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Zhang R, Chai N, Liu T, Zheng Z, Lin Q, Xie X, Wen J, Yang Z, Liu YG, Zhu Q. The type V effectors for CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome engineering in plants. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 74:108382. [PMID: 38801866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108382] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
A plethora of CRISPR effectors, such as Cas3, Cas9, and Cas12a, are commonly employed as gene editing tools. Among these, Cas12 effectors developed based on Class II type V proteins exhibit distinct characteristics compared to Class II type VI and type II effectors, such as their ability to generate non-allelic DNA double-strand breaks, their compact structures, and the presence of a single RuvC-like nuclease domain. Capitalizing on these advantages, Cas12 family proteins have been increasingly explored and utilized in recent years. However, the characteristics and applications of different subfamilies within the type V protein family have not been systematically summarized. In this review, we focus on the characteristics of type V effector (CRISPR/Cas12) proteins and the current methods used to discover new effector proteins. We also summarize recent modifications based on engineering of type V effectors. In addition, we introduce the applications of type V effectors for gene editing in animals and plants, including the development of base editors, tools for regulating gene expression, methods for gene targeting, and biosensors. We emphasize the prospects for development and application of CRISPR/Cas12 effectors with the goal of better utilizing toolkits based on this protein family for crop improvement and enhanced agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Taoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiye Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiupeng Lin
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xianrong Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zi Yang
- College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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2
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Sheykholeslami N, Mirzaei H, Nami Y, Khandaghi J, Javadi A. Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of CRISPR-Cas systems in Clostridium botulinum: Insights from genome mining and comparative analysis. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105638. [PMID: 39002873 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the prevalence and distribution of CRISPR-Cas systems across different strains can illuminate the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of Clostridium botulinum populations. In this study, we conducted genome mining to characterize the CRISPR-Cas systems of C. botulinum strains. Our analysis involved retrieving complete genome sequences of these strains and assessing the diversity, prevalence, and evolution of their CRISPR-Cas systems. Subsequently, we performed an analysis of homology in spacer sequences from identified CRISPR arrays to investigate and characterize the range of targeted phages and plasmids. Additionally, we investigated the evolutionary trajectory of C. botulinum strains under selective pressures from foreign invasive DNA. Our findings revealed that 306 strains possessed complete CRISPR-Cas structures, comprising 58% of the studied C. botulinum strains. Secondary structure prediction of consensus repeats indicated that subtype II-C, with longer stems compared to subtypes ID and IB, tended to form more stable RNA secondary structures. Moreover, protospacer motif analysis demonstrated that strains with subtype IB CRISPR-Cas systems exhibited 5'-CGG-3', 5'-CC-3', and 5'-CAT-3' motifs in the 3' flanking regions of protospacers. The diversity observed in CRISPR-Cas systems indicated their classification into subtypes IB, ID, II-C, III-B, and III-D. Furthermore, our results showed that systems with subtype ID and III-D frequently harbored similar spacer patterns. Moreover, analysis of spacer sequences homology with phage and prophage genomes highlighted the specific activities exhibited by subtype IB and III-B against phages and plasmids, providing valuable insights into the functional specialization within these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiymeh Sheykholeslami
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Mirzaei
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Department of food Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Yousef Nami
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Branch for Northwest & West Region, Agricultural Biotechnology Research, Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jalil Khandaghi
- Department of food Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Food Science and Technology, Sarab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sarab, Iran
| | - Afshin Javadi
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Department of food Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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Xing W, Li D, Wang W, Liu JJG, Chen C. Conformational dynamics of CasX (Cas12e) in mediating DNA cleavage revealed by single-molecule FRET. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:9014-9027. [PMID: 38994558 PMCID: PMC11347132 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CasX (also known as Cas12e), a Class 2 CRISPR-Cas system, shows promise in genome editing due to its smaller size compared to the widely used Cas9 and Cas12a. Although the structures of CasX-sgRNA-DNA ternary complexes have been resolved and uncover a distinctive NTSB domain, the dynamic behaviors of CasX are not well characterized. In this study, we employed single-molecule and biochemical assays to investigate the conformational dynamics of two CasX homologs, DpbCasX and PlmCasX, from DNA binding to target cleavage and fragment release. Our results indicate that CasX cleaves the non-target strand and the target strand sequentially with relative irreversible dynamics. The two CasX homologs exhibited different cleavage patterns and specificities. The dynamic characterization of CasX also reveals a PAM-proximal seed region, providing guidance for CasX-based effector design. Further studies elucidate the mechanistic basis for why modification of sgRNA and the NTSB domain can affect its activity. Interestingly, CasX has less effective target search efficiency than Cas9 and Cas12a, potentially accounting for its lower genome editing efficiency. This observation opens a new avenue for future protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Danyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Technology Center for Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jun-Jie Gogo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chunlai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Kantor B, O'Donovan B, Rittiner J, Hodgson D, Lindner N, Guerrero S, Dong W, Zhang A, Chiba-Falek O. The therapeutic implications of all-in-one AAV-delivered epigenome-editing platform in neurodegenerative disorders. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7259. [PMID: 39179542 PMCID: PMC11344155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50515-6] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Safely and efficiently controlling gene expression is a long-standing goal of biomedical research, and CRISPR/Cas system can be harnessed to create powerful tools for epigenetic editing. Adeno-associated-viruses (AAVs) represent the delivery vehicle of choice for therapeutic platform. However, their small packaging capacity isn't suitable for large constructs including most CRISPR/dCas9-effector vectors. Thus, AAV-based CRISPR/Cas systems have been delivered via two separate viral vectors. Here we develop a compact CRISPR/dCas9-based repressor system packaged in AAV as a single optimized vector. The system comprises the small Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)dCas9 and an engineered repressor molecule, a fusion of MeCP2's transcription repression domain (TRD) and KRAB. The dSaCas9-KRAB-MeCP2(TRD) vector platform repressed robustly and sustainably the expression of multiple genes-of-interest, in vitro and in vivo, including ApoE, the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Our platform broadens the CRISPR/dCas9 toolset available for transcriptional manipulation of gene expression in research and therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Bernadette O'Donovan
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Rittiner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dellila Hodgson
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Lindner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sophia Guerrero
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wendy Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Austin Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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5
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Wang S, Zhan Y, Jiang X, Lai Y. Engineering Microbial Consortia as Living Materials: Advances and Prospectives. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 39174016 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The field of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) integrates engineered living organisms into natural biomaterials to achieve diverse objectives. Multiorganism consortia, prevalent in both naturally occurring and synthetic microbial cultures, exhibit complex functionalities and interrelationships, extending the scope of what can be achieved with individual engineered bacterial strains. However, the ELMs comprising microbial consortia are still in the developmental stage. In this Review, we introduce two strategies for designing ELMs constituted of microbial consortia: a top-down strategy, which involves characterizing microbial interactions and mimicking and reconstructing natural ecosystems, and a bottom-up strategy, which entails the rational design of synthetic consortia and their assembly with material substrates to achieve user-defined functions. Next, we summarize technologies from synthetic biology that facilitate the efficient engineering of microbial consortia for performing tasks more complex than those that can be done with single bacterial strains. Finally, we discuss essential challenges and future perspectives for microbial consortia-based ELMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Lai
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Wu Z, Liu T, Chen Q, Chen T, Hu J, Sun L, Wang B, Li W, Ni J. Unveiling the unknown viral world in groundwater. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6788. [PMID: 39117653 PMCID: PMC11310336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51230-y] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses as the prevailing biological entities are poorly understood in underground realms. Here, we establish the first metagenomic Groundwater Virome Catalogue (GWVC) comprising 280,420 viral species ( ≥ 5 kb) detected from 607 monitored wells in seven geo-environmental zones throughout China. In expanding ~10-fold the global portfolio of known groundwater viruses, we uncover over 99% novel viruses and about 95% novel viral clusters. By linking viruses to hosts from 119 prokaryotic phyla, we double the number of microbial phyla known to be virus-infected in groundwater. As keystone ultrasmall symbionts in aquifers, CPR bacteria and DPANN archaea are susceptible to virulent viruses. Certain complete CPR viruses even likely infect non-CPR bacteria, while partial CPR/DPANN viruses harbor cell-surface modification genes that assist symbiont cell adhesion to free-living microbes. This study reveals the unknown viral world and auxiliary metabolism associated with methane, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus cycling in groundwater, and highlights the importance of subsurface virosphere in viral ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhi Wu
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Environmental Microbiome and Innovative Genomics Laboratory, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Tang Liu
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Qian Chen
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Environmental Microbiome and Innovative Genomics Laboratory, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Jinyun Hu
- Environmental Microbiome and Innovative Genomics Laboratory, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Liyu Sun
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Bingxue Wang
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Wenpeng Li
- Center for Groundwater Monitoring, China Institute of Geo-environmental Monitoring, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Jinren Ni
- Eco-environment and Resource Efficiency Research Laboratory, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
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7
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Feng Q, Li Q, Zhou H, Wang Z, Lin C, Jiang Z, Liu T, Wang D. CRISPR technology in human diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e672. [PMID: 39081515 PMCID: PMC11286548 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.672] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene editing is a growing gene engineering technique that allows accurate editing of a broad spectrum of gene-regulated diseases to achieve curative treatment and also has the potential to be used as an adjunct to the conventional treatment of diseases. Gene editing technology, mainly based on clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein systems, which is capable of generating genetic modifications in somatic cells, provides a promising new strategy for gene therapy for a wide range of human diseases. Currently, gene editing technology shows great application prospects in a variety of human diseases, not only in therapeutic potential but also in the construction of animal models of human diseases. This paper describes the application of gene editing technology in hematological diseases, solid tumors, immune disorders, ophthalmological diseases, and metabolic diseases; focuses on the therapeutic strategies of gene editing technology in sickle cell disease; provides an overview of the role of gene editing technology in the construction of animal models of human diseases; and discusses the limitations of gene editing technology in the treatment of diseases, which is intended to provide an important reference for the applications of gene editing technology in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Research and Development CentreBaicheng Medical CollegeBaichengChina
| | - Qirong Li
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hengzong Zhou
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Zhan Wang
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Grain Science and TechnologyJilin Business and Technology CollegeChangchunChina
| | - Ziping Jiang
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Tianjia Liu
- Research and Development CentreBaicheng Medical CollegeBaichengChina
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
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8
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Myers T, Dykstra CM. Teaching old dogs new tricks: genetic engineering methanogens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0224723. [PMID: 38856201 PMCID: PMC11267900 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02247-23] [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: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea, which are integral to global carbon and nitrogen cycling, currently face challenges in genetic manipulation due to unique physiology and limited genetic tools. This review provides a survey of current and past developments in the genetic engineering of methanogens, including selection and counterselection markers, reporter systems, shuttle vectors, mutagenesis methods, markerless genetic exchange, and gene expression control. This review discusses genetic tools and emphasizes challenges tied to tool scarcity for specific methanogenic species. Mutagenesis techniques for methanogens, including physicochemical, transposon-mediated, liposome-mediated mutagenesis, and natural transformation, are outlined, along with achievements and challenges. Markerless genetic exchange strategies, such as homologous recombination and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, are also detailed. Finally, the review concludes by examining the control of gene expression in methanogens. The information presented underscores the urgent need for refined genetic tools in archaeal research. Despite historical challenges, recent advancements, notably CRISPR-based systems, hold promise for overcoming obstacles, with implications for global health, agriculture, climate change, and environmental engineering. This comprehensive review aims to bridge existing gaps in the literature, guiding future research in the expanding field of archaeal genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Myers
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Christy M. Dykstra
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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9
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Tang N, Wang Z, Pan D, Ji Q. Characterization and Engineering of a Novel Miniature Eubacterium siraeum CRISPR-Cas12f System. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2115-2127. [PMID: 38941613 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00154] [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: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cas12f nucleases are one of the most compact genome editors, exhibiting promising potential for in vivo therapeutic applications. However, the availability of active Cas12f genome editors remains relatively limited in the field. Here, we report the characterization and engineering of a novel miniature Cas12f endonuclease from Eubacterium siraeum (EsCas12f1, 433 amino acids). We elucidate the specific Protospacer Adjacent Motifs preference and the detailed biochemical properties for DNA targeting and cleavage. By employing rational design strategies, we systematically optimize the guide RNA of EsCas12f1, converting the initially ineffective CRISPR-EsCas12f1 system into an efficient bacterial genome editor. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capacity of EsCas12f1 for in vitro nucleic-acid diagnostics. In summary, our results enrich the miniature CRISPR-Cas toolbox and pave the way for the application of EsCas12f1 for both genome editing and in vitro diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Na Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deng Pan
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
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10
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Jiao C, Peeck NL, Yu J, Ghaem Maghami M, Kono S, Collias D, Martinez Diaz SL, Larose R, Beisel CL. TracrRNA reprogramming enables direct PAM-independent detection of RNA with diverse DNA-targeting Cas12 nucleases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5909. [PMID: 39003282 PMCID: PMC11246509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50243-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Many CRISPR-Cas immune systems generate guide (g)RNAs using trans-activating CRISPR RNAs (tracrRNAs). Recent work revealed that Cas9 tracrRNAs could be reprogrammed to convert any RNA-of-interest into a gRNA, linking the RNA's presence to Cas9-mediated cleavage of double-stranded (ds)DNA. Here, we reprogram tracrRNAs from diverse Cas12 nucleases, linking the presence of an RNA-of-interest to dsDNA cleavage and subsequent collateral single-stranded DNA cleavage-all without the RNA necessarily encoding a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM). After elucidating nuclease-specific design rules, we demonstrate PAM-independent RNA detection with Cas12b, Cas12e, and Cas12f nucleases. Furthermore, rationally truncating the dsDNA target boosts collateral cleavage activity, while the absence of a gRNA reduces background collateral activity and enhances sensitivity. Finally, we apply this platform to detect 16 S rRNA sequences from five different bacterial pathogens using a universal reprogrammed tracrRNA. These findings extend tracrRNA reprogramming to diverse dsDNA-targeting Cas12 nucleases, expanding the flexibility and versatility of CRISPR-based RNA detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Jiao
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natalia L Peeck
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Ghaem Maghami
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Kono
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daphne Collias
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra L Martinez Diaz
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rachael Larose
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany.
- Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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11
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Burbano DA, Kiattisewee C, Karanjia AV, Cardiff RAL, Faulkner ID, Sugianto W, Carothers JM. CRISPR Tools for Engineering Prokaryotic Systems: Recent Advances and New Applications. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2024; 15:389-430. [PMID: 38598861 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100522-114706] [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: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In the past decades, the broad selection of CRISPR-Cas systems has revolutionized biotechnology by enabling multimodal genetic manipulation in diverse organisms. Rooted in a molecular engineering perspective, we recapitulate the different CRISPR components and how they can be designed for specific genetic engineering applications. We first introduce the repertoire of Cas proteins and tethered effectors used to program new biological functions through gene editing and gene regulation. We review current guide RNA (gRNA) design strategies and computational tools and how CRISPR-based genetic circuits can be constructed through regulated gRNA expression. Then, we present recent advances in CRISPR-based biosensing, bioproduction, and biotherapeutics across in vitro and in vivo prokaryotic systems. Finally, we discuss forthcoming applications in prokaryotic CRISPR technology that will transform synthetic biology principles in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alba Burbano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Cholpisit Kiattisewee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ava V Karanjia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ryan A L Cardiff
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ian D Faulkner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Widianti Sugianto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - James M Carothers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
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12
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Kansal R. The CRISPR-Cas System and Clinical Applications of CRISPR-Based Gene Editing in Hematology with a Focus on Inherited Germline Predisposition to Hematologic Malignancies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:863. [PMID: 39062641 PMCID: PMC11276294 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070863] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing has begun to transform the treatment landscape of genetic diseases. The history of the discovery of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins/single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-based gene editing since the first report of repetitive sequences of unknown significance in 1987 is fascinating, highly instructive, and inspiring for future advances in medicine. The recent approval of CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy to treat patients with severe sickle cell anemia and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia has renewed hope for treating other hematologic diseases, including patients with a germline predisposition to hematologic malignancies, who would benefit greatly from the development of CRISPR-inspired gene therapies. The purpose of this paper is three-fold: first, a chronological description of the history of CRISPR-Cas9-sgRNA-based gene editing; second, a brief description of the current state of clinical research in hematologic diseases, including selected applications in treating hematologic diseases with CRISPR-based gene therapy, preceded by a brief description of the current tools being used in clinical genome editing; and third, a presentation of the current progress in gene therapies in inherited hematologic diseases and bone marrow failure syndromes, to hopefully stimulate efforts towards developing these therapies for patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and other inherited conditions with a germline predisposition to hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Kansal
- Molecular Oncology and Genetics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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13
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Hu WF, Yang JY, Wang JJ, Yuan SF, Yue XJ, Zhang Z, Zhang YQ, Meng JY, Li YZ. Characteristics and immune functions of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems in myxobacteria. mSystems 2024; 9:e0121023. [PMID: 38747603 PMCID: PMC11237760 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01210-23] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) system widely occurs in prokaryotic organisms to recognize and destruct genetic invaders. Systematic collation and characterization of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems are conducive to our understanding and potential utilization of this natural genetic machinery. In this study, we screened 39 complete and 692 incomplete genomes of myxobacteria using a combined strategy to dispose of the abridged genome information and revealed at least 19 CRISPR-Cas subtypes, which were distributed with a taxonomic difference and often lost stochastically in intraspecies strains. The cas genes in each subtype were evolutionarily clustered but deeply separated, while most of the CRISPRs were divided into four types based on the motif characteristics of repeat sequences. The spacers recorded in myxobacterial CRISPRs were in high G+C content, matching lots of phages, tiny amounts of plasmids, and, surprisingly, massive organismic genomes. We experimentally demonstrated the immune and self-target immune activities of three endogenous systems in Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 against artificial genetic invaders and revealed the microhomology-mediated end-joining mechanism for the immunity-induced DNA repair but not homology-directed repair. The panoramic view and immune activities imply potential omnipotent immune functions and applications of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas machinery. IMPORTANCE Serving as an adaptive immune system, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) empower prokaryotes to fend off the intrusion of external genetic materials. Myxobacteria are a collective of swarming Gram-stain-negative predatory bacteria distinguished by intricate multicellular social behavior. An in-depth analysis of their intrinsic CRISPR-Cas systems is beneficial for our understanding of the survival strategies employed by host cells within their environmental niches. Moreover, the experimental findings presented in this study not only suggest the robust immune functions of CRISPR-Cas in myxobacteria but also their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiang-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shu-Fei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin-Jing Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun-Yan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue-Zhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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14
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Singh D. Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment: Innovative CRISPR-Cas9 Delivery Strategies. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:129. [PMID: 38844700 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02834-6] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung carcinoma, including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The objsective of this review is to meticulously examine the current advancements and strategies in the delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology for the treatment of lung carcinoma. This technology heralds a new era in molecular biology, offering unprecedented precision in genomic modifications. However, its therapeutic potential is contingent upon the development of effective delivery mechanisms that ensure the efficient and specific transport of gene-editing tools to tumor cells. We explore a variety of delivery approaches, such as viral vectors, lipid-based nanoparticles, and physical methods, highlighting their respective advantages, limitations, and recent breakthroughs. This review also delves into the translational and clinical significance of these strategies, discussing preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of CRISPR-Cas9 delivery for lung carcinoma. By scrutinizing the landscape of ongoing clinical trials and offering translational perspectives, we aim to elucidate the current state and future directions of this rapidly evolving field. The review is structured to first introduce the problem and significance of lung carcinoma, followed by an overview of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a detailed examination of delivery strategies, and an analysis of clinical applications and regulatory considerations. Our discussion concludes with future perspectives and challenges, such as optimizing delivery strategies, enhancing specificity, mitigating immunogenicity concerns, and addressing regulatory issues. This comprehensive overview seeks to provide insights into the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 as a revolutionary approach for targeted therapies and personalized medicine in lung carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of delivery strategy development in realizing the full potential of this groundbreaking technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilpreet Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India.
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India.
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15
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Severi AA, Akbari B. CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies and applications: Review and update. Genesis 2024; 62:e23598. [PMID: 38727638 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23598] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, a significant part of the investigations carried out in the medical field belong to cancer treatment. Generally, conventional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, which have been used for a long time, are not sufficient, especially in malignant cancers. Because genetic mutations cause cancers, researchers are trying to treat these diseases using genetic engineering tools. One of them is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), a powerful tool in genetic engineering in the last decade. CRISPR, which forms the CRISPR-Cas structure with its endonuclease protein, Cas, is known as a part of the immune system (adaptive immunity) in bacteria and archaea. Among the types of Cas proteins, Cas9 endonuclease has been used in many scientific studies due to its high accuracy and efficiency. This review reviews the CRISPR system, focusing on the history, classification, delivery methods, applications, new generations, and challenges of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alizadeh Severi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bahman Akbari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
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16
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George NA, Zhou Z, Anantharaman K, Hug LA. Discarded diversity: Novel megaphages, auxiliary metabolic genes, and virally encoded CRISPR-Cas systems in landfills. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596742. [PMID: 38854013 PMCID: PMC11160803 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Viruses are the most abundant microbial entity on the planet, impacting microbial community structure and ecosystem services. Despite outnumbering Bacteria and Archaea by an order of magnitude, viruses have been comparatively underrepresented in reference databases. Metagenomic examinations have illustrated that viruses of Bacteria and Archaea have been specifically understudied in engineered environments. Here we employed metagenomic and computational biology methods to examine the diversity, host interactions, and genetic systems of viruses predicted from 27 samples taken from three municipal landfills across North America. Results We identified numerous viruses that are not represented in reference databases, including the third largest bacteriophage genome identified to date (~678 kbp), and note a cosmopolitan diversity of viruses in landfills that are distinct from viromes in other systems. Host-virus interactions were examined via host CRISPR spacer to viral protospacer mapping which captured hyper-targeted viral populations and six viral populations predicted to infect across multiple phyla. Virally-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were identified with the potential to augment hosts' methane, sulfur, and contaminant degradation metabolisms, including AMGs not previously reported in literature. CRISPR arrays and CRISPR-Cas systems were identified from predicted viral genomes, including the two largest bacteriophage genomes to contain these genetic features. Some virally encoded Cas effector proteins appear distinct relative to previously reported Cas systems and are interesting targets for potential genome editing tools. Conclusions Our observations indicate landfills, as heterogeneous contaminated sites with unique selective pressures, are key locations for diverse viruses and atypical virus-host dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil A. George
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Laura A. Hug
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada
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17
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Kantor B, Odonovan B, Rittiner J, Hodgson D, Lindner N, Guerrero S, Dong W, Zhang A, Chiba-Falek O. All-in-one AAV-delivered epigenome-editing platform: proof-of-concept and therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.14.536951. [PMID: 38798630 PMCID: PMC11118458 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.14.536951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Safely and efficiently controlling gene expression is a long-standing goal of biomedical research, and the recently discovered bacterial CRISPR/Cas system can be harnessed to create powerful tools for epigenetic editing. Current state-of-the-art systems consist of a deactivated-Cas9 nuclease (dCas9) fused to one of several epigenetic effector motifs/domains, along with a guide RNA (gRNA) which defines the genomic target. Such systems have been used to safely and effectively silence or activate a specific gene target under a variety of circumstances. Adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) are the therapeutic platform of choice for the delivery of genetic cargo; however, their small packaging capacity is not suitable for delivery of large constructs, which includes most CRISPR/dCas9-effector systems. To circumvent this, many AAV-based CRISPR/Cas tools are delivered in two pieces, from two separate viral cassettes. However, this approach requires higher viral payloads and usually is less efficient. Here we develop a compact dCas9-based repressor system packaged within a single, optimized AAV vector. The system uses a smaller dCas9 variant derived from Staphylococcus aureus ( Sa ). A novel repressor was engineered by fusing the small transcription repression domain (TRD) from MeCP2 with the KRAB repression domain. The final d Sa Cas9-KRAB-MeCP2(TRD) construct can be efficiently packaged, along with its associated gRNA, into AAV particles. Using reporter assays, we demonstrate that the platform is capable of robustly and sustainably repressing the expression of multiple genes-of-interest, both in vitro and in vivo . Moreover, we successfully reduced the expression of ApoE, the stronger genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). This new platform will broaden the CRISPR/dCas9 toolset available for transcriptional manipulation of gene expression in research and therapeutic settings.
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18
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Bigelyte G, Duchovska B, Zedaveinyte R, Sasnauskas G, Sinkunas T, Dalgediene I, Tamulaitiene G, Silanskas A, Kazlauskas D, Valančauskas L, Madariaga-Marcos J, Seidel R, Siksnys V, Karvelis T. Innate programmable DNA binding by CRISPR-Cas12m effectors enable efficient base editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3234-3248. [PMID: 38261981 PMCID: PMC11013384 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cas9 and Cas12 nucleases of class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity in prokaryotes through RNA-guided cleavage of foreign DNA. Here we characterize a set of compact CRISPR-Cas12m (subtype V-M) effector proteins and show that they provide protection against bacteriophages and plasmids through the targeted DNA binding rather than DNA cleavage. Biochemical assays suggest that Cas12m effectors can act as roadblocks inhibiting DNA transcription and/or replication, thereby triggering interference against invaders. Cryo-EM structure of Gordonia otitidis (Go) Cas12m ternary complex provided here reveals the structural mechanism of DNA binding ensuring interference. Harnessing GoCas12m innate ability to bind DNA target we fused it with adenine deaminase TadA-8e and showed an efficient A-to-G editing in Escherichia coli and human cells. Overall, this study expands our understanding of the functionally diverse Cas12 protein family, revealing DNA-binding dependent interference mechanism of Cas12m effectors that could be harnessed for engineering of compact base-editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Bigelyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Brigita Duchovska
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Rimante Zedaveinyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Sasnauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Sinkunas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Indre Dalgediene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Giedre Tamulaitiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Silanskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Darius Kazlauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Lukas Valančauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Julene Madariaga-Marcos
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Ralf Seidel
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Tautvydas Karvelis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
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19
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Peñalver M, Paradela A, Palacios-Cuéllar C, Pucciarelli MG, García-Del Portillo F. Experimental evidence of d-glutamate racemase activity in the uncultivated bacterium Candidatus Saccharimonas aalborgensis. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16621. [PMID: 38558504 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) encompasses widespread uncultivated bacteria with reduced genomes and limited metabolic capacities. Most CPR bacteria lack the minimal set of enzymes required for peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis, leaving it unclear how these bacteria produce this essential envelope component. In this study, we analysed the distribution of d-amino acid racemases that produce the universal PG components d-glutamate (d-Glu) or d-alanine (d-Ala). We also examined moonlighting enzymes that synthesize d-Glu or d-Ala. Unlike other phyla in the domain Bacteria, CPR bacteria do not exhibit these moonlighting activities and have, at most, one gene encoding either a Glu or Ala racemase. One of these 'orphan' racemases is a predicted Glu racemase (MurICPR) from the CPR bacterium Candidatus Saccharimonas aalborgenesis. The expression of MurICPR restores the growth of a Salmonella d-Glu auxotroph lacking its endogenous racemase and results in the substitution of l-Ala by serine as the first residue in a fraction of the PG stem peptides. In vitro, MurICPR exclusively racemizes Glu as a substrate. Therefore, Ca. Saccharimonas aalborgensis may couple Glu racemization to serine and d-Glu incorporation into the stem peptide. Our findings provide the first insights into the synthesis of PG by an uncultivated environmental bacterium and illustrate how to experimentally test enzymatic activities from CPR bacteria related to PG metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Peñalver
- Laboratory of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Paradela
- Proteomics Facility, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - César Palacios-Cuéllar
- Laboratory of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Graciela Pucciarelli
- Laboratory of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
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20
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De Marchi D, Shaposhnikov R, Gobaa S, Pastorelli D, Batt G, Magni P, Pasotti L. Design and Model-Driven Analysis of Synthetic Circuits with the Staphylococcus aureus Dead-Cas9 (sadCas9) as a Programmable Transcriptional Regulator in Bacteria. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:763-780. [PMID: 38374729 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00541] [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: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic circuit design is crucial for engineering microbes that process environmental cues and provide biologically relevant outputs. To reliably scale-up circuit complexity, the availability of parts toolkits is central. Streptococcus pyogenes (sp)-derived CRISPR interference/dead-Cas9 (CRISPRi/spdCas9) is widely adopted for implementing programmable regulations in synthetic circuits, and alternative CRISPRi systems will further expand our toolkits of orthogonal components. Here, we showcase the potential of CRISPRi using the engineered dCas9 from Staphylococcus aureus (sadCas9), not previously used in bacterial circuits, that is attractive for its low size and high specificity. We designed a collection of ∼20 increasingly complex circuits and variants in Escherichia coli, including circuits with static function like one-/two-input logic gates (NOT, NAND), circuits with dynamic behavior like incoherent feedforward loops (iFFLs), and applied sadCas9 to fix a T7 polymerase-based cascade. Data demonstrated specific and efficient target repression (100-fold) and qualitatively successful functioning for all circuits. Other advantageous features included low sadCas9-borne cell load and orthogonality with spdCas9. However, different circuit variants showed quantitatively unexpected and previously unreported steady-state responses: the dynamic range, switch point, and slope of NOT/NAND gates changed for different output promoters, and a multiphasic behavior was observed in iFFLs, differing from the expected bell-shaped or sigmoidal curves. Model analysis explained the observed curves by complex interplays among components, due to reporter gene-borne cell load and regulator competition. Overall, CRISPRi/sadCas9 successfully expanded the available toolkit for bacterial engineering. Analysis of our circuit collection depicted the impact of generally neglected effects modulating the shape of component dose-response curves, to avoid drawing wrong conclusions on circuit functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Marchi
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roman Shaposhnikov
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Samy Gobaa
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biomaterials and Microfluidics Core Facility, 28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Daniele Pastorelli
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gregory Batt
- Institut Pasteur, Inria, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Paolo Magni
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pasotti
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Institut Pasteur, Inria, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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Sharrar A, Arake de Tacca L, Meacham Z, Staples-Ager J, Collingwood T, Rabuka D, Schelle M. Discovery and engineering of AiEvo2, a novel Cas12a nuclease for human gene editing applications. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105685. [PMID: 38272227 PMCID: PMC10877636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105685] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The precision of gene editing technology is critical to creating safe and effective therapies for treating human disease. While the programmability of CRISPR-Cas systems has allowed for rapid innovation of new gene editing techniques, the off-target activity of these enzymes has hampered clinical development for novel therapeutics. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a novel CRISPR-Cas12a enzyme from Acinetobacter indicus (AiCas12a). We engineer the nuclease (termed AiEvo2) for increased specificity, protospacer adjacent motif recognition, and efficacy on a variety of human clinical targets. AiEvo2 is highly precise and able to efficiently discriminate between normal and disease-causing alleles in Huntington's patient-derived cells by taking advantage of a single nucleotide polymorphism on the disease-associated allele. AiEvo2 efficiently edits several liver-associated target genes including PCSK9 and TTR when delivered to primary hepatocytes as mRNA encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle. The enzyme also engineers an effective CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapy from primary human T cells using multiplexed simultaneous editing and chimeric antigen receptor insertion. To further ensure precise editing, we engineered an anti-CRISPR protein to selectively inhibit off-target gene editing while retaining therapeutic on-target editing. The engineered AiEvo2 nuclease coupled with a novel engineered anti-CRISPR protein represents a new way to control the fidelity of editing and improve the safety and efficacy of gene editing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David Rabuka
- Acrigen Biosciences, Inc, Berkeley, California, USA
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22
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Pacesa M, Pelea O, Jinek M. Past, present, and future of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Cell 2024; 187:1076-1100. [PMID: 38428389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing has been a transformative force in the life sciences and human medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to dissect complex biological processes and treat the underlying causes of many genetic diseases. CRISPR-based technologies, with their remarkable efficiency and easy programmability, stand at the forefront of this revolution. In this Review, we discuss the current state of CRISPR gene editing technologies in both research and therapy, highlighting limitations that constrain them and the technological innovations that have been developed in recent years to address them. Additionally, we examine and summarize the current landscape of gene editing applications in the context of human health and therapeutics. Finally, we outline potential future developments that could shape gene editing technologies and their applications in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pacesa
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oana Pelea
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Iqbal S, Begum F, Ullah I, Jalal N, Shaw P. Peeling off the layers from microbial dark matter (MDM): recent advances, future challenges, and opportunities. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38385313 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2319669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Microbes represent the most common organisms on Earth; however, less than 2% of microbial species in the environment can undergo cultivation for study under laboratory conditions, and the rest of the enigmatic, microbial world remains mysterious, constituting a kind of "microbial dark matter" (MDM). In the last two decades, remarkable progress has been made in culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. More recently, studies of MDM have relied on culture-independent techniques to recover genetic material through either unicellular genomics or shotgun metagenomics to construct single-amplified genomes (SAGs) and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), respectively, which provide information about evolution and metabolism. Despite the remarkable progress made in the past decades, the functional diversity of MDM still remains uncharacterized. This review comprehensively summarizes the recently developed culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques for characterizing MDM, discussing major challenges, opportunities, and potential applications. These activities contribute to expanding our knowledge of the microbial world and have implications for various fields including Biotechnology, Bioprospecting, Functional genomics, Medicine, Evolutionary and Planetary biology. Overall, this review aims to peel off the layers from MDM, shed light on recent advancements, identify future challenges, and illuminate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in unraveling the secrets of this intriguing microbial realm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Iqbal
- Oujiang Lab (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Farida Begum
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ihsan Ullah
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nasir Jalal
- Oujiang Lab (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Peter Shaw
- Oujiang Lab (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
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24
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Yu L, Marchisio MA. Scaffold RNA engineering in type V CRISPR-Cas systems: a potent way to enhance gene expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1483-1497. [PMID: 38142459 PMCID: PMC10853767 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
New, orthogonal transcription factors in eukaryotic cells have been realized by engineering nuclease-deficient CRISPR-associated proteins and/or their guide RNAs. In this work, we present a new kind of orthogonal transcriptional activators, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, made by turning type V CRISPR RNA into a scaffold RNA (ScRNA) able to recruit a variable number of VP64 activation domains. The activator arises from the complex between the synthetic ScRNA and DNase-deficient type V Cas proteins: dCas12e and denAsCas12a. The transcription activation achieved via the newly engineered dCas:ScRNA system is up to 4.7-fold higher than that obtained with the direct fusion of VP64 to Cas proteins. The new transcription factors have been proven to be functional in circuits such as Boolean gates, converters, multiplex-gene and metabolic-pathway activation. Our results extend the CRISPR-Cas-based technology with a new effective tool that only demands RNA engineering and improves the current design of transcription factors based on type V Cas proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Mario Andrea Marchisio
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, 300072 Tianjin, China
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25
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Bansal M, Santhiya D, Sharma JG. Mechanistic understanding on the uptake of micro-nano plastics by plants and its phytoremediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:8354-8368. [PMID: 38170356 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Contaminated soil is one of today's most difficult environmental issues, posing serious hazards to human health and the environment. Contaminants, particularly micro-nano plastics, have become more prevalent around the world, eventually ending up in the soil. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the interactions of micro-nano plastics in plants and agroecosystems. However, viable remediation of micro-nano plastics in soil remains limited. In this review, a powerful in situ soil remediation technology known as phytoremediation is emphasized for addressing micro-nano-plastic contamination in soil and plants. It is based on the synergistic effects of plants and the microorganisms that live in their rhizosphere. As a result, the purpose of this review is to investigate the mechanism of micro-nano plastic (MNP) uptake by plants as well as the limitations of existing MNP removal methods. Different phytoremediation options for removing micro-nano plastics from soil are also described. Phytoremediation improvements (endophytic-bacteria, hyperaccumulator species, omics investigations, and CRISPR-Cas9) have been proposed to enhance MNP degradation in agroecosystems. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of phytoremediation strategies have been highlighted in order to provide a better understanding for effective MNP decontamination from soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Deenan Santhiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
| | - Jai Gopal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
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26
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Su M, Li F, Wang Y, Gao Y, Lan W, Shao Z, Zhu C, Tang N, Gan J, Wu Z, Ji Q. Molecular basis and engineering of miniature Cas12f with C-rich PAM specificity. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:180-189. [PMID: 37697004 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01420-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12f nucleases are currently one of the smallest genome editors, exhibiting advantages for efficient delivery via cargo-size-limited adeno-associated virus delivery vehicles. Most characterized Cas12f nucleases recognize similar T-rich protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) for DNA targeting, substantially restricting their targeting scope. Here we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure and engineering of a miniature Clostridium novyi Cas12f1 nuclease (CnCas12f1, 497 amino acids) with rare C-rich PAM specificity. Structural characterizations revealed detailed PAM recognition, asymmetric homodimer formation and single guide RNA (sgRNA) association mechanisms. sgRNA engineering transformed CRISPR-CnCas12f1, which initially was incapable of genome targeting in bacteria, into an effective genome editor in human cells. Our results facilitate further understanding of CRISPR-Cas12f1 working mechanism and expand the mini-CRISPR toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Su
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Lan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Wu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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27
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Dampier W, Berman R, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Computational analysis of cas proteins unlocks new potential in HIV-1 targeted gene therapy. Front Genome Ed 2024; 5:1248982. [PMID: 38239625 PMCID: PMC10794619 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1248982] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pandemic has been slowed with the advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). However, ART is not a cure and as such has pushed the disease into a chronic infection. One potential cure strategy that has shown promise is the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas gene editing system. It has recently been shown to successfully edit and/or excise the integrated provirus from infected cells and inhibit HIV-1 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. These studies have primarily been conducted with SpCas9 or SaCas9. However, additional Cas proteins are discovered regularly and modifications to these known proteins are being engineered. The alternative Cas molecules have different requirements for protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) which impact the possible targetable regions of HIV-1. Other modifications to the Cas protein or gRNA handle impact the tolerance for mismatches between gRNA and the target. While reducing off-target risk, this impacts the ability to fully account for HIV-1 genetic variability. Methods: This manuscript strives to examine these parameter choices using a computational approach for surveying the suitability of a Cas editor for HIV-1 gene editing. The Nominate, Diversify, Narrow, Filter (NDNF) pipeline measures the safety, broadness, and effectiveness of a pool of potential gRNAs for any PAM. This technique was used to evaluate 46 different potential Cas editors for their HIV therapeutic potential. Results: Our examination revealed that broader PAMs that improve the targeting potential of editors like SaCas9 and LbCas12a have larger pools of useful gRNAs, while broader PAMs reduced the pool of useful SpCas9 gRNAs yet increased the breadth of targetable locations. Investigation of the mismatch tolerance of Cas editors indicates a 2-missmatch tolerance is an ideal balance between on-target sensitivity and off-target specificity. Of all of the Cas editors examined, SpCas-NG and SPRY-Cas9 had the highest number of overall safe, broad, and effective gRNAs against HIV. Discussion: Currently, larger proteins and wider PAMs lead to better targeting capacity. This implies that research should either be targeted towards delivering longer payloads or towards increasing the breadth of currently available small Cas editors. With the discovery and adoption of additional Cas editors, it is important for researchers in the HIV-1 gene editing field to explore the wider world of Cas editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Berman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Graver BA, Chakravarty N, Solomon KV. Prokaryotic Argonautes for in vivo biotechnology and molecular diagnostics. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:61-73. [PMID: 37451948 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.010] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) are an emerging class of programmable endonucleases that are believed to be more flexible than existing CRISPR-Cas systems and have significant potential for biotechnology. Current applications of pAgos include a myriad of molecular diagnostics and in vitro DNA assembly tools. However, efforts have historically been centered on thermophilic pAgo variants. To enable in vivo biotechnological applications such as gene editing, focus has shifted to pAgos from mesophilic organisms. We discuss what is known of pAgos, how they are being developed for various applications, and strategies to overcome current challenges to in vivo applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Graver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Namrata Chakravarty
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kevin V Solomon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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29
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Khoshandam M, Soltaninejad H, Mousazadeh M, Hamidieh AA, Hosseinkhani S. Clinical applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system: Delivery options and challenges in precision medicine. Genes Dis 2024; 11:268-282. [PMID: 37588217 PMCID: PMC10425811 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.027] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is an effective gene editing tool with broad applications for the prevention or treatment of numerous diseases. It depends on CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) as a bacterial immune system and plays as a gene editing tool. Due to the higher specificity and efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 compared to other editing approaches, it has been broadly investigated to treat numerous hereditary and acquired illnesses, including cancers, hemolytic diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, cardiovascular diseases, visual maladies, neurodegenerative conditions, and a few X-linked disorders. CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to treat cancers through a variety of approaches, with stable gene editing techniques. Here, the applications and clinical trials of CRISPR/Cas9 in various illnesses are described. Due to its high precision and efficiency, CRISPR/Cas9 strategies may treat gene-related illnesses by deleting, inserting, modifying, or blocking the expression of specific genes. The most challenging barrier to the in vivo use of CRISPR/Cas9 like off-target effects will be discussed. The use of transfection vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9, including viral vectors (such as an Adeno-associated virus (AAV)), and the development of non-viral vectors is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Khoshandam
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom 3716986466, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran 14155-6463, Iran
| | - Hossein Soltaninejad
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155-6559, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Mousazadeh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155-6559, Iran
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
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30
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Koonin EV, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Discovery of Diverse CRISPR-Cas Systems and Expansion of the Genome Engineering Toolbox. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3465-3487. [PMID: 37192099 PMCID: PMC10734277 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR systems mediate adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea through diverse effector mechanisms and have been repurposed for versatile applications in therapeutics and diagnostics thanks to their facile reprogramming with RNA guides. RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas targeting and interference are mediated by effectors that are either components of multisubunit complexes in class 1 systems or multidomain single-effector proteins in class 2. The compact class 2 CRISPR systems have been broadly adopted for multiple applications, especially genome editing, leading to a transformation of the molecular biology and biotechnology toolkit. The diversity of class 2 effector enzymes, initially limited to the Cas9 nuclease, was substantially expanded via computational genome and metagenome mining to include numerous variants of Cas12 and Cas13, providing substrates for the development of versatile, orthogonal molecular tools. Characterization of these diverse CRISPR effectors uncovered many new features, including distinct protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) that expand the targeting space, improved editing specificity, RNA rather than DNA targeting, smaller crRNAs, staggered and blunt end cuts, miniature enzymes, promiscuous RNA and DNA cleavage, etc. These unique properties enabled multiple applications, such as harnessing the promiscuous RNase activity of the type VI effector, Cas13, for supersensitive nucleic acid detection. class 1 CRISPR systems have been adopted for genome editing, as well, despite the challenge of expressing and delivering the multiprotein class 1 effectors. The rich diversity of CRISPR enzymes led to rapid maturation of the genome editing toolbox, with capabilities such as gene knockout, base editing, prime editing, gene insertion, DNA imaging, epigenetic modulation, transcriptional modulation, and RNA editing. Combined with rational design and engineering of the effector proteins and associated RNAs, the natural diversity of CRISPR and related bacterial RNA-guided systems provides a vast resource for expanding the repertoire of tools for molecular biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V. Koonin
- National
Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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31
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Hamilton T, Joris BR, Shrestha A, Browne TS, Rodrigue S, Karas BJ, Gloor GB, Edgell DR. De Novo Synthesis of a Conjugative System from Human Gut Metagenomic Data for Targeted Delivery of Cas9 Antimicrobials. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3578-3590. [PMID: 38049144 PMCID: PMC10729033 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Metagenomic sequences represent an untapped source of genetic novelty, particularly for conjugative systems that could be used for plasmid-based delivery of Cas9-derived antimicrobial agents. However, unlocking the functional potential of conjugative systems purely from metagenomic sequences requires the identification of suitable candidate systems as starting scaffolds for de novo DNA synthesis. Here, we developed a bioinformatics approach that searches through the metagenomic "trash bin" for genes associated with conjugative systems present on contigs that are typically excluded from common metagenomic analysis pipelines. Using a human metagenomic gut data set representing 2805 taxonomically distinct units, we identified 1598 contigs containing conjugation genes with a differential distribution in human cohorts. We synthesized de novo an entire Citrobacter spp. conjugative system of 54 kb containing at least 47 genes and assembled it into a plasmid, pCitro. We found that pCitro conjugates from Escherichia coli to Citrobacter rodentium with a 30-fold higher frequency than to E. coli, and is compatible with Citrobacter resident plasmids. Mutations in the traV and traY conjugation components of pCitro inhibited conjugation. We showed that pCitro can be repurposed as an antimicrobial delivery agent by programming it with the TevCas9 nuclease and Citrobacter-specific sgRNAs to kill C. rodentium. Our study reveals a trove of uncharacterized conjugative systems in metagenomic data and describes an experimental framework to animate these large genetic systems as novel target-adapted delivery vectors for Cas9-based editing of bacterial genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas
A. Hamilton
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin R. Joris
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Arina Shrestha
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler S. Browne
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Sébastien Rodrigue
- Départment
de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, QC, Canada
| | - Bogumil J. Karas
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B. Gloor
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - David R. Edgell
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
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32
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Khot V, Strous M, Dong X, Kiesser AK. Viral diversity and dynamics and CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunity in a robust alkaliphilic cyanobacterial consortium. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0221723. [PMID: 37819096 PMCID: PMC10715143 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02217-23] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Biotechnology applications utilizing the function of microbial communities have become increasingly important solutions as we strive for sustainable applications. Although viral infections are known to have a significant impact on microbial turnover and nutrient cycling, viral dynamics have remained largely overlooked in these engineered communities. Predatory perturbations to the functional stability of these microbial biotechnology applications must be investigated in order to design more robust applications. In this study, we closely examine virus-microbe dynamics in a model microbial community used in a biotechnology application. Our findings suggest that viral dynamics change significantly with environmental conditions and that microbial immunity may play an important role in maintaining functional stability. We present this study as a comprehensive template for other researchers interested in exploring predatory dynamics in engineered microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varada Khot
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marc Strous
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Dong
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alyse K. Kiesser
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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33
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Matveeva A, Ryabchenko A, Petrova V, Prokhorova D, Zhuravlev E, Zakabunin A, Tikunov A, Stepanov G. Expression and Functional Analysis of the Compact Thermophilic Anoxybacillus flavithermus Cas9 Nuclease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17121. [PMID: 38069443 PMCID: PMC10707453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on Cas9 nucleases from different organisms holds great promise for advancing genome engineering and gene therapy tools, as it could provide novel structural insights into CRISPR editing mechanisms, expanding its application area in biology and medicine. The subclass of thermophilic Cas9 nucleases is actively expanding due to the advances in genome sequencing allowing for the meticulous examination of various microorganisms' genomes in search of the novel CRISPR systems. The most prominent thermophilic Cas9 effectors known to date are GeoCas9, ThermoCas9, IgnaviCas9, AceCas9, and others. These nucleases are characterized by a varying temperature range of the activity and stringent PAM preferences; thus, further diversification of the naturally occurring thermophilic Cas9 subclass presents an intriguing task. This study focuses on generating a construct to express a compact Cas9 nuclease (AnoCas9) from the thermophilic microorganism Anoxybacillus flavithermus displaying the nuclease activity in the 37-60 °C range and the PAM preference of 5'-NNNNCDAA-3' in vitro. Here, we highlight the close relation of AnoCas9 to the GeoCas9 family of compact thermophilic Cas9 effectors. AnoCas9, beyond broadening the repertoire of Cas9 nucleases, suggests application in areas requiring the presence of thermostable CRISPR/Cas systems in vitro, such as sequencing libraries' enrichment, allele-specific isothermal PCR, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Grigory Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.M.); (V.P.); (E.Z.); (A.T.)
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34
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An T, Cai Y, Li G, Li S, Wong PK, Guo J, Zhao H. Prevalence and transmission risk of colistin and multidrug resistance in long-distance coastal aquaculture. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:115. [PMID: 37935916 PMCID: PMC10630474 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to the wide use of antibiotics, intensive aquaculture farms have been recognized as a significant reservoir of antibiotic resistomes. Although the prevalence of colistin resistance genes and multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) has been documented, empirical evidence for the transmission of colistin and multidrug resistance between bacterial communities in aquaculture farms through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is lacking. Here, we report the prevalence and transmission risk of colistin and multidrug resistance in 27 aquaculture water samples from 9 aquaculture zones from over 5000 km of subtropical coastlines in southern China. The colistin resistance gene mcr-1, mobile genetic element (MGE) intl1 and 13 typical antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were prevalent in all the aquaculture water samples. Most types of antibiotic (especially colistin) resistance are transmissible in bacterial communities based on evidence from laboratory conjugation and transformation experiments. Diverse MDRB were detected in most of the aquaculture water samples, and a strain with high-level colistin resistance, named Ralstonia pickettii MCR, was isolated. The risk of horizontal transfer of the colistin resistance of R. pickettii MCR through conjugation and transformation was low, but the colistin resistance could be steadily transmitted to offspring through vertical transfer. The findings have important implications for the future regulation of antibiotic use in aquaculture farms globally to address the growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yiwei Cai
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shaoting Li
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Po Keung Wong
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Huijun Zhao
- Centre for Clean Environment and Energy, and Griffith School of Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
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35
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Cissell EC, McCoy SJ. Top-heavy trophic structure within benthic viral dark matter. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2303-2320. [PMID: 37381050 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of system-specific viral ecology in diverse environments is needed to predict patterns of virus-host trophic structure in the Anthropocene. This study characterised viral-host trophic structure within coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats-a globally proliferating cause and consequence of coral reef degradation. We employed deep longitudinal multi-omic sequencing to characterise the viral assemblage (ssDNA, dsDNA, and dsRNA viruses) and profile lineage-specific host-virus interactions within benthic cyanobacterial mats sampled from Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. We recovered 11,012 unique viral populations spanning at least 10 viral families across the orders Caudovirales, Petitvirales, and Mindivirales. Gene-sharing network analyses provided evidence for extensive genomic novelty of mat viruses from reference and environmental viral sequences. Analysis of coverage ratios of viral sequences and computationally predicted hosts spanning 15 phyla and 21 classes revealed virus-host abundance (from DNA) and activity (from RNA) ratios consistently exceeding 1:1, suggesting a top-heavy intra-mat trophic structure with respect to virus-host interactions. Overall, our article contributes a curated database of viral sequences found in Caribbean coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats (vMAT database) and provides multiple lines of field-based evidence demonstrating that viruses are active members of mat communities, with broader implications for mat functional ecology and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan C Cissell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophie J McCoy
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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36
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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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37
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Han H, Yang Y, Jiao Y, Qi H, Han Z, Wang L, Dong L, Tian J, Vanhaesebroeck B, Li X, Liu J, Ma G, Lei H. Leverage of nuclease-deficient CasX for preventing pathological angiogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:738-748. [PMID: 37662968 PMCID: PMC10469388 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing with a CRISPR/Cas system is a novel potential strategy for treating human diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) δ suppresses retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Here we show that an innovative system of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR/nuclease-deficient (d)CasX fused with the Krueppel-associated box (KRAB) domain is leveraged to block (81.2% ± 6.5%) in vitro expression of p110δ, the catalytic subunit of PI3Kδ, encoded by Pik3cd. This CRISPR/dCasX-KRAB (4, 269 bp) system is small enough to be fit into a single AAV vector. We then document that recombinant AAV serotype (rAAV)1 efficiently transduces vascular endothelial cells from pathologic retinal vessels, which show high expression of p110δ; furthermore, we demonstrate that blockade of retinal p110δ expression by intravitreally injected rAAV1-CRISPR/dCasX-KRAB targeting the Pik3cd promoter prevents (32.1% ± 5.3%) retinal p110δ expression as well as pathological retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. These data establish a strong foundation for treating pathological angiogenesis by AAV-mediated CRISPR interference with p110δ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haote Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Common Infectious Diseases, the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunjuan Jiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, People’s Republic of China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen 518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luping Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Dong
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen 518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingkui Tian
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | | | - Xiaopeng Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Junwen Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaoen Ma
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Hetian Lei
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen 518000, People’s Republic of China
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Zhao F, Zhang T, Sun X, Zhang X, Chen L, Wang H, Li J, Fan P, Lai L, Sui T, Li Z. A strategy for Cas13 miniaturization based on the structure and AlphaFold. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5545. [PMID: 37684268 PMCID: PMC10491665 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The small size of the Cas nuclease fused with various effector domains enables a broad range of function. Although there are several ways of reducing the size of the Cas nuclease complex, no efficient or generalizable method has been demonstrated to achieve protein miniaturization. In this study, we establish an Interaction, Dynamics and Conservation (IDC) strategy for protein miniaturization and generate five compact variants of Cas13 with full RNA binding and cleavage activity comparable the wild-type enzymes based on a combination of IDC strategy and AlphaFold2. In addition, we construct an RNA base editor, mini-Vx, and a single AAV (adeno-associated virus) carrying a mini-RfxCas13d and crRNA expression cassette, which individually shows efficient conversion rate and RNA-knockdown activity. In summary, these findings highlight a feasible strategy for generating downsized CRISPR/Cas13 systems based on structure predicted by AlphaFold2, enabling targeted degradation of RNAs and RNA editing for basic research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodi Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Xiyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Letong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Hejun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Jinze Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China.
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510530, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tingting Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China.
| | - Zhanjun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130062, Changchun, China.
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Dweh TJ, Pattnaik S, Sahoo JP. Assessing the impact of meta-genomic tools on current cutting-edge genome engineering and technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 14:62-75. [PMID: 37736390 PMCID: PMC10509535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Metagenomics is defined as the study of the genome of the total microbiota found in nature and is often referred to as microbial environmental genomics because it entails the examination of a group of genetic components (genomes) from a diverse community of organisms in a particular setting. It is a sub-branch of omics technology that encompasses Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, and various components associated with comprehensive analysis of all aspects of biological molecules in a system-wide manner. Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats and its endonuclease, CRISPR-associated protein which forms a complex called CRISPR-cas9 technology, though it is a different technique used to make precise changes to the genome of an organism, it can be used in conjunction with metagenomic approaches to give a better, rapid, and more accurate description of genomes and sequence reads. There have been ongoing improvements in sequencing that have deepened our understanding of microbial genomes forever. From the time when only a small amount of gene could be sequenced using traditional methods (e.g., "the plus and minus" method developed by Allan and Sanger and the "chemical cleavage" method that is known for its use in the sequencing the phiX174 bacteriophage genome via radio-labeled DNA polymerase-primer in a polymerization reaction aided by polyacrylamide gel) to the era of total genomes sequencing which includes "sequencing-by-ligation" and the "sequencing-by-synthesis" that detects hydrogen ions when new DNA is synthesized (Second Generation) and then Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS). With these technologies, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was made possible. The study looks at recent advancements in metagenomics in plants and animals by examining findings from randomly selected research papers. All selected case studies examined the functional and taxonomical analysis of different microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing to generate different sequence reads. In animals, five studies indicated how Zebrafish, Livestock, Poultry, cattle, niches, and the human microbiome were exploited using environmental samples, such as soil and water, to identify microbial communities and their functions. It has also been used to study the microbiome of humans and other organisms, including gut microbiomes. Recent studies demonstrated how these technologies have allowed for faster and more accurate identification of pathogens, leading to improved disease diagnostics. They have also enabled the development of personalized medicine by allowing for the identification of genetic variations that can impact drug efficacy and toxicity. Continued advancements in sequencing techniques and the refinement of CRISPR-Cas9 tools offer even greater potential for transformative breakthroughs in scientific research and applications. On the other hand, metagenomic data are always large and uneasy to handle. The complexity of taxonomical profiling, functional annotation, and mechanisms of complex interaction still needs better bioinformatics tools. Current review focuses on better (e.g., AI-driven algorithms) tools that can predict metabolic pathways and interactions, and manipulate complex data to address potential bias for accurate interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subhashree Pattnaik
- Department of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global UniversityBhubaneswar 752054, Odisha, India
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40
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Sharrar A, Arake de Tacca L, Collingwood T, Meacham Z, Rabuka D, Staples-Ager J, Schelle M. Discovery and Characterization of Novel Type V Cas12f Nucleases with Diverse Protospacer Adjacent Motif Preferences. CRISPR J 2023; 6:350-358. [PMID: 37267210 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Small Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) effectors are key to developing gene editing therapies due to the packaging constraints of viral vectors. While Cas9 and Cas12a CRISPR-Cas effectors have advanced into select clinical applications, their size is prohibitive for efficient delivery of both nuclease and guide RNA in a single viral vector. Type V Cas12f effectors present a solution given their small size. In this study, we describe a novel set of miniature (<490AA) Cas12f nucleases that cleave double-stranded DNA in human cells. We determined their optimal trans-activating RNA empirically through rational modifications, which resulted in an optimal single guide RNA. We show that these nucleases have broad protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) preferences, allowing for expanded genome targeting. The unique characteristics of these novel nucleases add to the diversity of the miniature CRISPR-Cas toolbox while the expanded PAM allows for the editing of genomic locations that could not be accessed with existing Cas12f nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David Rabuka
- Acrigen Biosciences, Inc., Alameda, California, USA
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Omura SN, Nakagawa R, Südfeld C, Villegas Warren R, Wu WY, Hirano H, Laffeber C, Kusakizako T, Kise Y, Lebbink JHG, Itoh Y, van der Oost J, Nureki O. Mechanistic and evolutionary insights into a type V-M CRISPR-Cas effector enzyme. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1172-1182. [PMID: 37460897 PMCID: PMC10442227 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA-guided type V CRISPR-Cas12 effectors provide adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacteria and archaea. Among diverse Cas12 enzymes, the recently identified Cas12m2 (CRISPR-Cas type V-M) is highly compact and has a unique RuvC active site. Although the non-canonical RuvC triad does not permit dsDNA cleavage, Cas12m2 still protects against invading MGEs through transcriptional silencing by strong DNA binding. However, the molecular mechanism of RNA-guided genome inactivation by Cas12m2 remains unknown. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of two states of Cas12m2-CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-target DNA ternary complexes and the Cas12m2-crRNA binary complex, revealing structural dynamics during crRNA-target DNA heteroduplex formation. The structures indicate that the non-target DNA strand is tightly bound to a unique arginine-rich cluster in the recognition (REC) domains and the non-canonical active site in the RuvC domain, ensuring strong DNA-binding affinity of Cas12m2. Furthermore, a structural comparison of Cas12m2 with TnpB, a putative ancestor of Cas12 enzymes, suggests that the interaction of the characteristic coiled-coil REC2 insertion with the protospacer-adjacent motif-distal region of the heteroduplex is crucial for Cas12m2 to engage in adaptive immunity. Collectively, our findings improve mechanistic understanding of diverse type V CRISPR-Cas effectors and provide insights into the evolution of TnpB to Cas12 enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi N Omura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoya Nakagawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christian Südfeld
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Wen Y Wu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hisato Hirano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Charlie Laffeber
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Curreio, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joyce H G Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yuzuru Itoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Chen W, Ma J, Wu Z, Wang Z, Zhang H, Fu W, Pan D, Shi J, Ji Q. Cas12n nucleases, early evolutionary intermediates of type V CRISPR, comprise a distinct family of miniature genome editors. Mol Cell 2023:S1097-2765(23)00463-X. [PMID: 37402371 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Type V CRISPR-associated systems (Cas)12 family nucleases are considered to have evolved from transposon-associated TnpB, and several of these nucleases have been engineered as versatile genome editors. Despite the conserved RNA-guided DNA-cleaving functionality, these Cas12 nucleases differ markedly from the currently identified ancestor TnpB in aspects such as guide RNA origination, effector complex composition, and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) specificity, suggesting the presence of earlier evolutionary intermediates that could be mined to develop advanced genome manipulation biotechnologies. Using evolutionary and biochemical analyses, we identify that the miniature type V-U4 nuclease (referred to as Cas12n, 400-700 amino acids) is likely the earliest evolutionary intermediate between TnpB and large type V CRISPR systems. We demonstrate that with the exception of CRISPR array emergence, CRISPR-Cas12n shares several similar characteristics with TnpB-ωRNA, including a miniature and likely monomeric nuclease for DNA targeting, origination of guide RNA from nuclease coding sequence, and generation of a small sticky end following DNA cleavage. Cas12n nucleases recognize a unique 5'-AAN PAM sequence, of which the A nucleotide at the -2 position is also required for TnpB. Moreover, we demonstrate the robust genome-editing capacity of Cas12n in bacteria and engineer a highly efficient CRISPR-Cas12n (termed Cas12Pro) with up to 80% indel efficiency in human cells. The engineered Cas12Pro enables base editing in human cells. Our results further expand the understanding regarding type V CRISPR evolutionary mechanisms and enrich the miniature CRISPR toolbox for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhong Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiacheng Ma
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhaowei Wu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hongyuan Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenhan Fu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deng Pan
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jin Shi
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Maatouk M, Rolain JM, Bittar F. Using Genomics to Decipher the Enigmatic Properties and Survival Adaptation of Candidate Phyla Radiation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1231. [PMID: 37317205 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051231] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial ecology is a critical field for understanding the composition, diversity, and functions of microorganisms in various environmental and health-related processes. The discovery of Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) through culture-independent methods has introduced a new division of microbes characterized by a symbiotic/parasitic lifestyle, small cell size, and small genome. Despite being poorly understood, CPRs have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their widespread detection in a variety of environmental and clinical samples. These microorganisms have been found to exhibit a high degree of genetic diversity compared to other microbes. Several studies have shed light on their potential importance in global biogeochemical cycles and their impact on various human activities. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of the discovery of CPRs. We then focus on describing how the genomic characteristics of CPRs have helped them interact with and adapt to other microbes in different ecological niches. Future works should focus on discovering the metabolic capacities of CPRs and, if possible, isolating them to obtain a better understanding of these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Maatouk
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Fadi Bittar
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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Esquerra-Ruvira B, Baquedano I, Ruiz R, Fernandez A, Montoliu L, Mojica FJM. Identification of the EH CRISPR-Cas9 system on a metagenome and its application to genome engineering. Microb Biotechnol 2023. [PMID: 37097160 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14266] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (crRNAs) produced from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins of the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems form complexes that interfere with the spread of transmissible genetic elements through Cas-catalysed cleavage of foreign genetic material matching the guide crRNA sequences. The easily programmable targeting of nucleic acids enabled by these ribonucleoproteins has facilitated the implementation of CRISPR-based molecular biology tools for in vivo and in vitro modification of DNA and RNA targets. Despite the diversity of DNA-targeting Cas nucleases so far identified, native and engineered derivatives of the Streptococcus pyogenes SpCas9 are the most widely used for genome engineering, at least in part due to their catalytic robustness and the requirement of an exceptionally short motif (5'-NGG-3' PAM) flanking the target sequence. However, the large size of the SpCas9 variants impairs the delivery of the tool to eukaryotic cells and smaller alternatives are desirable. Here, we identify in a metagenome a new CRISPR-Cas9 system associated with a smaller Cas9 protein (EHCas9) that targets DNA sequences flanked by 5'-NGG-3' PAMs. We develop a simplified EHCas9 tool that specifically cleaves DNA targets and is functional for genome editing applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Esquerra-Ruvira
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ignacio Baquedano
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Raul Ruiz
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Almudena Fernandez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluis Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J M Mojica
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies "Ramón Margalef", University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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45
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Chen Y, Meng L, Lang B, Li L, Liu J, Wang Y, Huang Z, Tian X, Tian R, Hu Z. A Cas12a ortholog with distinct TTNA PAM enables sensitive detection of HPV16/18. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100444. [PMID: 37159673 PMCID: PMC10162949 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases are multifunctional tools for gene editing. Cas12a possesses several advantages, including the requirement of a single guide RNA and high fidelity of gene editing. Here, we tested three Cas12a orthologs from human gut samples and identified a LtCas12a that utilizes a TTNA protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) distinct from the canonical TTTV PAM but with equivalent cleavage ability and specificity. These features significantly broadened the targeting scope of Cas12a family. Furthermore, we developed a sensitive, accurate, and rapid human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 gene detection platform based on LtCas12a DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR trans reporter (DETECTR) and lateral flow assay (LFA). LtCas12a showed comparable sensitivity to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and no cross-reaction with 13 other high-risk HPV genotypes in detecting the HPV16/18 L1 gene. Taken together, LtCas12a can broaden the applications of the CRISPR-Cas12a family and serve as a promising next-generation tool for therapeutic application and molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Nanchang Research Institution, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Lirong Meng
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
| | - Bin Lang
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
- Peking University Health Science Center-Macao Polytechnic University Nursing Academy, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jiashuo Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zheying Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician Expert Workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Generulor Company Bio-X Lab, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Zheng Hu
- Sun Yat-sen University Nanchang Research Institution, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu 169th Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Corresponding author
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46
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Woo AYM, Aguilar Ramos MA, Narayan R, Richards-Corke KC, Wang ML, Sandoval-Espinola WJ, Balskus EP. Targeting the human gut microbiome with small-molecule inhibitors. NATURE REVIEWS. CHEMISTRY 2023; 7:319-339. [PMID: 37117817 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome is a complex microbial community that is strongly linked to both host health and disease. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these microorganisms on host biology remain largely uncharacterized. The development of non-lethal, small-molecule inhibitors that target specific gut microbial activities enables a powerful but underutilized approach to studying the gut microbiome and a promising therapeutic strategy. In this Review, we will discuss the challenges of studying this microbial community, the historic use of small-molecule inhibitors in microbial ecology, and recent applications of this strategy. We also discuss the evidence suggesting that host-targeted drugs can affect the growth and metabolism of gut microbes. Finally, we address the issues of developing and implementing microbiome-targeted small-molecule inhibitors and define important future directions for this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Y M Woo
- Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Rohan Narayan
- Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Michelle L Wang
- Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Walter J Sandoval-Espinola
- Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Microbiana, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Emily P Balskus
- Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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47
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Farzanehpour M, Miri A, Ghorbani Alvanegh A, Esmaeili Gouvarchinghaleh H. Viral Vectors, Exosomes, and Vexosomes: Potential Armamentarium for Delivering CRISPR/Cas to Cancer Cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115555. [PMID: 37075815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The underlying cause of cancer is genetic disruption, so gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems can be used to go against cancer. The field of gene therapy has undergone many transitions over its 40-year history. Despite its many successes, it has also suffered many failures in the battle against malignancies, causing really adverse effects instead of therapeutic outcomes. At the tip of this double-edged sword are viral and non-viral-based vectors, which have profoundly transformed the way scientists and clinicians develop therapeutic platforms. Viruses such as lentivirus, adenovirus, and adeno-associated viruses are the most common viral vectors used for delivering the CRISPR/Cas system into human cells. In addition, among non-viral vectors, exosomes, especially tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), have proven to be quite effective at delivering this gene editing tool. The combined use of viral vectors and exosomes, called vexosomes, seems to be a solution to overcoming the obstacles of both delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Farzanehpour
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Miri
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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48
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Dudek NK, Galaz-Montoya JG, Shi H, Mayer M, Danita C, Celis AI, Viehboeck T, Wu GH, Behr B, Bulgheresi S, Huang KC, Chiu W, Relman DA. Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2098. [PMID: 37055390 PMCID: PMC10102025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37638-y] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Much remains to be explored regarding the diversity of uncultured, host-associated microbes. Here, we describe rectangular bacterial structures (RBSs) in the mouths of bottlenose dolphins. DNA staining revealed multiple paired bands within RBSs, suggesting the presence of cells dividing along the longitudinal axis. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and tomography showed parallel membrane-bound segments that are likely cells, encapsulated by an S-layer-like periodic surface covering. RBSs displayed unusual pilus-like appendages with bundles of threads splayed at the tips. We present multiple lines of evidence, including genomic DNA sequencing of micromanipulated RBSs, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggesting that RBSs are bacterial and distinct from the genera Simonsiella and Conchiformibius (family Neisseriaceae), with which they share similar morphology and division patterning. Our findings highlight the diversity of novel microbial forms and lifestyles that await characterization using tools complementary to genomics such as microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Dudek
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Quantori, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Handuo Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Megan Mayer
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cristina Danita
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Arianna I Celis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tobias Viehboeck
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Environmental Cell Biology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, and Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gong-Her Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Barry Behr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Silvia Bulgheresi
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Environmental Cell Biology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerwyn Casey Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wah Chiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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49
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Nakagawa R, Hirano H, Omura SN, Nety S, Kannan S, Altae-Tran H, Yao X, Sakaguchi Y, Ohira T, Wu WY, Nakayama H, Shuto Y, Tanaka T, Sano FK, Kusakizako T, Kise Y, Itoh Y, Dohmae N, van der Oost J, Suzuki T, Zhang F, Nureki O. Cryo-EM structure of the transposon-associated TnpB enzyme. Nature 2023; 616:390-397. [PMID: 37020030 PMCID: PMC10097598 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The class 2 type V CRISPR effector Cas12 is thought to have evolved from the IS200/IS605 superfamily of transposon-associated TnpB proteins1. Recent studies have identified TnpB proteins as miniature RNA-guided DNA endonucleases2,3. TnpB associates with a single, long RNA (ωRNA) and cleaves double-stranded DNA targets complementary to the ωRNA guide. However, the RNA-guided DNA cleavage mechanism of TnpB and its evolutionary relationship with Cas12 enzymes remain unknown. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of Deinococcus radiodurans ISDra2 TnpB in complex with its cognate ωRNA and target DNA. In the structure, the ωRNA adopts an unexpected architecture and forms a pseudoknot, which is conserved among all guide RNAs of Cas12 enzymes. Furthermore, the structure, along with our functional analysis, reveals how the compact TnpB recognizes the ωRNA and cleaves target DNA complementary to the guide. A structural comparison of TnpB with Cas12 enzymes suggests that CRISPR-Cas12 effectors acquired an ability to recognize the protospacer-adjacent motif-distal end of the guide RNA-target DNA heteroduplex, by either asymmetric dimer formation or diverse REC2 insertions, enabling engagement in CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity. Collectively, our findings provide mechanistic insights into TnpB function and advance our understanding of the evolution from transposon-encoded TnpB proteins to CRISPR-Cas12 effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoya Nakagawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisato Hirano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi N Omura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suchita Nety
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Soumya Kannan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Han Altae-Tran
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sakaguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ohira
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wen Y Wu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hiroshi Nakayama
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaro Shuto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Tanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiya K Sano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Curreio, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Itoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Curreio, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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50
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Yang Y, Wang D, Lü P, Ma S, Chen K. Research progress on nucleic acid detection and genome editing of CRISPR/Cas12 system. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:3723-3738. [PMID: 36648696 PMCID: PMC9843688 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work characterizes the applications of CRISPR/Cas12 system, including nucleic acid detection, animal, plant and microbial genome editing. METHODS The literature on CRISPR/Cas12 system was collected and reviewed. RESULTS CRISPR/Cas system is an acquired immune system derived from bacteria and archaea, which has become the most popular technology around the world because of its outstanding contribution in genome editing. Type V CRISPR/Cas systems are distinguished by a single RNA-guided RuvC nuclease domain with single effector molecule. Cas12a, the first reported type V CRISPR/Cas system, targets double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) adjacent to PAM sequences and trans-cleaves single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). We present the applications of CRISPR/Cas12 system for nucleic acid detection and genome editing in animals, plants and microorganisms. Furthermore, this review also summarizes the applications of other Cas12 proteins, such as Cas12b, Cas12c, Cas12d, and so on, which further widen the application prospects of CRISPR/Cas12 system. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the applications of CRISPR/Cas12 system is necessary for improving the understanding of the functional diversity of CRISPR/Cas12 system and also provides significant references for further research and utilization of CRISPR/Cas12 in other new fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dandan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Lü
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangshang Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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