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Torres-Puig S, Crespo-Pomar S, Akarsu H, Yimthin T, Cippà V, Démoulins T, Posthaus H, Ruggli N, Kuhnert P, Labroussaa F, Jores J. Functional surface expression of immunoglobulin cleavage systems in a candidate Mycoplasma vaccine chassis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:779. [PMID: 38942984 PMCID: PMC11213901 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06497-8] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mycoplasma Immunoglobulin Binding/Protease (MIB-MIP) system is a candidate 'virulence factor present in multiple pathogenic species of the Mollicutes, including the fast-growing species Mycoplasma feriruminatoris. The MIB-MIP system cleaves the heavy chain of host immunoglobulins, hence affecting antigen-antibody interactions and potentially facilitating immune evasion. In this work, using -omics technologies and 5'RACE, we show that the four copies of the M. feriruminatoris MIB-MIP system have different expression levels and are transcribed as operons controlled by four different promoters. Individual MIB-MIP gene pairs of M. feriruminatoris and other Mollicutes were introduced in an engineered M. feriruminatoris strain devoid of MIB-MIP genes and were tested for their functionality using newly developed oriC-based plasmids. The two proteins are functionally expressed at the surface of M. feriruminatoris, which confirms the possibility to display large membrane-associated proteins in this bacterium. However, functional expression of heterologous MIB-MIP systems introduced in this engineered strain from phylogenetically distant porcine Mollicutes like Mesomycoplasma hyorhinis or Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae could not be achieved. Finally, since M. feriruminatoris is a candidate for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, we confirmed its safety in vivo in domestic goats, which are the closest livestock relatives to its native host the Alpine ibex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Torres-Puig
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Crespo-Pomar
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hatice Akarsu
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thatcha Yimthin
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Cippà
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Schweiz
| | - Peter Kuhnert
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Labroussaa
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Lyon Laboratory, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jörg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Kim JH, Nagaraja R, Ogurtsov AY, Noskov VN, Liskovykh M, Lee HS, Hori Y, Kobayashi T, Hunter K, Schlessinger D, Kouprina N, Shabalina SA, Larionov V. Comparative analysis and classification of highly divergent mouse rDNA units based on their intergenic spacer (IGS) variability. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae070. [PMID: 38881577 PMCID: PMC11177557 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat units are organized into tandem clusters in eukaryotic cells. In mice, these clusters are located on at least eight chromosomes and show extensive variation in the number of repeats between mouse genomes. To analyze intra- and inter-genomic variation of mouse rDNA repeats, we selectively isolated 25 individual rDNA units using Transformation-Associated Recombination (TAR) cloning. Long-read sequencing and subsequent comparative sequence analysis revealed that each full-length unit comprises an intergenic spacer (IGS) and a ∼13.4 kb long transcribed region encoding the three rRNAs, but with substantial variability in rDNA unit size, ranging from ∼35 to ∼46 kb. Within the transcribed regions of rDNA units, we found 209 variants, 70 of which are in external transcribed spacers (ETSs); but the rDNA size differences are driven primarily by IGS size heterogeneity, due to indels containing repetitive elements and some functional signals such as enhancers. Further evolutionary analysis categorized rDNA units into distinct clusters with characteristic IGS lengths; numbers of enhancers; and presence/absence of two common SNPs in promoter regions, one of which is located within promoter (p)RNA and may influence pRNA folding stability. These characteristic features of IGSs also correlated significantly with 5'ETS variant patterns described previously and associated with differential expression of rDNA units. Our results suggest that variant rDNA units are differentially regulated and open a route to investigate the role of rDNA variation on nucleolar formation and possible associations with pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Kim
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ramaiah Nagaraja
- National Institute of Aging, Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexey Y Ogurtsov
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vladimir N Noskov
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mikhail Liskovykh
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hee-Sheung Lee
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yutaro Hori
- The University of Tokyo, Laboratory of Genome Regeneration, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Takehiko Kobayashi
- The University of Tokyo, Laboratory of Genome Regeneration, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kent Hunter
- National Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Schlessinger
- National Institute of Aging, Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Svetlana A Shabalina
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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Li X, Liu C, Wang D, Deng J, Guo Y, Shen Y, Yang S, Ji JS, Luo H, Bai J, Jiang J. Persistent pollution of genetic materials in a typical laboratory environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134201. [PMID: 38579585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
From the onset of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, there are concerns regarding the disease spread and environmental pollution of biohazard since studies on genetic engineering flourish and numerous genetic materials were used such as the nucleic acid test of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). In this work, we studied genetic material pollution in an institute during a development cycle of plasmid, one of typical genetic materials, with typical laboratory settings. The pollution source, transmission routes, and pollution levels in laboratory environment were examined. The Real-Time quantitative- Polymerase Chain Reaction results of all environmental mediums (surface, aerosol, and liquid) showed that a targeted DNA segment occurred along with routine experimental operations. Among the 79 surface and air samples collected in the genetic material operation, half of the environment samples (38 of 79) are positive for nucleic acid pollution. Persistent nucleic acid contaminations were observed in all tested laboratories and spread in the public area (hallway). The highest concentration for liquid and surface samples were 1.92 × 108 copies/uL and 5.22 × 107 copies/cm2, respectively. Significant amounts of the targeted gene (with a mean value of 74 copies/L) were detected in the indoor air of laboratories utilizing centrifuge devices, shaking tables, and cell homogenizers. Spills and improper disposal of plasmid products were primary sources of pollution. The importance of establishing designated experimental zones, employing advanced biosafety cabinets, and implementing highly efficient cleaning systems in laboratories with lower biosafety levels is underscored. SYNOPSIS: STATEMENT. Persistent environmental pollutions of genetic materials are introduced by typical experiments in laboratories with low biosafety level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ce Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbin Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Deng
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuntao Guo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Shen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Yang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyun Luo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Bai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingkun Jiang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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4
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Wu G, Li Q, Dai J, Mao G, Ma Y. Design and Application of Biosafe Coronavirus Engineering Systems without Virulence. Viruses 2024; 16:659. [PMID: 38793541 PMCID: PMC11126016 DOI: 10.3390/v16050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last twenty years, three deadly zoonotic coronaviruses (CoVs)-namely, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2-have emerged. They are considered highly pathogenic for humans, particularly SARS-CoV-2, which caused the 2019 CoV disease pandemic (COVID-19), endangering the lives and health of people globally and causing unpredictable economic losses. Experiments on wild-type viruses require biosafety level 3 or 4 laboratories (BSL-3 or BSL-4), which significantly hinders basic virological research. Therefore, the development of various biosafe CoV systems without virulence is urgently needed to meet the requirements of different research fields, such as antiviral and vaccine evaluation. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the biosafety of CoV engineering systems. These systems combine virological foundations with synthetic genomics techniques, enabling the development of efficient tools for attenuated or non-virulent vaccines, the screening of antiviral drugs, and the investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of novel microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Qiaoyu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Junbiao Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Guobin Mao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Yingxin Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (G.W.); (Q.L.); (J.D.)
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5
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Jojić K, Gherlone F, Cseresnyés Z, Bissell AU, Hoefgen S, Hoffmann S, Huang Y, Janevska S, Figge MT, Valiante V. The spatial organization of sphingofungin biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus and its cross-interaction with sphingolipid metabolism. mBio 2024; 15:e0019524. [PMID: 38380921 PMCID: PMC10936153 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00195-24] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingofungins are sphinganine analog mycotoxins acting as inhibitors of serine palmitoyl transferases, enzymes responsible for the first step in the sphingolipid biosynthesis. Eukaryotic cells are highly organized with various structures and organelles to facilitate cellular processes and chemical reactions, including the ones occurring as part of the secondary metabolism. We studied how sphingofungin biosynthesis is compartmentalized in the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, and we observed that it takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER-derived vesicles, and the cytosol. This implies that sphingofungin and sphingolipid biosynthesis colocalize to some extent. Automated analysis of confocal microscopy images confirmed the colocalization of the fluorescent proteins. Moreover, we demonstrated that the cluster-associated aminotransferase (SphA) and 3-ketoreductase (SphF) play a bifunctional role, supporting sphingolipid biosynthesis, and thereby antagonizing the toxic effects caused by sphingofungin production.IMPORTANCEA balanced sphingolipid homeostasis is critical for the proper functioning of eukaryotic cells. To this end, sphingolipid inhibitors have therapeutic potential against diseases related to the deregulation of sphingolipid balance. In addition, some of them have significant antifungal activity, suggesting that sphingolipid inhibitors-producing fungi have evolved mechanisms to escape self-poisoning. Here, we propose a novel self-defense mechanism, with cluster-associated genes coding for enzymes that play a dual role, being involved in both sphingofungin and sphingolipid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Jojić
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Fabio Gherlone
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Zoltán Cseresnyés
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander U. Bissell
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra Hoefgen
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Hoffmann
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ying Huang
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Slavica Janevska
- (Epi-)Genetic Regulation of Fungal Virulence, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Vito Valiante
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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6
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Ipoutcha T, Racharaks R, Huttelmaier S, Wilson CJ, Ozer EA, Hartmann EM. A synthetic biology approach to assemble and reboot clinically relevant Pseudomonas aeruginosa tailed phages. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0289723. [PMID: 38294230 PMCID: PMC10913387 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02897-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The rise in the frequency of antibiotic resistance has made bacterial infections, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a cause for greater concern. Phage therapy is a promising solution that uses naturally isolated phages to treat bacterial infections. Ecological limitations, which stipulate a discrete host range and the inevitable evolution of resistance, may be overcome through a better understanding of phage biology and the utilization of engineered phages. In this study, we developed a synthetic biology approach to construct tailed phages that naturally target clinically relevant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As proof of concept, we successfully cloned and assembled the JG024 and DMS3 phage genomes in yeast using transformation-associated recombination cloning and rebooted these two phage genomes in two different strains of P. aeruginosa. We identified factors that affected phage reboot efficiency like the phage species or the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain. We have successfully extended this method to two other phage species and observed that the method enables the reboot of phages that are naturally unable to infect the strain used for reboot. This research represents a critical step toward the construction of clinically relevant, engineered P. aeruginosa phages.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium responsible for severe infections and a common major complication in cystic fibrosis. The use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections has become increasingly difficult as antibiotic resistance has become more prevalent. Phage therapy is an alternative solution that is already being used in some European countries, but its use is limited by the narrow host range due to the phage receptor specificity, the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain, and the possible emergence of phage resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the use of a synthetic biology approach to construct and reboot clinically relevant P. aeruginosa tailed phages. This method enables a significant expansion of possibilities through the construction of engineered phages for therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ipoutcha
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Ratanachat Racharaks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Stefanie Huttelmaier
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Cole J. Wilson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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7
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Knickmann J, Staliunaite L, Puhach O, Ostermann E, Günther T, Nichols J, Jarvis MA, Voigt S, Grundhoff A, Davison AJ, Brune W. A simple method for rapid cloning of complete herpesvirus genomes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100696. [PMID: 38266652 PMCID: PMC10921015 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses and include important human and veterinary pathogens. Their genomes can be cloned as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and genetically engineered in Escherichia coli using BAC recombineering methods. While the recombineering methods are efficient, the initial BAC-cloning step remains laborious. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a simple, rapid, and efficient BAC-cloning method based on single-step transformation-associated recombination (STAR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The linear viral genome is directly integrated into a vector comprising a yeast centromeric plasmid and a BAC replicon. Following transfer into E. coli, the viral genome can be modified using standard BAC recombineering techniques. We demonstrate the speed, fidelity, and broad applicability of STAR by cloning two strains of both rat cytomegalovirus (a betaherpesvirus) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (a gammaherpesvirus). STAR cloning facilitates the functional genetic analysis of herpesviruses and other large DNA viruses and their use as vaccines and therapeutic vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Knickmann
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Olha Puhach
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jenna Nichols
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael A Jarvis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK; The Vaccine Group Ltd., Plymouth, UK
| | - Sebastian Voigt
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Andrew J Davison
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wolfram Brune
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany.
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8
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Beller P, Fink P, Wolf F, Männle D, Helmle I, Kuttenlochner W, Unterfrauner D, Engelbrecht A, Staudt ND, Kulik A, Groll M, Gross H, Kaysser L. Characterization of the cystargolide biosynthetic gene cluster and functional analysis of the methyltransferase CysG. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105507. [PMID: 38029966 PMCID: PMC10776993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystargolides are natural products originally isolated from Kitasatospora cystarginea NRRL B16505 as inhibitors of the proteasome. They are composed of a dipeptide backbone linked to a β-lactone warhead. Recently, we identified the cystargolide biosynthetic gene cluster, but systematic genetic analyses had not been carried out because of the lack of a heterologous expression system. Here, we report the discovery of a homologous cystargolide biosynthetic pathway in Streptomyces durhamensis NRRL-B3309 by genome mining. The gene cluster was cloned via transformation-associated recombination and heterologously expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M512. We demonstrate that it contains all genes necessary for the production of cystargolide A and B. Single gene deletion experiments reveal that only five of the eight genes from the initially proposed gene cluster are essential for cystargolide synthesis. Additional insights into the cystargolide pathway could be obtained from in vitro assays with CysG and chemical complementation of the respective gene knockout. This could be further supported by the in vitro investigation of the CysG homolog BelI from the belactosin biosynthetic gene cluster. Thereby, we confirm that CysG and BelI catalyze a cryptic SAM-dependent transfer of a methyl group that is critical for the construction of the cystargolide and belactosin β-lactone warheads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Beller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Phillipp Fink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Wolf
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Männle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Helmle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kuttenlochner
- Department of Bioscience, Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterfrauner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alicia Engelbrecht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole D Staudt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kulik
- Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Microbial Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Groll
- Department of Bioscience, Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Harald Gross
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaysser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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9
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Gourgues G, Manso-Silván L, Chamberland C, Sirand-Pugnet P, Thiaucourt F, Blanchard A, Baby V, Lartigue C. A toolbox for manipulating the genome of the major goat pathogen, Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001423. [PMID: 38193814 PMCID: PMC10866025 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) is the causative agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), a devastating disease listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a notifiable disease and threatening goat production in Africa and Asia. Although a few commercial inactivated vaccines are available, they do not comply with WOAH standards and there are serious doubts regarding their efficacy. One of the limiting factors to comprehend the molecular pathogenesis of CCPP and develop improved vaccines has been the lack of tools for Mccp genome engineering. In this work, key synthetic biology techniques recently developed for closely related mycoplasmas were adapted to Mccp. CReasPy-Cloning was used to simultaneously clone and engineer the Mccp genome in yeast, prior to whole-genome transplantation into M. capricolum subsp. capricolum recipient cells. This approach was used to knock out an S41 serine protease gene recently identified as a potential virulence factor, leading to the generation of the first site-specific Mccp mutants. The Cre-lox recombination system was then applied to remove all DNA sequences added during genome engineering. Finally, the resulting unmarked S41 serine protease mutants were validated by whole-genome sequencing and their non-caseinolytic phenotype was confirmed by casein digestion assay on milk agar. The synthetic biology tools that have been successfully implemented in Mccp allow the addition and removal of genes and other genetic features for the construction of seamless targeted mutants at ease, which will pave the way for both the identification of key pathogenicity determinants of Mccp and the rational design of novel, improved vaccines for the control of CCPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Gourgues
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Lucía Manso-Silván
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Chamberland
- Université de Sherbrooke, Département de biologie, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | | | - François Thiaucourt
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
| | - Alain Blanchard
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Vincent Baby
- Université de Montréal, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Carole Lartigue
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
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10
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Kouprina N, Larionov V. Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning and its applications for gene function; genome architecture and evolution; biotechnology and biomedicine. Oncotarget 2023; 14:1009-1033. [PMID: 38147065 PMCID: PMC10750837 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning represents a unique tool to selectively and efficiently recover a given chromosomal segment up to several hundred kb in length from complex genomes (such as animals and plants) and simple genomes (such as bacteria and viruses). The technique exploits a high level of homologous recombination in the yeast Sacharomyces cerevisiae. In this review, we summarize multiple applications of the pioneering TAR cloning technique, developed previously for complex genomes, for functional, evolutionary, and structural studies, and extended the modified TAR versions to isolate biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from microbes, which are the major source of pharmacological agents and industrial compounds, and to engineer synthetic viruses with novel properties to design a new generation of vaccines. TAR cloning was adapted as a reliable method for the assembly of synthetic microbe genomes for fundamental research. In this review, we also discuss how the TAR cloning in combination with HAC (human artificial chromosome)- and CRISPR-based technologies may contribute to the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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11
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Cai HL, Huang YW. Reverse genetics systems for SARS-CoV-2: Development and applications. Virol Sin 2023; 38:837-850. [PMID: 37832720 PMCID: PMC10786661 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused serious harm to human health and struck a blow to global economic development. Research on SARS-CoV-2 has greatly benefited from the use of reverse genetics systems, which have been established to artificially manipulate the viral genome, generating recombinant and reporter infectious viruses or biosafety level 2 (BSL-2)-adapted non-infectious replicons with desired modifications. These tools have been instrumental in studying the molecular biological characteristics of the virus, investigating antiviral therapeutics, and facilitating the development of attenuated vaccine candidates. Here, we review the construction strategies, development, and applications of reverse genetics systems for SARS-CoV-2, which may be applied to other CoVs as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Li Cai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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12
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Guesdon G, Gourgues G, Rideau F, Ipoutcha T, Manso-Silván L, Jules M, Sirand-Pugnet P, Blanchard A, Lartigue C. Combining Fusion of Cells with CRISPR-Cas9 Editing for the Cloning of Large DNA Fragments or Complete Bacterial Genomes in Yeast. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3252-3266. [PMID: 37843014 PMCID: PMC10662353 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The genetic engineering of genome fragments larger than 100 kbp is challenging and requires both specific methods and cloning hosts. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered as a host of choice for cloning and engineering whole or partial genomes from viruses, bacteria, and algae. Several methods are now available to perform these manipulations, each with its own limitations. In order to extend the range of yeast cloning strategies, a new approach combining two already described methods, Fusion cloning and CReasPy-Cloning, was developed. The CReasPy-Fusion method allows the simultaneous cloning and engineering of megabase-sized genomes in yeast by the fusion of bacterial cells with yeast spheroplasts carrying the CRISPR-Cas9 system. With this new approach, we demonstrate the feasibility of cloning and editing whole genomes from several Mycoplasma species belonging to different phylogenetic groups. We also show that CReasPy-Fusion allows the capture of large genome fragments with high efficacy, resulting in the successful cloning of selected loci in yeast. We finally identify bacterial nuclease encoding genes as barriers for CReasPy-Fusion by showing that their removal from the donor genome improves the cloning efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Guesdon
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Géraldine Gourgues
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Fabien Rideau
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Thomas Ipoutcha
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Lucía Manso-Silván
- CIRAD,
UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France
- ASTRE,
Univ. Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, F-34398 Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Jules
- Université
Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pascal Sirand-Pugnet
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Alain Blanchard
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
| | - Carole Lartigue
- Univ.
Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave
d’Ornon, France
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13
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Gastelum S, Michael AF, Bolger TA. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a research tool for RNA-mediated human disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1814. [PMID: 37671427 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been used for decades as a powerful genetic tool to study a broad spectrum of biological topics. With its ease of use, economic utility, well-studied genome, and a highly conserved proteome across eukaryotes, it has become one of the most used model organisms. Due to these advantages, it has been used to study an array of complex human diseases. From broad, complex pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative disease to newer uses such as SARS-CoV-2, yeast continues to offer new insights into how cellular processes are affected by disease and how affected pathways might be targeted in therapeutic settings. At the same time, the roles of RNA and RNA-based processes have become increasingly prominent in the pathology of many of these same human diseases, and yeast has been utilized to investigate these mechanisms, from aberrant RNA-binding proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to translation regulation in cancer. Here we review some of the important insights that yeast models have yielded into the molecular pathology of complex, RNA-based human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gastelum
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Allison F Michael
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Timothy A Bolger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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14
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He B, Ma Y, Tian F, Zhao GR, Wu Y, Yuan YJ. YLC-assembly: large DNA assembly via yeast life cycle. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8283-8292. [PMID: 37486765 PMCID: PMC10450165 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As an enabling technique of synthetic biology, the scale of DNA assembly largely determines the scale of genetic manipulation. However, large DNA assembly technologies are generally cumbersome and inefficient. Here, we developed a YLC (yeast life cycle)-assembly method that enables in vivo iterative assembly of large DNA by nesting cell-cell transfer of assembled DNA in the cycle of yeast mating and sporulation. Using this method, we successfully assembled a hundred-kilobase (kb)-sized endogenous yeast DNA and a megabase (Mb)-sized exogenous DNA. For each round, over 104 positive colonies per 107 cells could be obtained, with an accuracy ranging from 67% to 100%. Compared with other Mb-sized DNA assembly methods, this method exhibits a higher success rate with an easy-to-operate workflow that avoid in vitro operations of large DNA. YLC-assembly lowers the technical difficulty of Mb-sized DNA assembly and could be a valuable tool for large-scale genome engineering and synthetic genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Fangfang Tian
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guang-Rong Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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15
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Khan D, Terenzi F, Liu G, Ghosh PK, Ye F, Nguyen K, China A, Ramachandiran I, Chakraborty S, Stefan J, Khan K, Vasu K, Dong F, Willard B, Karn J, Gack MU, Fox PL. A viral pan-end RNA element and host complex define a SARS-CoV-2 regulon. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3385. [PMID: 37296097 PMCID: PMC10250186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, generates multiple protein-coding, subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) from a longer genomic RNA, all bearing identical termini with poorly understood roles in regulating viral gene expression. Insulin and interferon-gamma, two host-derived, stress-related agents, and virus spike protein, induce binding of glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase (EPRS1), within an unconventional, tetra-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex, to the sgRNA 3'-end thereby enhancing sgRNA expression. We identify an EPRS1-binding sarbecoviral pan-end activating RNA (SPEAR) element in the 3'-end of viral RNAs driving agonist-induction. Translation of another co-terminal 3'-end feature, ORF10, is necessary for SPEAR-mediated induction, independent of Orf10 protein expression. The SPEAR element enhances viral programmed ribosomal frameshifting, thereby expanding its functionality. By co-opting noncanonical activities of a family of essential host proteins, the virus establishes a post-transcriptional regulon stimulating global viral RNA translation. A SPEAR-targeting strategy markedly reduces SARS-CoV-2 titer, suggesting a pan-sarbecoviral therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Fulvia Terenzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987, USA
| | - Prabar K Ghosh
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Fengchun Ye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Iyappan Ramachandiran
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Shruti Chakraborty
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jennifer Stefan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Krishnendu Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Kommireddy Vasu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Franklin Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Belinda Willard
- Lerner Research Institute Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jonathan Karn
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987, USA
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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16
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Gvozdenov Z, Barcutean Z, Struhl K. Functional analysis of a random-sequence chromosome reveals a high level and the molecular nature of transcriptional noise in yeast cells. Mol Cell 2023; 83:1786-1797.e5. [PMID: 37137302 PMCID: PMC10247422 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We measure transcriptional noise in yeast by analyzing chromatin structure and transcription of an 18-kb region of DNA whose sequence was randomly generated. Nucleosomes fully occupy random-sequence DNA, but nucleosome-depleted regions (NDRs) are much less frequent, and there are fewer well-positioned nucleosomes and shorter nucleosome arrays. Steady-state levels of random-sequence RNAs are comparable to yeast mRNAs, although transcription and decay rates are higher. Transcriptional initiation from random-sequence DNA occurs at numerous sites, indicating very low intrinsic specificity of the RNA Pol II machinery. In contrast, poly(A) profiles of random-sequence RNAs are roughly comparable to those of yeast mRNAs, suggesting limited evolutionary restraints on poly(A) site choice. Random-sequence RNAs show higher cell-to-cell variability than yeast mRNAs, suggesting that functional elements limit variability. These observations indicate that transcriptional noise occurs at high levels in yeast, and they provide insight into how chromatin and transcription patterns arise from the evolved yeast genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlata Gvozdenov
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zeno Barcutean
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Struhl
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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17
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Liskovykh M, Petrov NS, Noskov VN, Masumoto H, Earnshaw WC, Schlessinger D, Shabalina SA, Larionov V, Kouprina N. Actively transcribed rDNA and distal junction (DJ) sequence are involved in association of NORs with nucleoli. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:121. [PMID: 37043028 PMCID: PMC10097779 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Although they are organelles without a limiting membrane, nucleoli have an exclusive structure, built upon the rDNA-rich acrocentric short arms of five human chromosomes (nucleolar organizer regions or NORs). This has raised the question: what are the structural features of a chromosome required for its inclusion in a nucleolus? Previous work has suggested that sequences adjacent to the tandemly repeated rDNA repeat units (DJ, distal junction sequence) may be involved, and we have extended such studies by addressing several issues related to the requirements for the association of NORs with nucleoli. We exploited both a set of somatic cell hybrids containing individual human acrocentric chromosomes and a set of Human Artificial Chromosomes (HACs) carrying different parts of a NOR, including an rDNA unit or DJ or PJ (proximal junction) sequence. Association of NORs with nucleoli was increased when constituent rDNA was transcribed and may be also affected by the status of heterochromatin blocks formed next to the rDNA arrays. Furthermore, our data suggest that a relatively small size DJ region, highly conserved in evolution, is also involved, along with the rDNA repeats, in the localization of p-arms of acrocentric chromosomes in nucleoli. Thus, we infer a cooperative action of rDNA sequence-stimulated by its activity-and sequences distal to rDNA contributing to incorporation into nucleoli. Analysis of NOR sequences also identified LncRNA_038958 in the DJ, a candidate transcript with the region of the suggested promoter that is located close to the DJ/rDNA boundary and contains CTCF binding sites. This LncRNA may affect RNA Polymerase I and/or nucleolar activity. Our findings provide the basis for future studies to determine which RNAs and proteins interact critically with NOR sequences to organize the higher-order structure of nucleoli and their function in normal cells and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Liskovykh
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Nikolai S Petrov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vladimir N Noskov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hiroshi Masumoto
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - William C Earnshaw
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, Scotland, UK
| | - David Schlessinger
- National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Svetlana A Shabalina
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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18
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Xiao H, Hu H, Guo Y, Li J, Wen L, Zeng WB, Wang M, Luo MH, Hu Z. Construction and characterization of a synthesized herpes simplex virus H129-Syn-G2. Virol Sin 2023:S1995-820X(23)00026-3. [PMID: 36940800 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes lifelong infections worldwide, and currently there is no efficient cure or vaccine. HSV-1-derived tools, such as neuronal circuit tracers and oncolytic viruses, have been used extensively; however, further genetic engineering of HSV-1 is hindered by its complex genome structure. In the present study, we designed and constructed a synthetic platform for HSV-1 based on H129-G4. The complete genome was constructed from 10 fragments through 3 rounds of synthesis using transformation-associated recombination (TAR) in yeast, and was named H129-Syn-G2. The H129-Syn-G2 genome contained two copies of the gfp gene and was transfected into cells to rescue the virus. According to growth curve assay and electron microscopy results, the synthetic viruses exhibited more optimized growth properties and similar morphogenesis compared to the parental virus. This synthetic platform will facilitate further manipulation of the HSV-1 genome for the development of neuronal circuit tracers, oncolytic viruses, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hengrui Hu
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yijia Guo
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiang Li
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Le Wen
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wen-Bo Zeng
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Min-Hua Luo
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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19
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Sun Q, Shen L, Zhang BL, Yu J, Wei F, Sun Y, Chen W, Wang S. Advance on Engineering of Bacteriophages by Synthetic Biology. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1941-1953. [PMID: 37025193 PMCID: PMC10072152 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s402962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since bacteriophages (phages) were firstly reported at the beginning of the 20th century, the study on them experiences booming-fading-emerging with discovery and overuse of antibiotics. Although they are the hotspots for therapy of antibiotic-resistant strains nowadays, natural phage applications encounter some challenges such as limited host range and bacterial resistance to phages. Synthetic biology, one of the most dramatic directions in the recent 20-years study of microbiology, has generated numerous methods and tools and has contributed a lot to understanding phage evolution, engineering modification, and controlling phage-bacteria interactions. In order to better modify and apply phages by using synthetic biology techniques in the future, in this review, we comprehensively introduce various strategies on engineering or modification of phage genome and rebooting of recombinant phages, summarize the recent researches and potential directions of phage synthetic biology, and outline the current application of engineered phages in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bai-Ling Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- The Clinical Infectious Disease Center of Nanjing, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wei Chen; Shiwei Wang, Email ;
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Huang C, Zabala D, de los Santos ELC, Song L, Corre C, Alkhalaf L, Challis G. Parallelized gene cluster editing illuminates mechanisms of epoxyketone proteasome inhibitor biosynthesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1488-1499. [PMID: 36718812 PMCID: PMC9943649 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics have revealed the enormous potential of microbes to produce structurally complex specialized metabolites with diverse uses in medicine and agriculture. However, these molecules typically require structural modification to optimize them for application, which can be difficult using synthetic chemistry. Bioengineering offers a complementary approach to structural modification but is often hampered by genetic intractability and requires a thorough understanding of biosynthetic gene function. Expression of specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in heterologous hosts can surmount these problems. However, current approaches to BGC cloning and manipulation are inefficient, lack fidelity, and can be prohibitively expensive. Here, we report a yeast-based platform that exploits transformation-associated recombination (TAR) for high efficiency capture and parallelized manipulation of BGCs. As a proof of concept, we clone, heterologously express and genetically analyze BGCs for the structurally related nonribosomal peptides eponemycin and TMC-86A, clarifying remaining ambiguities in the biosynthesis of these important proteasome inhibitors. Our results show that the eponemycin BGC also directs the production of TMC-86A and reveal contrasting mechanisms for initiating the assembly of these two metabolites. Moreover, our data shed light on the mechanisms for biosynthesis and incorporation of 4,5-dehydro-l-leucine (dhL), an unusual nonproteinogenic amino acid incorporated into both TMC-86A and eponemycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Chuan Huang. Tel: +61 03 9905 1750;
| | - Daniel Zabala
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Emmanuel L C de los Santos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Lijiang Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Christophe Corre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Lona M Alkhalaf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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21
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Kurhade C, Xie X, Shi PY. Reverse genetic systems of SARS-CoV-2 for antiviral research. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105486. [PMID: 36657881 PMCID: PMC9776485 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reverse genetic systems are widely used to engineer recombinant viruses with desired mutations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, four types of reverse genetic systems have been developed for SARS-CoV-2: (i) a full-length infectious clone that can be used to prepare recombinant SARS-CoV-2 at biosafety level 3 (BSL3), (ii) a trans-complementation system that can be used to produce single-round infectious SARS-CoV-2 at BSL2, (iii) an attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate (with deletions of viral accessory genes) that may be developed for veterinary use as well as for antiviral screening at BSL2, and (iv) replicon systems with deletions of viral structural genes that can be used at BSL2. Each of these genetic systems has its advantages and disadvantages that can be used to address different questions for basic and translational research. Due to the long genomic size and bacteria-toxic sequences of SARS-CoV-2, several experimental approaches have been established to rescue recombinant viruses and replicons, including (i) in vitro DNA ligation, (ii) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system, (iii) yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) system, and (iv) circular polymerase extension reaction (CPER). This review summarizes the current status of SARS-CoV-2 genetic systems and their applications for studying viral replication, pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Kurhade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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22
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Jagadeesh V, Yoshida T, Uraji M, Okahashi N, Matsuda F, Vavricka CJ, Tsuge K, Kondo A. Simple and Rapid Non-ribosomal Peptide Synthetase Gene Assembly Using the SEAM-OGAB Method. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:305-318. [PMID: 36563322 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recombination of biosynthetic gene clusters including those of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) is essential for understanding the mechanisms of biosynthesis. Due to relatively huge gene cluster sizes ranging from 10 to 150 kb, the prevalence of sequence repeats, and inability to clearly define optimal points for manipulation, functional characterization of recombinant NRPSs with maintained activity has been hindered. In this study, we introduce a simple yet rapid approach named "Seamed Express Assembly Method (SEAM)" coupled with Ordered Gene Assembly in Bacillus subtilis (OGAB) to reconstruct fully functional plipastatin NRPS. This approach is enabled by the introduction of restriction enzyme sites as seams at module borders. SEAM-OGAB is then first demonstrated by constructing the ppsABCDE NRPS (38.4 kb) to produce plipastatin, a cyclic decapeptide in B. subtilis. The introduced amino acid level seams do not hinder the NRPS function and enable successful production of plipastatin at a commensurable titer. It is challenging to modify the plipastatin NRPS gene cluster due to the presence of three long direct-repeat sequences; therefore, this study demonstrates that SEAM-OGAB can be readily applied towards the recombination of various NRPSs. Compared to previous NRPS gene assembly methods, the advantage of SEAM-OGAB is that it readily enables the shuffling of NRPS gene modules, and therefore, chimeric NRPSs can be rapidly constructed for the production of novel peptides. This chimeric assembly application of SEAM-OGAB is demonstrated by swapping plipastatin NRPS and surfactin NRPS modules to produce two novel lipopeptides in B. subtilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varada Jagadeesh
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Takanobu Yoshida
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Misugi Uraji
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Okahashi
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Fumio Matsuda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Christopher J Vavricka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuge
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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23
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Zhang T, Xu B, Feng J, Ge P, Li G, Zhang J, Zhou J, Jiang J. Synthesis and assembly of full-length cyanophage A-4L genome. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 8:121-128. [PMID: 36605707 PMCID: PMC9803696 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial cyanophages are considered to be an effective biological method to control harmful cyanobacterial bloom. However, no synthetic cyanophage genome has been constructed and where its obstacles are unclear. Here, we survey a stretch of 16 kb length sequence of cyanophage A-4L that is unclonable in Escherichia coli. We test 12 predicted promoters of cyanophage A-4L which were verified all active in E. coli. Next, we screen for eight ORFs that hindered the assembly of intermediate DNA fragments in E. coli and describe that seven ORFs in the 16 kb sequence could not be separately cloned in E. coli. All of unclonable ORFs in high-copy-number plasmid were successfully cloned using low-copy-number vector, suggesting that these ORFs were copy-number-dependent. We propose a clone strategy abandoned the promotor and the start codon that could be applied for unclonable ORFs. Last, we de novo synthesized and assembled the full-length genome of cyanophage A-4L. This work deepens the understanding of synthetic cyanophages studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bonan Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jia Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Pingbo Ge
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Guorui Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jianting Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Corresponding author. School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Jianlan Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China,Corresponding author. School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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24
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Abstract
A hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that both increased transmission and improved immune evasion. Each variant possesses mutations throughout its genome, but little is known about their effect on pathogenesis. Specifically, we are interested in the accessory genes of SARS-CoV-2, which have been shown to affect viral pathogenesis through interference with the host innate immune response. In this work, we identify accessory genes that are responsible for pathogenesis in vivo and investigate the effect of variant nonspike genes on replication and disease in mice. This work identifies accessory genes as key drivers of pathogenesis and highlights the effect of nonspike genes on replication and pathogenesis. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health crisis. Despite the development and deployment of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pandemic persists. The continued spread of the virus is largely driven by the emergence of viral variants, which can evade the current vaccines through mutations in the spike protein. Although these differences in spike are important in terms of transmission and vaccine responses, these variants possess mutations in the other parts of their genome that may also affect pathogenesis. Of particular interest to us are the mutations present in the accessory genes, which have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis in the host through interference with innate immune signaling, among other effects on host machinery. To examine the effects of accessory protein mutations and other nonspike mutations on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, we synthesized both viruses possessing deletions in the accessory genes as well as viruses where the WA-1 spike is replaced by each variant spike gene in a SARS-CoV-2/WA-1 infectious clone. We then characterized the in vitro and in vivo replication of these viruses and compared them to both WA-1 and the full variant viruses. Our work has revealed that the accessory proteins contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the nonspike mutations in variants can contribute to replication of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenesis in the host. This work suggests that while spike mutations may enhance receptor binding and entry into cells, mutations in accessory proteins may alter clinical disease presentation.
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25
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Jiang S, Tang Y, Xiang L, Zhu X, Cai Z, Li L, Chen Y, Chen P, Feng Y, Lin X, Li G, Sharif J, Dai J. Efficient de novo assembly and modification of large DNA fragments. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1445-1455. [PMID: 34939159 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic genomics has provided new bottom-up platforms for the functional study of viral and microbial genomes. The construction of the large, gigabase (Gb)-sized genomes of higher organisms will deepen our understanding of genetic blueprints significantly. But for the synthesis and assembly of such large-scale genomes, the development of new or expanded methods is required. In this study, we develop an efficient pipeline for the construction of large DNA fragments sized 100 kilobases (kb) or above from scratches and describe an efficient method for "scar-free" engineering of the assembled sequences. Our method, therefore, should provide a standard framework for producing long DNA molecules, which are critical materials for synthetic genomics and metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangying Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuanwei Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Liang Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xinlu Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zelin Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yingxi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Peishuang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuge Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jafar Sharif
- Developmental Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Junbiao Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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26
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Taton A, Rohrer S, Diaz B, Reher R, Caraballo Rodriguez AM, Pierce ML, Dorrestein PC, Gerwick L, Gerwick WH, Golden JW. Heterologous Expression in Anabaena of the Columbamide Pathway from the Cyanobacterium Moorena bouillonii and Production of New Analogs. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1910-1923. [DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Taton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Sebastian Rohrer
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Brienna Diaz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Raphael Reher
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06114, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | | | - Marsha L. Pierce
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Lena Gerwick
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - James W. Golden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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27
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Mcgrath M, Xue Y, Dillen C, Oldfield L, Assad-garcia N, Zaveri J, Singh N, Baracco L, Taylor L, Vashee S, Frieman M. SARS-CoV-2 Variant Spike and accessory gene mutations alter pathogenesis.. [PMID: 35677080 PMCID: PMC9176647 DOI: 10.1101/2022.05.31.494211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health crisis. Despite the development and deployment of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the pandemic persists. The continued spread of the virus is largely driven by the emergence of viral variants, which can evade the current vaccines through mutations in the Spike protein. Although these differences in Spike are important in terms of transmission and vaccine responses, these variants possess mutations in the other parts of their genome which may affect pathogenesis. Of particular interest to us are the mutations present in the accessory genes, which have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis in the host through innate immune signaling, among other effects on host machinery. To examine the effects of accessory protein mutations and other non-spike mutations on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, we synthesized viruses where the WA1 Spike is replaced by each variant spike genes in a SARS-CoV-2/WA-1 infectious clone. We then characterized the in vitro and in vivo replication of these viruses and compared them to the full variant viruses. Our work has revealed that non-spike mutations in variants can contribute to replication of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenesis in the host and can lead to attenuating phenotypes in circulating variants of concern. This work suggests that while Spike mutations may enhance receptor binding and entry into cells, mutations in accessory proteins may lead to less clinical disease, extended time toward knowing an infection exists in a person and thus increased time for transmission to occur.
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28
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Recent Advances in the Heterologous Expression of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters for Marine Natural Products. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20060341. [PMID: 35736144 PMCID: PMC9225448 DOI: 10.3390/md20060341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine natural products (MNPs) are an important source of biologically active metabolites, particularly for therapeutic agent development after terrestrial plants and nonmarine microorganisms. Sequencing technologies have revealed that the number of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in marine microorganisms and the marine environment is much higher than expected. Unfortunately, the majority of them are silent or only weakly expressed under traditional laboratory culture conditions. Furthermore, the large proportion of marine microorganisms are either uncultivable or cannot be genetically manipulated. Efficient heterologous expression systems can activate cryptic BGCs and increase target compound yield, allowing researchers to explore more unknown MNPs. When developing heterologous expression of MNPs, it is critical to consider heterologous host selection as well as genetic manipulations for BGCs. In this review, we summarize current progress on the heterologous expression of MNPs as a reference for future research.
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29
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Talenton V, Baby V, Gourgues G, Mouden C, Claverol S, Vashee S, Blanchard A, Labroussaa F, Jores J, Arfi Y, Sirand-Pugnet P, Lartigue C. Genome Engineering of the Fast-Growing Mycoplasma feriruminatoris toward a Live Vaccine Chassis. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1919-1930. [PMID: 35511588 PMCID: PMC9128628 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Development of a new generation of vaccines is a key challenge for the control of infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals. Synthetic biology methods offer new ways to engineer bacterial chassis that can be used as vectors to present heterologous antigens and train the immune system against pathogens. Here, we describe the construction of a bacterial chassis based on the fast-growing Mycoplasma feriruminatoris, and the first steps toward its application as a live vaccine against contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP). To do so, the M. feriruminatoris genome was cloned in yeast, modified by iterative cycles of Cas9-mediated deletion of loci encoding virulence factors, and transplanted back in Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum recipient cells to produce the designed M. feriruminatoris chassis. Deleted genes encoded the glycerol transport and metabolism systems GtsABCD and GlpOKF and the Mycoplasma Ig binding protein-Mycoplasma Ig protease (MIB-MIP) immunoglobulin cleavage system. Phenotypic assays of the M. feriruminatoris chassis confirmed the corresponding loss of H2O2 production and IgG cleavage activities, while growth remained unaltered. The resulting mycoplasma chassis was further evaluated as a platform for the expression of heterologous surface proteins. A genome locus encoding an inactivated MIB-MIP system from the CCPP-causative agent Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae was grafted in replacement of its homolog at the original locus in the chassis genome. Both heterologous proteins were detected in the resulting strain using proteomics, confirming their expression. This study demonstrates that advanced genome engineering methods are henceforth available for the fast-growing M. feriruminatoris, facilitating the development of novel vaccines, in particular against major mycoplasma diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Talenton
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Vincent Baby
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, J1K 2R1 Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Geraldine Gourgues
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | | | - Stephane Claverol
- Plateforme Proteome, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sanjay Vashee
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Alain Blanchard
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Fabien Labroussaa
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - Joerg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - Yonathan Arfi
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | | | - Carole Lartigue
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, UMR BFP, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
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Exogenous artificial DNA forms chromatin structure with active transcription in yeast. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:851-860. [PMID: 34970711 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are important tools for sequencing, gene cloning, and transferring large quantities of genetic information. However, the structure and activity of YAC chromatin, as well as the unintended impacts of introducing foreign DNA sequences on DNA-associated biochemical events, have not been widely explored. Here, we showed that abundant genetic elements like TATA box and transcription factor-binding motifs occurred unintentionally in a previously reported data-carrying chromosome (dChr). In addition, we used state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to comprehensively profile the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and proteomic characteristics of the exogenous dChr. We found that the data-carrying DNA formed active chromatin with high chromatin accessibility and H3K4 tri-methylation levels. The dChr also displayed highly pervasive transcriptional ability and transcribed hundreds of noncoding RNAs. The results demonstrated that exogenous artificial chromosomes formed chromatin structures and did not remain as naked or loose plasmids. A better understanding of the YAC chromatin nature will improve our ability to design better data-storage chromosomes.
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Wang W, Peng X, Jin Y, Pan JA, Guo D. Reverse genetics systems for SARS-CoV-2. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3017-3031. [PMID: 35324008 PMCID: PMC9088479 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused severe public health crises and heavy economic losses. Limited knowledge about this deadly virus impairs our capacity to set up a toolkit against it. Thus, more studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) biology are urgently needed. Reverse genetics systems, including viral infectious clones and replicons, are powerful platforms for viral research projects, spanning many aspects such as the rescues of wild‐type or mutant viral particles, the investigation of viral replication mechanism, the characterization of viral protein functions, and the studies on viral pathogenesis and antiviral drug development. The operations on viral infectious clones are strictly limited in the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facilities, which are insufficient, especially during the pandemic. In contrast, the operation on the noninfectious replicon can be performed in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) facilities, which are widely available. After the outbreak of COVID‐19, many reverse genetics systems for SARS‐CoV‐2, including infectious clones and replicons are developed and given plenty of options for researchers to pick up according to the requirement of their research works. In this review, we summarize the available reverse genetics systems for SARS‐CoV‐2, by highlighting the features of these systems, and provide a quick guide for researchers, especially those without ample experience in operating viral reverse genetics systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Wang
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Xiaoxue Peng
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yunyun Jin
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ji-An Pan
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
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Hu H, Pan K, Shang Y, Guo Y, Xiao H, Deng F, Wang M, Hu Z. Multiloci Manipulation of Baculovirus Genome Reveals the Pivotal Role of Homologous Regions in Viral DNA Replication, Progeny Production, and Enhancing Transcription. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:144-153. [PMID: 34933547 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of viral genomes facilitates both fundamental and applied research on viruses. However, the multiloci manipulation of DNAs of viruses with large DNA genomes, such as baculoviruses, herpesviruses, and poxviruses, is technically challenging, particularly for highly homologous or repetitive sequences. Homologous regions (hrs) have multiple copies in many large DNA viruses and play pivotal roles in the viral life cycle. Here, we used synthetic biology to investigate the fundamental function of baculoviral hrs by conducting multiloci manipulation of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) DNA that contains eight hrs scattered in the genome. Using transformation-associated recombination in yeast, we generated recombinant AcMNPV genomes in which we deleted all hrs or retained a single hr (hr1, hr2, or hr3). Infectious viruses were rescued after transfecting the synthetic viral genomes into host cells, and their replication features were characterized. The results demonstrated that deletion of all hrs severely compromised viral DNA replication and progeny production, whereas retaining only a single hr was essential for efficient viral DNA replication and progeny production. The synthetic virus with hr2 or hr3 showed a growth curve similar to that of the parental virus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that hr1, hr2, and hr3 could enhance gene transcription within a surrounding region of 14.6 kb, 13.8 kb, and 29.8 kb, respectively. Overall, this study revealed the advantages of synthetic biology in multiloci engineering and functional studies of large DNA viruses. In addition, our findings on hrs will be helpful for the design and improvement of baculovirus-based expression vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengrui Hu
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Pan
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yu Shang
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yijia Guo
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fei Deng
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Manli Wang
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
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Rahman Siregar A, Gärtner S, Götting J, Stegen P, Kaul A, Schulz TF, Pöhlmann S, Winkler M. A Recombinant System and Reporter Viruses for Papiine Alphaherpesvirus 2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010091. [PMID: 35062295 PMCID: PMC8778148 DOI: 10.3390/v14010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primate simplex viruses, including Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, form a group of closely related herpesviruses, which establish latent infections in neurons of their respective host species. While neuropathogenic infections in their natural hosts are rare, zoonotic transmission of Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 (McHV1) from macaques to humans is associated with severe disease. Human infections with baboon-derived Papiine alphaherpesvirus 2 (PaHV2) have not been reported, although PaHV2 and McHV1 share several biological properties, including neuropathogenicity in mice. The reasons for potential differences in PaHV2 and McHV1 pathogenicity are presently not understood, and answering these questions will require mutagenic analysis. Here, we report the development of a recombinant system, which allows rescue of recombinant PaHV2. In addition, we used recombineering to generate viruses carrying reporter genes (Gaussia luciferase or enhanced green fluorescent protein), which replicate with similar efficiency as wild-type PaHV2. We demonstrate that these viruses can be used to analyze susceptibility of cells to infection and inhibition of infection by neutralizing antibodies and antiviral compounds. In summary, we created a recombinant system for PaHV2, which in the future will be invaluable for molecular analyses of neuropathogenicity of PaHV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rahman Siregar
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, 30073 Gottingen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Sabine Gärtner
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
| | - Jasper Götting
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.G.); (T.F.S.)
| | - Philipp Stegen
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
| | - Artur Kaul
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
| | - Thomas F. Schulz
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.G.); (T.F.S.)
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, 30073 Gottingen, Germany
| | - Michael Winkler
- German Primate Center, Infection Biology Unit, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Gottingen, Germany; (A.R.S.); (S.G.); (P.S.); (A.K.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3851383
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Herisse M, Pidot SJ. Mobilization of cryptic antibiotic biosynthesis loci from human-pathogenic Nocardia. Methods Enzymol 2022; 664:173-197. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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35
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Novel reverse genetics of genotype I and III Japanese encephalitis viruses assembled through transformation associated recombination in yeast: The reporter viruses expressing a green fluorescent protein for the antiviral screening assay. Antiviral Res 2022; 197:105233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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36
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Lee NCO, Petrov NS, Larionov V, Kouprina N. Assembly of Multiple Full-Size Genes or Genomic DNA Fragments on Human Artificial Chromosomes Using the Iterative Integration System. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e316. [PMID: 34919348 PMCID: PMC8730363 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are gene delivery vectors that have been used for decades for gene functional studies. HACs have several advantages over viral‐based gene transfer systems, including stable episomal maintenance in a single copy in the cell and the ability to carry up to megabase‐sized genomic DNA segments. We have previously developed the alphoidtetO‐HAC, which has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HAC, along with a DNA segment of interest, can then be transferred from donor CHO cells to various recipient cells of interest via microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we detail a protocol for loading multiple genomic DNA segments or genes into the alphoidtetO‐HAC vector using an iterative integration system (IIS) that utilizes recombinases Cre, ΦC31, and ΦBT. This IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC can be used for either serially assembling genomic loci or fragments of a large gene, or for inserting multiple genes into the same artificial chromosome. The insertions are executed iteratively, whereby each round results in the insertion of a new DNA segment of interest. This is accompanied by changes of expression of marker fluorescent proteins, which simplifies screening of correct clones, and changes of selection and counterselection markers, which constitutes an error‐proofing mechanism that removes mis‐incorporated DNA segments. In addition, the IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC carrying the genes can be eliminated from the cells, offering the possibility to compare the phenotypes of human cells with and without functional copies of the genes of interest. The resulting HAC molecules may be used to investigate biomedically relevant pathways or the regulation of multiple genes, and to potentially engineer synthetic chromosomes with a specific set of genes of interest. The IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC system is expected to be beneficial in creating multiple‐gene humanized models with the purpose of understanding complex multi‐gene genetic disorders. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Integration of the first DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HAC Basic Protocol 2: Integration of a second DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HAC Basic Protocol 3: Integration of a third DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HAC Support Protocol: Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for the circular IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C O Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nikolai S Petrov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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37
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Advances in Biosynthesis of Natural Products from Marine Microorganisms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122551. [PMID: 34946152 PMCID: PMC8706298 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play an important role in drug development, among which marine natural products are an underexplored resource. This review summarizes recent developments in marine natural product research, with an emphasis on compound discovery and production methods. Traditionally, novel compounds with useful biological activities have been identified through the chromatographic separation of crude extracts. New genome sequencing and bioinformatics technologies have enabled the identification of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in marine microbes that are difficult to culture. Subsequently, heterologous expression and combinatorial biosynthesis have been used to produce natural products and their analogs. This review examines recent examples of such new strategies and technologies for the development of marine natural products.
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38
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Shahgolzari M, Yavari A, Arjeini Y, Miri SM, Darabi A, Mozaffari Nejad AS, Keshavarz M. Immunopathology and Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19, what we know and what we should learn. GENE REPORTS 2021; 25:101417. [PMID: 34778602 PMCID: PMC8570409 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly interacts with host's epithelial and immune cells, leading to inflammatory response induction, which is considered the hallmark of infection. The host immune system is programmed to facilitate the clearance of viral infection by establishing a modulated response. However, SARS-CoV-2 takes the initiative and its various structural and non-structural proteins directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled activation of injurious inflammatory pathways through interaction with innate immune system mediators. Upregulation of cell-signaling pathways such as mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) in response to recognition of SARS-CoV-2 antigens by innate immune system receptors mediates unbridled production of proinflammatory cytokines and cells causing cytokine storm, tissue damage, increased pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality. Moreover, this acute inflammatory state hinders the immunomodulatory effect of T helper cells and timely response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells against infection. Furthermore, inflammation-induced overproduction of Th17 cells can downregulate the antiviral response of Th1 and Th2 cells. In fact, the improperly severe response of the innate immune system is the key to conversion from a non-severe to severe disease state and needs to be investigated more deeply. The virus can also modulate the protective immune responses by developing immune evasion mechanisms, and thereby provide a more stable niche. Overall, combination of detrimental immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of both the SARS-CoV-2 and immune cells does complicate the immune interplay. Thorough understanding of immunopathogenic basis of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 has led to developing several advanced vaccines and immune-based therapeutics and should be expanded more rapidly. In this review, we tried to delineate the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and to provide insight into more effective therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Shahgolzari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afagh Yavari
- Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Arjeini
- Department of Research and Development, Production and Research Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Miri
- Freelance Researcher of Biomedical Sciences, No 32, Vaezi Street, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Darabi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Amir Sasan Mozaffari Nejad
- Department of Microbiology, Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Keshavarz
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Wu C, Yin Y, Zhu L, Zhang Y, Li YZ. Metagenomic sequencing-driven multidisciplinary approaches to shed light on the untapped microbial natural products. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:730-742. [PMID: 34775105 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The advantage of metagenomics over the culture-based natural product (NP) discovery pipeline is the ability to access the biosynthetic potential of uncultivable microbes. Advances in DNA sequencing are revolutionizing conventional metagenomics approaches for microbial NP discovery. The genomes of (in)cultivable bugs can be resolved straightforwardly from environmental samples, enabling in situ prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). The predicted chemical diversities could be realized not only by heterologous expression of gene clusters originating from DNA synthesis or direct cloning, but also potentially by bioinformatic-directed organic synthesis or chemoenzymatic total synthesis. In this review, we suggest that metagenomic sequencing in tandem with multidisciplinary approaches will form a versatile platform to shed light on a plethora of microbial 'dark matter'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Yizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lele Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yue-Zhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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40
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Wu Q, Luo F, Wang XL, Lin Q, Liu GQ. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptide: an emerging candidate for vascular dysfunction therapy. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:736-755. [PMID: 34634988 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1948816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal vasoconstriction, inflammation, and vascular remodeling can be promoted by angiotensin II (Ang II) in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), leading to vascular dysfunction diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Researchers have recently focused on angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs), that have desirable efficacy in vascular dysfunction therapy due to Ang II reduction by inhibiting ACE activity. Promising methods for the large-scale preparation of ACEIPs include selective enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. Thus far, ACEIPs have been widely reported to be hydrolyzed from protein-rich sources, including animals, plants, and marine organisms, while many emerging microorganism-derived ACEIPs are theoretically biosynthesized through the nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) pathway. Notably, vasodilatation, anti-inflammation, and vascular reconstruction reversal of ACEIPs are strongly correlated. However, the related molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction regulation in vivo remain unclear. We provide a comprehensive update of the ACE-Ang II-G protein-coupled type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R) axis signaling and its functional significance for potential translation into therapeutic strategies, particularly targeting AT1R by ACEIPs, as well as specific related signaling pathways. Future studies are expected to verify the biosynthetic regulatory mechanism of ACEIPs via the NRPS pathway, the effect of gut microbiota metabolism on vascular dysfunction and rigorous studies of ACE-Ang II-AT1R signaling pathways mediated by ACEIPs in large animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wu
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China.,College of Food and Chemical Engineering, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, China
| | - Feijun Luo
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China.,College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Wang
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Qinlu Lin
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China.,College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Gao-Qiang Liu
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
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Russell AH, Vior NM, Hems ES, Lacret R, Truman AW. Discovery and characterisation of an amidine-containing ribosomally-synthesised peptide that is widely distributed in nature. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11769-11778. [PMID: 34659714 PMCID: PMC8442711 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01456k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a structurally diverse class of natural product with a wide range of bioactivities. Genome mining for RiPP biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) is often hampered by poor annotation of the short precursor peptides that are ultimately modified into the final molecule. Here, we utilise a previously described genome mining tool, RiPPER, to identify novel RiPP precursor peptides near YcaO-domain proteins, enzymes that catalyse various RiPP post-translational modifications including heterocyclisation and thioamidation. Using this dataset, we identified a novel and diverse family of RiPP BGCs spanning over 230 species of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. A representative BGC from Streptomyces albidoflavus J1074 (formerly known as Streptomyces albus) was characterised, leading to the discovery of streptamidine, a novel amidine-containing RiPP. This new BGC family highlights the breadth of unexplored natural products with structurally rare features, even in model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia H Russell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre Norwich NR4 7UH UK
| | - Natalia M Vior
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre Norwich NR4 7UH UK
| | - Edward S Hems
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre Norwich NR4 7UH UK
| | - Rodney Lacret
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre Norwich NR4 7UH UK
| | - Andrew W Truman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre Norwich NR4 7UH UK
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42
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Liskovykh M, Larionov V, Kouprina N. Highly Efficient Microcell-Mediated Transfer of HACs Containing a Genomic Region of Interest into Mammalian Cells. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e236. [PMID: 34491634 PMCID: PMC10758282 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are considered promising tools for gene delivery, functional analyses, and gene therapy. HACs have the potential to overcome many of the problems caused by the use of viral-based gene transfer systems, such as limited cloning capacity, lack of copy number control, and insertional mutagenesis during integration into host chromosomes. The recently developed alphoidtetO -HAC has an advantage over other HAC vectors because it can be easily eliminated from dividing cells by inactivation of its conditional kinetochore. This provides a unique control mechanism to study phenotypes induced by a gene or genes carried on the HAC. The alphoidtetO -HAC has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest or a cluster of genes of up to several Mb in size in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HACs carrying chromosomal copies of genes can then be transferred from these donor CHO cells to different recipient cells of interest via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for loading a gene of interest into the alphoidtetO -HAC vector and for the subsequent transfer of the HAC to recipient cells using an improved MMCT protocol. The original MMCT protocol includes treatment of donor cells with colcemid to induce micronucleation, wherein the HAC becomes surrounded with a nuclear membrane. That step is followed by disarrangement of the actin cytoskeleton using cytochalasin B to help induce microcell formation. The updated MMCT protocol, described here, features the replacement of colcemid and cytochalasin B with TN16 + griseofulvin and latrunculin B, respectively, and the use of collagen/laminin surface coating to promote attachment of metaphase cells to plates during micronuclei induction. These modifications increase the efficiency of HAC transfer to recipient cells ten fold. The improved MMCT protocol has been successfully tested on several recipient cell lines, including human mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Insertion of a BAC containing a gene of interest into a single loxP loading site of alphoidtetO -HAC in hamster CHO cells Basic Protocol 2: Microcell-mediated chromosome transfer from donor hamster CHO cells to mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Liskovykh
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Kouprina N, Kim J, Larionov V. Highly Selective, CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Isolation of Genes and Genomic Loci from Complex Genomes by TAR Cloning in Yeast. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e207. [PMID: 34370406 PMCID: PMC8363120 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe an updated TAR cloning protocol for the selective and efficient isolation of any genomic fragment or gene of interest up to 280 kb in size from genomic DNA. The method exploits the special recombination machinery of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. TAR cloning is based on the high level of in vivo recombination that occurs between a specific genomic DNA fragment of interest and targeting sequences (hooks) in a TAR vector that are homologous to the 5' and 3' ends of the targeted region. Upon co-transformation into yeast, this results in the isolation of the chromosomal region of interest as a circular YAC molecule, which then propagates and segregates in yeast cells and can be selected for. In the updated TAR cloning protocol described here, the fraction of region-positive clones typically obtained is increased from 1% up to 35% by pre-treatment of the genomic DNA with specifically designed CRISPR/Cas9 endonucleases that create double-strand breaks (DSBs) bracketing the target genomic DNA sequence, thereby making the ends of the chromosomal region of interest highly recombinogenic. In addition, a new TAR vector was constructed that contains YAC and BAC cassettes, permitting direct transfer of a TAR-cloned DNA from yeast to bacterial cells. Once the TAR vector with the hooks is constructed and genomic DNA is prepared, the entire procedure takes 3 weeks to complete. The updated TAR protocol does not require significant yeast experience or extensively time-consuming yeast work because screening only about a dozen yeast transformants is typically enough to find a clone with the region of interest. TAR cloning of chromosomal fragments, individual genes, or gene families can be used for functional, structural, and population studies, for comparative genomics, and for long-range haplotyping, and has potential for gene therapy. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of CRISPR/Cas9-treated genomic DNA for TAR cloning Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of a gene or genomic locus by TAR cloning Basic Protocol 3: Transfer of TAR/YAC/BAC isolates from yeast to E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer InstituteNIHBethesdaMaryland
| | - Jung‐Hyun Kim
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer InstituteNIHBethesdaMaryland
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer InstituteNIHBethesdaMaryland
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Generation of restriction endonucleases barcode map to trace SARS-CoV-2 origin and evolution. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11773. [PMID: 34083682 PMCID: PMC8175367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first report of SARS-CoV-2 in China in 2019, there has been a huge debate about the origin. In this work, using a different method we aimed to strengthen the observation that no evidence of genetic manipulation has been found by (1) detecting classical restriction site (RS) sequence in human SARS-CoV-2 genomes and (2) comparing them with other recombinant SARS-CoV-like virus created for experimental purposes. Finally, we propose a novel approach consisting in the generation of a restriction endonucleases site map of SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronavirus genomes to be used as a fingerprint to trace the virus evolution.
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Chen W, Han M, Zhou J, Ge Q, Wang P, Zhang X, Zhu S, Song L, Yuan Y. An artificial chromosome for data storage. Natl Sci Rev 2021; 8:nwab028. [PMID: 34691648 PMCID: PMC8288405 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA digital storage provides an alternative for information storage with high density and long-term stability. Here, we report the de novo design and synthesis of an artificial chromosome that encodes two pictures and a video clip. The encoding paradigm utilizing the superposition of sparsified error correction codewords and pseudo-random sequences tolerates base insertions/deletions and is well suited to error-prone nanopore sequencing for data retrieval. The entire 254 kb sequence was 95.27% occupied by encoded data. The Transformation-Associated Recombination method was used in the construction of this chromosome from DNA fragments and necessary autonomous replication sequences. The stability was demonstrated by transmitting the data-carrying chromosome to the 100th generation. This study demonstrates a data storage method using encoded artificial chromosomes via in vivo assembly for write-once and stable replication for multiple retrievals, similar to a compact disc, with potential in economically massive data distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Chen
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingzhe Han
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jianting Zhou
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qi Ge
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xinchen Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lifu Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Creating custom synthetic genomes in Escherichia coli with REXER and GENESIS. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2345-2380. [PMID: 33903757 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We previously developed REXER (Replicon EXcision Enhanced Recombination); this method enables the replacement of >100 kb of the Escherichia coli genome with synthetic DNA in a single step and allows the rapid identification of non-viable or otherwise problematic sequences with nucleotide resolution. Iterative repetition of REXER (GENESIS, GENomE Stepwise Interchange Synthesis) enables stepwise replacement of longer contiguous sections of genomic DNA with synthetic DNA, and even the replacement of the entire E. coli genome with synthetic DNA. Here we detail protocols for REXER and GENESIS. A standard REXER protocol typically takes 7-10 days to complete. Our description encompasses (i) synthetic DNA design, (ii) assembly of synthetic DNA constructs, (iii) utilization of CRISPR-Cas9 coupled to lambda-red recombination and positive/negative selection to enable the high-fidelity replacement of genomic DNA with synthetic DNA (or insertion of synthetic DNA), (iv) evaluation of the success of the integration and replacement and (v) identification of non-tolerated synthetic DNA sequences with nucleotide resolution. This protocol provides a set of precise genome engineering methods to create custom synthetic E. coli genomes.
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Nottelet P, Bataille L, Gourgues G, Anger R, Lartigue C, Sirand-Pugnet P, Marza E, Fronzes R, Arfi Y. The mycoplasma surface proteins MIB and MIP promote the dissociation of the antibody-antigen interaction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/10/eabf2403. [PMID: 33674316 PMCID: PMC7935358 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma immunoglobulin binding (MIB) and mycoplasma immunoglobulin protease (MIP) are surface proteins found in the majority of mycoplasma species, acting sequentially to capture antibodies and cleave off their VH domains. Cryo-electron microscopy structures show how MIB and MIP bind to a Fab fragment in a "hug of death" mechanism. As a result, the orientation of the VL and VH domains is twisted out of alignment, disrupting the antigen binding site. We also show that MIB-MIP has the ability to promote the dissociation of the antibody-antigen complex. This system is functional in cells and protects mycoplasmas from antibody-mediated agglutination. These results highlight the key role of the MIB-MIP system in immunity evasion by mycoplasmas through an unprecedented mechanism, and open exciting perspectives to use these proteins as potential tools in the antibody field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Nottelet
- Structure and Function of Bacterial Nanomachines, UMR 5234, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Laure Bataille
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Geraldine Gourgues
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Robin Anger
- Structure and Function of Bacterial Nanomachines, UMR 5234, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Carole Lartigue
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Pascal Sirand-Pugnet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Esther Marza
- Structure and Function of Bacterial Nanomachines, UMR 5234, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Remi Fronzes
- Structure and Function of Bacterial Nanomachines, UMR 5234, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Yonathan Arfi
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France.
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Pikl Š, Carrillo Rincón AF, Slemc L, Goranovič D, Avbelj M, Gjuračić K, Sucipto H, Stare K, Baebler Š, Šala M, Guo M, Luzhetskyy A, Petković H, Magdevska V. Multiple copies of the oxytetracycline gene cluster in selected Streptomyces rimosus strains can provide significantly increased titers. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:47. [PMID: 33596911 PMCID: PMC7890619 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural products are a valuable source of biologically active compounds that have applications in medicine and agriculture. One disadvantage with natural products is the slow, time-consuming strain improvement regimes that are necessary to ensure sufficient quantities of target compounds for commercial production. Although great efforts have been invested in strain selection methods, many of these technologies have not been improved in decades, which might pose a serious threat to the economic and industrial viability of such important bioprocesses. Results In recent years, introduction of extra copies of an entire biosynthetic pathway that encodes a target product in a single microbial host has become a technically feasible approach. However, this often results in minor to moderate increases in target titers. Strain stability and process reproducibility are the other critical factors in the industrial setting. Industrial Streptomyces rimosus strains for production of oxytetracycline are one of the most economically efficient strains ever developed, and thus these represent a very good industrial case. To evaluate the applicability of amplification of an entire gene cluster in a single host strain, we developed and evaluated various gene tools to introduce multiple copies of the entire oxytetracycline gene cluster into three different Streptomyces rimosus strains: wild-type, and medium and high oxytetracycline-producing strains. We evaluated the production levels of these engineered S. rimosus strains with extra copies of the oxytetracycline gene cluster and their stability, and the oxytetracycline gene cluster expression profiles; we also identified the chromosomal integration sites. Conclusions This study shows that stable and reproducible increases in target secondary metabolite titers can be achieved in wild-type and in high oxytetracycline-producing strains, which always reflects the metabolic background of each independent S. rimosus strain. Although this approach is technically very demanding and requires systematic effort, when combined with modern strain selection methods, it might constitute a very valuable approach in industrial process development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Pikl
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lucija Slemc
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Martina Avbelj
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Hilda Sucipto
- Pharmazeutische Biotechnologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Katja Stare
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Baebler
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Šala
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Andriy Luzhetskyy
- Pharmazeutische Biotechnologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hrvoje Petković
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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An efficient system for stable markerless integration of large biosynthetic gene clusters into Streptomyces chromosomes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2123-2137. [PMID: 33564923 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11161-w] [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] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The bacteria of the genus Streptomyces are among the most important producers of biologically active secondary metabolites. Moreover, recent genomic sequence data have shown their enormous genetic potential for new natural products, although many new biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are silent. Therefore, efficient and stable genome modification techniques are needed to activate their production or to manipulate their biosynthesis towards increased production or improved properties. We have recently developed an efficient markerless genome modification system for streptomycetes based on positive blue/white selection of double crossovers using the bpsA gene from indigoidine biosynthesis, which has been successfully applied for markerless deletions of genes and BGCs. In the present study, we optimized this system for markerless insertion of large BGCs. In a pilot test experiment, we successfully inserted a part of the landomycin BGC (lanFABCDL) under the control of the ermEp* promoter in place of the actinorhodin BGC (act) of Streptomyces lividans TK24 and RedStrep 1.3. The resulting strains correctly produced UWM6 and rabelomycin in twice the yield compared to S. lividans strains with the same construct inserted using the PhiBT1 phage-based integration vector system. Moreover, the system was more stable. Subsequently, using the same strategy, we effectively inserted the entire BGC for mithramycin (MTM) in place of the calcium-dependent antibiotic BGC (cda) of S. lividans RedStrep 1.3 without antibiotic-resistant markers. The resulting strain produced similar levels of MTM when compared to the previously described S. lividans RedStrep 1.3 strain with the VWB phage-based integration plasmid pMTMF. The system was also more stable. KEY POINTS: • Optimized genome editing system for markerless insertion of BGCs into Streptomyces genomes • Efficient heterologous production of MTM in the stable engineered S. lividans strain.
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Taton A, Ecker A, Diaz B, Moss NA, Anderson B, Reher R, Leão TF, Simkovsky R, Dorrestein PC, Gerwick L, Gerwick WH, Golden JW. Heterologous Expression of Cryptomaldamide in a Cyanobacterial Host. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:3364-3376. [PMID: 33180461 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous marine cyanobacteria make a variety of bioactive molecules that are produced by polyketide synthases, nonribosomal peptide synthetases, and hybrid pathways that are encoded by large biosynthetic gene clusters. These cyanobacterial natural products represent potential drug leads; however, thorough pharmacological investigations have been impeded by the limited quantity of compound that is typically available from the native organisms. Additionally, investigations of the biosynthetic gene clusters and enzymatic pathways have been difficult due to the inability to conduct genetic manipulations in the native producers. Here we report a set of genetic tools for the heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters in the cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Anabaena (Nostoc) PCC 7120. To facilitate the transfer of gene clusters in both strains, we engineered a strain of Anabaena that contains S. elongatus homologous sequences for chromosomal recombination at a neutral site and devised a CRISPR-based strategy to efficiently obtain segregated double recombinant clones of Anabaena. These genetic tools were used to express the large 28.7 kb cryptomaldamide biosynthetic gene cluster from the marine cyanobacterium Moorena (Moorea) producens JHB in both model strains. S. elongatus did not produce cryptomaldamide; however, high-titer production of cryptomaldamide was obtained in Anabaena. The methods developed in this study will facilitate the heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters isolated from marine cyanobacteria and complex metagenomic samples.
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