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Hasselbeck S, Cheng X. Molecular Marvels: Small Molecules Paving the Way for Enhanced Gene Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 38256875 PMCID: PMC10818943 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of genetic engineering, the advent of CRISPR-Cas technologies has catalyzed a paradigm shift, empowering scientists to manipulate the genetic code with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Despite the remarkable capabilities inherent to CRISPR-Cas systems, recent advancements have witnessed the integration of small molecules to augment their functionality, introducing new dimensions to the precision and versatility of gene editing applications. This review delves into the synergy between CRISPR-Cas technologies based specifically on Cas9 and small-molecule drugs, elucidating the pivotal role of chemicals in optimizing target specificity and editing efficiency. By examining a diverse array of applications, ranging from therapeutic interventions to agricultural advancements, we explore how the judicious use of chemicals enhances the precision of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genetic modifications. In this review, we emphasize the significance of small-molecule drugs in fine-tuning the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery, which allows researchers to exert meticulous control over the editing process. We delve into the mechanisms through which these chemicals bolster target specificity, mitigate off-target effects, and contribute to the overall refinement of gene editing outcomes. Additionally, we discuss the potential of chemical integration in expanding the scope of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, enabling tailored solutions for diverse genetic manipulation challenges. As CRISPR-Cas9 technologies continue to evolve, the integration of small-molecule drugs emerges as a crucial avenue for advancing the precision and applicability of gene editing techniques. This review not only synthesizes current knowledge but also highlights future prospects, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the synergistic interplay between CRISPR-Cas9 systems and chemical modulators in the pursuit of more controlled and efficient genetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hasselbeck
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xinlai Cheng
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Yang Y, Li D, Wan F, Chen B, Wu G, Li F, Ren Y, Liang P, Wan J, Songyang Z. Identification and Analysis of Small Molecule Inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas9 in Human Cells. Cells 2022; 11:3574. [PMID: 36429003 PMCID: PMC9688475 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223574] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing tools based on CRISPR-Cas systems can repair genetic mutations in situ; however, off-target effects and DNA damage lesions that result from genome editing remain major roadblocks to its full clinical implementation. Protein and chemical inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas systems may reduce off-target effects and DNA damage. Here we describe the identification of several lead chemical inhibitors that could specifically inhibit the activity of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9). In addition, we obtained derivatives of lead inhibitors that could penetrate the cell membrane and inhibit SpCas9 in cellulo. Two of these compounds, SP2 and SP24, were able to improve the specificity of SpCas9 in cellulo at low-micromolar concentration. Furthermore, microscale thermophoresis (MST) assays showed that SP24 might inhibit SpCas9 activity by interacting with both the SpCas9 protein and the SpCas9-gRNA ribonucleoprotein complex. Taken together, SP24 is a novel chemical inhibitor of SpCas9 which has the potential to enhance therapies that utilize SpCas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Donghua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Fen Wan
- International Cooperation Base of Pesticide and Green Synthesis (Hubei), Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Bohong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Guanglan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Feng Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yanliang Ren
- International Cooperation Base of Pesticide and Green Synthesis (Hubei), Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jian Wan
- International Cooperation Base of Pesticide and Green Synthesis (Hubei), Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Shin S, Jang S, Lim D. Small Molecules for Enhancing the Precision and Safety of Genome Editing. Molecules 2022; 27:6266. [PMID: 36234804 PMCID: PMC9573751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome-editing technologies have revolutionized biology, biotechnology, and medicine, and have spurred the development of new therapeutic modalities. However, there remain several barriers to the safe use of CRISPR technologies, such as unintended off-target DNA cleavages. Small molecules are important resources to solve these problems, given their facile delivery and fast action to enable temporal control of the CRISPR systems. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of small molecules that can precisely modulate CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases and guide RNAs (gRNAs). We also discuss the small-molecule control of emerging genome editors (e.g., base editors) and anti-CRISPR proteins. These molecules could be used for the precise investigation of biological systems and the development of safer therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoon Shin
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Seeun Jang
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Donghyun Lim
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
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