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Ng BW, Kaukonen MK, McClements ME, Shamsnajafabadi H, MacLaren RE, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. Genetic therapies and potential therapeutic applications of CRISPR activators in the eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101289. [PMID: 39127142 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101289] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Conventional gene therapy involving supplementation only treats loss-of-function diseases and is limited by viral packaging sizes, precluding therapy of large genes. The discovery of CRISPR/Cas has led to a paradigm shift in the field of genetic therapy, with the promise of precise gene editing, thus broadening the range of diseases that can be treated. The initial uses of CRISPR/Cas have focused mainly on gene editing or silencing of abnormal variants via utilising Cas endonuclease to trigger the target cell endogenous non-homologous end joining. Subsequently, the technology has evolved to modify the Cas enzyme and even its guide RNA, leading to more efficient editing tools in the form of base and prime editing. Further advancements of this CRISPR/Cas technology itself have expanded its functional repertoire from targeted editing to programmable transactivation, shifting the therapeutic focus to precise endogenous gene activation or upregulation with the potential for epigenetic modifications. In vivo experiments using this platform have demonstrated the potential of CRISPR-activators (CRISPRa) to treat various loss-of-function diseases, as well as in regenerative medicine, highlighting their versatility to overcome limitations associated with conventional strategies. This review summarises the molecular mechanisms of CRISPRa platforms, the current applications of this technology in vivo, and discusses potential solutions to translational hurdles for this therapy, with a focus on ophthalmic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wj Ng
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria K Kaukonen
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Hoda Shamsnajafabadi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
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2
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Sousa AA, Hemez C, Lei L, Traore S, Kulhankova K, Newby GA, Doman JL, Oye K, Pandey S, Karp PH, McCray PB, Liu DR. Systematic optimization of prime editing for the efficient functional correction of CFTR F508del in human airway epithelial cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01233-3. [PMID: 38987629 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) enables precise and versatile genome editing without requiring double-stranded DNA breaks. Here we describe the systematic optimization of PE systems to efficiently correct human cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) F508del, a three-nucleotide deletion that is the predominant cause of CF. By combining six efficiency optimizations for PE-engineered PE guide RNAs, the PEmax architecture, the transient expression of a dominant-negative mismatch repair protein, strategic silent edits, PE6 variants and proximal 'dead' single-guide RNAs-we increased correction efficiencies for CFTR F508del from less than 0.5% in HEK293T cells to 58% in immortalized bronchial epithelial cells (a 140-fold improvement) and to 25% in patient-derived airway epithelial cells. The optimizations also resulted in minimal off-target editing, in edit-to-indel ratios 3.5-fold greater than those achieved by nuclease-mediated homology-directed repair, and in the functional restoration of CFTR ion channels to over 50% of wild-type levels (similar to those achieved via combination treatment with elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor) in primary airway cells. Our findings support the feasibility of a durable one-time treatment for CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Sousa
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Colin Hemez
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lei Lei
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Soumba Traore
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Katarina Kulhankova
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan L Doman
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Keyede Oye
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Smriti Pandey
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Philip H Karp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Haideri T, Lin J, Bao X, Lian XL. MAGIK: A rapid and efficient method to create lineage-specific reporters in human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:744-757. [PMID: 38579711 PMCID: PMC11103783 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.03.005] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise insertion of fluorescent proteins into lineage-specific genes in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) presents challenges due to low knockin efficiency and difficulties in isolating targeted cells. To overcome these hurdles, we present the modified mRNA (ModRNA)-based Activation for Gene Insertion and Knockin (MAGIK) method. MAGIK operates in two steps: first, it uses a Cas9-2A-p53DD modRNA with a mini-donor plasmid (without a drug selection cassette) to significantly enhance efficiency. Second, a deactivated Cas9 activator modRNA and a 'dead' guide RNA are used to temporarily activate the targeted gene, allowing for live cell sorting of targeted cells. Consequently, MAGIK eliminates the need for drug selection cassettes or labor-intensive single-cell colony screening, expediting precise gene editing. We showed MAGIK can be utilized to insert fluorescent proteins into various genes, including SOX17, NKX6.1, NKX2.5, and PDX1, across multiple hPSC lines. This underscores its robust performance and offers a promising solution for achieving knockin in hPSCs within a significantly shortened time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Haideri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jirong Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Xiaojun Lance Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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4
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Zhu B, Yin H, Zhang D, Zhang M, Chao X, Scimeca L, Wu MR. Synthetic biology approaches for improving the specificity and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:436-447. [PMID: 38605087 PMCID: PMC11061174 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown robust efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of hematological and solid cancers. Despite the transformative impact of immunotherapy on cancer treatment, several outstanding challenges remain. These challenges include on-target off-tumor toxicity, systemic toxicity, and the complexity of achieving potent and sustainable therapeutic efficacy. Synthetic biology has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these obstacles, offering innovative tools for engineering living cells with customized functions. This review provides an overview of the current landscape and future prospects of cancer immunotherapy, particularly emphasizing the role of synthetic biology in augmenting its specificity, controllability, and efficacy. We delineate and discuss two principal synthetic biology strategies: those targeting tumor surface antigens with engineered immune cells and those detecting intratumoral disease signatures with engineered gene circuits. This review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the enduring challenges in cancer immunotherapy and the potential breakthroughs that synthetic biology may contribute to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Di Zhang
- Drug Safety Research & Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Company, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Luca Scimeca
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ming-Ru Wu
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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5
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Yang L, Sheets TP, Feng Y, Yu G, Bajgain P, Hsu KS, So D, Seaman S, Lee J, Lin L, Evans CN, Guest MR, Chari R, St. Croix B. Uncovering receptor-ligand interactions using a high-avidity CRISPR activation screening platform. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj2445. [PMID: 38354234 PMCID: PMC10866537 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The majority of clinically approved drugs target proteins that are secreted or cell surface bound. However, further advances in this area have been hindered by the challenging nature of receptor deorphanization, as there are still many secreted and cell-bound proteins with unknown binding partners. Here, we developed an advanced screening platform that combines CRISPR-CAS9 guide-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) and high-avidity bead-based selection. The CRISPRa platform incorporates serial enrichment and flow cytometry-based monitoring, resulting in substantially improved screening sensitivity for well-known yet weak interactions of the checkpoint inhibitor family. Our approach has successfully revealed that siglec-4 exerts regulatory control over T cell activation through a low affinity trans-interaction with the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB. Our highly efficient screening platform holds great promise for identifying extracellular interactions of uncharacterized receptor-ligand partners, which is essential to develop next-generation therapeutics, including additional immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Timothy P. Sheets
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yang Feng
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Guojun Yu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pradip Bajgain
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kuo-Sheng Hsu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daeho So
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven Seaman
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ling Lin
- Proteomic Instability of Cancer Section, MCGP, NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christine N. Evans
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mary R. Guest
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brad St. Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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6
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Liang Y, Gao S, Qi X, Valentovich LN, An Y. Progress in Gene Editing and Metabolic Regulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with CRISPR/Cas9 Tools. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:428-448. [PMID: 38326929 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00685] [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: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 systems have been developed as tools for genetic engineering and metabolic engineering in various organisms. In this review, various aspects of CRISPR/Cas9 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, from basic principles to practical applications, have been summarized. First, a comprehensive review has been conducted on the history of CRISPR/Cas9, successful cases of gene disruptions, and efficiencies of multiple DNA fragment insertions. Such advanced systems have accelerated the development of microbial engineering by reducing time and labor, and have enhanced the understanding of molecular genetics. Furthermore, the research progress of the CRISPR/Cas9-based systems in the production of high-value-added chemicals and the improvement of stress tolerance in S. cerevisiae have been summarized, which should have an important reference value for genetic and synthetic biology studies based on S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaokun Liang
- College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110065, China
| | - Song Gao
- College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110065, China
| | - Xianghui Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangdong 511370, China
| | - Leonid N Valentovich
- Institute of Microbiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk 220072, Belarus
| | - Yingfeng An
- College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110065, China
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7
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Seem K, Kaur S, Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Epigenome editing for targeted DNA (de)methylation: a new perspective in modulating gene expression. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 59:69-98. [PMID: 38440883 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2320659] [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] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, it has been believed that inheritance is driven as phenotypic variations resulting from changes in DNA sequence. However, this paradigm has been challenged and redefined in the contemporary era of epigenetics. The changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA biogenesis, and chromatin remodeling play crucial roles in genomic functions and regulation of gene expression. More importantly, some of these changes are inherited to the next generations as a part of epigenetic memory and play significant roles in gene expression. The sum total of all changes in DNA bases, histone proteins, and ncRNA biogenesis constitutes the epigenome. Continuous progress in deciphering epigenetic regulations and the existence of heritable epigenetic/epiallelic variations associated with trait of interest enables to deploy epigenome editing tools to modulate gene expression. DNA methylation marks can be utilized in epigenome editing for the manipulation of gene expression. Initially, genome/epigenome editing technologies relied on zinc-finger protein or transcriptional activator-like effector protein. However, the discovery of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR)/deadCRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) enabled epigenome editing to be more specific/efficient for targeted DNA (de)methylation. One of the major concerns has been the off-target effects, wherein epigenome editing may unintentionally modify gene/regulatory element which may cause unintended change/harmful effects. Moreover, epigenome editing of germline cell raises several ethical/safety issues. This review focuses on the recent developments in epigenome editing tools/techniques, technological limitations, and future perspectives of this emerging technology in therapeutics for human diseases as well as plant improvement to achieve sustainable developmental goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Seem
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Simardeep Kaur
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Trilochan Mohapatra
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, New Delhi, India
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8
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Devarajan A. Optically Controlled CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre Recombinase for Spatiotemporal Gene Editing: A Review. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:25-44. [PMID: 38134336 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00596] [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: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre recombinase, two tools extensively used for genome interrogation, have catalyzed key breakthroughs in our understanding of complex biological processes and diseases. However, the immense complexity of biological systems and off-target effects hinder clinical applications, necessitating the development of platforms to control gene editing over spatial and temporal dimensions. Among the strategies developed for inducible control, light is particularly attractive as it is noninvasive and affords high spatiotemporal resolution. The principles for optical control of Cas9 and Cre recombinase are broadly similar and involve photocaged enzymes and small molecules, engineered split- and single-chain constructs, light-induced expression, and delivery by light-responsive nanocarriers. Few systems enable spatiotemporal control with a high dynamic range without loss of wild-type editing efficiencies. Such systems posit the promise of light-activatable systems in the clinic. While the prospect of clinical applications is palpably exciting, optimization and extensive preclinical validation are warranted. Judicious integration of optically activated CRISPR and Cre, tailored for the desired application, may help to bridge the "bench-to-bedside" gap in therapeutic gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archit Devarajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India - 462066
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9
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Yagci ZB, Kelkar GR, Johnson TJ, Sen D, Keung AJ. Designing Epigenome Editors: Considerations of Biochemical and Locus Specificities. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:23-55. [PMID: 39012589 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_2] [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: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of locus-specific protein recruitment technologies has enabled a new class of studies in chromatin biology. Epigenome editors (EEs) enable biochemical modifications of chromatin at almost any specific endogenous locus. Their locus-specificity unlocks unique information including the functional roles of distinct modifications at specific genomic loci. Given the growing interest in using these tools for biological and translational studies, there are many specific design considerations depending on the scientific question or clinical need. Here, we present and discuss important design considerations and challenges regarding the biochemical and locus specificities of epigenome editors. These include how to: account for the complex biochemical diversity of chromatin; control for potential interdependency of epigenome editors and their resultant modifications; avoid sequestration effects; quantify the locus specificity of epigenome editors; and improve locus-specificity by considering concentration, affinity, avidity, and sequestration effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Begum Yagci
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gautami R Kelkar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tyler J Johnson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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10
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Ramesh A, Lee S, Wheeldon I. Genome Editing, Transcriptional Regulation, and Forward Genetic Screening Using CRISPR-Cas12a Systems in Yarrowia lipolytica. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2760:169-198. [PMID: 38468089 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3658-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Class II Type V endonucleases have increasingly been adapted to develop sophisticated and easily accessible synthetic biology tools for genome editing, transcriptional regulation, and functional genomic screening in a wide range of organisms. One such endonuclease, Cas12a, presents itself as an attractive alternative to Cas9-based systems. The ability to mature its own guide RNAs (gRNAs) from a single transcript has been leveraged for easy multiplexing, and its lack of requirement of a tracrRNA element, also allows for short gRNA expression cassettes. To extend these functionalities into the industrially relevant oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, we developed a set of CRISPR-Cas12a vectors for easy multiplexed gene knockout, repression, and activation. We further extended the utility of this CRISPR-Cas12a system to functional genomic screening by constructing a genome-wide guide library targeting every gene with an eightfold coverage. Pooled CRISPR screens conducted with this library were used to profile Cas12a guide activities and develop a machine learning algorithm that could accurately predict highly efficient Cas12a gRNA. In this protocols chapter, we first present a method by which protein coding genes may be functionally disrupted via indel formation with CRISPR-Cas12a systems. Further, we describe how Cas12a fused to a transcriptional regulator can be used in conjunction with shortened gRNA to achieve transcriptional repression or activation. Finally, we describe the design, cloning, and validation of a genome-wide library as well as a protocol for the execution of a pooled CRISPR screen, to determine guide activity profiles in a genome-wide context in Y. lipolytica. The tools and strategies discussed here expand the list of available synthetic biology tools for facile genome engineering in this industrially important host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Ramesh
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sangcheon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ian Wheeldon
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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11
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Beal J. Flow Cytometry Quantification of Transient Transfections in Mammalian Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2774:153-176. [PMID: 38441764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3718-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a powerful quantitative assay supporting high-throughput collection of single-cell data with a high dynamic range. For flow cytometry to yield reproducible data with a quantitative relationship to the underlying biology, however, requires that (1) appropriate process controls are collected along with experimental samples, (2) these process controls are used for unit calibration and quality control, and (3) data are analyzed using appropriate statistics. To this end, this chapter describes methods for quantitative flow cytometry through the addition of process controls and analyses, thereby enabling better development, modeling, and debugging of engineered biological organisms. The methods described here have specifically been developed in the context of transient transfections in mammalian cells but may in many cases be adaptable to other categories of transfection and other types of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Beal
- Raytheon BBN Technologies, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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12
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Kirov I. Toward Transgene-Free Transposon-Mediated Biological Mutagenesis for Plant Breeding. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17054. [PMID: 38069377 PMCID: PMC10706983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317054] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity is a key factor for plant breeding. The birth of novel genic and genomic variants is also crucial for plant adaptation in nature. Therefore, the genomes of almost all living organisms possess natural mutagenic mechanisms. Transposable elements (TEs) are a major mutagenic force driving genetic diversity in wild plants and modern crops. The relatively rare TE transposition activity during the thousand-year crop domestication process has led to the phenotypic diversity of many cultivated species. The utilization of TE mutagenesis by artificial and transient acceleration of their activity in a controlled mode is an attractive foundation for a novel type of mutagenesis called TE-mediated biological mutagenesis. Here, I focus on TEs as mutagenic sources for plant breeding and discuss existing and emerging transgene-free approaches for TE activation in plants. Furthermore, I also review the non-randomness of TE insertions in a plant genome and the molecular and epigenetic factors involved in shaping TE insertion preferences. Additionally, I discuss the molecular mechanisms that prevent TE transpositions in germline plant cells (e.g., meiocytes, pollen, egg and embryo cells, and shoot apical meristem), thereby reducing the chances of TE insertion inheritance. Knowledge of these mechanisms can expand the TE activation toolbox using novel gene targeting approaches. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of plant populations with induced novel TE insertions (iTE plant collections) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Kirov
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, 127550 Moscow, Russia;
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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13
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Bull T, Khakhar A. Design principles for synthetic control systems to engineer plants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2023; 42:1875-1889. [PMID: 37789180 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03072-z] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Synthetic control systems have led to significant advancement in the study and engineering of unicellular organisms, but it has been challenging to apply these tools to multicellular organisms like plants. The ability to predictably engineer plants will enable the development of novel traits capable of alleviating global problems, such as climate change and food insecurity. Engineering predictable multicellular phenotypes will require the development of synthetic control systems that can precisely regulate how the information encoded in genomes is translated into phenotypes. Many efficient control systems have been developed for unicellular organisms. However, it remains challenging to use such tools to study or engineer multicellular organisms. Plants are a good chassis within which to develop strategies to overcome these challenges, thanks to their capacity to withstand large-scale reprogramming without lethality. Additionally, engineered plants have great potential for solving major societal problems. Here we briefly review the progress of control system development in unicellular organisms, and how that information can be leveraged to characterize control systems in plants. Further, we discuss strategies for developing control systems designed to regulate the expression of transgenes or endogenous loci and generate dosage-dependent or discrete traits. Finally, we discuss the utility that mathematical models of biological processes have for control system deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawni Bull
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Arjun Khakhar
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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14
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Zeng Y, Liao D, Kong X, Huang Q, Zhong M, Liu J, Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh A, Pan Y, Song H. Current status and prospect of ZIF-based materials for breast cancer treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 232:113612. [PMID: 37898043 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, one of the three most life-threatening cancers in modern times, must be explored for treatments with low side effects and practical efficacy. Metal organic framework materials (MOFs) is made by metal ions as the center for point and organic ligands as a bridge connecting a new type of porous nano-materials, among them, the zinc base zeolite imidazole skeleton material series (ZIFs) because of its excellent biocompatibility and pH slow controlled release ability, is widely used in the tumor microenvironment in basic research and achieved remarkable curative effect. Inspired by this, in this review, we focus on the recent research progress on the application of ZIFs in the treatment of breast cancer, mainly studying the structure of ZIFs such as ZIF-8, ZIF-90 and ZIF-67 and their application in novel therapies for breast cancer treatment, such as targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy.We will more fully demonstrate the potential of zif in breast cancer treatment, hoping to provide an avenue for exploring breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Zeng
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Donghui Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xiangyang Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Qianying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Muyi Zhong
- Breast Department, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong 523059, China.
| | - Jianqiang Liu
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China
| | | | - Ying Pan
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and DD.evelopment of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University Key Laboratory of Research and Development of New Medical Materials, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Hailiang Song
- Department of General Surgery, Dalang Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523770, China.
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15
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Han JH, Lee HJ, Kim TH. Characterization of transcriptional enhancers in the chicken genome using CRISPR-mediated activation. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1269115. [PMID: 37953873 PMCID: PMC10634339 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1269115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA regulatory elements intricately control when, where, and how genes are activated. Therefore, understanding the function of these elements could unveil the complexity of the genetic regulation network. Genome-wide significant variants are predominantly found in non-coding regions of DNA, so comprehending the predicted functional regulatory elements is crucial for understanding the biological context of these genomic markers, which can be incorporated into breeding programs. The emergence of CRISPR technology has provided a powerful tool for studying non-coding regulatory elements in genomes. In this study, we leveraged epigenetic data from the Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes project to identify promoter and putative enhancer regions associated with three genes (HBBA, IRF7, and PPARG) in the chicken genome. To identify the enhancer regions, we designed guide RNAs targeting the promoter and candidate enhancer regions and utilized CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) with dCas9-p300 and dCas9-VPR as transcriptional activators in chicken DF-1 cells. By comparing the expression levels of target genes between the promoter activation and the co-activation of the promoter and putative enhancers, we were able to identify functional enhancers that exhibited augmented upregulation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the remarkable efficiency of CRISPRa in precisely manipulating the expression of endogenous genes by targeting regulatory elements in the chicken genome, highlighting its potential for functional validation of non-coding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hoon Han
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hong Jo Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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16
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Barbier I, Kusumawardhani H, Chauhan L, Harlapur PV, Jolly MK, Schaerli Y. Synthetic Gene Circuits Combining CRISPR Interference and CRISPR Activation in E. coli: Importance of Equal Guide RNA Binding Affinities to Avoid Context-Dependent Effects. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3064-3071. [PMID: 37813387 PMCID: PMC10594877 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression control based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has emerged as a powerful approach for constructing synthetic gene circuits. While the use of CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) is already well-established in prokaryotic circuits, CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) is less mature, and a combination of the two in the same circuits is only just emerging. Here, we report that combining CRISPRi with SoxS-based CRISPRa in Escherichia coli can lead to context-dependent effects due to different affinities in the formation of CRISPRa and CRISPRi complexes, resulting in loss of predictable behavior. We show that this effect can be avoided by using the same scaffold guide RNA structure for both complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Içvara Barbier
- Department
of Fundamental Microbiology, University
of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lakshya Chauhan
- Department
of Fundamental Microbiology, University
of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department
of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department
of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bengaluru, India
| | - Yolanda Schaerli
- Department
of Fundamental Microbiology, University
of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Riedmayr LM, Hinrichsmeyer KS, Thalhammer SB, Mittas DM, Karguth N, Otify DY, Böhm S, Weber VJ, Bartoschek MD, Splith V, Brümmer M, Ferreira R, Boon N, Wögenstein GM, Grimm C, Wijnholds J, Mehlfeld V, Michalakis S, Fenske S, Biel M, Becirovic E. mRNA trans-splicing dual AAV vectors for (epi)genome editing and gene therapy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6578. [PMID: 37852949 PMCID: PMC10584818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42386-0] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Large genes including several CRISPR-Cas modules like gene activators (CRISPRa) require dual adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for an efficient in vivo delivery and expression. Current dual AAV vector approaches have important limitations, e.g., low reconstitution efficiency, production of alien proteins, or low flexibility in split site selection. Here, we present a dual AAV vector technology based on reconstitution via mRNA trans-splicing (REVeRT). REVeRT is flexible in split site selection and can efficiently reconstitute different split genes in numerous in vitro models, in human organoids, and in vivo. Furthermore, REVeRT can functionally reconstitute a CRISPRa module targeting genes in various mouse tissues and organs in single or multiplexed approaches upon different routes of administration. Finally, REVeRT enabled the reconstitution of full-length ABCA4 after intravitreal injection in a mouse model of Stargardt disease. Due to its flexibility and efficiency REVeRT harbors great potential for basic research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Riedmayr
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | | | | | - David Manuel Mittas
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Nina Karguth
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Dina Yehia Otify
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | | | - Valentin Johannes Weber
- Laboratory for Retinal Gene Therapy, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Manuela Brümmer
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Raphael Ferreira
- Genetics Department, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Maria Wögenstein
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
| | - Christian Grimm
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Verena Mehlfeld
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Laboratory for Retinal Gene Therapy, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland.
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18
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Auradkar A, Guichard A, Kaduwal S, Sneider M, Bier E. tgCRISPRi: efficient gene knock-down using truncated gRNAs and catalytically active Cas9. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5587. [PMID: 37696787 PMCID: PMC10495392 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40836-3] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-interference (CRISPRi), a highly effective method for silencing genes in mammalian cells, employs an enzymatically dead form of Cas9 (dCas9) complexed with one or more guide RNAs (gRNAs) with 20 nucleotides (nt) of complementarity to transcription initiation sites of target genes. Such gRNA/dCas9 complexes bind to DNA, impeding transcription of the targeted locus. Here, we present an alternative gene-suppression strategy using active Cas9 complexed with truncated gRNAs (tgRNAs). Cas9/tgRNA complexes bind to specific target sites without triggering DNA cleavage. When targeted near transcriptional start sites, these short 14-15 nts tgRNAs efficiently repress expression of several target genes throughout somatic tissues in Drosophila melanogaster without generating any detectable target site mutations. tgRNAs also can activate target gene expression when complexed with a Cas9-VPR fusion protein or modulate enhancer activity, and can be incorporated into a gene-drive, wherein a traditional gRNA sustains drive while a tgRNA inhibits target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Auradkar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0335, USA
| | - Annabel Guichard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0335, USA
| | - Saluja Kaduwal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0335, USA
| | - Marketta Sneider
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0335, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0335, USA.
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society - UCSD, La Jolla, USA.
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19
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Saunderson EA, Encabo HH, Devis J, Rouault-Pierre K, Piganeau M, Bell CG, Gribben JG, Bonnet D, Ficz G. CRISPR/dCas9 DNA methylation editing is heritable during human hematopoiesis and shapes immune progeny. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300224120. [PMID: 37579157 PMCID: PMC10450654 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300224120] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an abnormal increase in DNA methylation (DNAm) in human gene promoters, including in bone marrow stem cells. DNAm patterns are further perturbed in hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia but the physiological significance of such epigenetic changes is unknown. Using epigenetic editing of human stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), we show that p15 methylation affects hematopoiesis in vivo. We edited the CDKN2B (p15) promoter and ARF (p14) using dCas9-3A3L and observed DNAm spreading beyond the gRNA location. We find that despite a transient delivery system, DNAm is maintained during myeloid differentiation in vitro, and hypermethylation of the p15 promoter reduces gene expression. In vivo, edited human HSPCs can engraft the bone marrow of mice and targeted DNAm is maintained in HSPCs long term. Moreover, epigenetic changes are conserved and inherited in both myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Although the proportion of myeloid (CD33+) and lymphoid (CD19+) cells is unaffected, monocyte (CD14+) populations decreased and granulocytes (CD66b+) increased in mice engrafted with p15 hypermethylated HSPCs. Monocytes derived from p15 hypermethylated HSPCs appear to be activated and show increased inflammatory transcriptional programs. We believe these findings have clinical relevance since we found p15 promoter methylation in the peripheral blood of patients with clonal hematopoiesis. Our study shows DNAm can be targeted and maintained in human HSPCs and demonstrated functional relevance of aberrant DNAm on the p15 locus. As such, other aging-associated aberrant DNAm may impact hematopoiesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Saunderson
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, Queen Mary University of London, LondonEC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hector Huerga Encabo
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Devis
- Group of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels1200, Belgium
| | - Kevin Rouault-Pierre
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, Queen Mary University of London, LondonEC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Piganeau
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher G. Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, LondonEC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - John G. Gribben
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, Queen Mary University of London, LondonEC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriella Ficz
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, Queen Mary University of London, LondonEC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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20
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Bendixen L, Jensen TI, Bak RO. CRISPR-Cas-mediated transcriptional modulation: The therapeutic promises of CRISPRa and CRISPRi. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1920-1937. [PMID: 36964659 PMCID: PMC10362391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is commonly known for its ability to cleave DNA in a programmable manner, which has democratized gene editing and facilitated recent breakthroughs in gene therapy. However, newer iterations of the technology using nuclease-disabled Cas enzymes have spurred a variety of different types of genetic engineering platforms such as transcriptional modulation using the CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) systems. This review introduces the creation of these programmable transcriptional modulators, various methods of delivery utilized for these systems, and recent technological developments. CRISPRa and CRISPRi have also been implemented in genetic screens for interrogating gene function and discovering genes involved in various biological pathways. We describe recent compelling examples of how these tools have become powerful means to unravel genetic networks and uncovering important information about devastating diseases. Finally, we provide an overview of preclinical studies in which transcriptional modulation has been used therapeutically, and we discuss potential future directions of these novel modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bendixen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Trine I Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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21
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Wang J, Zhao P, Chen Z, Wang H, Wang Y, Lin Q. Non-viral gene therapy using RNA interference with PDGFR-α mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transformation for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100632. [PMID: 37122836 PMCID: PMC10130499 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic eye diseases, a series of severe oculopathy, that will destroy normal ocular refractive media and imaging structures. It is characterized by the transformation of the epithelial cells into mesenchyme cells. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is one of these representative diseases. In this investigation, polyethylene glycol grafted branched Polyethyleneimine (PEI-g-PEG) was used as a non-viral gene vector in gene therapy of PVR to achieve anti-fibroblastic effects in vitro and in vivo by interfering with platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFR-α) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The plasmid was wrapped by electrostatic conjugation. Physical characterization of the complexes indicated that the gene complexes were successfully prepared. In vitro, cellular experiments showed excellent biocompatibility of PEI-g-PEG, efficient cellular uptake of the gene complexes, and successful expression of the corresponding fragments. Through gene silencing technique, PEI-g-PEG/PDGFR-α shRNA successfully inhibited the process of EMT in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo animal experiments suggested that this method could effectively inhibit the progression of fibroproliferative membranes of PVR. Herein, a feasible and promising clinical idea was provided for developing non-viral gene vectors and preventing fibroblastic eye diseases by RNA interference (RNAi) technology.
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22
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Jiang C, Geng L, Wang J, Liang Y, Guo X, Liu C, Zhao Y, Jin J, Liu Z, Mu Y. Multiplexed Gene Engineering Based on dCas9 and gRNA-tRNA Array Encoded on Single Transcript. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108535. [PMID: 37239880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108535] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneously, multiplexed genome engineering and targeting multiple genomic loci are valuable to elucidating gene interactions and characterizing genetic networks that affect phenotypes. Here, we developed a general CRISPR-based platform to perform four functions and target multiple genome loci encoded in a single transcript. To establish multiple functions for multiple loci targets, we fused four RNA hairpins, MS2, PP7, com and boxB, to stem-loops of gRNA (guide RNA) scaffolds, separately. The RNA-hairpin-binding domains MCP, PCP, Com and λN22 were fused with different functional effectors. These paired combinations of cognate-RNA hairpins and RNA-binding proteins generated the simultaneous, independent regulation of multiple target genes. To ensure that all proteins and RNAs are expressed in one transcript, multiple gRNAs were constructed in a tandemly arrayed tRNA (transfer RNA)-gRNA architecture, and the triplex sequence was cloned between the protein-coding sequences and the tRNA-gRNA array. By leveraging this system, we illustrate the transcriptional activation, transcriptional repression, DNA methylation and DNA demethylation of endogenous targets using up to 16 individual CRISPR gRNAs delivered on a single transcript. This system provides a powerful platform to investigate synthetic biology questions and engineer complex-phenotype medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lishuang Geng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yingjuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiaochen Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yunjing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Junxue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yanshuang Mu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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23
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Pan C, Qi Y. CRISPR-Combo-mediated orthogonal genome editing and transcriptional activation for plant breeding. Nat Protoc 2023:10.1038/s41596-023-00823-w. [PMID: 37085666 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00823-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas nuclease systems, base editors, and CRISPR activation have greatly advanced plant genome engineering. However, the combinatorial approaches for multiplexed orthogonal genome editing and transcriptional regulation were previously unexploited in plants. We have recently established a single Cas9 protein-based CRISPR-Combo platform, enabling efficient multiplexed orthogonal genome editing (double-strand break-mediated genome editing or base editing) and transcriptional activation in plants via engineering the single guide RNA (sgRNA) structure. Here, we provide step-by-step instructions for constructing CRISPR-Combo systems for speed breeding of transgene-free, genome-edited Arabidopsis plants and enhancing rice regeneration with more heritable targeted mutations in a hormone-free manner. We also provide guidance on designing efficient sgRNA, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis and rice, rice regeneration without exogenous plant hormones, gene editing evaluation and visual identification of transgene-free Arabidopsis plants with high editing activity. With the use of this protocol, it takes ~2 weeks to establish the CRISPR-Combo systems, 4 months to obtain transgene-free genome-edited Arabidopsis plants and 4 months to obtain rice plants with enrichment of heritable targeted mutations by hormone-free tissue culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changtian Pan
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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24
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Marinov GK, Kim SH, Bagdatli ST, Higashino SI, Trevino AE, Tycko J, Wu T, Bintu L, Bassik MC, He C, Kundaje A, Greenleaf WJ. CasKAS: direct profiling of genome-wide dCas9 and Cas9 specificity using ssDNA mapping. Genome Biol 2023; 24:85. [PMID: 37085898 PMCID: PMC10120127 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02930-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting and mitigating off-target activity is critical to the practical application of CRISPR-mediated genome and epigenome editing. While numerous methods have been developed to map Cas9 binding specificity genome-wide, they are generally time-consuming and/or expensive, and not applicable to catalytically dead CRISPR enzymes. We have developed CasKAS, a rapid, inexpensive, and facile assay for identifying off-target CRISPR enzyme binding and cleavage by chemically mapping the unwound single-stranded DNA structures formed upon binding of a sgRNA-loaded Cas9 protein. We demonstrate this method in both in vitro and in vivo contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgi K Marinov
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Samuel H Kim
- Cancer Biology Program, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - S Tansu Bagdatli
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Soon Il Higashino
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alexandro E Trevino
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Josh Tycko
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Lacramioara Bintu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anshul Kundaje
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - William J Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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25
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Shy BR, Vykunta VS, Ha A, Talbot A, Roth TL, Nguyen DN, Pfeifer WG, Chen YY, Blaeschke F, Shifrut E, Vedova S, Mamedov MR, Chung JYJ, Li H, Yu R, Wu D, Wolf J, Martin TG, Castro CE, Ye L, Esensten JH, Eyquem J, Marson A. High-yield genome engineering in primary cells using a hybrid ssDNA repair template and small-molecule cocktails. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:521-531. [PMID: 36008610 PMCID: PMC10065198 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing CRISPR-mediated site-specific transgene insertion efficiency by homology-directed repair (HDR) using high concentrations of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with Cas9 target sequences (CTSs) can be toxic to primary cells. Here, we develop single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) HDR templates (HDRTs) incorporating CTSs with reduced toxicity that boost knock-in efficiency and yield by an average of around two- to threefold relative to dsDNA CTSs. Using small-molecule combinations that enhance HDR, we could further increase knock-in efficiencies by an additional roughly two- to threefold on average. Our method works across a variety of target loci, knock-in constructs and primary human cell types, reaching HDR efficiencies of >80-90%. We demonstrate application of this approach for both pathogenic gene variant modeling and gene-replacement strategies for IL2RA and CTLA4 mutations associated with Mendelian disorders. Finally, we develop a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible process for nonviral chimeric antigen receptor-T cell manufacturing, with knock-in efficiencies (46-62%) and yields (>1.5 × 109 modified cells) exceeding those of conventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Shy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Vivasvan S Vykunta
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alvin Ha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Talbot
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- INSERM U976, Saint Louis Research Institute, Paris City University, Paris, France
| | - Theodore L Roth
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David N Nguyen
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Wolfgang G Pfeifer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yan Yi Chen
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Franziska Blaeschke
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Shifrut
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shane Vedova
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Murad R Mamedov
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jing-Yi Jing Chung
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Research and Development, Reagent and Services Business Unit, Life Science Group, GenScript Biotech, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruby Yu
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Wu
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wolf
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G Martin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos E Castro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lumeng Ye
- Department of Research and Development, Reagent and Services Business Unit, Life Science Group, GenScript Biotech, Nanjing, China
| | - Jonathan H Esensten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Justin Eyquem
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Marson
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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26
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Fontana L, Alahouzou Z, Miccio A, Antoniou P. Epigenetic Regulation of β-Globin Genes and the Potential to Treat Hemoglobinopathies through Epigenome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030577. [PMID: 36980849 PMCID: PMC10048329 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030577] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated during life by transcription factors, chromatin looping and epigenome modifications of the β-globin locus. Epigenome modifications, such as histone methylation/demethylation and acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, are associated with up- or down-regulation of gene expression. The understanding of these mechanisms and their outcome in gene expression has paved the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating various diseases, such as β-hemoglobinopathies. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for hemoglobinopathies patients. However, these approaches are often uncertain, non-specific and their global effect poses serious safety concerns. Epigenome editing is a recently developed and promising tool that consists of a DNA recognition domain (zinc finger, transcription activator-like effector or dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9) fused to the catalytic domain of a chromatin-modifying enzyme. It offers a more specific targeting of disease-related genes (e.g., the ability to reactivate the fetal γ-globin genes and improve the hemoglobinopathy phenotype) and it facilitates the development of scarless gene therapy approaches. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of epigenome regulation of the β-globin locus, and we discuss the application of epigenome editing for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Fontana
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Zoe Alahouzou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Antoniou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
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27
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Anders C, Hoengenaert L, Boerjan W. Accelerating wood domestication in forest trees through genome editing: Advances and prospects. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 71:102329. [PMID: 36586396 PMCID: PMC7614060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The high economic value of wood requires intensive breeding towards multipurpose biomass. However, long breeding cycles hamper the fast development of novel tree varieties that have improved biomass properties, are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, and resilient to climate change. To speed up domestication, the integration of conventional breeding and new breeding techniques is needed. In this review, we discuss recent advances in genome editing and Cas-DNA-free genome engineering of forest trees, and briefly discuss how multiplex editing combined with multi-omics approaches can accelerate the genetic improvement of forest trees, with a focus on wood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Anders
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Hoengenaert
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wout Boerjan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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28
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Wang T, Hellmer H, Simmel FC. Genetic switches based on nucleic acid strand displacement. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 79:102867. [PMID: 36535150 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) is an isothermal switching process that enables the sequence-programmable and reversible conversion of DNA or RNA strands between single- and double-stranded conformations or other secondary structures. TMSD processes have already found widespread application in DNA nanotechnology, where they are used to drive DNA-based molecular devices or for the realization of synthetic biochemical computing circuits. Recently, researchers have started to employ TMSD also for the control of RNA-based gene regulatory processes in vivo, in particular in the context of synthetic riboregulators and conditional guide RNAs for CRISPR/Cas. Here, we provide a review over recent developments in this emerging field and discuss the opportunities and challenges for such systems in in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhe Wang
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems - E14, Physics Department and ZNN, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Henning Hellmer
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems - E14, Physics Department and ZNN, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems - E14, Physics Department and ZNN, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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29
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Yeom J, Park JS, Jung SW, Lee S, Kwon H, Yoo SM. High-throughput genetic engineering tools for regulating gene expression in a microbial cell factory. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:82-99. [PMID: 34957867 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.2007351] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid advances in biotechnological tools and strategies, microbial cell factory-constructing strategies have been established for the production of value-added compounds. However, optimizing the tradeoff between the biomass, yield, and titer remains a challenge in microbial production. Gene regulation is necessary to optimize and control metabolic fluxes in microorganisms for high-production performance. Various high-throughput genetic engineering tools have been developed for achieving rational gene regulation and genetic perturbation, diversifying the cellular phenotype and enhancing bioproduction performance. In this paper, we review the current high-throughput genetic engineering tools for gene regulation. In particular, technological approaches used in a diverse range of genetic tools for constructing microbial cell factories are introduced, and representative applications of these tools are presented. Finally, the prospects for high-throughput genetic engineering tools for gene regulation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinho Yeom
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Park
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woon Jung
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Lee
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjin Kwon
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Yoo
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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30
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Carroll MS, Giacca M. CRISPR activation and interference as investigative tools in the cardiovascular system. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 155:106348. [PMID: 36563996 PMCID: PMC10265131 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106348] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR activation and interference (CRISPRa/i) technology offers the unprecedented possibility of achieving regulated gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. The DNA pairing specificity of a nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9) is exploited to precisely target a transcriptional activator or repressor in proximity to a gene promoter. This permits both the study of phenotypes arising from gene modulation for investigative purposes, and the development of potential therapeutics. As with virtually all other organ systems, the cardiovascular system can deeply benefit from a broader utilisation of CRISPRa/i. However, application of this technology is still in its infancy. Significant areas for improvement include the identification of novel and more effective transcriptional regulators that can be docked to dCas9, and the development of more efficient methods for their delivery and expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Carroll
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London UK
| | - Mauro Giacca
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London UK.
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31
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Zhang FL, Yang SY, Liao L, Zhang TM, Zhang YL, Hu SY, Deng L, Huang MY, Andriani L, Ma XY, Shao ZM, Li DQ. Dynamic SUMOylation of MORC2 orchestrates chromatin remodelling and DNA repair in response to DNA damage and drives chemoresistance in breast cancer. Theranostics 2023; 13:973-990. [PMID: 36793866 PMCID: PMC9925317 DOI: 10.7150/thno.79688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: SUMOylation regulates a plethora of biological processes, and its inhibitors are currently under investigation in clinical trials as anticancer agents. Thus, identifying new targets with site-specific SUMOylation and defining their biological functions will not only provide new mechanistic insights into the SUMOylation signaling but also open an avenue for developing new strategy for cancer therapy. MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is a newly identified chromatin-remodeling enzyme with an emerging role in the DNA damage response (DDR), but its regulatory mechanism remains enigmatic. Methods: In vivo and in vitro SUMOylation assays were used to determine the SUMOylation levels of MORC2. Overexpression and knockdown of SUMO-associated enzymes were used to detect their effects on MORC2 SUMOylation. The effect of dynamic MORC2 SUMOylation on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs was examined through in vitro and in vivo functional assays. Immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, MNase, and chromatin segregation assays were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: Here, we report that MORC2 is modified by small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1) and SUMO2/3 at lysine 767 (K767) in a SUMO-interacting motif dependent manner. MORC2 SUMOylation is induced by SUMO E3 ligase tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28) and reversed by deSUMOylase sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1). Intriguingly, SUMOylation of MORC2 is decreased at the early stage of DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutic drugs that attenuate the interaction of MORC2 with TRIM28. MORC2 deSUMOylation induces transient chromatin relaxation to enable efficient DNA repair. At the relatively late stage of DNA damage, MORC2 SUMOylation is restored, and SUMOylated MORC2 interacts with protein kinase CSK21 (casein kinase II subunit alpha), which in turn phosphorylates DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit), thus promoting DNA repair. Notably, expression of a SUMOylation-deficient mutant MORC2 or administration of SUMO inhibitor enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drugs. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism of MORC2 by SUMOylation and reveal the intricate dynamics of MORC2 SUMOylation important for proper DDR. We also propose a promising strategy to sensitize MORC2-driven breast tumors to chemotherapeutic drugs by inhibition of the SUMO pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Lin Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shao-Ying Yang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Liao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tai-Mei Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yin-Ling Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shu-Yuan Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Min-Ying Huang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lisa Andriani
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Min Shao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Qiang Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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32
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Ewaisha R, Anderson KS. Immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics-Critical considerations for clinical translation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1138596. [PMID: 36873375 PMCID: PMC9978118 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1138596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR offers new hope for many patients and promises to transform the way we think of future therapies. Ensuring safety of CRISPR therapeutics is a top priority for clinical translation and specific recommendations have been recently released by the FDA. Rapid progress in the preclinical and clinical development of CRISPR therapeutics leverages years of experience with gene therapy successes and failures. Adverse events due to immunogenicity have been a major setback that has impacted the field of gene therapy. As several in vivo CRISPR clinical trials make progress, the challenge of immunogenicity remains a significant roadblock to the clinical availability and utility of CRISPR therapeutics. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics and discuss several considerations to mitigate immunogenicity for the design of safe and clinically translatable CRISPR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ewaisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Newgiza, Egypt
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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33
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Kuzmin AA, Tomilin AN. Building Blocks of Artificial CRISPR-Based Systems beyond Nucleases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010397. [PMID: 36613839 PMCID: PMC9820447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tools developed in the fields of genome engineering, precise gene regulation, and synthetic gene networks have an increasing number of applications. When shared with the scientific community, these tools can be used to further unlock the potential of precision medicine and tissue engineering. A large number of different genetic elements, as well as modifications, have been used to create many different systems and to validate some technical concepts. New studies have tended to optimize or improve existing elements or approaches to create complex synthetic systems, especially those based on the relatively new CRISPR technology. In order to maximize the output of newly developed approaches and to move from proof-of-principle experiments to applications in regenerative medicine, it is important to navigate efficiently through the vast number of genetic elements to choose those most suitable for specific needs. In this review, we have collected information regarding the main genetic elements and their modifications, which can be useful in different synthetic systems with an emphasis of those based on CRISPR technology. We have indicated the most suitable elements and approaches to choose or combine in planning experiments, while providing their deeper understanding, and have also stated some pitfalls that should be avoided.
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34
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Using Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 to Expand the Scope of Potential Gene Targets for Genome Editing in Soybean. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112789. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas (CRISPR-associated) is a revolutionary genome editing technology that has been used to achieve site-specific gene knock-out, large fragment deletion, or base editing in many plant species including soybean (Glycinemax). The Streptococcuspyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) is widely used in plants at present, although there are some reports describing the application of CRISPR/Cpf1 in soybean. Therefore, the selection range of PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) sequences for soybean is currently limited to 5′-NGG-3′ (SpCas9) or 5′-TTTN-3′ (Cpf1), which in turn limits the number of genes that can be mutated. Another Cas9 enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9) recognizes the PAM sequence 5′-NNGRRT-3′ (where R represents A or G), which can provide a wider range of potential target sequences. In this study, we developed a CRISPR/SaCas9 system and used this tool to specifically induce targeted mutations at five target sites in the GmFT2a (Glyma.16G150700) and GmFT5a (Glyma.16G044100) genes in soybean hairy roots. We demonstrated that this tool can recognize the PAM sequences 5′-AAGGGT-3′, 5′-GGGGAT-3′, 5′-TTGAAT-3′, and 5′-TAGGGT-3′ in soybean, and it achieved mutation rates ranging from 34.5% to 73.3%. Our results show that we have established a highly efficient CRISPR/SaCas9 tool that is as suitable as SpCas9 for genome editing in soybean, and it will be useful for expanding the range of target sequences for genome editing.
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35
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Ding M, Lin J, Qin C, Wei P, Tian J, Lin T, Xu T. Application of synthetic biology in bladder cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2178-2187. [PMID: 36209735 PMCID: PMC9771244 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system. The age of individuals diagnosed with BC tends to decrease in recent years. A variety of standard therapeutic options are available for the clinical management of BC, but limitations exist. It is difficult to surgically eliminate small lesions, while radiation and chemotherapy damage normal tissues, leading to severe side effects. Therefore, new approaches are required to improve the efficacy and specificity of BC treatment. Synthetic biology is a field emerging in the last decade that refers to biological elements, devices, and materials that are artificially synthesized according to users' needs. In this review, we discuss how to utilize genetic elements to regulate BC-related gene expression periodically and quantitatively to inhibit the initiation and progression of BC. In addition, the design and construction of gene circuits to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells to kill the former but spare the latter are elaborated. Then, we introduce the development of genetically modified T cells for targeted attacks on BC. Finally, synthetic nanomaterials specializing in detecting and killing BC cells are detailed. This review aims to describe the innovative details of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BC from the perspective of synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Ding
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jiaxing Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Caipeng Qin
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jiahe Tian
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 528403, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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36
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Enhancing glycosylase base-editor activity by fusion to transactivation modules. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111090. [PMID: 35858572 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Base editors (BEs) are a group of genetic tools with potential in both scientific and medical research. Recently, a glycosylase BE (GBE), which converts C to G, has been constructed. However, the editing efficiency and targeting scope remains to be further exploited. Here, we renovate the GBE by first fusing it to various transactivation modules including Vp64, leading to a higher conversion of C to G relative to GBE in HEK293T cells. Further, higher editing efficiency, enhanced editing purity, and an enlarged editing window are acquired by the combination of SunTag system, GBE, and VP64. Finally, a SpRY-Cas9 variant is used to expand the targeting scope for Vp64-GBE. Vp64-SpRY-GBE and SpRY-GBE target genomic sites with non-NGG PAM, and Vp64-SpRY-GBE demonstrates better performance compared with SpRY-GBE. The construction of GBE variants with superior performance and versatile editing scope broadens the toolbox of BEs and may contribute to genetic therapies with C-to-G mutation.
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37
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Swartjes T, Shang P, van den Berg DTM, Künne T, Geijsen N, Brouns SJJ, van der Oost J, Staals RHJ, Notebaart RA. Modulating CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing Using Guide-Complementary DNA Oligonucleotides. CRISPR J 2022; 5:571-585. [PMID: 35856642 PMCID: PMC9419950 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) has revolutionized genome editing and has great potential for many applications, such as correcting human genetic disorders. To increase the safety of genome editing applications, CRISPR-Cas may benefit from strict control over Cas enzyme activity. Previously, anti-CRISPR proteins and designed oligonucleotides have been proposed to modulate CRISPR-Cas activity. In this study, we report on the potential of guide-complementary DNA oligonucleotides as controlled inhibitors of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes. First, we show that DNA oligonucleotides inhibit Cas9 activity in human cells, reducing both on- and off-target cleavage. We then used in vitro assays to better understand how inhibition is achieved and under which conditions. Two factors were found to be important for robust inhibition: the length of the complementary region and the presence of a protospacer adjacent motif-loop on the inhibitor. We conclude that DNA oligonucleotides can be used to effectively inhibit Cas9 activity both ex vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Swartjes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tim Künne
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stan J J Brouns
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.,Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond H J Staals
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard A Notebaart
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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38
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Harmsen TJW, Pritchard CEJ, Riepsaame J, van de Vrugt HJ, Huijbers IJ, Te Riele H. HideRNAs protect against CRISPR-Cas9 re-cutting after successful single base-pair gene editing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9606. [PMID: 35688932 PMCID: PMC9187658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13688-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Promiscuous activity of the Streptococcus pyogenes DNA nuclease CRISPR-Cas9 can result in destruction of a successfully modified sequence obtained by templated repair of a Cas9-induced DNA double-strand break. To avoid re-cutting, additional target-site-disruptions (TSDs) are often introduced on top of the desired base-pair alteration in order to suppress target recognition. These TSDs may lower the efficiency of introducing the intended mutation and can cause unexpected phenotypes. Alternatively, successfully edited sites can be protected against Cas9 re-cutting activity. This method exploits the finding that Cas9 complexed to trimmed guideRNAs can still tightly bind specific genomic sequences but lacks nuclease activity. We show here that the presence of a guideRNA plus a trimmed guideRNA that matches the successfully mutated sequence, which we call hideRNA, can enhance the recovery of precise single base-pair substitution events tenfold. The benefit of hideRNAs in generating a single point mutation was demonstrated in cell lines using plasmid-based delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components and in mouse zygotes injected with Cas9/guideRNA plus Cas9/hideRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes. However, hRNA protection sometimes failed, which likely reflects an unfavorable affinity of hRNA/Cas9 versus gRNA/Cas9 for the DNA target site. HideRNAs can easily be implemented into current gene editing protocols and facilitate the recovery of single base-pair substitution. As such, hideRNAs are of great value in gene editing experiments demanding high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim J W Harmsen
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Plant Sciences and Natural Products, Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Colin E J Pritchard
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joey Riepsaame
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Henri J van de Vrugt
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Section Oncogenetics, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo J Huijbers
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Te Riele
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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39
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Dong C, Gou Y, Lian J. SgRNA engineering for improved genome editing and expanded functional assays. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102697. [PMID: 35217295 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system has been established as the most powerful and practical genome engineering tool for both fundamental researches and biotechnological applications. Great efforts have been devoted to engineering the CRISPR system with better performance and novel functions. As an essential component, single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) have been extensively designed and engineered with desirable functions. This review highlights representative studies that optimize the sgRNA nucleotide sequences for improved genome editing performance (e.g. activity and specificity) as well as add extra aptamers and end extensions for expanded CRISPR-based functional assays (e.g. transcriptional regulation, genome imaging, and prime editor). The perspectives for further sgRNA engineering to establish more powerful and versatile CRISPR/Cas systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuanwei Gou
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jiazhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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40
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DiAndreth B, Wauford N, Hu E, Palacios S, Weiss R. PERSIST platform provides programmable RNA regulation using CRISPR endoRNases. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2582. [PMID: 35562172 PMCID: PMC9095627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated transgene expression is an integral component of gene therapies, cell therapies and biomanufacturing. However, transcription factor-based regulation, upon which most applications are based, suffers from complications such as epigenetic silencing that limit expression longevity and reliability. Constitutive transgene transcription paired with post-transcriptional gene regulation could combat silencing, but few such RNA- or protein-level platforms exist. Here we develop an RNA-regulation platform we call "PERSIST" which consists of nine CRISPR-specific endoRNases as RNA-level activators and repressors as well as modular OFF- and ON-switch regulatory motifs. We show that PERSIST-regulated transgenes exhibit strong OFF and ON responses, resist silencing for at least two months, and can be readily layered to construct cascades, logic functions, switches and other sophisticated circuit topologies. The orthogonal, modular and composable nature of this platform as well as the ease in constructing robust and predictable gene circuits promises myriad applications in gene and cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna DiAndreth
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Noreen Wauford
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Eileen Hu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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41
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Pan C, Li G, Malzahn AA, Cheng Y, Leyson B, Sretenovic S, Gurel F, Coleman GD, Qi Y. Boosting plant genome editing with a versatile CRISPR-Combo system. NATURE PLANTS 2022; 8:513-525. [PMID: 35596077 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01151-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9, its derived base editors and CRISPR activation systems have greatly aided genome engineering in plants. However, these systems are mostly used separately, leaving their combinational potential largely untapped. Here we develop a versatile CRISPR-Combo platform, based on a single Cas9 protein, for simultaneous genome editing (targeted mutagenesis or base editing) and gene activation in plants. We showcase the powerful applications of CRISPR-Combo for boosting plant genome editing. First, CRISPR-Combo is used to shorten the plant life cycle and reduce the efforts in screening transgene-free genome-edited plants by activation of a florigen gene in Arabidopsis. Next, we demonstrate accelerated regeneration and propagation of genome-edited plants by activation of morphogenic genes in poplar. Furthermore, we apply CRISPR-Combo to achieve rice regeneration without exogenous plant hormones, which is established as a new method to predominately enrich heritable targeted mutations. In conclusion, CRISPR-Combo is a versatile genome engineering tool with promising applications in crop breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changtian Pan
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gen Li
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Aimee A Malzahn
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yanhao Cheng
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Leyson
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Simon Sretenovic
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Filiz Gurel
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gary D Coleman
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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42
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Thean DGL, Chu HY, Fong JHC, Chan BKC, Zhou P, Kwok CCS, Chan YM, Mak SYL, Choi GCG, Ho JWK, Zheng Z, Wong ASL. Machine learning-coupled combinatorial mutagenesis enables resource-efficient engineering of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editor activities. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2219. [PMID: 35468907 PMCID: PMC9039034 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29874-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome-editing Cas9 protein uses multiple amino-acid residues to bind the target DNA. Considering only the residues in proximity to the target DNA as potential sites to optimise Cas9’s activity, the number of combinatorial variants to screen through is too massive for a wet-lab experiment. Here we generate and cross-validate ten in silico and experimental datasets of multi-domain combinatorial mutagenesis libraries for Cas9 engineering, and demonstrate that a machine learning-coupled engineering approach reduces the experimental screening burden by as high as 95% while enriching top-performing variants by ∼7.5-fold in comparison to the null model. Using this approach and followed by structure-guided engineering, we identify the N888R/A889Q variant conferring increased editing activity on the protospacer adjacent motif-relaxed KKH variant of Cas9 nuclease from Staphylococcus aureus (KKH-SaCas9) and its derived base editor in human cells. Our work validates a readily applicable workflow to enable resource-efficient high-throughput engineering of genome editor’s activity. Screening combinatorial mutants is too massive for wet-lab experiment alone. Here the authors present a machine learning-coupled combinatorial mutagenesis approach to vastly reduce experimental burden for engineering Cas9 genome editing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn G L Thean
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hoi Yee Chu
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Centre for Oncology and Immunology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - John H C Fong
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Becky K C Chan
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Centre for Oncology and Immunology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Cynthia C S Kwok
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yee Man Chan
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Silvia Y L Mak
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Gigi C G Choi
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Centre for Oncology and Immunology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Joshua W K Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zongli Zheng
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Biotechnology and Health Centre, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alan S L Wong
- Laboratory of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China. .,Centre for Oncology and Immunology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China. .,Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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43
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Ye L, Park JJ, Peng L, Yang Q, Chow RD, Dong MB, Lam SZ, Guo J, Tang E, Zhang Y, Wang G, Dai X, Du Y, Kim HR, Cao H, Errami Y, Clark P, Bersenev A, Montgomery RR, Chen S. A genome-scale gain-of-function CRISPR screen in CD8 T cells identifies proline metabolism as a means to enhance CAR-T therapy. Cell Metab 2022; 34:595-614.e14. [PMID: 35276062 PMCID: PMC8986623 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based immunotherapy for cancer and immunological diseases has made great strides, but it still faces multiple hurdles. Finding the right molecular targets to engineer T cells toward a desired function has broad implications for the armamentarium of T cell-centered therapies. Here, we developed a dead-guide RNA (dgRNA)-based CRISPR activation screen in primary CD8+ T cells and identified gain-of-function (GOF) targets for CAR-T engineering. Targeted knockin or overexpression of a lead target, PRODH2, enhanced CAR-T-based killing and in vivo efficacy in multiple cancer models. Transcriptomics and metabolomics in CAR-T cells revealed that augmenting PRODH2 expression reshaped broad and distinct gene expression and metabolic programs. Mitochondrial, metabolic, and immunological analyses showed that PRODH2 engineering enhances the metabolic and immune functions of CAR-T cells against cancer. Together, these findings provide a system for identification of GOF immune boosters and demonstrate PRODH2 as a target to enhance CAR-T efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lupeng Ye
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jonathan J Park
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lei Peng
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Quanjun Yang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Ryan D Chow
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Matthew B Dong
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; The College, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jianjian Guo
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Erting Tang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Dai
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Yaying Du
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hyunu R Kim
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hanbing Cao
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Youssef Errami
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Paul Clark
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Alexey Bersenev
- Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ruth R Montgomery
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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Jamehdor S, Pajouhanfar S, Saba S, Uzan G, Teimoori A, Naserian S. Principles and Applications of CRISPR Toolkit in Virus Manipulation, Diagnosis, and Virus-Host Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:999. [PMID: 35326449 PMCID: PMC8946942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are one of the most important concerns for human health, and overcoming viral infections is a worldwide challenge. However, researchers have been trying to manipulate viral genomes to overcome various disorders, including cancer, for vaccine development purposes. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is becoming one of the most functional and widely used tools for RNA and DNA manipulation in multiple organisms. This approach has provided an unprecedented opportunity for creating simple, inexpensive, specific, targeted, accurate, and practical manipulations of viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), and vaccinia virus. Furthermore, this method can be used to make an effective and precise diagnosis of viral infections. Nevertheless, a valid and scientifically designed CRISPR system is critical to make more effective and accurate changes in viruses. In this review, we have focused on the best and the most effective ways to design sgRNA, gene knock-in(s), and gene knock-out(s) for virus-targeted manipulation. Furthermore, we have emphasized the application of CRISPR technology in virus diagnosis and in finding significant genes involved in virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Jamehdor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 989155432609, Iran;
| | - Sara Pajouhanfar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Sadaf Saba
- Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Georges Uzan
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838738, Iran
| | - Sina Naserian
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
- CellMedEx, 94100 Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
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Riedmayr LM, Hinrichsmeyer KS, Karguth N, Böhm S, Splith V, Michalakis S, Becirovic E. dCas9-VPR-mediated transcriptional activation of functionally equivalent genes for gene therapy. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:781-818. [PMID: 35132255 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many disease-causing genes possess functionally equivalent counterparts, which are often expressed in distinct cell types. An attractive gene therapy approach for inherited disorders caused by mutations in such genes is to transcriptionally activate the appropriate counterpart(s) to compensate for the missing gene function. This approach offers key advantages over conventional gene therapies because it is mutation- and gene size-independent. Here, we describe a protocol for the design, execution and evaluation of such gene therapies using dCas9-VPR. We offer guidelines on how to identify functionally equivalent genes, design and clone single guide RNAs and evaluate transcriptional activation in vitro. Moreover, focusing on inherited retinal diseases, we provide a detailed protocol on how to apply this strategy in mice using dual recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors and how to evaluate its functionality and off-target effects in the target tissue. This strategy is in principle applicable to all organisms that possess functionally equivalent genes suitable for transcriptional activation and addresses pivotal unmet needs in gene therapy with high translational potential. The protocol can be completed in 15-20 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Riedmayr
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Klara S Hinrichsmeyer
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Karguth
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sybille Böhm
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Splith
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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46
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Becirovic E. Maybe you can turn me on: CRISPRa-based strategies for therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:130. [PMID: 35152318 PMCID: PMC8840918 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSince the revolutionary discovery of the CRISPR-Cas technology for programmable genome editing, its range of applications has been extended by multiple biotechnological tools that go far beyond its original function as “genetic scissors”. One of these further developments of the CRISPR-Cas system allows genes to be activated in a targeted and efficient manner. These gene-activating CRISPR-Cas modules (CRISPRa) are based on a programmable recruitment of transcription factors to specific loci and offer several key advantages that make them particularly attractive for therapeutic applications. These advantages include inter alia low off-target effects, independence of the target gene size as well as the potential to develop gene- and mutation-independent therapeutic strategies. Herein, I will give an overview on the currently available CRISPRa modules and discuss recent developments, future potentials and limitations of this approach with a focus on therapeutic applications and in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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47
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Ji Y, Liansheng F, Suchen Q, Han X. Stimuli-Responsive Delivery Strategies for Controllable Gene Editing in Tumor Therapeutics. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:7694-7707. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01055k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR system has attracted significant interest due to its great potential in tumour therapy. Developing effective, precise and safe delivery vectors is a prerequisite for CRISPR applications. Some disease-related biological...
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48
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Zhou Y, Fu Q, Shi H, Zhou G. CRISPR Guide RNA Library Screens in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2549:233-257. [PMID: 35347694 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_455] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput CRISPR guide RNA (gRNA) library screen, that is, CRISPR/Cas9 screen, enables the unbiased identification of gene functions in a variety of biological processes. Typical pooled CRISPR/Cas9 screen couples a gRNA library and a guided Cas9 or dCas9 endonuclease to target specific gene loci, and then systematically uncover the causal link between candidate genes and observed cellular phenotypes via gRNA depletion or enrichment in screens. Here, we describe a detailed method of puromycin (PURO) concentration titration and lentiviral CRISPR gRNA library titration in Cas9 expressing monoclonal human iPSC line (Cas9+MNhiPSC) prior to performing the screens, conducting pooled CRISPR gRNA library screens in Cas9+MNhiPSC, genomic DNA extraction from the selected cell subpopulation and sequencing library preparation as well as next generation sequencing (NGS) to generate gRNA read counts. In CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we aim for 30% transduction efficiency (i.e., multiplicity of infection = 0.3) to ensure most of infected cells receive only one gRNA. The principles in this method can be applied to CRISPR perturbation (knockout, activation, repression or base editing) screens with other CRISPR gRNA libraries across many other cell models and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genomic Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine, and Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Regenerative Technologies for Orthopaedic Diseases, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Lungene Technologies Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Huijun Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Guangqian Zhou
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genomic Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine, and Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Regenerative Technologies for Orthopaedic Diseases, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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49
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Hazan J, Bester AC. CRISPR-Based Approaches for the High-Throughput Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:79. [PMID: 34940760 PMCID: PMC8704461 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, tens of thousands of new long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in the human genome. Nevertheless, except for a handful of genes, the genetic characteristics and functions of most of these lncRNAs remain elusive; this is partially due to their relatively low expression, high tissue specificity, and low conservation across species. A major limitation for determining the function of lncRNAs was the lack of methodologies suitable for studying these genes. The recent development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has opened unprecedented opportunities to uncover the genetic and functional characteristics of the non-coding genome via targeted and high-throughput approaches. Specific CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches were developed to target lncRNA loci. Some of these approaches involve modifying the sequence, but others were developed to study lncRNAs by inducing transcriptional and epigenetic changes. The discovery of other programable Cas proteins broaden our possibilities to target RNA molecules with greater precision and accuracy. These approaches allow for the knock-down and characterization of lncRNAs. Here, we review how various CRISPR-based strategies have been used to characterize lncRNAs with important functions in different biological contexts and how these approaches can be further utilized to improve our understanding of the non-coding genome.
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50
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Lin J, Wang WJ, Wang Y, Liu Y, Xu L. Building Endogenous Gene Connections through RNA Self-Assembly Controlled CRISPR/Cas9 Function. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19834-19843. [PMID: 34788038 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Construction of synthetic circuits that can artificially establish endogenous gene connections is essential to introduce new phenotypes for cellular behaviors. Given the diversity of endogenous genes, it lacks a general and easy-to-design toolbox to manipulate the genetic network. Here we present a type of self-assembly-induced RNA circuit that can directly build regulatory connections between endogenous genes. Inspired from the natural assembling process of guide RNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 complex, this design employs an independent trigger RNA strand to induce the formation of a ternary guide RNA assembly for functional control of CRISPR/Cas9. With this general principle, expressional regulations of endogenous genes can be controlled by totally independent endogenous small RNAs and mRNAs in E. coli via activatable CRISPR/Cas9 function. Moreover, the cellular phenotype of E. coli is successfully programmed with introduction of new gene connections. In addition, the functionality of this design is also verified in the mammalian system. This self-assembly-based RNA circuit exhibits a great flexibility and simplicity of design and provides a unique approach to build endogenous gene connections, which paves a broad way toward manipulation of cellular genetic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Wei-Jia Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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