dystrophin (DYS) expression in other muscular dystrophies have opened new opportunities for treatment. Therefore, reliable methods are needed to monitor dystrophin expression and assess the efficacy of new therapies for muscular dystrophies such as DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Here, we describe the validation of a novel Western blot (WB) method for the quantitation of mini-dystrophin protein in human skeletal muscle tissues that is easy to adopt in most laboratory settings. This WB method was assessed through precision, accuracy, selectivity, dilution linearity, stability, and repeatability. Based on mini-DYS standard performance, the assay has a dynamic range of 0.5-15 ng protein (per 5 µg total protein per lane), precision of 3.3 to 25.5%, and accuracy of - 7.5 to 3.3%. Our stability assessment showed that the protein is stable after 4 F/T cycles, up to 2 h at RT and after 7 months at - 70°C. Furthermore, our WB method was compared to the results from our recently published LC-MS method. Workflow for our quantitative WB method to determine mini-dystrophin levels in muscle tissues (created in Biorender.com). Step 1 involves protein extraction from skeletal muscle tissue lysates from control, DMD, or BMD biospecimen. Step 2 measures total protein concentrations. Step 3 involves running gel electrophoresis with wild-type dystrophin (wt-DYS) from muscle tissue extracts alongside mini-dystrophin STD curve and mini-DYS and protein normalization with housekeeping GAPDH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Larsen
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carolina Owen
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Gifondorwa
- Clinical Assay Group, Global Product Development (GPD), Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - David Beidler
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Florence H Yong
- Biostatistics, Early Clinical Development, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Conrad
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Andover, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven A Moore
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Mohamed Hassanein
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA.
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15
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Çerçi B, Uzay IA, Kara MK, Dinçer P. Clinical trials and promising preclinical applications of CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Life Sci 2022; 312:121204. [PMID: 36403643 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of genetic disorders by genomic manipulation has been the unreachable goal of researchers for many decades. Although our understanding of the genetic basis of genetic diseases has advanced tremendously in the last few decades, the tools developed for genomic editing were not efficient and practical for their use in the clinical setting until now. The recent advancements in the research of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems offered an easy and efficient way to edit the genome and accelerated the research on their potential use in the treatment of genetic disorders. In this review, we summarize the clinical trials that evaluate the CRISPR/Cas systems for treating different genetic diseases and highlight promising preclinical research on CRISPR/Cas mediated treatment of a great diversity of genetic disorders. Ultimately, we discuss the future of CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing in genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Çerçi
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
| | - Ihsan Alp Uzay
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | | | - Pervin Dinçer
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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16
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Qin Y, Li S, Li XJ, Yang S. CRISPR-Based Genome-Editing Tools for Huntington's Disease Research and Therapy. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1397-1408. [PMID: 35608753 PMCID: PMC9672252 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominantly-inherited neurodegenerative disease, which is caused by CAG trinucleotide expansion in exon 1 of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Although HD is a rare disease, its monogenic nature makes it an ideal model in which to understand pathogenic mechanisms and to develop therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is the latest technology for genome editing. Being simple to use and highly efficient, CRISPR-based genome-editing tools are rapidly gaining popularity in biomedical research and opening up new avenues for disease treatment. Here, we review the development of CRISPR-based genome-editing tools and their applications in HD research to offer a translational perspective on advancing the genome-editing technology to HD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Qin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Su Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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17
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Li R, Wang Q, She K, Lu F, Yang Y. CRISPR/Cas systems usher in a new era of disease treatment and diagnosis. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:31. [PMID: 36239875 PMCID: PMC9560888 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas system is a milestone in precise medicine. CRISPR/Cas nucleases, base-editing (BE) and prime-editing (PE) are three genome editing technologies derived from CRISPR/Cas. In recent years, CRISPR-based genome editing technologies have created immense therapeutic potential with safe and efficient viral or non-viral delivery systems. Significant progress has been made in applying genome editing strategies to modify T cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo and to treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders in vivo. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of this unique technology still faces many challenges, especially targeting, safety and delivery issues, which require further improvement and optimization. In addition, with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), CRISPR-based molecular diagnosis has attracted extensive attention. Growing from the specific set of molecular biological discoveries to several active clinical trials, CRISPR/Cas systems offer the opportunity to create a cost-effective, portable and point-of-care diagnosis through nucleic acid screening of diseases. In this review, we describe the development, mechanisms and delivery systems of CRISPR-based genome editing and focus on clinical and preclinical studies of therapeutic CRISPR genome editing in disease treatment as well as its application prospects in therapeutics and molecular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaiqin She
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Happi Mbakam C, Rousseau J, Lu Y, Bigot A, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Tremblay JP. Prime editing optimized RTT permits the correction of the c.8713C>T mutation in DMD gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:272-285. [PMID: 36320324 PMCID: PMC9587501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe debilitating genetic disease caused by different mutations in the DMD gene leading to the absence of dystrophin protein under the sarcolemma. We used CRISPR-Cas9 prime editing technology for correction of the c.8713C>T mutation in the DMD gene and tested different variations of reverse transcription template (RTT) sequences. We increased by 3.8-fold the editing percentage of the target nucleotide located at +13. A modification of the protospacer adjacent motif sequence (located at +6) and a silent mutation (located at +9) were also simultaneously added to the target sequence modification. We observed significant differences in editing efficiency in interconversion of different nucleotides and the distance between the target, the nicking site, and the additional mutations. We achieved 22% modifications in myoblasts of a DMD patient, which led to dystrophin expression detected by western blot in the myotubes that they formed. RTT optimization permitted us to improve the prime editing of a point mutation located at +13 nucleotides from the nick site to restore dystrophin protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Joel Rousseau
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yaoyao Lu
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Anne Bigot
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Corresponding author Jacques P. Tremblay, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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19
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CRISPR-Based Therapeutic Gene Editing for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192964. [PMID: 36230926 PMCID: PMC9564082 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, respiratory insufficiency, cardiac failure, and premature death by the age of thirty. Albeit DMD is one of the most common types of fatal genetic diseases, there is no curative treatment for this devastating disorder. In recent years, gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system has paved a new path toward correcting pathological mutations at the genetic source, thus enabling the permanent restoration of dystrophin expression and function throughout the musculature. To date, the therapeutic benefits of CRISPR genome-editing systems have been successfully demonstrated in human cells, rodents, canines, and piglets with diverse DMD mutations. Nevertheless, there remain some nonignorable challenges to be solved before the clinical application of CRISPR-based gene therapy. Herein, we provide an overview of therapeutic CRISPR genome-editing systems, summarize recent advancements in their applications in DMD contexts, and discuss several potential obstacles lying ahead of clinical translation.
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20
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Lee JH, Oh HK, Choi BS, Lee HH, Lee KJ, Kim UG, Lee J, Lee H, Lee GS, Ahn SJ, Han JP, Kim S, Yeom SC, Song DW. Genome editing-mediated knock-in of therapeutic genes ameliorates the disease phenotype in a model of hemophilia. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:551-562. [PMID: 36090746 PMCID: PMC9403902 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recently, clinical trials of adeno-associated virus-mediated replacement therapy have suggested long-term therapeutic effects for several genetic diseases of the liver, including hemophilia. However, there remain concerns regarding decreased therapeutic effects when the liver is regenerated or when physiological proliferation occurs. Although genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 system provides an opportunity to solve this problem, low knock-in efficiency may limit its application for therapeutically relevant expression. Here, we identified a novel gene, APOC3, in which a strong promoter facilitated the expression of knocked-in genes in hepatocytes. We also investigated the effects of APOC3 editing using a small Cas9 protein derived from Campylobacter jejuni (CjCas9) in a hemophilic model. We demonstrated that adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of CjCas9 and donor led to moderate levels of human factor 9 expression in APOC3-humanized mice. Moreover, knock-in-driven expression induced substantial recovery of clotting function in mice with hemophilia B. There was no evidence of off-target editing in vitro or in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrated therapeutically relevant expression using a precise and efficient APOC3-editing platform, providing insights into the development of further long-term therapeutics for diverse monogenic liver diseases.
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. In recent decades, extraordinary effort has been devoted to defining the molecular and pathophysiological characteristics of the diseased heart and vasculature. Mouse models have been especially powerful in illuminating the complex signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulatory circuits, and multicellular interactions that underlie cardiovascular disease. The advent of CRISPR genome editing has ushered in a new era of cardiovascular research and possibilities for genetic correction of disease. Next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly accelerated the identification of disease-causing mutations, and advances in gene editing have enabled the rapid modeling of these mutations in mice and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The ability to correct the genetic drivers of cardiovascular disease through delivery of gene editing components in vivo, while still facing challenges, represents an exciting therapeutic frontier. In this review, we provide an overview of cardiovascular disease mechanisms and the potential applications of CRISPR genome editing for disease modeling and correction. We also discuss the extent to which mice can faithfully model cardiovascular disease and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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22
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Shojaei Baghini S, Gardanova ZR, Abadi SAH, Zaman BA, İlhan A, Shomali N, Adili A, Moghaddar R, Yaseri AF. CRISPR/Cas9 application in cancer therapy: a pioneering genome editing tool. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:35. [PMID: 35508982 PMCID: PMC9066929 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The progress of genetic engineering in the 1970s brought about a paradigm shift in genome editing technology. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a flexible means to target and modify particular DNA sequences in the genome. Several applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are presently being studied in cancer biology and oncology to provide vigorous site-specific gene editing to enhance its biological and clinical uses. CRISPR's flexibility and ease of use have enabled the prompt achievement of almost any preferred alteration with greater efficiency and lower cost than preceding modalities. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has recently been applied to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and defeat tumor cell resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The current review summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy. We also discuss the present obstacles and contemplate future possibilities in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zhanna R. Gardanova
- Department of Psychotherapy, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Saeme Azizi Hassan Abadi
- Department of Nursery and Midwifery, Faculty of Laboratory Science, Islamic Azad University of Chalous, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Burhan Abdullah Zaman
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ahmet İlhan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Adili
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Roozbeh Moghaddar
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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23
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Happi Mbakam C, Lamothe G, Tremblay JP. Therapeutic Strategies for Dystrophin Replacement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:859930. [PMID: 35419381 PMCID: PMC8995704 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.859930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked hereditary disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting due to modifications in the DMD gene (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) that result in a lack of functional dystrophin expression. Many therapeutic approaches have so far been attempted to induce dystrophin expression and improve the patient phenotype. In this manuscript, we describe the relevant updates for some therapeutic strategies for DMD aiming to restore dystrophin expression. We also present and analyze in vitro and in vivo ongoing experimental approaches to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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24
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Chung Liang L, Sulaiman N, Yazid MD. A Decade of Progress in Gene Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:833833. [PMID: 35402409 PMCID: PMC8984139 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.833833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most severe forms of muscle dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results in progressive muscle wasting, ultimately resulting in premature death due to cardiomyopathy. In the many years of research, the solution to DMD remains palliative. Although numerous studies including clinical trials have provided promising results, approved drugs, even, the therapeutic window is still minimal with many shortcomings to be addressed. Logically, to combat DMD that arose from a single genetic mutation with gene therapy made sense. However, gene-based strategies as a treatment option are no stranger to drawbacks and limitations such as the size of the dystrophin gene and possibilities of vectors to elicit immune responses. In this systematic review, we aim to provide a comprehensive compilation on gene-based therapeutic strategies and critically evaluate the approaches relative to its efficacy and feasibility while addressing their current limitations. With the keywords “DMD AND Gene OR Genetic AND Therapy OR Treatment,” we reviewed papers published in Science Direct, PubMed, and ProQuest over the past decade (2012–2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lam Chung Liang
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Sulaiman
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Dain Yazid
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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25
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Happi Mbakam C, Lamothe G, Tremblay G, Tremblay JP. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:931-941. [PMID: 35165856 PMCID: PMC9294086 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of the CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat, CRISPR-associated) system a decade ago has opened new possibilities in the field of precision medicine. CRISPR-Cas was initially identified in bacteria and archaea to play a protective role against foreign genetic elements during viral infections. The application of this technique for the correction of different mutations found in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene led to the development of several potential therapeutic approaches for DMD patients. The mutations responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy mainly include exon deletions (70% of patients) and point mutations (about 30% of patients). The CRISPR-Cas 9 technology is becoming increasingly precise and is acquiring diverse functions through novel innovations such as base editing and prime editing. However, questions remain about its translation to the clinic. Current research addressing off-target editing, efficient muscle-specific delivery, immune response to nucleases, and vector challenges may eventually lead to the clinical use of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. In this review, we present recent CRISPR-Cas9 strategies to restore dystrophin expression in vitro and in animal models of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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26
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Engineered Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 variant with enhanced activity and broader targeting range. Commun Biol 2022; 5:211. [PMID: 35260779 PMCID: PMC8904486 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9 is a versatile genome-editing tool. However, the molecular weight of the commonly used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 is relatively large. Consequently, its gene cannot be efficiently packaged into an adeno-associated virus vector, thereby limiting its applications for therapeutic genome editing. Here, we biochemically characterized the compact Cas9 from Campylobacter jejuni (CjCas9) and found that CjCas9 has a previously unrecognized preference for the N3VRYAC protospacer adjacent motif. We thus rationally engineered a CjCas9 variant (enCjCas9), which exhibits enhanced cleavage activity and a broader targeting range both in vitro and in human cells, as compared with CjCas9. Furthermore, a nickase version of enCjCas9, but not CjCas9, fused with a cytosine deaminase mediated C-to-T conversions in human cells. Overall, our findings expand the CRISPR-Cas toolbox for therapeutic genome engineering. SpCas9 is a versatile genome-editing tool, but it is large and cannot be packaged efficiently in a AAV vector, limiting its application. The reported engineered Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 variant exhibits enhanced cleavage activity and a broader targeting range, expanding the CRISPR-Cas toolbox for therapeutic genome engineering.
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27
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Erkut E, Yokota T. CRISPR Therapeutics for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1832. [PMID: 35163754 PMCID: PMC8836469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 3500-5000 males. DMD manifests as childhood-onset muscle degeneration, followed by loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy, and death in early adulthood due to a lack of functional dystrophin protein. Out-of-frame mutations in the dystrophin gene are the most common underlying cause of DMD. Gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a promising therapeutic for DMD, as it can permanently correct DMD mutations and thus restore the reading frame, allowing for the production of functional dystrophin. The specific mechanism of gene editing can vary based on a variety of factors such as the number of cuts generated by CRISPR, the presence of an exogenous DNA template, or the current cell cycle stage. CRISPR-mediated gene editing for DMD has been tested both in vitro and in vivo, with many of these studies discussed herein. Additionally, novel modifications to the CRISPR system such as base or prime editors allow for more precise gene editing. Despite recent advances, limitations remain including delivery efficiency, off-target mutagenesis, and long-term maintenance of dystrophin. Further studies focusing on safety and accuracy of the CRISPR system are necessary prior to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Erkut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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28
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Kenjo E, Hozumi H, Makita Y, Iwabuchi KA, Fujimoto N, Matsumoto S, Kimura M, Amano Y, Ifuku M, Naoe Y, Inukai N, Hotta A. Low immunogenicity of LNP allows repeated administrations of CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA into skeletal muscle in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7101. [PMID: 34880218 PMCID: PMC8654819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26714-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) holds great promise, however, one major obstacle is delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9/sgRNA system to skeletal muscle tissues. In general, AAV vectors are used for in vivo delivery, but AAV injections cannot be repeated because of neutralization antibodies. Here we report a chemically defined lipid nanoparticle (LNP) system which is able to deliver Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA into skeletal muscle by repeated intramuscular injections. Although the expressions of Cas9 protein and sgRNA were transient, our LNP system could induce stable genomic exon skipping and restore dystrophin protein in a DMD mouse model that harbors a humanized exon sequence. Furthermore, administration of our LNP via limb perfusion method enables to target multiple muscle groups. The repeated administration and low immunogenicity of our LNP system are promising features for a delivery vehicle of CRISPR-Cas9 to treat skeletal muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriya Kenjo
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan ,Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hozumi
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan ,Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Yukimasa Makita
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan ,Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kumiko A. Iwabuchi
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Naoko Fujimoto
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Satoru Matsumoto
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017Drug Product Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan
| | - Maya Kimura
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017Drug Safety Research and Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan
| | - Yuichiro Amano
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017Drug Safety Research and Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan
| | - Masataka Ifuku
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Youichi Naoe
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Naoto Inukai
- grid.419841.10000 0001 0673 6017T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555 Japan ,Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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29
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Genome editing in large animal models. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3140-3152. [PMID: 34601132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although genome editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat human diseases, barriers to successful clinical implementation remain. Increasingly, preclinical large animal models are being used to overcome these barriers. In particular, the immunogenicity and long-term safety of novel gene editing therapeutics must be evaluated rigorously. However, short-lived small animal models, such as mice and rats, cannot address secondary pathologies that may arise years after a gene editing treatment. Likewise, immunodeficient mouse models by definition lack the ability to quantify the host immune response to a novel transgene or gene-edited locus. Large animal models, including dogs, pigs, and non-human primates (NHPs), bear greater resemblance to human anatomy, immunology, and lifespan and can be studied over longer timescales with clinical dosing regimens that are more relevant to humans. These models allow for larger scale and repeated blood and tissue sampling, enabling greater depth of study and focus on rare cellular subsets. Here, we review current progress in the development and evaluation of novel genome editing therapies in large animal models, focusing on applications in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, cancer, and genetic diseases including hemoglobinopathies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), hypercholesterolemia, and inherited retinal diseases.
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30
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Zhang Y, Nishiyama T, Olson EN, Bassel-Duby R. CRISPR/Cas correction of muscular dystrophies. Exp Cell Res 2021; 408:112844. [PMID: 34571006 PMCID: PMC8530959 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of monogenic neuromuscular disorders which lead to progressive muscle loss and degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. The genetic causes of muscular dystrophies are well characterized, but no effective treatments have been developed so far. The discovery and application of the CRISPR/Cas system for genome editing offers a new path for disease treatment with the potential to permanently correct genetic mutations. The post-mitotic and multinucleated features of skeletal muscle provide an ideal target for CRISPR/Cas therapeutic genome editing because correction of a subpopulation of nuclei can provide benefit to the whole myofiber. In this review, we provide an overview of the CRISPR/Cas system and its derivatives in genome editing, proposing potential CRISPR/Cas-based therapies to correct diverse muscular dystrophies, and we discuss challenges for translating CRISPR/Cas genome editing to a viable therapy for permanent correction of muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Takahiko Nishiyama
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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31
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Luthra R, Kaur S, Bhandari K. Applications of CRISPR as a potential therapeutic. Life Sci 2021; 284:119908. [PMID: 34453943 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities are present in 2-5% of births all over the world and can cause up to 50% of all early childhood deaths. The establishment of sophisticated and controlled techniques for customizing DNA manipulation is significant for the therapeutic role in such disorders and further research on them. One such technique is CRISPR that is significant towards optimizing genome editing and therapies, metabolic fluxes as well as artificial genetic systems. CRISPR-Cas9 is a molecular appliance that is applied in the areas of genetic and protein engineering. The CRISPR-CAS system is an integral element of prokaryotic adaptive immunity that allows prokaryotic cells to identify and kill any foreign DNA. The Gene editing property of CRISPR finds various applications like diagnostics and therapeutics in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, genetic diseases, blindness, etc. This review discusses applications of CRISPR as a therapeutic in various disorders including several genetic diseases (including sickle cell anemia, blindness, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hereditary tyrosinemia type I, duchenne muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorders), Cancer, Huntington's disease and viral infections (like HIV, COVID, etc.) along with the prospects concerning them. CRISPR-based therapy is also being researched and defined for COVID-19. The related mechanism of CRISPR has been discussed alongside highlighting challenges involved in therapeutic applications of CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Luthra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Simran Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Kriti Bhandari
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
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32
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Stevanovic M, Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. CRISPR Systems Suitable for Single AAV Vector Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:1-14. [PMID: 34620062 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666211006120355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas gene editing is a revolutionary technology that can enable the correction of genetic mutations in vivo, providing great promise as a therapeutic intervention for inherited diseases. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a potential vehicle for delivering CRISPR/Cas. However, they are restricted by their limited packaging capacity. Identifying smaller Cas orthologs that can be packaged, along with the required guide RNA elements, into a single AAV would be an important optimization for CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Expanding the options of Cas proteins that can be delivered by a single AAV not only increases translational application but also expands the genetic sites that can be targeted for editing. This review considers the benefits and current scope of small Cas protein orthologs that are suitable for gene editing approaches using single AAV vector delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Stevanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
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33
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Zhang H, Qin C, An C, Zheng X, Wen S, Chen W, Liu X, Lv Z, Yang P, Xu W, Gao W, Wu Y. Application of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technique in basic research, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:126. [PMID: 34598686 PMCID: PMC8484294 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for the development of the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology that provided new tools for precise gene editing. It is possible to target any genomic locus virtually using only a complex nuclease protein with short RNA as a site-specific endonuclease. Since cancer is caused by genomic changes in tumor cells, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used in the field of cancer research to edit genomes for exploration of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development. In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been increasingly used in cancer research and treatment and remarkable results have been achieved. In this review, we introduced the mechanism and development of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing system. Furthermore, we summarized current applications of this technique for basic research, diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Moreover, the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in new emerging hotspots of oncology research were discussed, and the challenges and future directions were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunhong Qin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Changming An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiwang Zheng
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuxin Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xianfang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Lv
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Pingchang Yang
- Research Center of Allergy and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China.
| | - Wei Gao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Cell biology and Genetics, Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yongyan Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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34
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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Multiomic Approaches to Uncover the Complexities of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168954. [PMID: 34445659 PMCID: PMC8396646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major progress in treating skeletal muscle disease associated with dystrophinopathies, cardiomyopathy is emerging as a major cause of death in people carrying dystrophin gene mutations that remain without a targeted cure even with new treatment directions and advances in modelling abilities. The reasons for the stunted progress in ameliorating dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy (DAC) can be explained by the difficulties in detecting pathophysiological mechanisms which can also be efficiently targeted within the heart in the widest patient population. New perspectives are clearly required to effectively address the unanswered questions concerning the identification of authentic and effectual readouts of DAC occurrence and severity. A potential way forward to achieve further therapy breakthroughs lies in combining multiomic analysis with advanced preclinical precision models. This review presents the fundamental discoveries made using relevant models of DAC and how omics approaches have been incorporated to date.
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36
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Behr M, Zhou J, Xu B, Zhang H. In vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 therapeutics: Progress and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2150-2171. [PMID: 34522582 PMCID: PMC8424283 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Within less than a decade since its inception, CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing has been rapidly advanced to human clinical trials in multiple disease areas. Although it is highly anticipated that this revolutionary technology will bring novel therapeutic modalities to many diseases by precisely manipulating cellular DNA sequences, the low efficiency of in vivo delivery must be enhanced before its therapeutic potential can be fully realized. Here we discuss the most recent progress of in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 systems, highlight innovative viral and non-viral delivery technologies, emphasize outstanding delivery challenges, and provide the most updated perspectives.
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37
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Hu Z, Zhang C, Wang S, Gao S, Wei J, Li M, Hou L, Mao H, Wei Y, Qi T, Liu H, Liu D, Lan F, Lu D, Wang H, Li J, Wang Y. Discovery and engineering of small SlugCas9 with broad targeting range and high specificity and activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4008-4019. [PMID: 33721016 PMCID: PMC8053104 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The compact CRISPR/Cas9 system, which can be delivered with their gRNA and a full-length promoter for expression by a single adeno-associated virus (AAV), is a promising platform for therapeutic applications. We previously identified a compact SauriCas9 that displays high activity and requires a simple NNGG PAM, but the specificity is moderate. Here, we identified three compact Cas9 orthologs, Staphylococcus lugdunensis Cas9 (SlugCas9), Staphylococcus lutrae Cas9 (SlutrCas9) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus Cas9 (ShaCas9), for mammalian genome editing. Of these three Cas9 orthologs, SlugCas9 recognizes a simple NNGG PAM and displays comparable activity to SaCas9. Importantly, we generated a SlugCas9-SaCas9 chimeric nuclease, which has both high specificity and high activity. We finally engineered SlugCas9 with mutations to generate a high-fidelity variant that maintains high specificity without compromising on-target editing efficiency. Our study offers important minimal Cas9 tools that are ideal for both basic research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingjing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Linghui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huilin Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yanyan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Tao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hongmao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135,China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Feng Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Daru Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning, Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Hongyan Wang. Tel: +86 21 3124 6611;
| | - Jixi Li
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jixi Li. Tel: +86 21 3124 6539;
| | - Yongming Wang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 21 3124 6624;
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38
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Zhang X, Lv S, Luo Z, Hu Y, Peng X, Lv J, Zhao S, Feng J, Huang G, Wan QL, Liu J, Huang H, Luan B, Wang D, Zhao X, Lin Y, Zhou Q, Zhang ZN, Rong Z. MiniCAFE, a CRISPR/Cas9-based compact and potent transcriptional activator, elicits gene expression in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4171-4185. [PMID: 33751124 PMCID: PMC8053112 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) is a promising therapeutic gene editing strategy without inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, in vivo implementation of these CRISPRa systems remains a challenge. Here, we report a compact and robust miniCas9 activator (termed miniCAFE) for in vivo activation of endogenous target genes. The system relies on recruitment of an engineered minimal nuclease-null Cas9 from Campylobacter jejuni and potent transcriptional activators to a target locus by a single guide RNA. It enables robust gene activation in human cells even with a single DNA copy and is able to promote lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through activation of longevity-regulating genes. As proof-of-concept, delivered within an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV), miniCAFE can activate Fgf21 expression in the liver and regulate energy metabolism in adult mice. Thus, miniCAFE holds great therapeutic potential against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sihan Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhenhuan Luo
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongfei Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianqi Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanjie Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qin-Li Wan
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Bing Luan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhao
- Department of Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
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39
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Choi E, Koo T. CRISPR technologies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3179-3191. [PMID: 33823301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome editing technologies have progressed remarkably in recent years, opening up the potential of precise genome editing as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. The CRISPR-CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is an attractive platform for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. CRISPR-Cas can be used to permanently repair the mutated DMD gene, leading to the expression of the encoded protein, dystrophin, in systems ranging from cells derived from DMD patients to animal models of DMD. However, the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and delivery methods remains a great challenge for DMD. Here, we review various therapeutic strategies that use CRISPR-Cas to correct or bypass DMD mutations and discuss their therapeutic potential, as well as obstacles that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Mollanoori H, Rahmati Y, Hassani B, Havasi Mehr M, Teimourian S. Promising therapeutic approaches using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genes Dis 2021; 8:146-156. [PMID: 33997161 PMCID: PMC8099695 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive hereditary monogenic disorder caused by inability to produce dystrophin protein. In most patients, the expression of dystrophin lost due to disrupting mutations in open reading frame. Despite the efforts in a large number of different therapeutic approaches to date, the treatments available for DMD remain mitigative and supportive to improve the symptoms of the disease, rather than to be curative. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing scope and considered as pioneer in effective genomic engineering. Deletions or excisions of intragenic DNA by CRISPR as well as a similar strategy with exon skipping at the DNA level induced by antisense oligonucleotides, are new and promising approaches in correcting DMD gene, which restore the expression of a truncated but functional dystrophin protein. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be used to treat DMD by removing duplicated exons, precise correction of causative mutation by HDR-based pathway and inducing the expression of compensatory proteins such as utrophin. In this study, we briefly explained the molecular genetics of DMD and a historical overview of DMD gene therapy. We in particular focused on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated therapeutic approaches that used to treat DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Mollanoori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yazdan Rahmati
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Bita Hassani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, 1985717443, Iran
| | - Meysam Havasi Mehr
- Department of Physiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Shahram Teimourian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
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41
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Aslesh T, Erkut E, Yokota T. Restoration of dystrophin expression and correction of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by genome editing. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1049-1061. [PMID: 33401973 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1872539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder that affects approximately one in 3500-5000 male births. Patients experience muscle degeneration, loss of ambulation, and eventual death from cardiac or respiratory failure in early adulthood due to a lack of functional dystrophin protein, which is required to maintain the integrity of muscle cell membranes. Out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene generally lead to no dystrophin protein expression and a more severe phenotype (DMD). Conversely, in-frame mutations are often associated with milder Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) with a truncated dystrophin expression.Areas covered: Genome editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system can induce permanent corrections of the DMD gene, thus becoming an increasingly popular potential therapeutic method. In this review, we outline recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the correction of DMD, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as novel delivery methods.Expert opinion: Despite recent advances, many limitations to CRISPR/Cas9 therapy are still prevalent such as off-target editing and immunogenicity. Specifically, for DMD, intervention time and efficient delivery to cardiac and skeletal muscles also present inherent challenges. Research needs to focus on the therapeutic safety and efficacy of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejal Aslesh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Esra Erkut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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42
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Meaker GA, Hair EJ, Gorochowski TE. Advances in engineering CRISPR-Cas9 as a molecular Swiss Army knife. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2020; 5:ysaa021. [PMID: 33344779 PMCID: PMC7737000 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-guided endonuclease system CRISPR-Cas9 has been extensively modified since its discovery, allowing its capabilities to extend far beyond double-stranded cleavage to high fidelity insertions, deletions and single base edits. Such innovations have been possible due to the modular architecture of CRISPR-Cas9 and the robustness of its component parts to modifications and the fusion of new functional elements. Here, we review the broad toolkit of CRISPR-Cas9-based systems now available for diverse genome-editing tasks. We provide an overview of their core molecular structure and mechanism and distil the design principles used to engineer their diverse functionalities. We end by looking beyond the biochemistry and toward the societal and ethical challenges that these CRISPR-Cas9 systems face if their transformative capabilities are to be deployed in a safe and acceptable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Meaker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Emma J Hair
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Thomas E Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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43
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Modelling Neuromuscular Diseases in the Age of Precision Medicine. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040178. [PMID: 33080928 PMCID: PMC7712305 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in knowledge resulting from the sequencing of the human genome, coupled with technological developments and a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms of pathogenesis are paving the way for a growing role of precision medicine in the treatment of a number of human conditions. The goal of precision medicine is to identify and deliver effective therapeutic approaches based on patients’ genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. With the exception of cancer, neurological diseases provide the most promising opportunity to achieve treatment personalisation, mainly because of accelerated progress in gene discovery, deep clinical phenotyping, and biomarker availability. Developing reproducible, predictable and reliable disease models will be key to the rapid delivery of the anticipated benefits of precision medicine. Here we summarize the current state of the art of preclinical models for neuromuscular diseases, with particular focus on their use and limitations to predict safety and efficacy treatment outcomes in clinical trials.
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Lyu P, Yoo KW, Yadav MK, Atala A, Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M, Duan D, Lu B. Sensitive and reliable evaluation of single-cut sgRNAs to restore dystrophin by a GFP-reporter assay. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239468. [PMID: 32970732 PMCID: PMC7514106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Most Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cases are caused by deletions or duplications of one or more exons that disrupt the reading frame of DMD mRNA. Restoring the reading frame allows the production of partially functional dystrophin proteins, and result in less severe symptoms. Antisense oligonucleotide mediated exon skipping has been approved for DMD, but this strategy needs repeated treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 can also restore dystrophin reading frame. Although recent in vivo studies showed the efficacy of the single-cut reframing/exon skipping strategy, methods to find the most efficient single-cut sgRNAs for a specific mutation are lacking. Here we show that the insertion/deletion (INDEL) generating efficiency and the INDEL profiles both contribute to the reading frame restoring efficiency of a single-cut sgRNA, thus assays only examining INDEL frequency are not able to find the best sgRNAs. We therefore developed a GFP-reporter assay to evaluate single-cut reframing efficiency, reporting the combined effects of both aspects. We show that the GFP-reporter assay can reliably predict the performance of sgRNAs in myoblasts. This GFP-reporter assay makes it possible to efficiently and reliably find the most efficient single-cut sgRNA for restoring dystrophin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kyung Whan Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Manish Kumar Yadav
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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45
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Ramezankhani R, Minaei N, Haddadi M, Torabi S, Hesaraki M, Mirzaei H, Vosough M, Verfaillie CM. Gene editing technology for improving life quality: A dream coming true? Clin Genet 2020; 99:67-83. [PMID: 32506418 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The fact that monogenic diseases are related to mutations in one specific gene, make gene correction one of the promising strategies in the future to treat genetic diseases or alleviate their symptoms. From this perspective, and along with recent advances in technology, genome editing tools have gained momentum and developed fast. In fact, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) are regarded as novel technologies which are able to correct a number of genetic aberrations in vitro and in vivo. The number of ongoing clinical trials employing these tools has been increased showing the encouraging outcomes of these tools. However, there are still some major challenges with respect to the safety profile and directed delivery of them. In this paper, we provided updated information regarding the history, nature, methods of delivery, and application of the above-mentioned gene editing tools along with the meganucleases (an older similar tool) based on published in vitro and in vivo studies and introduced clinical trials which employed these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Ramezankhani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neda Minaei
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Haddadi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shukoofeh Torabi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hesaraki
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Catherine M Verfaillie
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Boccanegra B, Verhaart IEC, Cappellari O, Vroom E, De Luca A. Safety issues and harmful pharmacological interactions of nutritional supplements in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: considerations for Standard of Care and emerging virus outbreaks. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104917. [PMID: 32485610 PMCID: PMC7261230 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
At the moment, little treatment options are available for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The absence of the dystrophin protein leads to a complex cascade of pathogenic events in myofibres, including chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as well as altered metabolism. The attention towards dietary supplements in DMD is rapidly increasing, with the aim to counteract pathology-related alteration in nutrient intake, the consequences of catabolic distress or to enhance the immunological response of patients as nowadays for the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. By definition, supplements do not exert therapeutic actions, although a great confusion may arise in daily life by the improper distinction between supplements and therapeutic compounds. For most supplements, little research has been done and little evidence is available concerning their effects in DMD as well as their preventing actions against infections. Often these are not prescribed by clinicians and patients/caregivers do not discuss the use with their clinical team. Then, little is known about the real extent of supplement use in DMD patients. It is mistakenly assumed that, since compounds are of natural origin, if a supplement is not effective, it will also do no harm. However, supplements can have serious side effects and also have harmful interactions, in terms of reducing efficacy or leading to toxicity, with other therapies. It is therefore pivotal to shed light on this unclear scenario for the sake of patients. This review discusses the supplements mostly used by DMD patients, focusing on their potential toxicity, due to a variety of mechanisms including pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions and contaminations, as well as on reports of adverse events. This overview underlines the need for caution in uncontrolled use of dietary supplements in fragile populations such as DMD patients. A culture of appropriate use has to be implemented between clinicians and patients' groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigida Boccanegra
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Ingrid E C Verhaart
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Duchenne Parent Project, the Netherlands
| | - Ornella Cappellari
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Vroom
- Duchenne Parent Project, the Netherlands; World Duchenne Organisation (UPPMD), the Netherlands
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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Tay LS, Palmer N, Panwala R, Chew WL, Mali P. Translating CRISPR-Cas Therapeutics: Approaches and Challenges. CRISPR J 2020; 3:253-275. [PMID: 32833535 PMCID: PMC7469700 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas clinical trials have begun, offering a first glimpse at how DNA and RNA targeting could enable therapies for many genetic and epigenetic human diseases. The speedy progress of CRISPR-Cas from discovery and adoption to clinical use is built on decades of traditional gene therapy research and belies the multiple challenges that could derail the successful translation of these new modalities. Here, we review how CRISPR-Cas therapeutics are translated from technological systems to therapeutic modalities, paying particular attention to the therapeutic cascade from cargo to delivery vector, manufacturing, administration, pipelines, safety, and therapeutic target profiles. We also explore potential solutions to some of the obstacles facing successful CRISPR-Cas translation. We hope to illuminate how CRISPR-Cas is brought from the academic bench toward use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavina Sierra Tay
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wei Leong Chew
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Cappellari O, Mantuano P, De Luca A. "The Social Network" and Muscular Dystrophies: The Lesson Learnt about the Niche Environment as a Target for Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071659. [PMID: 32660168 PMCID: PMC7407800 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscle stem cells niche is essential in neuromuscular disorders. Muscle injury and myofiber death are the main triggers of muscle regeneration via satellite cell activation. However, in degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy, regeneration still keep elusive. In these pathologies, stem cell loss occurs over time, and missing signals limiting damaged tissue from activating the regenerative process can be envisaged. It is unclear what comes first: the lack of regeneration due to satellite cell defects, their pool exhaustion for degeneration/regeneration cycles, or the inhibitory mechanisms caused by muscle damage and fibrosis mediators. Herein, Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been taken as a paradigm, as several drugs have been tested at the preclinical and clinical levels, targeting secondary events in the complex pathogenesis derived from lack of dystrophin. We focused on the crucial roles that pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines play in triggering muscle necrosis after damage and stimulating satellite cell activation and self-renewal, along with growth and mechanical factors. These processes contribute to regeneration and niche maintenance. We review the main effects of drugs on regeneration biomarkers to assess whether targeting pathogenic events can help to protect niche homeostasis and enhance regeneration efficiency other than protecting newly formed fibers from further damage.
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In Vivo Genome Engineering for the Treatment of Muscular Dystrophies. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-020-00173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Chemello F, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Correction of muscular dystrophies by CRISPR gene editing. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2766-2776. [PMID: 32478678 PMCID: PMC7259998 DOI: 10.1172/jci136873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are debilitating disorders that result in progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscle. Although the genetic mutations and clinical abnormalities of a variety of neuromuscular diseases are well known, no curative therapies have been developed to date. The advent of genome editing technology provides new opportunities to correct the underlying mutations responsible for many monogenic neuromuscular diseases. For example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, has been successfully corrected in mice, dogs, and human cells through CRISPR/Cas9 editing. In this Review, we focus on the potential for, and challenges of, correcting muscular dystrophies by editing disease-causing mutations at the genomic level. Ideally, because muscle tissues are extremely long-lived, CRISPR technology could offer a one-time treatment for muscular dystrophies by correcting the culprit genomic mutations and enabling normal expression of the repaired gene.
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