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Sun L, Zhang T, Lan X, Zhang N, Wang R, Ma S, Zhao P, Xia Q. High-Throughput Screening of PAM-Flexible Cas9 Variants for Expanded Genome Editing in the Silkworm ( Bombyx mori). INSECTS 2024; 15:241. [PMID: 38667371 PMCID: PMC11050708 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing provides novel opportunities for the precise genome engineering of diverse organisms. Significant progress has been made in the development of genome-editing tools for Bombyx mori (B. mori) in recent years. Among these, CRISPR/Cas9, which is currently the most commonly used system in lepidopteran insects, recognizes NGG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences within the target locus. However, Cas9 lacks the ability to target all gene loci in B. mori, indicating the need for Cas9 variants with a larger editing range. In this study, we developed a high-throughput screening platform to validate Cas9 variants at all possible recognizable and editable PAM sites for target sequences in B. mori. This platform enabled us to identify PAM sites that can be recognized by both xCas9 3.7 and SpCas9-NG variants in B. mori and to assess their editing efficiency. Cas9 shows PAM sites every 13 base pairs in the genome, whereas xCas9 3.7 and SpCas9-NG have an average distance of 3.4 and 3.6 base pairs, respectively, between two specific targeting sites. Combining the two Cas9 variants could significantly expand the targeting range of the genome, accelerate research on the B. mori genome, and extend the high-throughput rapid screening platform to other insects, particularly those lacking suitable NGG PAM sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinhui Lan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ruolin Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (L.S.)
- Key Laboratory for Germplasm Creation in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 400715, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Sericultural and Functional Genome and Biotechnology, Development and Reform Commission, Chongqing 400715, China
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2
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Tyumentseva M, Tyumentsev A, Akimkin V. CRISPR/Cas9 Landscape: Current State and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16077. [PMID: 38003266 PMCID: PMC10671331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216077] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 is a unique genome editing tool that can be easily used in a wide range of applications, including functional genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, biotechnology, plant engineering, livestock breeding, gene therapy, diagnostics, and so on. This review is focused on the current CRISPR/Cas9 landscape, e.g., on Cas9 variants with improved properties, on Cas9-derived and fusion proteins, on Cas9 delivery methods, on pre-existing immunity against CRISPR/Cas9 proteins, anti-CRISPR proteins, and their possible roles in CRISPR/Cas9 function improvement. Moreover, this review presents a detailed outline of CRISPR/Cas9-based diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. Finally, the review addresses the future expansion of genome editors' toolbox with Cas9 orthologs and other CRISPR/Cas proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tyumentseva
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya Str., 3a, 111123 Moscow, Russia; (A.T.); (V.A.)
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3
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Goldberg GW, Kogenaru M, Keegan S, Haase MAB, Kagermazova L, Arias MA, Onyebeke K, Adams S, Fenyö D, Noyes MB, Boeke JD. Engineered transcription-associated Cas9 targeting in eukaryotic cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558319. [PMID: 37781609 PMCID: PMC10541143 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA targeting Class 2 CRISPR-Cas effector nucleases, including the well-studied Cas9 proteins, evolved protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) and guide RNA interactions that sequentially license their binding and cleavage activities at protospacer target sites. Both interactions are nucleic acid sequence specific but function constitutively; thus, they provide intrinsic spatial control over DNA targeting activities but naturally lack temporal control. Here we show that engineered Cas9 fusion proteins which bind to nascent RNAs near a protospacer can facilitate spatiotemporal coupling between transcription and DNA targeting at that protospacer: Transcription-associated Cas9 Targeting (TraCT). Engineered TraCT is enabled when suboptimal PAM interactions limit basal activity in vivo and when one or more nascent RNA substrates are still tethered to the actively transcribing target DNA in cis. We further show that this phenomenon can be exploited for selective editing at one of two identical targets in distinct gene loci, or, in diploid allelic loci that are differentially transcribed. Our work demonstrates that temporal control over Cas9's targeting activity at specific DNA sites may be engineered without modifying Cas9's core domains and guide RNA components or their expression levels. More broadly, it establishes RNA binding in cis as a mechanism that can conditionally stimulate CRISPR-Cas DNA targeting in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Goldberg
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Manjunatha Kogenaru
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sarah Keegan
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Denotes equivalent contribution to the work
| | - Max A. B. Haase
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Denotes equivalent contribution to the work
| | - Larisa Kagermazova
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Arias
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Kenenna Onyebeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Samantha Adams
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Fenyö
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marcus B. Noyes
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jef D. Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn NY 11201
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4
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Park R, Ongpipattanakul C, Nair SK, Bowers AA, Kuhlman B. Designer installation of a substrate recruitment domain to tailor enzyme specificity. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:460-467. [PMID: 36509904 PMCID: PMC10065947 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Promiscuous enzymes that modify peptides and proteins are powerful tools for labeling biomolecules; however, directing these modifications to desired substrates can be challenging. Here, we use computational interface design to install a substrate recognition domain adjacent to the active site of a promiscuous enzyme, catechol O-methyltransferase. This design approach effectively decouples substrate recognition from the site of catalysis and promotes modification of peptides recognized by the recruitment domain. We determined the crystal structure of this novel multidomain enzyme, SH3-588, which shows that it closely matches our design. SH3-588 methylates directed peptides with catalytic efficiencies exceeding the wild-type enzyme by over 1,000-fold, whereas peptides lacking the directing recognition sequence do not display enhanced efficiencies. In competition experiments, the designer enzyme preferentially modifies directed substrates over undirected substrates, suggesting that we can use designed recruitment domains to direct post-translational modifications to specific sequence motifs on target proteins in complex multisubstrate environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chayanid Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Satish K Nair
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Albert A Bowers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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5
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Yin S, Zhang M, Liu Y, Sun X, Guan Y, Chen X, Yang L, Huo Y, Yang J, Zhang X, Han H, Zhang J, Xiao MM, Liu M, Hu J, Wang L, Li D. Engineering of efficiency-enhanced Cas9 and base editors with improved gene therapy efficacies. Mol Ther 2023; 31:744-759. [PMID: 36457249 PMCID: PMC10014233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Editing efficiency is pivotal for the efficacies of CRISPR-based gene therapies. We found that fusing an HMG-D domain to the N terminus of SpCas9 (named efficiency-enhanced Cas9 [eeCas9]) significantly increased editing efficiency by 1.4-fold on average. The HMG-D domain also enhanced the activities of non-NGG PAM Cas9 variants, high-fidelity Cas9 variants, smaller Cas9 orthologs, Cas9-based epigenetic regulators, and base editors in cell lines. Furthermore, we discovered that eeCas9 exhibits comparable off-targeting effects with Cas9, and its specificity could be increased through ribonucleoprotein delivery or using hairpin single-guide RNAs and high-fidelity Cas9s. The entire eeCas9 could be packaged into an adeno-associated virus vector and exhibited a 1.7- to 2.6-fold increase in editing efficiency targeting the Pcsk9 gene in mice, leading to a greater reduction of serum cholesterol levels. Moreover, the efficiency of eeA3A-BE3 also surpasses that of A3A-BE3 in targeting the promoter region of γ-globin genes or BCL11A enhancer in human hematopoietic stem cells to reactivate γ-globin expression for the treatment of β-hemoglobinopathy. Together, eeCas9 and its derivatives are promising editing tools that exhibit higher activity and therapeutic efficacy for both in vivo and ex vivo therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Yin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Genome Editing Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yuting Guan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yanan Huo
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Honghui Han
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiqin Zhang
- Bioray Laboratories Inc., Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min-Min Xiao
- Clinical Laboratory, Second Peoples Hospital of Wuhu City, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiazhi Hu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Genome Editing Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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6
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Tao J, Bauer DE, Chiarle R. Assessing and advancing the safety of CRISPR-Cas tools: from DNA to RNA editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 36639728 PMCID: PMC9838544 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas gene editing has revolutionized experimental molecular biology over the past decade and holds great promise for the treatment of human genetic diseases. Here we review the development of CRISPR-Cas9/Cas12/Cas13 nucleases, DNA base editors, prime editors, and RNA base editors, focusing on the assessment and improvement of their editing precision and safety, pushing the limit of editing specificity and efficiency. We summarize the capabilities and limitations of each CRISPR tool from DNA editing to RNA editing, and highlight the opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research, as well as the therapeutic and clinical considerations for their use in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Tao
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
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7
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Huang C, Li Q, Li J. Site-specific genome editing in treatment of inherited diseases: possibility, progress, and perspectives. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:471-500. [PMID: 37724161 PMCID: PMC10388762 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in genome editing enable permanent changes of DNA sequences in a site-specific manner, providing promising approaches for treating human genetic disorders caused by gene mutations. Recently, genome editing has been applied and achieved significant progress in treating inherited genetic disorders that remain incurable by conventional therapy. Here, we present a review of various programmable genome editing systems with their principles, advantages, and limitations. We introduce their recent applications for treating inherited diseases in the clinic, including sickle cell disease (SCD), β-thalassemia, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), etc. We also discuss the paradigm of ex vivo and in vivo editing and highlight the promise of somatic editing and the challenge of germline editing. Finally, we propose future directions in delivery, cutting, and repairing to improve the scope of clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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8
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Application of Gene Editing Technology in Resistance Breeding of Livestock. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071070. [PMID: 35888158 PMCID: PMC9325061 DOI: 10.3390/life12071070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As a new genetic engineering technology, gene editing can precisely modify the specific gene sequence of the organism’s genome. In the last 10 years, with the rapid development of gene editing technology, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like endonucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR/Cas9 systems have been applied to modify endogenous genes in organisms accurately. Now, gene editing technology has been used in mice, zebrafish, pigs, cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, monkeys, and other species. Breeding for disease-resistance in agricultural animals tends to be a difficult task for traditional breeding, but gene editing technology has made this easier. In this work, we overview the development and application of gene editing technology in the resistance breeding of livestock. Also, we further discuss the prospects and outlooks of gene editing technology in disease-resistance breeding.
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9
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Recent Advances in Improving Gene-Editing Specificity through CRISPR–Cas9 Nuclease Engineering. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142186. [PMID: 35883629 PMCID: PMC9319960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR–Cas9 is the state-of-the-art programmable genome-editing tool widely used in many areas. For safe therapeutic applications in clinical medicine, its off-target effect must be dramatically minimized. In recent years, extensive studies have been conducted to improve the gene-editing specificity of the most popular CRISPR–Cas9 nucleases using different strategies. In this review, we summarize and discuss these strategies and achievements, with a major focus on improving the gene-editing specificity through Cas9 protein engineering.
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10
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Zhou J, Liu Y, Wei Y, Zheng S, Gou S, Chen T, Yang Y, Lan T, Chen M, Liao Y, Zhang Q, Tang C, Liu Y, Wu Y, Peng X, Gao M, Wang J, Zhang K, Lai L, Zou Q. Eliminating predictable DNA off-target effects of cytosine base editor by using dual guiders including sgRNA and TALE. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2443-2451. [PMID: 35443934 PMCID: PMC9263286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictable DNA off-target effect is one of the major safety concerns for the application of cytosine base editors (CBEs). To eliminate Cas9-dependent DNA off-target effects, we designed a novel effective CBE system with dual guiders by combining CRISPR with transcription activator-like effector (TALE). In this system, Cas9 nickase (nCas9) and cytosine deaminase are guided to the same target site to conduct base editing by single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and TALE, respectively. However, if nCas9 is guided to a wrong site by sgRNA, it will not generate base editing due to the absence of deaminase. Similarly, when deaminase is guided to a wrong site by TALE, base editing will not occur due to the absence of single-stranded DNA. In this way, Cas9- and TALE-dependent DNA off-target effects could be completely eliminated. Furthermore, by fusing TALE with YE1, a cytidine deaminase with minimal Cas9-independent off-target effect, we established a novel CBE that could induce efficient C-to-T conversion without detectable Cas9- or TALE-dependent DNA off-target mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizeng Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China; School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhui Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Shixue Gou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Lan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yuan Liao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanjun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China; Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yunqin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaohua Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Minghui Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China; School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China; Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.
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11
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Luk K, Liu P, Zeng J, Wang Y, Maitland SA, Idrizi F, Ponnienselvan K, Iyer S, Zhu LJ, Luban J, Bauer DE, Wolfe SA. Optimization of Nuclear Localization Signal Composition Improves CRISPR-Cas12a Editing Rates in Human Primary Cells. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 1:271-284. [PMID: 38405215 PMCID: PMC10887433 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2022.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Type V CRISPR-Cas12a systems are an attractive Cas9-alternative nuclease platform for specific genome editing applications. However, previous studies demonstrate that there is a gap in overall activity between Cas12a and Cas9 in primary cells.1 Here we describe optimization to the NLS composition and architecture of Cas12a to facilitate highly efficient targeted mutagenesis in human transformed cell lines (HEK293T, Jurkat, and K562 cells) and primary cells (NK cells and CD34+ HSPCs), regardless of Cas12a ortholog. Our 3xNLS Cas12a architecture resulted in the most robust editing platform. The improved editing activity of Cas12a in both NK cells and CD34+ HSPCs resulted in pronounced phenotypic changes associated with target gene editing. Lastly, we demonstrated that optimization of the NLS composition and architecture of Cas12a did not increase editing at potential off-target sites in HEK293T or CD34+ HSPCs. Our new Cas12a NLS variant provides an improved nuclease platform for therapeutic genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jing Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yetao Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Beijing, Beijing, CN
| | - Stacy A. Maitland
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Feston Idrizi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Ponnienselvan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sukanya Iyer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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12
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Elimination of Cas9-dependent off-targeting of adenine base editor by using TALE to separately guide deaminase to target sites. Cell Discov 2022; 8:28. [PMID: 35322006 PMCID: PMC8942999 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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13
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Pan S, Zhang H. Discovery in CRISPR-Cas9 system. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 46:1392-1402. [PMID: 35232910 PMCID: PMC10930580 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2021.210169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to the American scientist Jennifer A. Doudna and the French scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier, in recognition of their discovery in one of the greatest weapons in genetic technology: CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors. The CRISPR-Cas system is a bacterial defense immune system against exogenous genetic material. Because the system can specifically recognize and cut DNA, this technology is widely used for precise editing of animal, plant, and microbial DNA. The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors enables the tedious and complicated cell gene editing work to be completed in a few weeks or even less, which has promoted the development of gene editing technology in various fields and brought revolutionary influence to the field of life sciences. At the same time, CRISPR gene editing technology has become one of the new therapies for tumors because of its large number of targets and relatively simple operation, and it also makes gene therapy possible. Although the technology still needs to solve technical problems such as off-target and promoter inefficiency, the CRISPR-Cas system will show its unique advantages in more fields with the continuous development of life science and basic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Pan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Huali Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
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14
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Kong H, Ju E, Yi K, Xu W, Lao Y, Cheng D, Zhang Q, Tao Y, Li M, Ding J. Advanced Nanotheranostics of CRISPR/Cas for Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102051. [PMID: 34665528 PMCID: PMC8693080 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a global healthcare burden and leads to more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Despite some success in diagnosis and vaccine development, there are still unmet needs to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for viral hepatitis and HCC. The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) technology may open up a unique avenue to tackle these two diseases at the genetic level in a precise manner. Especially, liver is a more accessible organ over others from the delivery point of view, and many advanced strategies applied for nanotheranostics can be adapted in CRISPR-mediated diagnostics or liver gene editing. In this review, the focus is on these two aspects of viral hepatitis and HCC applications. An overview on CRISPR editor development and current progress in clinical trials is first given, followed by highlighting the recent advances integrating the merits of gene editing and nanotheranostics. The promising systems that are used in other applications but may hold potentials in liver gene editing are also discussed. This review concludes with the perspectives on rationally designing the next-generation CRISPR approaches and improving the editing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Kong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Enguo Ju
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Ke Yi
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
| | - Yeh‐Hsing Lao
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia University3960 Broadway Lasker Room 450New YorkNY10032USA
| | - Du Cheng
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen University135 Xingangxi RoadGuangzhou510275P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
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15
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Javaid N, Choi S. CRISPR/Cas System and Factors Affecting Its Precision and Efficiency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:761709. [PMID: 34901007 PMCID: PMC8652214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.761709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse applications of genetically modified cells and organisms require more precise and efficient genome-editing tool such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The CRISPR/Cas system was originally discovered in bacteria as a part of adaptive-immune system with multiple types. Its engineered versions involve multiple host DNA-repair pathways in order to perform genome editing in host cells. However, it is still challenging to get maximum genome-editing efficiency with fewer or no off-targets. Here, we focused on factors affecting the genome-editing efficiency and precision of CRISPR/Cas system along with its defense-mechanism, orthologues, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Javaid
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza, Suwon, South Korea
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16
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Kostyushev D, Kostyusheva A, Ponomareva N, Brezgin S, Chulanov V. CRISPR/Cas and Hepatitis B Therapy: Technological Advances and Practical Barriers. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 32:14-28. [PMID: 34797701 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
After almost a decade of using CRISPR/Cas9 systems to edit target genes, CRISPR/Cas9 and related technologies are rapidly moving to clinical trials. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes severe liver disease, cannot be cleared by modern antivirals, but represents an ideal target for CRISPR/Cas9 systems. Early studies demonstrated very high antiviral potency of CRISPR/Cas9 and supported its use for developing a cure against chronic HBV infection. This review discusses the key issues that must be solved to make CRISPR/Cas9 an anti-HBV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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González Castro N, Bjelic J, Malhotra G, Huang C, Alsaffar SH. Comparison of the Feasibility, Efficiency, and Safety of Genome Editing Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10355. [PMID: 34638696 PMCID: PMC8509008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in programmable nucleases including meganucleases (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas (CRISPR-Cas) have propelled genome editing from explorative research to clinical and industrial settings. Each technology, however, features distinct modes of action that unevenly impact their applicability across the entire genome and are often tested under significantly different conditions. While CRISPR-Cas is currently leading the field due to its versatility, quick adoption, and high degree of support, it is not without limitations. Currently, no technology can be regarded as ideal or even applicable to every case as the context dictates the best approach for genetic modification within a target organism. In this review, we implement a four-pillar framework (context, feasibility, efficiency, and safety) to assess the main genome editing platforms, as a basis for rational decision-making by an expanding base of users, regulators, and consumers. Beyond carefully considering their specific use case with the assessment framework proposed here, we urge stakeholders interested in genome editing to independently validate the parameters of their chosen platform prior to commitment. Furthermore, safety across all applications, particularly in clinical settings, is a paramount consideration and comprehensive off-target detection strategies should be incorporated within workflows to address this. Often neglected aspects such as immunogenicity and the inadvertent selection of mutants deficient for DNA repair pathways must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás González Castro
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; (N.G.C.); (G.M.); (C.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Jan Bjelic
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; (N.G.C.); (G.M.); (C.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Gunya Malhotra
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; (N.G.C.); (G.M.); (C.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Cong Huang
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; (N.G.C.); (G.M.); (C.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Salman Hasan Alsaffar
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; (N.G.C.); (G.M.); (C.H.); (S.H.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Shuwaikh 13109, Kuwait
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18
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Abstract
CRISPR-based genome editing holds promise for genome engineering and other applications in diverse organisms. Defining and improving the genome-wide and transcriptome-wide specificities of these editing tools are essential for realizing their full potential in basic research and biomedical therapeutics. This review provides an overview of CRISPR-based DNA- and RNA-editing technologies, methods to quantify their specificities, and key solutions to reduce off-target effects for research and improve therapeutic applications. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genetics, Volume 55 is November 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hainan Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China;
| | - Tong Li
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yidi Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China;
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China;
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19
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Denes CE, Cole AJ, Aksoy YA, Li G, Neely GG, Hesselson D. Approaches to Enhance Precise CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8571. [PMID: 34445274 PMCID: PMC8395304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Modification of the human genome has immense potential for preventing or treating disease. Modern genome editing techniques based on CRISPR/Cas9 show great promise for altering disease-relevant genes. The efficacy of precision editing at CRISPR/Cas9-induced double-strand breaks is dependent on the relative activities of nuclear DNA repair pathways, including the homology-directed repair and error-prone non-homologous end-joining pathways. The competition between multiple DNA repair pathways generates mosaic and/or therapeutically undesirable editing outcomes. Importantly, genetic models have validated key DNA repair pathways as druggable targets for increasing editing efficacy. In this review, we highlight approaches that can be used to achieve the desired genome modification, including the latest progress using small molecule modulators and engineered CRISPR/Cas proteins to enhance precision editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E. Denes
- The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.E.D.); (G.L.)
| | - Alexander J. Cole
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yagiz Alp Aksoy
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Geng Li
- The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.E.D.); (G.L.)
| | - Graham Gregory Neely
- The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.E.D.); (G.L.)
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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20
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Abulimiti A, Lai MSL, Chang RCC. Applications of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene delivery for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric diseases: Progress, advances, and challenges. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111549. [PMID: 34352323 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the most common disease in the elderly population due to its slowly progressive nature of neuronal deterioration, eventually leading to executive dysfunction. The pathological markers of neurological disorders are relatively well-established, however, detailed molecular mechanisms of progression and therapeutic targets are needed to develop novel treatments in human patients. Treating known therapeutic targets of neurological diseases has been aided by recent advancements in adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology. AAVs are known for their low-immunogenicity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating ability, selective neuronal tropism, stable transgene expression, and pleiotropy. In addition, the usage of AAVs has enormous potential to be optimized. Therefore, AAV can be a powerful tool used to uncover the underlying pathophysiology of neurological disorders and to increase the success in human gene therapy. This review summarizes different optimization approaches of AAV vectors with their current applications in disease modeling, neural tracing and gene therapy, hence exploring progressive mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases as well as effective therapy. Lastly, this review discusses the limitations and future perspectives of the AAV-mediated transgene delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Abulimiti
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Michael Siu-Lun Lai
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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21
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Feng Y, Liu S, Chen R, Xie A. Target binding and residence: a new determinant of DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2021; 22:73-86. [PMID: 33448189 PMCID: PMC7818014 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is widely used for targeted genomic and epigenomic modifications and imaging in cells and organisms, and holds tremendous promise in clinical applications. The efficiency and accuracy of the technology are partly determined by the target binding affinity and residence time of Cas9-single-guide RNA (sgRNA) at a given site. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of target binding affinity and residence duration on the repair of Cas9-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). We propose that the choice of DSB repair pathway may be altered by variation in the binding affinity and residence duration of Cas9-sgRNA at the cleaved target, contributing to significantly heterogeneous mutations in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Here, we discuss the effect of Cas9-sgRNA target binding and residence on the choice of DSB repair pathway in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and the opportunity this presents to optimize Cas9-based technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yili Feng
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310019, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China.
| | - Sicheng Liu
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310019, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Ruodan Chen
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310019, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Anyong Xie
- Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310019, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China.
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22
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Goldberg GW, Spencer JM, Giganti DO, Camellato BR, Agmon N, Ichikawa DM, Boeke JD, Noyes MB. Engineered dual selection for directed evolution of SpCas9 PAM specificity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:349. [PMID: 33441553 PMCID: PMC7807044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20650-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) nuclease derives its DNA targeting specificity from protein-DNA contacts with protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences, in addition to base-pairing interactions between its guide RNA and target DNA. Previous reports have established that the PAM specificity of SpCas9 can be altered via positive selection procedures for directed evolution or other protein engineering strategies. Here we exploit in vivo directed evolution systems that incorporate simultaneous positive and negative selection to evolve SpCas9 variants with commensurate or improved activity on NAG PAMs relative to wild type and reduced activity on NGG PAMs, particularly YGG PAMs. We also show that the PAM preferences of available evolutionary intermediates effectively determine whether similar counterselection PAMs elicit different selection stringencies, and demonstrate that negative selection can be specifically increased in a yeast selection system through the fusion of compensatory zinc fingers to SpCas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Goldberg
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Spencer
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David O Giganti
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Brendan R Camellato
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Neta Agmon
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Neochromosome, Inc., Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David M Ichikawa
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Marcus B Noyes
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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23
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Chen Q, Zhang Y, Yin H. Recent advances in chemical modifications of guide RNA, mRNA and donor template for CRISPR-mediated genome editing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:246-258. [PMID: 33122087 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery and applications of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) systems have revolutionized our ability to track and manipulate specific nucleic acid sequences in many cell types of various organisms. The robustness and simplicity of these platforms have rapidly extended their applications from basic research to the development of therapeutics. However, many hurdles remain on the path to translation of the CRISPR systems to therapeutic applications: efficient delivery, detectable off-target effects, potential immunogenicity, and others. Chemical modifications provide a variety of protection options for guide RNA, Cas9 mRNA and donor templates. For example, chemically modified gRNA demonstrated enhanced on-target editing efficiency, minimized immune response and decreased off-target genome editing. In this review, we summarize the use of chemically modified nucleotides for CRISPR-mediated genome editing and emphasize open questions that remain to be addressed in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiubing Chen
- Department of Urology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Urology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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24
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Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems, widespread in bacteria and archaea, are mainly responsible for adaptive cellular immunity against exogenous DNA (plasmid and phage). However, the latest research shows their involvement in other functions, such as gene expression regulation, DNA repair and virulence. In recent years, they have undergone intensive research as convenient tools for genomic editing, with Cas9 being the most commonly used nuclease. Gene editing may be of interest in biotechnology, medicine (treatment of inherited disorders, cancer, etc.), and in the development of model systems for various genetic diseases. The dCas9 system, based on a modified Cas9 devoid of nuclease activity, called CRISPRi, is widely used to control gene expression in bacteria for new drug biotargets validation and is also promising for therapy of genetic diseases. In addition to direct use for genomic editing in medicine, CRISPR-Cas can also be used in diagnostics, for microorganisms’ genotyping, controlling the spread of drug resistance, or even directly as “smart” antibiotics. This review focuses on the main applications of CRISPR-Cas in medicine, and challenges and perspectives of these approaches.
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25
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Kondrateva E, Demchenko A, Lavrov A, Smirnikhina S. An overview of currently available molecular Cas-tools for precise genome modification. Gene 2020; 769:145225. [PMID: 33059029 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas system was first mentioned in 1987, and over the years have been studied so active that now it becomes the state-of-the-art tool for genome editing. Its working principle is based on Cas nuclease ability to bind short RNA, which targets it to complementary DNA or RNA sequence for highly precise cleavage. This alone or together with donor DNA allows to modify targeted sequence in different ways. Considering the many limitations of using native CRISPR-Cas systems, scientists around the world are working on creating modified variants to improve their specificity and efficiency in different objects. In addition, the use of the Cas effectors' targeting function in complex systems with other proteins is a promising work direction, as a result of which new tools are created with features such as single base editing, editing DNA without break and donor DNA, activation and repression of transcription, epigenetic regulation, modifying of different repair pathways involvement etc. In this review, we decided to consider in detail exactly this issue of variants of Cas effectors, their modifications and fusion molecules, which improve DNA-targeting and expand the scope of Cas effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Kondrateva
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genome Editing, Moscow 115522, Russia.
| | - Anna Demchenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genome Editing, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Alexander Lavrov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genome Editing, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Svetlana Smirnikhina
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genome Editing, Moscow 115522, Russia
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26
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Pattharaprachayakul N, Lee M, Incharoensakdi A, Woo HM. Current understanding of the cyanobacterial CRISPR-Cas systems and development of the synthetic CRISPR-Cas systems for cyanobacteria. Enzyme Microb Technol 2020; 140:109619. [PMID: 32912679 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2020.109619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that are capable of converting CO2 to value-added chemicals. Engineering of cyanobacteria with synthetic biology tools, including the CRISPR-Cas system, has allowed an opportunity for biological CO2 utilization. Here, we described natural CRISPR-Cas systems for understanding cyanobacterial genomics and synthetic CRISPR-Cas systems for metabolic engineering applications. The natural CRISPR-Cas systems in cyanobacteria have been identified as Class 1, with type I and III, and some Class 2, with type V, as an adaptive immune system against viral invasion. As synthetic tools, CRISPR-Cas9 and -Cas12a have been successfully established in cyanobacteria to delete a target gene without a selection marker. Deactivated Cas9 and Cas12a have also been used to repress genes for metabolic engineering. In addition, a perspective on how advanced CRISPR-Cas systems and a pool of the guide RNAs can be advantageous for precise genome engineering and understanding of unknown functions was discussed for advanced engineering of cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napisa Pattharaprachayakul
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Mieun Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Han Min Woo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea; BioFoundry Research Center, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Kirkpatrick RL, Lewis K, Langan RA, Lajoie MJ, Boyken SE, Eakman M, Baker D, Zalatan JG. Conditional Recruitment to a DNA-Bound CRISPR-Cas Complex Using a Colocalization-Dependent Protein Switch. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2316-2323. [PMID: 32816470 PMCID: PMC7976376 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To spatially control biochemical functions at specific sites within a genome, we have engineered a synthetic switch that activates when bound to its DNA target site. The system uses two CRISPR-Cas complexes to colocalize components of a de novo-designed protein switch (Co-LOCKR) to adjacent sites in the genome. Colocalization triggers a conformational change in the switch from an inactive closed state to an active open state with an exposed functional peptide. We prototype the system in yeast and demonstrate that DNA binding triggers activation of the switch, recruitment of a transcription factor, and expression of a downstream reporter gene. This DNA-triggered Co-LOCKR switch provides a platform to engineer sophisticated functions that should only be executed at a specific target site within the genome, with potential applications in a wide range of synthetic systems including epigenetic regulation, imaging, and genetic logic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Graduate Program in Biological Physics, Structure, and Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Kieran Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Robert A. Langan
- Graduate Program in Biological Physics, Structure, and Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Marc J. Lajoie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Scott E. Boyken
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Madeleine Eakman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Jesse G. Zalatan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
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28
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Garcia B, Lee J, Edraki A, Hidalgo-Reyes Y, Erwood S, Mir A, Trost CN, Seroussi U, Stanley SY, Cohn RD, Claycomb JM, Sontheimer EJ, Maxwell KL, Davidson AR. Anti-CRISPR AcrIIA5 Potently Inhibits All Cas9 Homologs Used for Genome Editing. Cell Rep 2020; 29:1739-1746.e5. [PMID: 31722192 PMCID: PMC6910239 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 systems provide powerful tools for genome editing. However, optimal employment of this technology will require control of Cas9 activity so that the timing, tissue specificity, and accuracy of editing may be precisely modulated. Anti-CRISPR proteins, which are small, naturally occurring inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas systems, are well suited for this purpose. A number of anti-CRISPR proteins have been shown to potently inhibit subgroups of CRISPR-Cas9 systems, but their maximal inhibitory activity is generally restricted to specific Cas9 homologs. Since Cas9 homologs vary in important properties, differing Cas9s may be optimal for particular genome-editing applications. To facilitate the practical exploitation of multiple Cas9 homologs, here we identify one anti-CRISPR, called AcrIIA5, that potently inhibits nine diverse type II-A and type II-C Cas9 homologs, including those currently used for genome editing. We show that the activity of AcrIIA5 results in partial in vivo cleavage of a single-guide RNA (sgRNA), suggesting that its mechanism involves RNA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Garcia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Jooyoung Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Alireza Edraki
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yurima Hidalgo-Reyes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Steven Erwood
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Aamir Mir
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Chantel N Trost
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Uri Seroussi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Sabrina Y Stanley
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Ronald D Cohn
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Julie M Claycomb
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen L Maxwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Alan R Davidson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
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29
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Zhao J, Fang H, Zhang D. Expanding application of CRISPR-Cas9 system in microorganisms. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2020; 5:269-276. [PMID: 32913902 PMCID: PMC7451738 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of CRISPR-Cas9 based genetic manipulation tools represents a huge breakthrough in life sciences and has been stimulating research on metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and systems biology. The CRISPR-Cas9 and its derivative tools are one of the best choices for precise genome editing, multiplexed genome editing, and reversible gene expression control in microorganisms. However, challenges remain for applying CRISPR-Cas9 in novel microorganisms, especially those industrial microorganism hosts that are intractable using traditional genetic manipulation tools. How to further extend CRISPR-Cas9 to these microorganisms is being an urgent matter. In this review, we first introduce the mechanism and application of CRISPR-Cas9, then discuss how to optimize CRISPR-Cas9 as genome editing tools, including but not limited to how to reduce off-target effects and Cas9 related toxicity, and how to increase on-target efficiency by optimizing crRNA and sgRNA design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Fang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
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30
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Hirakawa M, Krishnakumar R, Timlin J, Carney J, Butler K. Gene editing and CRISPR in the clinic: current and future perspectives. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20200127. [PMID: 32207531 PMCID: PMC7146048 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, particularly those based on zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat DNA sequences)/Cas9 are rapidly progressing into clinical trials. Most clinical use of CRISPR to date has focused on ex vivo gene editing of cells followed by their re-introduction back into the patient. The ex vivo editing approach is highly effective for many disease states, including cancers and sickle cell disease, but ideally genome editing would also be applied to diseases which require cell modification in vivo. However, in vivo use of CRISPR technologies can be confounded by problems such as off-target editing, inefficient or off-target delivery, and stimulation of counterproductive immune responses. Current research addressing these issues may provide new opportunities for use of CRISPR in the clinical space. In this review, we examine the current status and scientific basis of clinical trials featuring ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR-based genome editing, the known limitations of CRISPR use in humans, and the rapidly developing CRISPR engineering space that should lay the groundwork for further translation to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raga Krishnakumar
- Systems Biology, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551, U.S.A
| | - Jerilyn A. Timlin
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - James P. Carney
- Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
| | - Kimberly S. Butler
- Molecular and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185, U.S.A
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31
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Wurihan W, Huang Y, Weber AM, Wu X, Fan H. Nonspecific toxicities of Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus dCas9 in Chlamydia trachomatis. Pathog Dis 2019; 77:ftaa005. [PMID: 32011704 PMCID: PMC7040368 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are common, important pathogens for humans and animals alike. Despite recent advancement in genetics, scientists are still searching for efficient tools to knock out or knock down the expression of chromosomal genes. We attempted to adopt a dCas9-based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technology to conditionally knock down gene expression in Chlamydia trachomatis using an anhydrotetracycline (ATC)-inducible expression system. Surprisingly, expression of the commonly used Streptococcus pyogenes dCas9 in C. trachomatis causes strong inhibition in the absence of any guide RNA (gRNA). Staphylococcus aureus dCas9 also shows strong toxicity in the presence of only an empty gRNA scaffold. Toxicity of the S. pyogenes dCas9 is readily observed with as little as 0.2 nM ATC. Growth inhibition by S. aureus dCas9 is evident starting at 1.0 nM ATC. In contrast, C. trachomatis growth was not affected by methionine-tRNA ligase overexpression induced with 10 nM ATC. We conclude that S. pyogenes and S. aureus dCas9 proteins in their current forms have limited utility for chlamydial research and suggest strategies to overcome this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wurihan Wurihan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Yehong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
- Department of Parasitology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Alec M Weber
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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32
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Wu J, Yin H. Engineering guide RNA to reduce the off-target effects of CRISPR. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:523-529. [PMID: 31902584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As versatile and robust genome editing tools, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technologies have been broadly used in basic research, biotechnology, and therapeutic development. Off-target mutagenesis by CRISPR systems has been demonstrated, and various methods have been developed to markedly increase their specificity. In this review, we highlight the efforts of producing and modifying guide RNA (gRNA) to minimize off-target activities, including sequence and structure design, tuning expression and chemical modification. The modalities of gRNA engineering can be applied across CRISPR systems. In conjunction with CRISPR protein effectors, the engineered gRNA enables efficient and precise genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, 430071, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, 430071, China; Department of Urology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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33
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Lee J, Mou H, Ibraheim R, Liang SQ, Liu P, Xue W, Sontheimer EJ. Tissue-restricted genome editing in vivo specified by microRNA-repressible anti-CRISPR proteins. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:1421-1431. [PMID: 31439808 PMCID: PMC6795140 DOI: 10.1261/rna.071704.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are bacterial adaptive immune pathways that have revolutionized biotechnology and biomedical applications. Despite the potential for human therapeutic development, there are many hurdles that must be overcome before its use in clinical settings. Some clinical safety concerns arise from editing activity in unintended cell types or tissues upon in vivo delivery (e.g., by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors). Although tissue-specific promoters and serotypes with tissue tropisms can be used, suitably compact promoters are not always available for desired cell types, and AAV tissue tropism specificities are not absolute. To reinforce tissue-specific editing, we exploited anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) that have evolved as natural countermeasures against CRISPR immunity. To inhibit Cas9 in all ancillary tissues without compromising editing in the target tissue, we established a flexible platform in which an Acr transgene is repressed by endogenous, tissue-specific microRNAs (miRNAs). We demonstrate that miRNAs regulate the expression of an Acr transgene bearing miRNA-binding sites in its 3'-UTR and control subsequent genome editing outcomes in a cell-type specific manner. We also show that the strategy is applicable to multiple Cas9 orthologs and their respective anti-CRISPRs. Furthermore, we validate this approach in vivo by demonstrating that AAV9 delivery of Nme2Cas9, along with an AcrIIC3 Nme construct that is targeted for repression by liver-specific miR-122, allows editing in the liver while repressing editing in an unintended tissue (heart muscle) in adult mice. This strategy provides safeguards against off-tissue genome editing by confining Cas9 activity to selected cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Haiwei Mou
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Raed Ibraheim
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Shun-Qing Liang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Program in Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
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34
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Li W, Zhang Y, Han B, Li L, Li M, Lu X, Chen C, Lu M, Zhang Y, Jia X, Zhu Z, Tong X, Zhang B. One-step efficient generation of dual-function conditional knockout and geno-tagging alleles in zebrafish. eLife 2019; 8:48081. [PMID: 31663848 PMCID: PMC6845224 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas systems are widely used to knock out genes by inducing indel mutations, which are prone to genetic compensation. Complex genome modifications such as knockin (KI) might bypass compensation, though difficult to practice due to low efficiency. Moreover, no ‘two-in-one’ KI strategy combining conditional knockout (CKO) with fluorescent gene-labeling or further allele-labeling has been reported. Here, we developed a dual-cassette-donor strategy and achieved one-step and efficient generation of dual-function KI alleles at tbx5a and kctd10 loci in zebrafish via targeted insertion. These alleles display fluorescent gene-tagging and CKO effects before and after Cre induction, respectively. By introducing a second fluorescent reporter, geno-tagging effects were achieved at tbx5a and sox10 loci, exhibiting CKO coupled with fluorescent reporter switch upon Cre induction, enabling tracing of three distinct genotypes. We found that LiCl purification of gRNA is critical for highly efficient KI, and preselection of founders allows the efficient germline recovery of KI events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yage Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingzhou Han
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Muhang Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochan Lu
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengjia Lu
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Jia
- Gcrispr (Tianjin) Genetic Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Tong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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35
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Miller JC, Patil DP, Xia DF, Paine CB, Fauser F, Richards HW, Shivak DA, Bendaña YR, Hinkley SJ, Scarlott NA, Lam SC, Reik A, Zhou Y, Paschon DE, Li P, Wangzor T, Lee G, Zhang L, Rebar EJ. Enhancing gene editing specificity by attenuating DNA cleavage kinetics. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:945-952. [PMID: 31359006 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nucleases have gained broad appeal for their ability to mediate highly efficient genome editing. However the specificity of these reagents remains a concern, especially for therapeutic applications, given the potential mutagenic consequences of off-target cleavage. Here we have developed an approach for improving the specificity of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) that engineers the FokI catalytic domain with the aim of slowing cleavage, which should selectively reduce activity at low-affinity off-target sites. For three ZFN pairs, we engineered single-residue substitutions in the FokI domain that preserved full on-target activity but showed a reduction in off-target indels of up to 3,000-fold. By combining this approach with substitutions that reduced the affinity of zinc fingers, we developed ZFNs specific for the TRAC locus that mediated 98% knockout in T cells with no detectable off-target activity at an assay background of ~0.01%. We anticipate that this approach, and the FokI variants we report, will enable routine generation of nucleases for gene editing with no detectable off-target activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danny F Xia
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Li
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Gary Lee
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
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36
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Kim D, Luk K, Wolfe SA, Kim JS. Evaluating and Enhancing Target Specificity of Gene-Editing Nucleases and Deaminases. Annu Rev Biochem 2019; 88:191-220. [PMID: 30883196 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-013118-111730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Programmable nucleases and deaminases, which include zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, CRISPR RNA-guided nucleases, and RNA-guided base editors, are now widely employed for the targeted modification of genomes in cells and organisms. These gene-editing tools hold tremendous promise for therapeutic applications. Importantly, these nucleases and deaminases may display off-target activity through the recognition of near-cognate DNA sequences to their target sites, resulting in collateral damage to the genome in the form of local mutagenesis or genomic rearrangements. For therapeutic genome-editing applications with these classes of programmable enzymes, it is essential to measure and limit genome-wide off-target activity. Herein, we discuss the key determinants of off-target activity for these systems. We describe various cell-based and cell-free methods for identifying genome-wide off-target sites and diverse strategies that have been developed for reducing the off-target activity of programmable gene-editing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daesik Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA;
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA;
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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37
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Kocak DD, Josephs EA, Bhandarkar V, Adkar SS, Kwon JB, Gersbach CA. Increasing the specificity of CRISPR systems with engineered RNA secondary structures. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:657-666. [PMID: 30988504 PMCID: PMC6626619 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) systems have been broadly adopted for basic science, biotechnology, and gene and cell therapy. In some cases, these bacterial nucleases have demonstrated off-target activity. This creates a potential hazard for therapeutic applications and could confound results in biological research. Therefore, improving the precision of these nucleases is of broad interest. Here we show that engineering a hairpin secondary structure onto the spacer region of single guide RNAs (hp-sgRNAs) can increase specificity by several orders of magnitude when combined with various CRISPR effectors. We first demonstrate that designed hp-sgRNAs can tune the activity of a transactivator based on Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9). We then show that hp-sgRNAs increase the specificity of gene editing using five different Cas9 or Cas12a variants. Our results demonstrate that RNA secondary structure is a fundamental parameter that can tune the activity of diverse CRISPR systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dewran Kocak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eric A Josephs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Nanoscience, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Vidit Bhandarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shaunak S Adkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer B Kwon
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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38
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Rahman S, Datta M, Kim J, Jan AT. CRISPR/Cas: An intriguing genomic editing tool with prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 96:22-31. [PMID: 31102655 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas genome editing tool has led to a revolution in biological research. Its ability to target multiple genomic loci simultaneously allows its application in gene function and genomic manipulation studies. Its involvement in the sequence specific gene editing in different backgrounds has changed the scenario of treating genetic diseases. By unravelling the mysteries behind complex neuronal circuits, it not only paved way in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease but helped in the development of large animal models of different neuronal diseases; thereby opened the gateways of successfully treating different neuronal diseases. This review explored the possibility of using of CRISPR/Cas in engineering DNA at the embryonic stage, as well as during the functioning of different cell types in the brain, to delineate implications related to the use of this super-specialized genome editing tool to overcome various neurodegenerative diseases that arise as a result of genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safikur Rahman
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Manali Datta
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, 303007, India
| | - Jihoe Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Arif Tasleem Jan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India.
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39
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Liu P, Luk K, Shin M, Idrizi F, Kwok S, Roscoe B, Mintzer E, Suresh S, Morrison K, Frazão JB, Bolukbasi MF, Ponnienselvan K, Luban J, Zhu LJ, Lawson ND, Wolfe SA. Enhanced Cas12a editing in mammalian cells and zebrafish. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:4169-4180. [PMID: 30892626 PMCID: PMC6486634 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type V CRISPR-Cas12a systems provide an alternate nuclease platform to Cas9, with potential advantages for specific genome editing applications. Here we describe improvements to the Cas12a system that facilitate efficient targeted mutagenesis in mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos. We show that engineered variants of Cas12a with two different nuclear localization sequences (NLS) on the C terminus provide increased editing efficiency in mammalian cells. Additionally, we find that pre-crRNAs comprising a full-length direct repeat (full-DR-crRNA) sequence with specific stem-loop G-C base substitutions exhibit increased editing efficiencies compared with the standard mature crRNA framework. Finally, we demonstrate in zebrafish embryos that the improved LbCas12a and FnoCas12a nucleases in combination with these modified crRNAs display high mutagenesis efficiencies and low toxicity when delivered as ribonucleoprotein complexes at high concentration. Together, these results define a set of enhanced Cas12a components with broad utility in vertebrate systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Masahiro Shin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Feston Idrizi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha Kwok
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin Roscoe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Esther Mintzer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sneha Suresh
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyle Morrison
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Josias B Frazão
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mehmet Fatih Bolukbasi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Ponnienselvan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nathan D Lawson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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40
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Zhang HX, Zhang Y, Yin H. Genome Editing with mRNA Encoding ZFN, TALEN, and Cas9. Mol Ther 2019; 27:735-746. [PMID: 30803822 PMCID: PMC6453514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-editing technologies based on programmable nucleases have significantly broadened our ability to make precise and direct changes in the genomic DNA of various species, including human cells. Delivery of programmable nucleases into the target tissue or cell is one of the pressing challenges in transforming the technology into medicine. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA-mediated delivery of nucleases has several advantages, such as transient expression with efficient in vivo and in vitro delivery, no genomic integration, a potentially low off-target rate, and high editing efficiency. This review focuses on key barriers related to IVT mRNA delivery, on developed modes of delivery, and on the application and future prospects of mRNA encoding nuclease-mediated genome editing in research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China.
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China.
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41
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Babu K, Amrani N, Jiang W, Yogesha S, Nguyen R, Qin PZ, Rajan R. Bridge Helix of Cas9 Modulates Target DNA Cleavage and Mismatch Tolerance. Biochemistry 2019; 58:1905-1917. [PMID: 30916546 PMCID: PMC6496953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are RNA-guided nucleases that provide adaptive immune protection for bacteria and archaea against intruding genomic materials. The programmable nature of CRISPR-targeting mechanisms has enabled their adaptation as powerful genome engineering tools. Cas9, a type II CRISPR effector protein, has been widely used for gene-editing applications owing to the fact that a single-guide RNA can direct Cas9 to cleave desired genomic targets. An understanding of the role of different domains of the protein and guide RNA-induced conformational changes of Cas9 in selecting target DNA has been and continues to enable development of Cas9 variants with reduced off-targeting effects. It has been previously established that an arginine-rich bridge helix (BH) present in Cas9 is critical for its activity. In the present study, we show that two proline substitutions within a loop region of the BH of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 impair the DNA cleavage activity by accumulating nicked products and reducing target DNA linearization. This in turn imparts a higher selectivity in DNA targeting. We discuss the probable mechanisms by which the BH-loop contributes to target DNA recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesavan Babu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Sherman Center, AS5.2007, Worcester MA 01605, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 3430 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - S.D. Yogesha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
- Current Address: Krystal Biotech, Inc. 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 701 Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA
| | - Richard Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
- Current Address: College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
| | - Peter Z. Qin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 3430 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Rakhi Rajan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
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42
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Iyer S, Suresh S, Guo D, Daman K, Chen JCJ, Liu P, Zieger M, Luk K, Roscoe BP, Mueller C, King OD, Emerson CP, Wolfe SA. Precise therapeutic gene correction by a simple nuclease-induced double-stranded break. Nature 2019; 568:561-565. [PMID: 30944467 PMCID: PMC6483862 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Current programmable nuclease-based (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9) methods for precise correction of a disease-causing genetic mutation harness the Homology Directed Repair (HDR) pathway. However, this repair process requires co-delivery of an exogenous DNA donor to recode the sequence and can be inefficient in many cell types. Here, we show that disease-causing frameshift mutations resulting from microduplications can be efficiently reverted to the wild-type sequence simply by generating a double-strand break (DSB) near the center of the duplication. We demonstrate this in patient-derived cell lines for two diseases: Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2G (LGMD2G)1 and Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Type 1 (HPS1)2. Clonal analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9) nuclease-treated LGMD2G iPSCs revealed that ~80% contained at least one wild-type allele and that this correction restored TCAP expression in LGMD2G iPSC-derived myotubes. Efficient genotypic correction was also observed upon SpyCas9 treatment of an HPS1 patient-derived B-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL). Inhibition of PARP-1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) suppresses the nuclease-mediated collapse of the microduplication to the wild-type sequence, confirming that precise correction is mediated by the MMEJ (microhomology-mediated end joining) pathway. Analysis of editing by SpyCas9 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 Cas12a (LbaCas12a) at non-pathogenic microduplications within the genome that range in length from 4 bp to 36 bp indicates that the correction strategy is broadly applicable to a wide range of microduplication lengths and can be initiated by a variety of nucleases. The simplicity, reliability and efficacy of this MMEJ-based therapeutic strategy should permit the development of nuclease-based gene correction therapies for a variety of diseases that are associated with microduplications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Iyer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sneha Suresh
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dongsheng Guo
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Katelyn Daman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer C J Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Office of the Vice-Principal (Research), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marina Zieger
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin P Roscoe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,COGEN Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Oliver D King
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Charles P Emerson
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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43
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Edraki A, Mir A, Ibraheim R, Gainetdinov I, Yoon Y, Song CQ, Cao Y, Gallant J, Xue W, Rivera-Pérez JA, Sontheimer EJ. A Compact, High-Accuracy Cas9 with a Dinucleotide PAM for In Vivo Genome Editing. Mol Cell 2019; 73:714-726.e4. [PMID: 30581144 PMCID: PMC6386616 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing has transformed biotechnology and therapeutics. However, in vivo applications of some Cas9s are hindered by large size (limiting delivery by adeno-associated virus [AAV] vectors), off-target editing, or complex protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs) that restrict the density of recognition sequences in target DNA. Here, we exploited natural variation in the PAM-interacting domains (PIDs) of closely related Cas9s to identify a compact ortholog from Neisseria meningitidis-Nme2Cas9-that recognizes a simple dinucleotide PAM (N4CC) that provides for high target site density. All-in-one AAV delivery of Nme2Cas9 with a guide RNA targeting Pcsk9 in adult mouse liver produces efficient genome editing and reduced serum cholesterol with exceptionally high specificity. We further expand our single-AAV platform to pre-implanted zygotes for streamlined generation of genome-edited mice. Nme2Cas9 combines all-in-one AAV compatibility, exceptional editing accuracy within cells, and high target site density for in vivo genome editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Edraki
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Aamir Mir
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Raed Ibraheim
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ildar Gainetdinov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yeonsoo Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genes and Development, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Chun-Qing Song
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yueying Cao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Judith Gallant
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genes and Development, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jaime A Rivera-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genes and Development, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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44
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Yin H, Xue W, Anderson DG. CRISPR–Cas: a tool for cancer research and therapeutics. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 16:281-295. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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45
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Amrani N, Gao XD, Liu P, Edraki A, Mir A, Ibraheim R, Gupta A, Sasaki KE, Wu T, Donohoue PD, Settle AH, Lied AM, McGovern K, Fuller CK, Cameron P, Fazzio TG, Zhu LJ, Wolfe SA, Sontheimer EJ. NmeCas9 is an intrinsically high-fidelity genome-editing platform. Genome Biol 2018; 19:214. [PMID: 30518407 PMCID: PMC6282386 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of CRISPR genome editing has transformed biomedical research. Most applications reported thus far rely upon the Cas9 protein from Streptococcus pyogenes SF370 (SpyCas9). With many RNA guides, wildtype SpyCas9 can induce significant levels of unintended mutations at near-cognate sites, necessitating substantial efforts toward the development of strategies to minimize off-target activity. Although the genome-editing potential of thousands of other Cas9 orthologs remains largely untapped, it is not known how many will require similarly extensive engineering to achieve single-site accuracy within large genomes. In addition to its off-targeting propensity, SpyCas9 is encoded by a relatively large open reading frame, limiting its utility in applications that require size-restricted delivery strategies such as adeno-associated virus vectors. In contrast, some genome-editing-validated Cas9 orthologs are considerably smaller and therefore better suited for viral delivery. RESULTS Here we show that wildtype NmeCas9, when programmed with guide sequences of the natural length of 24 nucleotides, exhibits a nearly complete absence of unintended editing in human cells, even when targeting sites that are prone to off-target activity with wildtype SpyCas9. We also validate at least six variant protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs), in addition to the preferred consensus PAM (5'-N4GATT-3'), for NmeCas9 genome editing in human cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that NmeCas9 is a naturally high-fidelity genome-editing enzyme and suggest that additional Cas9 orthologs may prove to exhibit similarly high accuracy, even without extensive engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Xin D Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Alireza Edraki
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Aamir Mir
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Raed Ibraheim
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ankit Gupta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Present Address: Bluebird bio, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kanae E Sasaki
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Present Address: Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Paul D Donohoue
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - Alexander H Settle
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
- Present Address: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra M Lied
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - Kyle McGovern
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
- Present Address: Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Chris K Fuller
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - Peter Cameron
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., 2929 7th Street, Suite 105, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - Thomas G Fazzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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Abstract
As one of their countermeasures against CRISPR-Cas immunity, bacteriophages have evolved natural inhibitors known as anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins. Despite the existence of such examples for type II CRISPR-Cas systems, we currently know relatively little about the breadth of Cas9 inhibitors, and most of their direct Cas9 targets are uncharacterized. In this work we identify two new type II-C anti-CRISPRs and their cognate Cas9 orthologs, validate their functionality in vitro and in bacteria, define their inhibitory spectrum against a panel of Cas9 orthologs, demonstrate that they act before Cas9 DNA binding, and document their utility as off-switches for Cas9-based tools in mammalian applications. The discovery of diverse anti-CRISPRs, the mechanistic analysis of their cognate Cas9s, and the definition of Acr inhibitory mechanisms afford deeper insight into the interplay between Cas9 orthologs and their inhibitors and provide greater scope for exploiting Acrs for CRISPR-based genome engineering. In their natural settings, CRISPR-Cas systems play crucial roles in bacterial and archaeal adaptive immunity to protect against phages and other mobile genetic elements, and they are also widely used as genome engineering technologies. Previously we discovered bacteriophage-encoded Cas9-specific anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins that serve as countermeasures against host bacterial immunity by inactivating their CRISPR-Cas systems (A. Pawluk, N. Amrani, Y. Zhang, B. Garcia, et al., Cell 167:1829–1838.e9, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.11.017). We hypothesized that the evolutionary advantages conferred by anti-CRISPRs would drive the widespread occurrence of these proteins in nature (K. L. Maxwell, Mol Cell 68:8–14, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2017.09.002; A. Pawluk, A. R. Davidson, and K. L. Maxwell, Nat Rev Microbiol 16:12–17, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.120; E. J. Sontheimer and A. R. Davidson, Curr Opin Microbiol 37:120–127, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2017.06.003). We have identified new anti-CRISPRs using the same bioinformatic approach that successfully identified previous Acr proteins (A. Pawluk, N. Amrani, Y. Zhang, B. Garcia, et al., Cell 167:1829–1838.e9, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.11.017) against Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 (NmeCas9). In this work, we report two novel anti-CRISPR families in strains of Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Simonsiella muelleri, both of which harbor type II-C CRISPR-Cas systems (A. Mir, A. Edraki, J. Lee, and E. J. Sontheimer, ACS Chem Biol 13:357–365, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.7b00855). We characterize the type II-C Cas9 orthologs from H. parainfluenzae and S. muelleri, show that the newly identified Acrs are able to inhibit these systems, and define important features of their inhibitory mechanisms. The S. muelleri Acr is the most potent NmeCas9 inhibitor identified to date. Although inhibition of NmeCas9 by anti-CRISPRs from H. parainfluenzae and S. muelleri reveals cross-species inhibitory activity, more distantly related type II-C Cas9s are not inhibited by these proteins. The specificities of anti-CRISPRs and divergent Cas9s appear to reflect coevolution of their strategies to combat or evade each other. Finally, we validate these new anti-CRISPR proteins as potent off-switches for Cas9 genome engineering applications.
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Bolukbasi MF, Liu P, Luk K, Kwok SF, Gupta A, Amrani N, Sontheimer EJ, Zhu LJ, Wolfe SA. Orthogonal Cas9-Cas9 chimeras provide a versatile platform for genome editing. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4856. [PMID: 30451839 PMCID: PMC6242970 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of robust, versatile and accurate toolsets is critical to facilitate therapeutic genome editing applications. Here we establish RNA-programmable Cas9-Cas9 chimeras, in single- and dual-nuclease formats, as versatile genome engineering systems. In both of these formats, Cas9-Cas9 fusions display an expanded targeting repertoire and achieve highly specific genome editing. Dual-nuclease Cas9-Cas9 chimeras have distinct advantages over monomeric Cas9s including higher target site activity and the generation of predictable precise deletion products between their target sites. At a therapeutically relevant site within the BCL11A erythroid enhancer, Cas9-Cas9 nucleases produced precise deletions that comprised up to 97% of all sequence alterations. Thus Cas9-Cas9 chimeras represent an important tool that could be particularly valuable for therapeutic genome editing applications where a precise cleavage position and defined sequence end products are desirable. Therapeutic genome engineering relies on the development of reliable, robust and versatile tools. Here the authors develop Cas9-Cas9 chimeras with high target site activity that generate predictable deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Bolukbasi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Exonics Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Samantha F Kwok
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ankit Gupta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Bluebird Bio., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Zhang S, Voigt CA. Engineered dCas9 with reduced toxicity in bacteria: implications for genetic circuit design. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:11115-11125. [PMID: 30289463 PMCID: PMC6237744 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Large synthetic genetic circuits require the simultaneous expression of many regulators. Deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) can serve as a repressor by having a small guide RNA (sgRNA) direct it to bind a promoter. The programmability and specificity of RNA:DNA basepairing simplifies the generation of many orthogonal sgRNAs that, in theory, could serve as a large set of regulators in a circuit. However, dCas9 is toxic in many bacteria, thus limiting how high it can be expressed, and low concentrations are quickly sequestered by multiple sgRNAs. Here, we construct a non-toxic version of dCas9 by eliminating PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) binding with a R1335K mutation (dCas9*) and recovering DNA binding by fusing it to the PhlF repressor (dCas9*_PhlF). Both the 30 bp PhlF operator and 20 bp sgRNA binding site are required to repress a promoter. The larger region required for recognition mitigates toxicity in Escherichia coli, allowing up to 9600 ± 800 molecules of dCas9*_PhlF per cell before growth or morphology are impacted, as compared to 530 ± 40 molecules of dCas9. Further, PhlF multimerization leads to an increase in average cooperativity from n = 0.9 (dCas9) to 1.6 (dCas9*_PhlF). A set of 30 orthogonal sgRNA-promoter pairs are characterized as NOT gates; however, the simultaneous use of multiple sgRNAs leads to a monotonic decline in repression and after 15 are co-expressed the dynamic range is <10-fold. This work introduces a non-toxic variant of dCas9, critical for its use in applications in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, and exposes a limitation in the number of regulators that can be used in one cell when they rely on a shared resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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49
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Lino CA, Harper JC, Carney JP, Timlin JA. Delivering CRISPR: a review of the challenges and approaches. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:1234-1257. [PMID: 29801422 PMCID: PMC6058482 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1474964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 625] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has long held promise to correct a variety of human diseases and defects. Discovery of the Clustered Regularly-Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), the mechanism of the CRISPR-based prokaryotic adaptive immune system (CRISPR-associated system, Cas), and its repurposing into a potent gene editing tool has revolutionized the field of molecular biology and generated excitement for new and improved gene therapies. Additionally, the simplicity and flexibility of the CRISPR/Cas9 site-specific nuclease system has led to its widespread use in many biological research areas including development of model cell lines, discovering mechanisms of disease, identifying disease targets, development of transgene animals and plants, and transcriptional modulation. In this review, we present the brief history and basic mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its predecessors (ZFNs and TALENs), lessons learned from past human gene therapy efforts, and recent modifications of CRISPR/Cas9 to provide functions beyond gene editing. We introduce several factors that influence CRISPR/Cas9 efficacy which must be addressed before effective in vivo human gene therapy can be realized. The focus then turns to the most difficult barrier to potential in vivo use of CRISPR/Cas9, delivery. We detail the various cargos and delivery vehicles reported for CRISPR/Cas9, including physical delivery methods (e.g. microinjection; electroporation), viral delivery methods (e.g. adeno-associated virus (AAV); full-sized adenovirus and lentivirus), and non-viral delivery methods (e.g. liposomes; polyplexes; gold particles), and discuss their relative merits. We also examine several technologies that, while not currently reported for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, appear to have promise in this field. The therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 is vast and will only increase as the technology and its delivery improves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Lino
- Bioenergy and Defense Technologies, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jason C. Harper
- Bioenergy and Defense Technologies, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - James P. Carney
- Bioenergy and Defense Technologies, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jerilyn A. Timlin
- Bioenergy and Defense Technologies, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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50
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Ibraheim R, Song CQ, Mir A, Amrani N, Xue W, Sontheimer EJ. All-in-one adeno-associated virus delivery and genome editing by Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 in vivo. Genome Biol 2018; 19:137. [PMID: 30231914 PMCID: PMC6146650 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) have recently opened a new avenue for gene therapy. Cas9 nuclease guided by a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) has been extensively used for genome editing. Currently, three Cas9 orthologs have been adapted for in vivo genome engineering applications: Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9), Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SauCas9), and Campylobacter jejuni (CjeCas9). However, additional in vivo editing platforms are needed, in part to enable a greater range of sequences to be accessed via viral vectors, especially those in which Cas9 and sgRNA are combined into a single vector genome. RESULTS Here, we present in vivo editing using Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 (NmeCas9). NmeCas9 is compact, edits with high accuracy, and possesses a distinct protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), making it an excellent candidate for safe gene therapy applications. We find that NmeCas9 can be used to target the Pcsk9 and Hpd genes in mice. Using tail-vein hydrodynamic-based delivery of NmeCas9 plasmid to target the Hpd gene, we successfully reprogram the tyrosine degradation pathway in Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I mice. More importantly, we deliver NmeCas9 with its sgRNA in a single recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV) to target Pcsk9, resulting in lower cholesterol levels in mice. This all-in-one vector yielded > 35% gene modification after two weeks of vector administration, with minimal off-target cleavage in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that NmeCas9 can enable the editing of disease-causing loci in vivo, expanding the targeting scope of RNA-guided nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Ibraheim
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Chun-Qing Song
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Aamir Mir
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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