1
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Adler A, Bader JS, Basnight B, Booth BW, Cai J, Cho E, Collins JH, Ge Y, Grothendieck J, Keating K, Marshall T, Persikov A, Scott H, Siegelmann R, Singh M, Taggart A, Toll B, Wan KH, Wyschogrod D, Yaman F, Young EM, Celniker SE, Roehner N. Ensemble Detection of DNA Engineering Signatures. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1105-1115. [PMID: 38468602 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is creating genetically engineered organisms at an increasing rate for many potentially valuable applications, but this potential comes with the risk of misuse or accidental release. To begin to address this issue, we have developed a system called GUARDIAN that can automatically detect signatures of engineering in DNA sequencing data, and we have conducted a blinded test of this system using a curated Test and Evaluation (T&E) data set. GUARDIAN uses an ensemble approach based on the guiding principle that no single approach is likely to be able to detect engineering with perfect accuracy. Critically, ensembling enables GUARDIAN to detect sequence inserts in 13 target organisms with a high degree of specificity that requires no subject matter expert (SME) review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Adler
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Joel S Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Brian Basnight
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Benjamin W Booth
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jitong Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Elizabeth Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Joseph H Collins
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Yuchen Ge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | | | - Kevin Keating
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Tyler Marshall
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Anton Persikov
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Helen Scott
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Roy Siegelmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Mona Singh
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | | | - Benjamin Toll
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Kenneth H Wan
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Fusun Yaman
- Raytheon BBN, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Eric M Young
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Susan E Celniker
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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2
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Giuli L, Santopaolo F, Pallozzi M, Pellegrino A, Coppola G, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Cellular therapies in liver and pancreatic diseases. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:563-579. [PMID: 36543708 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, developments in regenerative medicine in gastroenterology have been greatly enhanced by the application of stem cells, which can self-replicate and differentiate into any somatic cell. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells has opened remarkable perspectives on tissue regeneration, including their use as a bridge to transplantation or as supportive therapy in patients with organ failure. The improvements in DNA manipulation and gene editing strategies have also allowed to clarify the physiopathology and to correct the phenotype of several monogenic diseases, both in vivo and in vitro. Further progress has been made with the development of three-dimensional cultures, known as organoids, which have demonstrated morphological and functional complexity comparable to that of a miniature organ. Hence, owing to its protean applications and potential benefits, cell and organoid transplantation has become a hot topic for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we describe current knowledge on cell therapies in hepatology and pancreatology, providing insight into their future applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Giuli
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellegrino
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Coppola
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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3
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Puhl DL, Mohanraj D, Nelson DW, Gilbert RJ. Designing electrospun fiber platforms for efficient delivery of genetic material and genome editing tools. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 183:114161. [PMID: 35183657 PMCID: PMC9724629 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electrospun fibers are versatile biomaterial platforms with great potential to support regeneration. Electrospun fiber characteristics such as fiber diameter, degree of alignment, rate of degradation, and surface chemistry enable the creation of unique, tunable scaffolds for various drug or gene delivery applications. The delivery of genetic material and genome editing tools via viral and non-viral vectors are approaches to control cellular protein production. However, immunogenicity, off-target effects, and low delivery efficiencies slow the progression of gene delivery strategies to clinical settings. The delivery of genetic material from electrospun fibers overcomes such limitations by allowing for localized, tunable delivery of genetic material. However, the process of electrospinning is harsh, and care must be taken to retain genetic material bioactivity. This review presents an up-to-date summary of strategies to incorporate genetic material onto or within electrospun fiber platforms to improve delivery efficiency and enhance the regenerative potential of electrospun fibers for various tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan L Puhl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
| | - Divya Mohanraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
| | - Derek W Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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4
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Schoger E, Lelek S, Panáková D, Zelarayán LC. Tailoring Cardiac Synthetic Transcriptional Modulation Towards Precision Medicine. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:783072. [PMID: 35097003 PMCID: PMC8795974 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.783072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and genetic differences between individual cells within tissues underlie cellular heterogeneities defining organ physiology and function in homeostasis as well as in disease states. Transcriptional control of endogenous gene expression has been intensively studied for decades. Thanks to a fast-developing field of single cell genomics, we are facing an unprecedented leap in information available pertaining organ biology offering a comprehensive overview. The single-cell technologies that arose aided in resolving the precise cellular composition of many organ systems in the past years. Importantly, when applied to diseased tissues, the novel approaches have been immensely improving our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of common human diseases. With this information, precise prediction of regulatory elements controlling gene expression upon perturbations in a given cell type or a specific context will be realistic. Simultaneously, the technological advances in CRISPR-mediated regulation of gene transcription as well as their application in the context of epigenome modulation, have opened up novel avenues for targeted therapy and personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the fast-paced advancements during the recent years and the applications thereof in the context of cardiac biology and common cardiac disease. The combination of single cell technologies and the deep knowledge of fundamental biology of the diseased heart together with the CRISPR-mediated modulation of gene regulatory networks will be instrumental in tailoring the right strategies for personalized and precision medicine in the near future. In this review, we provide a brief overview of how single cell transcriptomics has advanced our knowledge and paved the way for emerging CRISPR/Cas9-technologies in clinical applications in cardiac biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Schoger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sara Lelek
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Panáková
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Daniela Panáková
| | - Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
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5
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Ageely EA, Chilamkurthy R, Jana S, Abdullahu L, O'Reilly D, Jensik PJ, Damha MJ, Gagnon KT. Gene editing with CRISPR-Cas12a guides possessing ribose-modified pseudoknot handles. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6591. [PMID: 34782635 PMCID: PMC8593028 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a is a leading technology for development of model organisms, therapeutics, and diagnostics. These applications could benefit from chemical modifications that stabilize or tune enzyme properties. Here we chemically modify ribonucleotides of the AsCas12a CRISPR RNA 5' handle, a pseudoknot structure that mediates binding to Cas12a. Gene editing in human cells required retention of several native RNA residues corresponding to predicted 2'-hydroxyl contacts. Replacing these RNA residues with a variety of ribose-modified nucleotides revealed 2'-hydroxyl sensitivity. Modified 5' pseudoknots with as little as six out of nineteen RNA residues, with phosphorothioate linkages at remaining RNA positions, yielded heavily modified pseudoknots with robust cell-based editing. High trans activity was usually preserved with cis activity. We show that the 5' pseudoknot can tolerate near complete modification when design is guided by structural and chemical compatibility. Rules for modification of the 5' pseudoknot should accelerate therapeutic development and be valuable for CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Ageely
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Ramadevi Chilamkurthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Sunit Jana
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Daniel O'Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Philip J Jensik
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Keith T Gagnon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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6
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Hurt SC, Dickson PI, Curiel DT. Mucopolysaccharidoses type I gene therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:1088-1098. [PMID: 34189746 PMCID: PMC8525653 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses type I (MPS I) is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by a malfunction of the α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) enzyme leading to the storage of glycosaminoglycans in the lysosomes. This disease has longtime been studied as a therapeutic target for those studying gene therapy and many studies have been done using various vectors to deliver the IDUA gene for corrective treatment. Many vectors have difficulties with efficacy and insertional mutagenesis concerns including adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Studies of AAV vectors treating MPS I have seemed promising, but recent deaths in gene therapy clinical trials for other inherited diseases using AAV vectors have left questions about their safety. Additionally, the recent modifications to adenoviral vectors leading them to target the vascular endothelium minimizing the risk of hepatotoxicity could lead to them being a viable option for MPS I gene therapy when coupled with gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Hurt
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation OncologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of GeneticsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Patricia I. Dickson
- Department of GeneticsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - David T. Curiel
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation OncologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
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7
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Ewert KK, Scodeller P, Simón-Gracia L, Steffes VM, Wonder EA, Teesalu T, Safinya CR. Cationic Liposomes as Vectors for Nucleic Acid and Hydrophobic Drug Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1365. [PMID: 34575441 PMCID: PMC8465808 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic liposomes (CLs) are effective carriers of a variety of therapeutics. Their applications as vectors of nucleic acids (NAs), from long DNA and mRNA to short interfering RNA (siRNA), have been pursued for decades to realize the promise of gene therapy, with approvals of the siRNA therapeutic patisiran and two mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 as recent milestones. The long-term goal of developing optimized CL-based NA carriers for a broad range of medical applications requires a comprehensive understanding of the structure of these vectors and their interactions with cell membranes and components that lead to the release and activity of the NAs within the cell. Structure-activity relationships of lipids for CL-based NA and drug delivery must take into account that these lipids act not individually but as components of an assembly of many molecules. This review summarizes our current understanding of how the choice of the constituting lipids governs the structure of their CL-NA self-assemblies, which constitute distinct liquid crystalline phases, and the relation of these structures to their efficacy for delivery. In addition, we review progress toward CL-NA nanoparticles for targeted NA delivery in vivo and close with an outlook on CL-based carriers of hydrophobic drugs, which may eventually lead to combination therapies with NAs and drugs for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai K. Ewert
- Materials, Physics, and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Departments, and Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (V.M.S.); (E.A.W.)
| | - Pablo Scodeller
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (P.S.); (L.S.-G.)
| | - Lorena Simón-Gracia
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (P.S.); (L.S.-G.)
| | - Victoria M. Steffes
- Materials, Physics, and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Departments, and Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (V.M.S.); (E.A.W.)
| | - Emily A. Wonder
- Materials, Physics, and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Departments, and Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (V.M.S.); (E.A.W.)
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (P.S.); (L.S.-G.)
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Cyrus R. Safinya
- Materials, Physics, and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Departments, and Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (V.M.S.); (E.A.W.)
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8
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Pandelakis M, Delgado E, Ebrahimkhani MR. CRISPR-Based Synthetic Transcription Factors In Vivo: The Future of Therapeutic Cellular Programming. Cell Syst 2021; 10:1-14. [PMID: 31972154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pinpoint control over endogenous gene expression in vivo has long been a fevered dream for clinicians and researchers alike. With the recent repurposing of programmable, RNA-guided DNA endonucleases from the CRISPR bacterial immune system, this dream is becoming a powerful reality. Engineered CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional regulators and epigenome editors have enabled researchers to perturb endogenous gene expression in vivo, allowing for the therapeutic reprogramming of cell and tissue behavior. For this technology to be of maximal use, a variety of technological hurdles still need to be addressed. Better understanding of the design principle controlling gene expression together with technologies that enable spatiotemporal control of transcriptional engineering are fundamental for rational design, improved efficacy, and ultimately safe translation to humans. In this review, we will discuss recent advances and integrative strategies that can help pave the path toward a new class of transcriptional therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pandelakis
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delgado
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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9
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Tálas A, Huszár K, Kulcsár PI, Varga JK, Varga É, Tóth E, Welker Z, Erdős G, Pach PF, Welker Á, Györgypál Z, Tusnády GE, Welker E. A method for characterizing Cas9 variants via a one-million target sequence library of self-targeting sgRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e31. [PMID: 33450024 PMCID: PMC8034649 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed target-selectivity information and experiment-based efficacy prediction tools are primarily available for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9). One obstacle to develop such tools is the rarity of accurate data. Here, we report a method termed ‘Self-targeting sgRNA Library Screen’ (SLS) for assaying the activity of Cas9 nucleases in bacteria using random target/sgRNA libraries of self-targeting sgRNAs. Exploiting more than a million different sequences, we demonstrate the use of the method with the SpCas9-HF1 variant to analyse its activity and reveal motifs that influence its target-selectivity. We have also developed an algorithm for predicting the activity of SpCas9-HF1 with an accuracy matching those of existing tools. SLS is a facile alternative to the much more expensive and laborious approaches used currently and has the capability of delivering sufficient amount of data for most of the orthologs and variants of SpCas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Tálas
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Huszár
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Gene Design Ltd, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter István Kulcsár
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Biospiral-2006 Ltd, Szeged, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Julia K Varga
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Varga
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, University of Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Tóth
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Ágnes Welker
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Györgypál
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor E Tusnády
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ervin Welker
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
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10
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Miri SM, Tafsiri E, Cho WCS, Ghaemi A. CRISPR-Cas, a robust gene-editing technology in the era of modern cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:456. [PMID: 32973401 PMCID: PMC7493839 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01546-8] [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: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been emerged as a promising strategy for treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies ranging from hematological to solid tumors. One of the principal approaches of cancer immunotherapy is transfer of natural or engineered tumor-specific T-cells into patients, a so called "adoptive cell transfer", or ACT, process. Construction of allogeneic T-cells is dependent on the employment of a gene-editing tool to modify donor-extracted T-cells and prepare them to specifically act against tumor cells with enhanced function and durability and least side-effects. In this context, CRISPR technology can be used to produce universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), through multiplex genome engineering using Cas nucleases. The robust potential of CRISPR-Cas in preparing the building blocks of ACT immunotherapy has broaden the application of such therapies and some of them have gotten FDA approvals. Here, we have collected the last investigations in the field of immuno-oncology conducted in partnership with CRISPR technology. In addition, studies that have addressed the challenges in the path of CRISPR-mediated cancer immunotherapy, as well as pre-treatment applications of CRISPR-Cas have been mentioned in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Tafsiri
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, P.O.Box: 1316943551, Iran
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11
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Tóth E, Czene BC, Kulcsár PI, Krausz SL, Tálas A, Nyeste A, Varga É, Huszár K, Weinhardt N, Ligeti Z, Borsy AÉ, Fodor E, Welker E. Mb- and FnCpf1 nucleases are active in mammalian cells: activities and PAM preferences of four wild-type Cpf1 nucleases and of their altered PAM specificity variants. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:10272-10285. [PMID: 30239882 PMCID: PMC6212782 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cpf1s, the RNA-guided nucleases of the class II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats system require a short motive called protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) to be present next to the targeted sequence for their activity. The TTTV PAM sequence of As- and LbCpf1 nucleases is relatively rare in the genome of higher eukaryotic organisms. Here, we show that two other Cpf1 nucleases, Fn- and MbCpf1, which have been reported to utilize a shorter, more frequently occurring PAM sequence (TTN) when tested in vitro, carry out efficient genome modification in mammalian cells. We found that all four Cpf1 nucleases showed similar activities and TTTV PAM preferences. Our approach also revealed that besides their activities their PAM preferences are also target dependent. To increase the number of the available targets for Fn- and MbCpf1 we generated their RVR and RR mutants with altered PAM specificity and compared them to the wild-type and analogous As- and LbCpf1 variants. The mutants gained new PAM specificities but retained their activity on targets with TTTV PAMs, redefining RR-Cpf1's PAM-specificities as TTYV/TCCV, respectively. These variants may become versatile substitutes for wild-type Cpf1s by providing an expanded range of targets for genome engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Tóth
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Bernadett C Czene
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Gene Design Kft., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Péter I Kulcsár
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Science, University of Szeged, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Sarah L Krausz
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - András Tálas
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Antal Nyeste
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Éva Varga
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Huszár
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Nóra Weinhardt
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.,Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Ligeti
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Science, University of Szeged, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Adrienn É Borsy
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Biospirál-2006 Kft., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Elfrieda Fodor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.,Biospirál-2006 Kft., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Ervin Welker
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.,Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
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12
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Barkau CL, O'Reilly D, Rohilla KJ, Damha MJ, Gagnon KT. Rationally Designed Anti-CRISPR Nucleic Acid Inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas9. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:136-147. [PMID: 30990769 PMCID: PMC6555185 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) RNAs and their associated effector (Cas) enzymes are being developed into promising therapeutics to treat disease. However, CRISPR-Cas enzymes might produce unwanted gene editing or dangerous side effects. Drug-like molecules that can inactivate CRISPR-Cas enzymes could help facilitate safer therapeutic development. Based on the requirement of guide RNA and target DNA interaction by Cas enzymes, we rationally designed small nucleic acid-based inhibitors (SNuBs) of Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9. Inhibitors were initially designed as 2'-O-methyl-modified oligonucleotides that bound the CRISPR RNA guide sequence (anti-guide) or repeat sequence (anti-tracr), or DNA oligonucleotides that bound the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)-interaction domain (anti-PAM) of SpCas9. Coupling anti-PAM and anti-tracr modules together was synergistic and resulted in high binding affinity and efficient inhibition of Cas9 DNA cleavage activity. Incorporating 2'F-RNA and locked nucleic acid nucleotides into the anti-tracr module resulted in greater inhibition as well as dose-dependent suppression of gene editing in human cells. CRISPR SNuBs provide a platform for rational design of CRISPR-Cas enzyme inhibitors that should translate to other CRISPR effector enzymes and enable better control over CRISPR-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Barkau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Daniel O'Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kushal J. Rohilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Masad J. Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Keith T. Gagnon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
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13
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Thang DC, Wang Z, Lu X, Xing B. Precise cell behaviors manipulation through light-responsive nano-regulators: recent advance and perspective. Theranostics 2019; 9:3308-3340. [PMID: 31244956 PMCID: PMC6567964 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology-assisted spatiotemporal manipulation of biological events holds great promise in advancing the practice of precision medicine in healthcare systems. The progress in internal and/or external stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms for highly specific cellular regulations and theranostic controls offer potential clinical translations of the revolutionized nanomedicine. To successfully implement this new paradigm, the emerging light-responsive nanoregulators with unparalleled precise cell functions manipulation have gained intensive attention, providing UV-Vis light-triggered photocleavage or photoisomerization studies, as well as near-infrared (NIR) light-mediated deep-tissue applications for stimulating cellular signal cascades and treatment of mortal diseases. This review discusses current developments of light-activatable nanoplatforms for modulations of various cellular events including neuromodulations, stem cell monitoring, immunomanipulation, cancer therapy, and other biological target intervention. In summary, the propagation of light-controlled nanomedicine would place a bright prospect for future medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Cong Thang
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Xiaoling Lu
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Bengang Xing
- Sino-Singapore International Joint Research Institute (SSIJRI), Guangzhou 510000, China
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
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14
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Ebrahimkhani MR, Ebisuya M. Synthetic developmental biology: build and control multicellular systems. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 52:9-15. [PMID: 31102790 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology offers a bottom-up engineering approach that intends to understand complex systems via design-build-test cycles. Embryonic development comprises complex processes that originate at the level of gene regulatory networks in a cell and emerge into collective cellular behaviors with multicellular forms and functions. Here, we review synthetic biology approaches to development that involve building de novo developmental trajectories or engineering control in stem cell-derived multicellular systems. The field of synthetic developmental biology is rapidly growing with the help of recent advances in artificial gene circuits, self-organizing organoids, and controllable tissue microenvironments. The outcome will be a blueprint to decode principles of morphogenesis and to create programmable organoids with novel designs or improved functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State Tempe, AZ, USA; Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Miki Ebisuya
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Safe CRISPR: Challenges and Possible Solutions. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:389-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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16
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Brioschi M, Banfi C. The application of gene silencing in proteomics: from laboratory to clinic. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:717-732. [PMID: 30205712 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1521275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the completion of genome sequencing, gene silencing technologies have emerged as powerful tools to study gene functions in various biological processes, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, they have also been proposed as therapeutic agents to inhibit selected genes in a variety of pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. Area covered: This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and applications of genome editing tools, from RNA interference to clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based systems, in research and in clinics. We describe their essential role in high-throughput genetic screens and, in particular, in functional proteomics studies, to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Indeed, gene silencing and proteomics have been extensively integrated to study global proteome changes, posttranslational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. Expert commentary: Functional proteomics approaches that leverage gene silencing tools have been successfully applied to examine the role of several genes in various contexts, leading to a deeper knowledge of biological pathways and disease mechanisms. Recent developments of gene silencing tools have improved their performance, also in terms of off-targets effects reduction, paving the way for a wider therapeutic application of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Brioschi
- a Unit of Proteomics , Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS , Milano , Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- a Unit of Proteomics , Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS , Milano , Italy
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17
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Lee CH, Han SR, Lee SW. Group I Intron-Based Therapeutics Through Trans-Splicing Reaction. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 159:79-100. [PMID: 30340790 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In 1982, the Cech group discovered that an intron structure in an rRNA precursor of Tetrahymena thermophila is sufficient to complete splicing without assistance from proteins. This was the first moment that scientists recognized RNAs can have catalytic activities derived from their own unique three-dimensional structures and thus play more various roles in biological processes than thought before. Several additional catalytic RNAs, called ribozymes, were subsequently identified in nature followed by intense studies to reveal their mechanisms of action and to engineer them for use in fields such as molecular cell biology, therapeutics, imaging, etc. Naturally occurring RNA-targeting ribozymes can be broadly classified into two categories by their abilities: Self-cleavage and self-splicing. Since ribozymes use base-pairing to recognize cleavage sites, identification of the catalytic center of naturally occurring ribozymes enables to engineer from "self" to "trans" acting ones which has accelerated to design and use ribozyme as valuable tools in gene therapy fields. Especially, group I intron-based trans-splicing ribozyme has unique property to use as a gene therapeutic agent. It can destroy and simultaneously repair (and/or reprogram) target RNAs to yield the desired therapeutic RNAs, maintaining endogenous spatial and temporal gene regulation of target RNAs. There have been progressive improvements in trans-splicing ribozymes and successful applications of these elements in gene therapy and molecular imaging approaches for various pathogenic conditions. In this chapter, current status of trans-splicing ribozyme therapeutics, focusing on Tetrahymena group I intron-based ribozymes, and their future prospects will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ho Lee
- Department of Integrated Life Sciences, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Seong-Wook Lee
- Department of Integrated Life Sciences, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea; Rznomics Inc., Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Suzuki T, Asami M, Patel SG, Luk LYP, Tsai YH, Perry ACF. Switchable genome editing via genetic code expansion. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10051. [PMID: 29968790 PMCID: PMC6030211 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28178-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple applications of genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 necessitate stringent regulation and Cas9 variants have accordingly been generated whose activity responds to small ligands, temperature or light. However, these approaches are often impracticable, for example in clinical therapeutic genome editing in situ or gene drives in which environmentally-compatible control is paramount. With this in mind, we have developed heritable Cas9-mediated mammalian genome editing that is acutely controlled by the cheap lysine derivative, Lys(Boc) (BOC). Genetic code expansion permitted non-physiological BOC incorporation such that Cas9 (Cas9BOC) was expressed in a full-length, active form in cultured somatic cells only after BOC exposure. Stringently BOC-dependent, heritable editing of transgenic and native genomic loci occurred when Cas9BOC was expressed at the onset of mouse embryonic development from cRNA or Cas9BOC transgenic females. The tightly controlled Cas9 editing system reported here promises to have broad applications and is a first step towards purposed, spatiotemporal gene drive regulation over large geographical ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Suzuki
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, England
| | - Maki Asami
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, England
| | - Sanjay G Patel
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales
| | - Louis Y P Luk
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales.
| | - Anthony C F Perry
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, England.
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19
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Abstract
Although the application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering approaches was first reported in apicomplexan parasites only 3 years ago, this technology has rapidly become an essential component of research on apicomplexan parasites. This review briefly describes the history of CRISPR/Cas9 and the principles behind its use along with documenting its implementation in apicomplexan parasites, especially Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. We also discuss the recent use of CRISPR/Cas9 for whole genome screening of gene knockout mutants in T. gondii and highlight its use for seminal genetic manipulations of Cryptosporidium spp. Finally, we consider new variations of CRISPR/Cas9 that have yet to be implemented in apicomplexans. Whereas CRISPR/Cas9 has already accelerated rapid interrogation of gene function in apicomplexans, the full potential of this technology is yet to be realized as new variations and innovations are integrated into the field.
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20
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Lee CH, Han SR, Lee SW. Therapeutic applications of group I intron-based trans-splicing ribozymes. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 9:e1466. [PMID: 29383855 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the breakthrough discovery of catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) in the early 1980s, valuable ribozyme-based gene therapies have been developed for incurable diseases ranging from genetic disorders to viral infections and cancers. Ribozymes can be engineered and used to downregulate or repair pathogenic genes via RNA cleavage mediated by trans-cleaving ribozymes or repair and reprograming mediated by trans-splicing ribozymes, respectively. Uniquely, trans-splicing ribozymes can edit target RNAs via simultaneous destruction and repair (and/or reprograming) to yield the desired therapeutic RNAs, thus selectively inducing therapeutic gene activity in cells expressing the target RNAs. In contrast to traditional gene therapy approaches, such as simple addition of therapeutic transgenes or inhibition of disease-causing genes, the selective repair and/or reprograming abilities of trans-splicing ribozymes in target RNA-expressing cells facilitates the maintenance of endogenous spatial and temporal gene regulation and reduction of disease-associated transcript expression. In molecular imaging technologies, trans-splicing ribozymes can be used to reprogram specific RNAs in living cells and organisms by the 3'-tagging of reporter RNAs. The past two decades have seen progressive improvements in trans-splicing ribozymes and the successful application of these elements in gene therapy and molecular imaging approaches for various pathogenic conditions, such as genetic, infectious, and malignant disease. This review provides an overview of the current status of trans-splicing ribozyme therapeutics, focusing on Tetrahymena group I intron-based ribozymes, and their future prospects. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ho Lee
- Department of Integrated Life Sciences, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ryul Han
- Department of Integrated Life Sciences, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Lee
- Department of Integrated Life Sciences, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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21
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LeBlanc C, Zhang F, Mendez J, Lozano Y, Chatpar K, Irish VF, Jacob Y. Increased efficiency of targeted mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 in plants using heat stress. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 93:377-386. [PMID: 29161464 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has greatly improved our ability to engineer targeted mutations in eukaryotic genomes. While CRISPR/Cas9 appears to work universally, the efficiency of targeted mutagenesis and the adverse generation of off-target mutations vary greatly between different organisms. In this study, we report that Arabidopsis plants subjected to heat stress at 37°C show much higher frequencies of CRISPR-induced mutations compared to plants grown continuously at the standard temperature (22°C). Using quantitative assays relying on green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes, we found that targeted mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 in Arabidopsis is increased by approximately 5-fold in somatic tissues and up to 100-fold in the germline upon heat treatment. This effect of temperature on the mutation rate is not limited to Arabidopsis, as we observed a similar increase in targeted mutations by CRISPR/Cas9 in Citrus plants exposed to heat stress at 37°C. In vitro assays demonstrate that Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) is more active in creating double-stranded DNA breaks at 37°C than at 22°C, thus indicating a potential contributing mechanism for the in vivo effect of temperature on CRISPR/Cas9. This study reveals the importance of temperature in modulating SpCas9 activity in eukaryotes, and provides a simple method to increase on-target mutagenesis in plants using CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal LeBlanc
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Fei Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Josefina Mendez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Yamile Lozano
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Krishna Chatpar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Vivian F Irish
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Yannick Jacob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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22
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Baliou S, Adamaki M, Kyriakopoulos AM, Spandidos DA, Panayiotidis M, Christodoulou I, Zoumpourlis V. Role of the CRISPR system in controlling gene transcription and monitoring cell fate (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:1421-1427. [PMID: 29257248 PMCID: PMC5780079 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the accrual of transcripts is implicated in distinct disease states, our knowledge regarding their functional role remains obscure. The CRISPR system has surged at the forefront of genome engineering tools in the field of RNA modulation. In the present review, we discuss some exciting applications of the CRISPR system, including the manipulation of RNA sequences, the visualization of chromosomal loci in living cells and the modulation of transcription. The CRISPR system has been documented to be very reliable and specific in altering gene expression, via leveraging inactive catalytically dead CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). In the present review, the CRISPR system is presented as an eminent tool for the meticulous analysis of gene regulation, loci mapping and complex pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Baliou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Adamaki
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Michalis Panayiotidis
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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23
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Rohilla KJ, Gagnon KT. RNA biology of disease-associated microsatellite repeat expansions. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:63. [PMID: 28851463 PMCID: PMC5574247 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites, or simple tandem repeat sequences, occur naturally in the human genome and have important roles in genome evolution and function. However, the expansion of microsatellites is associated with over two dozen neurological diseases. A common denominator among the majority of these disorders is the expression of expanded tandem repeat-containing RNA, referred to as xtrRNA in this review, which can mediate molecular disease pathology in multiple ways. This review focuses on the potential impact that simple tandem repeat expansions can have on the biology and metabolism of RNA that contain them and underscores important gaps in understanding. Merging the molecular biology of repeat expansion disorders with the current understanding of RNA biology, including splicing, transcription, transport, turnover and translation, will help clarify mechanisms of disease and improve therapeutic development.
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