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Fu S, Li J, Chen J, Zhang L, Liu J, Liu H, Su X. Bacteriophage λ exonuclease and a 5'-phosphorylated DNA guide allow PAM-independent targeting of double-stranded nucleic acids. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02388-9. [PMID: 39294394 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Sequence-specific recognition of double-stranded nucleic acids is essential for molecular diagnostics and in situ imaging. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and Cas systems rely on protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM)-dependent double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) recognition, limiting the range of targetable sequences and leading to undesired off-target effects. Using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis, we discover the enzymatic activity of bacteriophage λ exonuclease (λExo). We show binding of 5'-phosphorylated single-stranded DNA (pDNA) to complementary regions on dsDNA and DNA-RNA duplexes, without the need for a PAM-like motif. Upon binding, the λExo-pDNA system catalytically digests the pDNA into nucleotides in the presence of Mg2+. This process is sensitive to mismatches within a wide range of the pDNA-binding region, resulting in exceptional sequence specificity and reduced off-target effects in various applications. The absence of a requirement for a specific motif such as a PAM sequence greatly broadens the range of targets. We demonstrate that the λExo-pDNA system is a versatile tool for molecular diagnostics, DNA computing and gene imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Fu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Linghao Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Su
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
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2
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Napoletano S, Battista E, Netti PA, Causa F. MicroLOCK: Highly stable microgel biosensor using locked nucleic acids as bioreceptors for sensitive and selective detection of let-7a. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 260:116406. [PMID: 38805889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116406] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Chemically modified oligonucleotides can solve biosensing issues for the development of capture probes, antisense, CRISPR/Cas, and siRNA, by enhancing their duplex-forming ability, their stability against enzymatic degradation, and their specificity for targets with high sequence similarity as microRNA families. However, the use of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids (LNA) for biosensors is still limited by hurdles in design and from performances on the material interface. Here we developed a fluorogenic biosensor for non-coding RNAs, represented by polymeric PEG microgels conjugated with molecular beacons (MB) modified with locked nucleic acids (MicroLOCK). By 3D modeling and computational analysis, we designed molecular beacons (MB) inserting spot-on LNAs for high specificity among targets with high sequence similarity (95%). MicroLOCK can reversibly detect microRNA targets in a tiny amount of biological sample (2 μL) at 25 °C with a higher sensitivity (LOD 1.3 fM) without any reverse transcription or amplification. MicroLOCK can hybridize the target with fast kinetic (about 30 min), high duplex stability without interferences from the polymer interface, showing high signal-to-noise ratio (up to S/N = 7.3). MicroLOCK also demonstrated excellent resistance to highly nuclease-rich environments, in real samples. These findings represent a great breakthrough for using the LNA in developing low-cost biosensing approaches and can be applied not only for nucleic acids and protein detection but also for real-time imaging and quantitative assessment of gene targeting both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Napoletano
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Edmondo Battista
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Causa
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy.
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3
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Novikova D, Sagaidak A, Vorona S, Tribulovich V. A Visual Compendium of Principal Modifications within the Nucleic Acid Sugar Phosphate Backbone. Molecules 2024; 29:3025. [PMID: 38998973 PMCID: PMC11243533 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid chemistry is a huge research area that has received new impetus due to the recent explosive success of oligonucleotide therapy. In order for an oligonucleotide to become clinically effective, its monomeric parts are subjected to modifications. Although a large number of redesigned natural nucleic acids have been proposed in recent years, the vast majority of them are combinations of simple modifications proposed over the past 50 years. This review is devoted to the main modifications of the sugar phosphate backbone of natural nucleic acids known to date. Here, we propose a systematization of existing knowledge about modifications of nucleic acid monomers and an acceptable classification from the point of view of chemical logic. The visual representation is intended to inspire researchers to create a new type of modification or an original combination of known modifications that will produce unique oligonucleotides with valuable characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Novikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, St. Petersburg State Institute of Technology, St. Petersburg 190013, Russia
| | - Aleksandra Sagaidak
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, St. Petersburg State Institute of Technology, St. Petersburg 190013, Russia
| | - Svetlana Vorona
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, St. Petersburg State Institute of Technology, St. Petersburg 190013, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav Tribulovich
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, St. Petersburg State Institute of Technology, St. Petersburg 190013, Russia
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4
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Prokhorova DV, Kupryushkin MS, Zhukov SA, Zharkov TD, Dovydenko IS, Yakovleva KI, Pereverzev IM, Matveeva AM, Pyshnyi DV, Stepanov GA. Effect of the Phosphoryl Guanidine Modification in Chimeric DNA-RNA crRNAs on the Activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 System In Vitro. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1311-1319. [PMID: 38814157 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the CRISPR-Cas9 system serves as a prevalent tool for genome editing and gene expression regulation. Its therapeutic application is limited by off-target effects that can affect genomic integrity through nonspecific, undesirable changes in the genome. Various strategies have been explored to mitigate the off-target effects. Many approaches focus on modifying components of the system, namely, Cas9 and guide RNAs, to enhance specificity. However, a common challenge is that methods aiming to increase specificity often result in a significant reduction in the editing efficiency. Here, we introduce a novel approach to modifying crRNA to balance CRISPR-Cas9 specificity and efficiency. Our approach involves incorporating nucleoside modifications, such as replacing ribo- to deoxyribonucleosides and backbone modifications, using phosphoryl guanidine groups, specifically 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-ylidene phosphoramidate. In this case, within the first 10 nucleotides from the 5' crRNA end, phosphodiester bonds are substituted with phosphoryl guanidine groups. We demonstrate that crRNAs containing a combination of deoxyribonucleosides and single or multiple phosphoryl guanidine groups facilitate the modulation of CRISPR-Cas9 system activity while improving its specificity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Prokhorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim S Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey A Zhukov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Timofey D Zharkov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ilya S Dovydenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Kristina I Yakovleva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ivan M Pereverzev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anastasiya M Matveeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitriy V Pyshnyi
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory A Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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5
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Vora DS, Bhandari SM, Sundar D. DNA shape features improve prediction of CRISPR/Cas9 activity. Methods 2024; 226:120-126. [PMID: 38641083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology has transformed basic and translational research in biology and medicine. However, the advances are hindered by off-target effects and a paucity in the knowledge of the mechanism of the Cas9 protein. Machine learning models have been proposed for the prediction of Cas9 activity at unintended sites, yet feature engineering plays a major role in the outcome of the predictors. This study evaluates the improvement in the performance of similar predictors upon inclusion of epigenetic and DNA shape feature groups in the conventionally used sequence-based Cas9 target and off-target datasets. The approach involved the utilization of neural networks trained on a diverse range of parameters, allowing us to systematically assess the performance increase for the meticulously designed datasets- (i) sequence only, (ii) sequence and epigenetic features, and (iii) sequence, epigenetic and DNA shape feature datasets. The addition of DNA shape information significantly improved predictive performance, evaluated by Akaike and Bayesian information criteria. The evaluation of individual feature importance by permutation and LIME-based methods also indicates that not only sequence features like mismatches and nucleotide composition, but also base pairing parameters like opening and stretch, that are indicative of distortion in the DNA-RNA hybrid in the presence of mismatches, influence model outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhvani Sandip Vora
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Sakshi Manoj Bhandari
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Durai Sundar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; School of Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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6
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Beauchamp E, Gamma JM, Cromwell CR, Moussa EW, Pain R, Kostiuk MA, Acevedo-Morantes C, Iyer A, Yap M, Vincent KM, Postovit LM, Julien O, Hubbard BP, Mackey JR, Berthiaume LG. Multiomics analysis identifies oxidative phosphorylation as a cancer vulnerability arising from myristoylation inhibition. J Transl Med 2024; 22:431. [PMID: 38715059 PMCID: PMC11075276 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, two ubiquitously expressed N-myristoyltransferases, NMT1 and NMT2, catalyze myristate transfer to proteins to facilitate membrane targeting and signaling. We investigated the expression of NMTs in numerous cancers and found that NMT2 levels are dysregulated by epigenetic suppression, particularly so in hematologic malignancies. This suggests that pharmacological inhibition of the remaining NMT1 could allow for the selective killing of these cells, sparing normal cells with both NMTs. METHODS AND RESULTS Transcriptomic analysis of 1200 NMT inhibitor (NMTI)-treated cancer cell lines revealed that NMTI sensitivity relates not only to NMT2 loss or NMT1 dependency, but also correlates with a myristoylation inhibition sensitivity signature comprising 54 genes (MISS-54) enriched in hematologic cancers as well as testis, brain, lung, ovary, and colon cancers. Because non-myristoylated proteins are degraded by a glycine-specific N-degron, differential proteomics revealed the major impact of abrogating NMT1 genetically using CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer cells was surprisingly to reduce mitochondrial respiratory complex I proteins rather than cell signaling proteins, some of which were also reduced, albeit to a lesser extent. Cancer cell treatments with the first-in-class NMTI PCLX-001 (zelenirstat), which is undergoing human phase 1/2a trials in advanced lymphoma and solid tumors, recapitulated these effects. The most downregulated myristoylated mitochondrial protein was NDUFAF4, a complex I assembly factor. Knockout of NDUFAF4 or in vitro cell treatment with zelenirstat resulted in loss of complex I, oxidative phosphorylation and respiration, which impacted metabolomes. CONCLUSIONS Targeting of both, oxidative phosphorylation and cell signaling partly explains the lethal effects of zelenirstat in select cancer types. While the prognostic value of the sensitivity score MISS-54 remains to be validated in patients, our findings continue to warrant the clinical development of zelenirstat as cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay M Gamma
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher R Cromwell
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eman W Moussa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rony Pain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Morris A Kostiuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Claudia Acevedo-Morantes
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aishwarya Iyer
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Yap
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Krista M Vincent
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne M Postovit
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olivier Julien
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Basil P Hubbard
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Luc G Berthiaume
- Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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7
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Xun G, Zhu Z, Singh N, Lu J, Jain PK, Zhao H. Harnessing noncanonical crRNA for highly efficient genome editing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3823. [PMID: 38714643 PMCID: PMC11076584 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48012-x] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas12a system is more advantageous than the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 system in terms of specificity and multiplexibility. However, its on-target editing efficiency is typically much lower than that of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Here we improved its on-target editing efficiency by simply incorporating 2-aminoadenine (base Z, which alters canonical Watson-Crick base pairing) into the crRNA to increase the binding affinity between crRNA and its complementary DNA target. The resulting CRISPR-Cas12a (named zCRISPR-Cas12a thereafter) shows an on-target editing efficiency comparable to that of the CRISPR-Cas9 system but with much lower off-target effects than the CRISPR-Cas9 system in mammalian cells. In addition, zCRISPR-Cas12a can be used for precise gene knock-in and highly efficient multiplex genome editing. Overall, the zCRISPR-Cas12a system is superior to the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and our simple crRNA engineering strategy may be extended to other CRISPR-Cas family members as well as their derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Xun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Zhixin Zhu
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Nilmani Singh
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jingxia Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Piyush K Jain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA.
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8
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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9
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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10
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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11
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Bischof J, Hierl M, Koller U. Emerging Gene Therapeutics for Epidermolysis Bullosa under Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2243. [PMID: 38396920 PMCID: PMC10889532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The monogenetic disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is characterised by the formation of extended blisters and lesions on the patient's skin upon minimal mechanical stress. Causal for this severe condition are genetic mutations in genes, leading to the functional impairment, reduction, or absence of the encoded protein within the skin's basement membrane zone connecting the epidermis to the underlying dermis. The major burden of affected families justifies the development of long-lasting and curative therapies operating at the genomic level. The landscape of causal therapies for EB is steadily expanding due to recent breakthroughs in the gene therapy field, providing promising outcomes for patients suffering from this severe disease. Currently, two gene therapeutic approaches show promise for EB. The clinically more advanced gene replacement strategy was successfully applied in severe EB forms, leading to a ground-breaking in vivo gene therapy product named beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) recently approved from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the continuous innovations in both designer nucleases and gene editing technologies enable the efficient and potentially safe repair of mutations in EB in a potentially permanent manner, inspiring researchers in the field to define and reach new milestones in the therapy of EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Hierl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.B.); (M.H.)
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12
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Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Amrani N, Chen Z, Gaston N, Wagh A, Newby G, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe S, Khvorova A, Watts J, Sontheimer E. Self-delivering, chemically modified CRISPR RNAs for AAV co-delivery and genome editing in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:977-997. [PMID: 38033325 PMCID: PMC10810193 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a 'protecting oligo'), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Atish Wagh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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13
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Zhu C, Hao Z, Liu D. Reshaping the Landscape of the Genome: Toolkits for Precise DNA Methylation Manipulation and Beyond. JACS AU 2024; 4:40-57. [PMID: 38274248 PMCID: PMC10806789 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays a pivotal role in various biological processes and is highly related to multiple diseases. The exact functions of DNA methylation are still puzzling due to its uneven distribution, dynamic conversion, and complex interactions with other substances. Current methods such as chemical- and enzyme-based sequencing techniques have enabled us to pinpoint DNA methylation at single-base resolution, which necessitated the manipulation of DNA methylation at comparable resolution to precisely illustrate the correlations and causal relationships between the functions of DNA methylation and its spatiotemporal patterns. Here a perspective on the past, recent process, and future of precise DNA methylation tools is provided. Specifically, genome-wide and site-specific manipulation of DNA methylation methods is discussed, with an emphasis on their principles, limitations, applications, and future developmental directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyou Zhu
- Engineering
Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Ministry of Education,
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ziyang Hao
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical
University, Beijing, 100069, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Engineering
Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Ministry of Education,
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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14
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Lopes R, Prasad MK. Beyond the promise: evaluating and mitigating off-target effects in CRISPR gene editing for safer therapeutics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1339189. [PMID: 38390600 PMCID: PMC10883050 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1339189] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, CRISPR has revolutionized drug development due to its potential to cure genetic diseases that currently do not have any treatment. CRISPR was adapted from bacteria for gene editing in human cells in 2012 and, remarkably, only 11 years later has seen it's very first approval as a medicine for the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. However, the application of CRISPR systems is associated with unintended off-target and on-target alterations (including small indels, and structural variations such as translocations, inversions and large deletions), which are a source of risk for patients and a vital concern for the development of safe therapies. In recent years, a wide range of methods has been developed to detect unwanted effects of CRISPR-Cas nuclease activity. In this review, we summarize the different methods for off-target assessment, discuss their strengths and limitations, and highlight strategies to improve the safety of CRISPR systems. Finally, we discuss their relevance and application for the pre-clinical risk assessment of CRISPR therapeutics within the current regulatory context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lopes
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Megana K Prasad
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Herring-Nicholas A, Dimig H, Roesing MR, Josephs EA. Selection of extended CRISPR RNAs with enhanced targeting and specificity. Commun Biol 2024; 7:86. [PMID: 38212640 PMCID: PMC10784525 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05776-8] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As CRISPR effectors like Cas9 increasingly enter clinical trials for therapeutic gene editing, a future for personalized medicine will require efficient methods to protect individuals from the potential of off-target mutations that may also occur at specific sequences in their genomes that are similar to the therapeutic target. A Cas9 enzyme's ability to recognize their targets (and off-targets) are determined by the sequence of their RNA-cofactors (their guide RNAs or gRNAs). Here, we present a method to screen hundreds of thousands of gRNA variants with short, randomized 5' nucleotide extensions near its DNA-targeting segment-a modification that can increase gene editing specificity by orders of magnitude-to identify extended gRNAs (x-gRNAs) that effectively block any activity at those off-target sites while still maintaining strong activity at their intended targets. X-gRNAs that have been selected for specific target / off-target pairs can significantly out-perform other methods that reduce Cas9 off-target activity overall, like using Cas9 variants engineered for higher specificity in general, and we demonstrate their effectiveness in clinically-relevant gRNAs. Our streamlined approach to efficiently identify highly specific and active x-gRNAs provides a way to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model of high-fidelity CRISPR for safer and more effective personalized gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Herring-Nicholas
- Department of Nanoscience, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Hillary Dimig
- Department of Nanoscience, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Miranda R Roesing
- Department of Nanoscience, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Eric A Josephs
- Department of Nanoscience, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
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16
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Gao S, Guan H, Bloomer H, Wich D, Song D, Khirallah J, Ye Z, Zhao Y, Chen M, Xu C, Liu L, Xu Q. Harnessing non-Watson-Crick's base pairing to enhance CRISPR effectors cleavage activities and enable gene editing in mammalian cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2308415120. [PMID: 38150477 PMCID: PMC10786293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308415120] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA of the cyanophage S-2L virus is composed of 2-aminoadenine (Z), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), forming the genetic alphabet ZTGC, which violates Watson-Crick base pairing rules. The Z-base has an extra amino group on the two position that allows the formation of a third hydrogen bond with thymine in DNA strands. Here, we explored and expanded applications of this non-Watson-Crick base pairing in protein expression and gene editing. Both ZTGC-DNA (Z-DNA) and ZUGC-RNA (Z-RNA) produced in vitro show detectable compatibility and can be decoded in mammalian cells, including Homo sapiens cells. Z-crRNA can guide CRISPR-effectors SpCas9 and LbCas12a to cleave specific DNA through non-Watson-Crick base pairing and boost cleavage activities compared to A-crRNA. Z-crRNA can also allow for efficient gene and base editing in human cells. Together, our results help pave the way for potential strategies for optimizing DNA or RNA payloads for gene editing therapeutics and give insights to understanding the natural Z-DNA genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuliang Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Huiwen Guan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Hanan Bloomer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Douglas Wich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Donghui Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Jennifer Khirallah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Mengting Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Chutian Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Lihan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
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17
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Li J, Zhang K, Lin G, Li J. CRISPR-Cas system: A promising tool for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29356. [PMID: 38180237 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a global health crisis. The emergence of multiple variants with enhanced characteristics necessitates their detection and monitoring. Genome sequencing, the gold standard, faces implementation challenges due to complexity, cost, and limited throughput. The CRISPR-Cas system offers promising potential for rapid variant detection, with advantages such as speed, sensitivity, specificity, and programmability. This review provides an in-depth examination of the applications of CRISPR-Cas in mutation detection specifically for SARS-CoV-2. It begins by introducing SARS-CoV-2 and existing variant detection platforms. The principles of the CRISPR-Cas system are then clarified, followed by an exploration of three CRISPR-Cas-based mutation detection platforms, which are evaluated from different perspectives. The review discusses strategies for mutation site selection and the utilization of CRISPR-Cas, offering valuable insights for the development of mutation detection methods. Furthermore, a critical analysis of the clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and prospects of the CRISPR-Cas system is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guigao Lin
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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18
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Becker HJ, Yamazaki S. Understanding genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited hematopoietic stem cell products. Exp Hematol 2024; 129:104133. [PMID: 38036097 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas gene editing has transformed genetic research and is poised to drive the next generation of gene therapies targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the installation of the "desired" edit is most often only achieved in a minor subset of alleles. The array of cellular pathways triggered by gene editing tools produces a broad spectrum of "undesired" editing outcomes, including short insertions and deletions (indels) and chromosome rearrangements, leading to considerable genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited HSC populations. This heterogeneity may undermine the effect of the genetic intervention since only a subset of cells will carry the intended modification. Also, undesired mutations represent a potential safety concern as gene editing advances toward broader clinical use. Here, we will review the different sources of "undesired" edits and will discuss strategies for their mitigation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jiro Becker
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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19
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Tyumentseva M, Tyumentsev A, Akimkin V. CRISPR/Cas9 Landscape: Current State and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16077. [PMID: 38003266 PMCID: PMC10671331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 is a unique genome editing tool that can be easily used in a wide range of applications, including functional genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, biotechnology, plant engineering, livestock breeding, gene therapy, diagnostics, and so on. This review is focused on the current CRISPR/Cas9 landscape, e.g., on Cas9 variants with improved properties, on Cas9-derived and fusion proteins, on Cas9 delivery methods, on pre-existing immunity against CRISPR/Cas9 proteins, anti-CRISPR proteins, and their possible roles in CRISPR/Cas9 function improvement. Moreover, this review presents a detailed outline of CRISPR/Cas9-based diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. Finally, the review addresses the future expansion of genome editors' toolbox with Cas9 orthologs and other CRISPR/Cas proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tyumentseva
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya Str., 3a, 111123 Moscow, Russia; (A.T.); (V.A.)
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20
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Tiwari PK, Ko TH, Dubey R, Chouhan M, Tsai LW, Singh HN, Chaubey KK, Dayal D, Chiang CW, Kumar S. CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic tool for triple negative breast cancer: from bench to clinics. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1214489. [PMID: 37469704 PMCID: PMC10352522 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1214489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a third-generation genome editing method that has revolutionized the world with its high throughput results. It has been used in the treatment of various biological diseases and infections. Various bacteria and other prokaryotes such as archaea also have CRISPR/Cas9 systems to guard themselves against bacteriophage. Reportedly, CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy may inhibit the growth and development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via targeting the potentially altered resistance genes, transcription, and epigenetic regulation. These therapeutic activities could help with the complex issues such as drug resistance which is observed even in TNBC. Currently, various methods have been utilized for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 into the targeted cell such as physical (microinjection, electroporation, and hydrodynamic mode), viral (adeno-associated virus and lentivirus), and non-viral (liposomes and lipid nano-particles). Although different models have been developed to investigate the molecular causes of TNBC, but the lack of sensitive and targeted delivery methods for in-vivo genome editing tools limits their clinical application. Therefore, based on the available evidences, this review comprehensively highlighted the advancement, challenges limitations, and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of TNBC. We also underscored how integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning could improve CRISPR/Cas9 strategies in TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar Tiwari
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tin-Hsien Ko
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Rajni Dubey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Chouhan
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Medicine Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Technology Office, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Data Science, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Himanshu Narayan Singh
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kundan Kumar Chaubey
- Division of Research and Innovation, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deen Dayal
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chih-Wei Chiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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21
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Hu Z, Sun A, Yang J, Naz G, Sun G, Li Z, Gogo Liu JJ, Zhang S, Zhang X. Regulation of the CRISPR-Cas12a system by methylation and demethylation of guide RNA. Chem Sci 2023; 14:5945-5955. [PMID: 37293662 PMCID: PMC10246701 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00629h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications of CRISPR-Cas nucleases help decrease off-target editing and expand the biomedical applications of CRISPR-based gene manipulation tools. Here, we found that epigenetic modifications of guide RNA, such as m6A and m1A methylation, can effectively inhibit both the cis- and trans-DNA cleavage activities of CRISPR-Cas12a. The underlying mechanism is that methylations destabilize the secondary and tertiary structure of gRNA which prevents the assembly of the Cas12a-gRNA nuclease complex, leading to decreased DNA targeting ability. A minimum of three adenine methylated nucleotides are required to completely inhibit the nuclease activity. We also demonstrate that these effects are reversible through the demethylation of gRNA by demethylases. This strategy has been used in the regulation of gene expression, demethylase imaging in living cells and controllable gene editing. The results demonstrate that the methylation-deactivated and demethylase-activated strategy is a promising tool for regulation of the CRISPR-Cas12a system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhian Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100083 P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Ao Sun
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Jinlei Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Gul Naz
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Gongwei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Zhengping Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100083 P. R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Gogo Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Sichun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
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22
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Wang G, Wang C, Chu T, Wu X, Anderson CM, Huang D, Li J. Deleting Specific Residues From the HNH Linkers Creates A CRISPR-SpCas9 Variant With High Fidelity and Efficiency. J Biotechnol 2023; 368:42-52. [PMID: 37116617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.04.008] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems are immunological defenses used in archaea and bacteria to recognize and destroy DNA from external invaders. The CRISPR-SpCas9 system harnessed from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) has become the most widely utilized genome editing tool and shows promise for clinical application. However, the off-target effect is still the major challenge for the genome editing of CRISPR-SpCas9. Based on analysis of the structure and cleavage procedures, we proposed two strategies to modify the SpCas9 structure and reduce off-target effects. Shortening the HNH or REC3 linkers (Strategy #1) aimed to move the primary position of HNH or REC3 far away from the single-guide RNA (sgRNA)/DNA hybrid (hybrid), while elongating the helix around the sgRNA (Strategy #2) aimed to strengthen the contacts between SpCas9 and the sgRNA/DNA. We designed 11 SpCas9 variants (variant No.1- variant No.11) and verified their efficiencies on the classic genome site EMX1-1, EMX1-1-OT1, and EMX1-1-OT2. The top three effective SpCas9 variants, variant No.1, variant No.2, and variant No.5, were additionally validated on other genome sites. The further selected variant No.1 was compared with two previous SpCas9 variants, HypaCas9 (a hyper-accurate Cas9 variant released in 2017) and eSpCas9 (1.1) (an "enhanced specificity" SpCas9 variant released in 2016), on two genome sites, EMX1-1 and FANCF-1. The results revealed that the deletion of Thr769 and Gly906 could substantially decrease off-target effects, while maintaining robust on-target efficiency in most of the selected genome sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Wang
- School of Food and Biotechnology, Guangdong Industry Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Canmao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pharmacy, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital (SUS Tech Hospital), Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Teng Chu
- Sangon Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201611, China
| | - Xinjun Wu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517, USA
| | | | - Dongwei Huang
- Pharmaceutical and Material Engineering School, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua 321007, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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23
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Xiao H, Hu J, Huang C, Feng W, Liu Y, Kumblathan T, Tao J, Xu J, Le XC, Zhang H. CRISPR techniques and potential for the detection and discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 161:117000. [PMID: 36937152 PMCID: PMC9977466 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The continuing evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to the emergence of many variants, including variants of concern (VOCs). CRISPR-Cas systems have been used to develop techniques for the detection of variants. These techniques have focused on the detection of variant-specific mutations in the spike protein gene of SARS-CoV-2. These sequences mostly carry single-nucleotide mutations and are difficult to differentiate using a single CRISPR-based assay. Here we discuss the specificity of the Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 systems, important considerations of mutation sites, design of guide RNA, and recent progress in CRISPR-based assays for SARS-CoV-2 variants. Strategies for discriminating single-nucleotide mutations include optimizing the position of mismatches, modifying nucleotides in the guide RNA, and using two guide RNAs to recognize the specific mutation sequence and a conservative sequence. Further research is needed to confront challenges in the detection and differentiation of variants and sublineages of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical diagnostic and point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyan Xiao
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jianyu Hu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Camille Huang
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Wei Feng
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yanming Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Teresa Kumblathan
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Tao
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jingyang Xu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
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24
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Guo C, Ma X, Gao F, Guo Y. Off-target effects in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1143157. [PMID: 36970624 PMCID: PMC10034092 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1143157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing stands for the methods to precisely make changes to a specific nucleic acid sequence. With the recent development of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, gene editing has become efficient, convenient and programmable, leading to promising translational studies and clinical trials for both genetic and non-genetic diseases. A major concern in the applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system is about its off-target effects, namely the deposition of unexpected, unwanted, or even adverse alterations to the genome. To date, many methods have been developed to nominate or detect the off-target sites of CRISPR/Cas9, which laid the basis for the successful upgrades of CRISPR/Cas9 derivatives with enhanced precision. In this review, we summarize these technological advancements and discuss about the current challenges in the management of off-target effects for future gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congting Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoteng Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Gao, ; Yuxuan Guo,
| | - Yuxuan Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Gao, ; Yuxuan Guo,
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25
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Fu L, Li Z, Ren Y, Yu H, Liu B, Qiu Y. CRISPR/Cas genome editing in triple negative breast cancer: Current situation and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115449. [PMID: 36754153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been well-known to be closely associated with the abnormal expression of both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Although several pathogenic mutations in TNBC have been identified, the current therapeutic strategy is usually aimed at symptom relief rather than correcting mutations in the DNA sequence. Of note, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) has been gradually regarded as a breakthrough gene-editing tool with potential therapeutic applications in human cancers, including TNBC. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular subtypes of TNBC, as well as the CRISPR system and its potential applications in TNBC treatment. Moreover, we further discuss several emerging strategies for utilizing the CRISPR/Cas system to aid in the precise diagnosis of TNBC, as well as the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system. Taken together, these findings would demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas system is not only an effective genome editing tool in TNBC, but a promising strategy for the future therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yueting Ren
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerity faculty of medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yuling Qiu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
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26
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Ma Z, Ma L, Zhou J. Applications of CRISPR/Cas genome editing in economically important fruit crops: recent advances and future directions. MOLECULAR HORTICULTURE 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 37789479 PMCID: PMC10515014 DOI: 10.1186/s43897-023-00049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fruit crops, consist of climacteric and non-climacteric fruits, are the major sources of nutrients and fiber for human diet. Since 2013, CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-Associated Protein) genome editing system has been widely employed in different plants, leading to unprecedented progress in the genetic improvement of many agronomically important fruit crops. Here, we summarize latest advancements in CRISPR/Cas genome editing of fruit crops, including efforts to decipher the mechanisms behind plant development and plant immunity, We also highlight the potential challenges and improvements in the application of genome editing tools to fruit crops, including optimizing the expression of CRISPR/Cas cassette, improving the delivery efficiency of CRISPR/Cas reagents, increasing the specificity of genome editing, and optimizing the transformation and regeneration system. In addition, we propose the perspectives on the application of genome editing in crop breeding especially in fruit crops and highlight the potential challenges. It is worth noting that efforts to manipulate fruit crops with genome editing systems are urgently needed for fruit crops breeding and demonstration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Ma
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China
| | - Lijing Ma
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China
| | - Junhui Zhou
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
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27
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Sun YJ, Chen WD, Liu J, Li JJ, Zhang Y, Cai WQ, Liu L, Tang XJ, Hou J, Wang M, Cheng L. A Conformational Restriction Strategy for the Control of CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing with Photoactivatable Guide RNAs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202212413. [PMID: 36453982 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system is one of the most powerful tools for gene editing. However, approaches for precise control of genome editing and regulatory events are still desirable. Here, we report the spatiotemporal and efficient control of CRISPR/Cas9- and Cas12a-mediated editing with conformationally restricted guide RNAs (gRNAs). This approach relied on only two or three pre-installed photo-labile substituents followed by an intramolecular cyclization, representing a robust synthetic method in comparison to the heavily modified linear gRNAs that often require extensive screening and time-consuming optimization. This tactic could direct the precise cleavage of the genes encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) protein within a predefined cutting region without notable editing leakage in live cells. We also achieved light-mediated myostatin (MSTN) gene editing in embryos, wherein a new bow-knot-type gRNA was constructed with excellent OFF/ON switch efficiency. Overall, our work provides a significant new strategy in CRISPR/Cas editing with modified circular gRNAs to precisely manipulate where and when genes are edited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wen-Da Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ji Liu
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jun-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei-Qi Cai
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin-Jing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jian Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ming Wang
- BNLMS, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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28
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Tao J, Bauer DE, Chiarle R. Assessing and advancing the safety of CRISPR-Cas tools: from DNA to RNA editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 36639728 PMCID: PMC9838544 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas gene editing has revolutionized experimental molecular biology over the past decade and holds great promise for the treatment of human genetic diseases. Here we review the development of CRISPR-Cas9/Cas12/Cas13 nucleases, DNA base editors, prime editors, and RNA base editors, focusing on the assessment and improvement of their editing precision and safety, pushing the limit of editing specificity and efficiency. We summarize the capabilities and limitations of each CRISPR tool from DNA editing to RNA editing, and highlight the opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research, as well as the therapeutic and clinical considerations for their use in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Tao
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
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29
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Hu LF, Li YX, Wang JZ, Zhao YT, Wang Y. Controlling CRISPR-Cas9 by guide RNA engineering. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1731. [PMID: 35393779 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a product of million years of evolution by microbes to fight against invading genetic materials. Around 10 years ago, scientists started to repurpose the CRISPR as genetic tools by molecular engineering approaches. The guide RNA provides a versatile and unique platform for the innovation to improve and expand the application of CRISPR-Cas9 system. In this review, we will first introduce the basic sequence and structure of guide RNA and its role during the function of CRISPR-Cas9. We will then summarize recent progress on the development of various guide RNA engineering strategies. These strategies have been dedicated to improve the performance of CRISPR-Cas9, to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of CRISPR-Cas9, and to broaden the application of CRISPR-Cas9. Finally, we will briefly discuss the uniqueness and advantage of guide RNA-engineering based systems versus those with engineered Cas9 proteins and speculate potential future directions in guide RNA engineering. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Feng Hu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Zhen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhao
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangming Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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30
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Ivanov GS, Tribulovich VG, Pestov NB, David TI, Amoah AS, Korneenko TV, Barlev NA. Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies. Biol Direct 2022; 17:39. [PMID: 36474260 PMCID: PMC9727881 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb S Ivanov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Vyacheslav G Tribulovich
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Nikolay B Pestov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow, Russia, 108819
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б
| | - Temitope I David
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Abdul-Saleem Amoah
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Tatyana V Korneenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Nikolai A Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064.
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б.
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan.
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31
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Yao Y, Cao J, Wang W, Liu B, Pei X, Zhang L, Rao S. Highly Efficient One-Step Tagging of Endogenous Genes in Primary Cells Using CRISPR-Cas Ribonucleoproteins. CRISPR J 2022; 5:843-853. [PMID: 36449402 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing tools have simplified the generation of knock-in gene fusions, which are widely used to study proteins in their natural context. However, strategies for tagging endogenous genes in primary cells are few and inefficient. In this study, we developed a one-step endogenous gene-tagging strategy by co-delivery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes and chemically modified donor DNA into cells. Upon CRISPR-Cas9 blunt-end double-strand breaks, highly efficient site-specific insertion of genetic materials (3 × FLAG or eGFP) was achieved in both cell lines and primary cells. We further optimized the gene-tagging efficiency and precision by using CRISPR-Cas12a, which produces a staggered cut with a 5' overhang and thus enables precise ligation of DNA donors with a complementary 3' overhang. With high efficiency and flexibility, this platform would be extremely useful for multiplex endogenous genes tagging and further exploration of protein functions in various cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaxuan Cao
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Wentian Wang
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaolei Pei
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuquan Rao
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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32
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Wang G, Du Y, Ma X, Ye F, Qin Y, Wang Y, Xiang Y, Tao R, Chen T. Thermophilic Nucleic Acid Polymerases and Their Application in Xenobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314969. [PMID: 36499296 PMCID: PMC9738464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermophilic nucleic acid polymerases, isolated from organisms that thrive in extremely hot environments, possess great DNA/RNA synthesis activities under high temperatures. These enzymes play indispensable roles in central life activities involved in DNA replication and repair, as well as RNA transcription, and have already been widely used in bioengineering, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), which are analogs of DNA/RNA with unnatural moieties, have been developed as new carriers of genetic information in the past decades, which contributed to the fast development of a field called xenobiology. The broad application of these XNA molecules in the production of novel drugs, materials, and catalysts greatly relies on the capability of enzymatic synthesis, reverse transcription, and amplification of them, which have been partially achieved with natural or artificially tailored thermophilic nucleic acid polymerases. In this review, we first systematically summarize representative thermophilic and hyperthermophilic polymerases that have been extensively studied and utilized, followed by the introduction of methods and approaches in the engineering of these polymerases for the efficient synthesis, reverse transcription, and amplification of XNAs. The application of XNAs facilitated by these polymerases and their mutants is then discussed. In the end, a perspective for the future direction of further development and application of unnatural nucleic acid polymerases is provided.
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33
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Sakovina L, Vokhtantsev I, Vorobyeva M, Vorobyev P, Novopashina D. Improving Stability and Specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 System by Selective Modification of Guide RNAs with 2'-fluoro and Locked Nucleic Acid Nucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13460. [PMID: 36362256 PMCID: PMC9655745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome editing approach using the components of the CRISPR/Cas system has found wide application in molecular biology, fundamental medicine and genetic engineering. A promising method is to increase the efficacy and specificity of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing systems by modifying their components. Here, we designed and chemically synthesized guide RNAs (crRNA, tracrRNA and sgRNA) containing modified nucleotides (2'-O-methyl, 2'-fluoro, LNA-locked nucleic acid) or deoxyribonucleotides in certain positions. We compared their resistance to nuclease digestion and examined the DNA cleavage efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system guided by these modified guide RNAs. The replacement of ribonucleotides with 2'-fluoro modified or LNA nucleotides increased the lifetime of the crRNAs, while other types of modification did not change their nuclease resistance. Modification of crRNA or tracrRNA preserved the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Otherwise, the CRISPR/Cas9 systems with modified sgRNA showed a remarkable loss of DNA cleavage efficacy. The kinetic constant of DNA cleavage was higher for the system with 2'-fluoro modified crRNA. The 2'-modification of crRNA also decreased the off-target effect upon in vitro dsDNA cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubov Sakovina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ivan Vokhtantsev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya Vorobyeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Pavel Vorobyev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Darya Novopashina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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34
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Pacesa M, Lin CH, Cléry A, Saha A, Arantes PR, Bargsten K, Irby MJ, Allain FHT, Palermo G, Cameron P, Donohoue PD, Jinek M. Structural basis for Cas9 off-target activity. Cell 2022; 185:4067-4081.e21. [PMID: 36306733 PMCID: PMC10103147 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The target DNA specificity of the CRISPR-associated genome editor nuclease Cas9 is determined by complementarity to a 20-nucleotide segment in its guide RNA. However, Cas9 can bind and cleave partially complementary off-target sequences, which raises safety concerns for its use in clinical applications. Here, we report crystallographic structures of Cas9 bound to bona fide off-target substrates, revealing that off-target binding is enabled by a range of noncanonical base-pairing interactions within the guide:off-target heteroduplex. Off-target substrates containing single-nucleotide deletions relative to the guide RNA are accommodated by base skipping or multiple noncanonical base pairs rather than RNA bulge formation. Finally, PAM-distal mismatches result in duplex unpairing and induce a conformational change in the Cas9 REC lobe that perturbs its conformational activation. Together, these insights provide a structural rationale for the off-target activity of Cas9 and contribute to the improved rational design of guide RNAs and off-target prediction algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pacesa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chun-Han Lin
- Caribou Biosciences, 2929 Seventh Street Suite 105, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Antoine Cléry
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aakash Saha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 52512, USA
| | - Pablo R Arantes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 52512, USA
| | - Katja Bargsten
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J Irby
- Caribou Biosciences, 2929 Seventh Street Suite 105, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Frédéric H-T Allain
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 52512, USA
| | - Peter Cameron
- Caribou Biosciences, 2929 Seventh Street Suite 105, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Paul D Donohoue
- Caribou Biosciences, 2929 Seventh Street Suite 105, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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35
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Nedorezova DD, Dubovichenko MV, Belyaeva EP, Grigorieva ED, Peresadina AV, Kolpashchikov DM. Specificity of oligonucleotide gene therapy (OGT) agents. Theranostics 2022; 12:7132-7157. [PMID: 36276652 PMCID: PMC9576606 DOI: 10.7150/thno.77830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide gene therapy (OGT) agents (e. g. antisense, deoxyribozymes, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas) are promising therapeutic tools. Despite extensive efforts, only few OGT drugs have been approved for clinical use. Besides the problem of efficient delivery to targeted cells, hybridization specificity is a potential limitation of OGT agents. To ensure tight binding, a typical OGT agent hybridizes to the stretch of 15-25 nucleotides of a unique targeted sequence. However, hybrids of such lengths tolerate one or more mismatches under physiological conditions, the problem known as the affinity/specificity dilemma. Here, we assess the scale of this problem by analyzing OGT hybridization-dependent off-target effects (HD OTE) in vitro, in animal models and clinical studies. All OGT agents except deoxyribozymes exhibit HD OTE in vitro, with most thorough evidence of poor specificity reported for siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9. Notably, siRNA suppress non-targeted genes due to (1) the partial complementarity to mRNA 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR), and (2) the antisense activity of the sense strand. CRISPR/Cas9 system can cause hundreds of non-intended dsDNA breaks due to low specificity of the guide RNA, which can limit therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 by ex-vivo formats. Contribution of this effects to the observed in vivo toxicity of OGT agents is unclear and requires further investigation. Locked or peptide nucleic acids improve OGT nuclease resistance but not specificity. Approaches that use RNA marker dependent (conditional) activation of OGT agents may improve specificity but require additional validation in cell culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria D. Nedorezova
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail V. Dubovichenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina P. Belyaeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina D. Grigorieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Arina V. Peresadina
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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36
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Shin S, Jang S, Lim D. Small Molecules for Enhancing the Precision and Safety of Genome Editing. Molecules 2022; 27:6266. [PMID: 36234804 PMCID: PMC9573751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome-editing technologies have revolutionized biology, biotechnology, and medicine, and have spurred the development of new therapeutic modalities. However, there remain several barriers to the safe use of CRISPR technologies, such as unintended off-target DNA cleavages. Small molecules are important resources to solve these problems, given their facile delivery and fast action to enable temporal control of the CRISPR systems. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of small molecules that can precisely modulate CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases and guide RNAs (gRNAs). We also discuss the small-molecule control of emerging genome editors (e.g., base editors) and anti-CRISPR proteins. These molecules could be used for the precise investigation of biological systems and the development of safer therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoon Shin
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Seeun Jang
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Donghyun Lim
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
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37
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Zhu Y, Zhu L, Wang X, Jin H. RNA-based therapeutics: an overview and prospectus. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:644. [PMID: 35871216 PMCID: PMC9308039 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The growing understanding of RNA functions and their crucial roles in diseases promotes the application of various RNAs to selectively function on hitherto "undruggable" proteins, transcripts and genes, thus potentially broadening the therapeutic targets. Several RNA-based medications have been approved for clinical use, while others are still under investigation or preclinical trials. Various techniques have been explored to promote RNA intracellular trafficking and metabolic stability, despite significant challenges in developing RNA-based therapeutics. In this review, the mechanisms of action, challenges, solutions, and clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics have been comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLaboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Liyuan Zhu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLaboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xian Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLaboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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38
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Rozners E. Chemical Modifications of CRISPR RNAs to Improve Gene-Editing Activity and Specificity. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12584-12594. [PMID: 35796760 PMCID: PMC9636589 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats) has become a cutting-edge research method and holds great potential to revolutionize biotechnology and medicine. However, like other nucleic acid technologies, CRISPR will greatly benefit from chemical innovation to improve activity and specificity for critical in vivo applications. Chemists have started optimizing various components of the CRISPR system; the present Perspective focuses on chemical modifications of CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs). As with other nucleic acid-based technologies, early efforts focused on well-established sugar and backbone modifications (2'-deoxy, 2'-F, 2'-OMe, and phosphorothioates). Some more significant alterations of crRNAs have been done using bicyclic (locked) riboses and phosphate backbone replacements (phosphonoacetates and amides); however, the range of chemical innovation applied to crRNAs remains limited to modifications that have been successful in RNA interference and antisense technologies. The encouraging results given by these tried-and-true modifications suggest that, going forward, chemists should take a bolder approach─research must aim to investigate what chemistry will have the most impact on maturing CRISPR as therapeutic and other in vivo technologies. With an eye to the future, this Perspective argues that the complexity of CRISPR presents rich unprecedented opportunities for chemists to synergize advances in synthetic methodology and structural biochemistry to rationally optimize crRNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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39
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Huang X, Yang D, Zhang J, Xu J, Chen YE. Recent Advances in Improving Gene-Editing Specificity through CRISPR-Cas9 Nuclease Engineering. Cells 2022; 11:2186. [PMID: 35883629 PMCID: PMC9319960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is the state-of-the-art programmable genome-editing tool widely used in many areas. For safe therapeutic applications in clinical medicine, its off-target effect must be dramatically minimized. In recent years, extensive studies have been conducted to improve the gene-editing specificity of the most popular CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases using different strategies. In this review, we summarize and discuss these strategies and achievements, with a major focus on improving the gene-editing specificity through Cas9 protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Huang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (D.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.X.)
| | | | | | | | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (D.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.X.)
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40
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Saito-Tarashima N, Ueno M, Murai A, Matsuo A, Minakawa N. Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage guided by enzymatically prepared 4'-thio-modified RNA. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:5245-5248. [PMID: 35726625 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00742h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA editing relies on guide RNAs (gRNAs) that direct site-specific DNA cleavage by the Cas endonuclease. Because natural gRNA is susceptible to intracellular degradation, it is desirable to chemically protect it for efficient editing. Using 4'-thioribonucleoside 5'-triphosphates and T7 transcription, we have prepared 4'-thio-modified gRNAs that guide Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage. This approach is a simple way to obtain chemically modified RNA suitable for CRISPR-Cas9 DNA editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Saito-Tarashima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
| | - Mana Ueno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
| | - Akiho Murai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
| | - Ayako Matsuo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
| | - Noriaki Minakawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Shomachi 1-78-1, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
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41
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. In recent decades, extraordinary effort has been devoted to defining the molecular and pathophysiological characteristics of the diseased heart and vasculature. Mouse models have been especially powerful in illuminating the complex signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulatory circuits, and multicellular interactions that underlie cardiovascular disease. The advent of CRISPR genome editing has ushered in a new era of cardiovascular research and possibilities for genetic correction of disease. Next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly accelerated the identification of disease-causing mutations, and advances in gene editing have enabled the rapid modeling of these mutations in mice and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The ability to correct the genetic drivers of cardiovascular disease through delivery of gene editing components in vivo, while still facing challenges, represents an exciting therapeutic frontier. In this review, we provide an overview of cardiovascular disease mechanisms and the potential applications of CRISPR genome editing for disease modeling and correction. We also discuss the extent to which mice can faithfully model cardiovascular disease and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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42
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Chen Z, Devi G, Arif A, Zamore PD, Sontheimer EJ, Watts JK. Tetrazine-Ligated CRISPR sgRNAs for Efficient Genome Editing. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1045-1050. [PMID: 35446558 PMCID: PMC9127786 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology has revolutionized genome editing. Its broad and fast-growing application in biomedical research and therapeutics has led to increased demand for guide RNAs. The synthesis of chemically modified single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) containing >100 nucleotides remains a bottleneck. Here we report the development of a tetrazine ligation method for the preparation of sgRNAs. A tetrazine moiety on the 3'-end of the crRNA and a norbornene moiety on the 5'-end of the tracrRNA enable successful ligation between crRNA and tracrRNA to form sgRNA under mild conditions. Tetrazine-ligated sgRNAs allow efficient genome editing of reporter and endogenous loci in human cells. High-efficiency editing requires structural optimization of the linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexiang Chen
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Amena Arif
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Phillip D. Zamore
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Erik J. Sontheimer
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program
in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA
Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts
Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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43
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Park H, Osman EA, Cromwell CR, St Laurent CD, Liu Y, Kitova EN, Klassen JS, Hubbard BP, Macauley MS, Gibbs JM. CRISPR-Click Enables Dual-Gene Editing with Modular Synthetic sgRNAs. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:858-868. [PMID: 35436106 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gene-editing systems such as CRISPR-Cas9 readily enable individual gene phenotypes to be studied through loss of function. However, in certain instances, gene compensation can obfuscate the results of these studies, necessitating the editing of multiple genes to properly identify biological pathways and protein function. Performing multiple genetic modifications in cells remains difficult due to the requirement for multiple rounds of gene editing. While fluorescently labeled guide RNAs (gRNAs) are routinely used in laboratories for targeting CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt individual loci, technical limitations in single gRNA (sgRNA) synthesis hinder the expansion of this approach to multicolor cell sorting. Here, we describe a modular strategy for synthesizing sgRNAs where each target sequence is conjugated to a unique fluorescent label, which enables fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate cells that incorporate the desired combination of gene-editing constructs. We demonstrate that three short strands of RNA functionalized with strategically placed 5'-azide and 3'-alkyne terminal deoxyribonucleotides can be assembled in a one-step, template-assisted, copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition to generate fully functional, fluorophore-modified sgRNAs. Using these synthetic sgRNAs in combination with FACS, we achieved selective cleavage of two targeted genes, either separately as a single-color experiment or in combination as a dual-color experiment. These data indicate that our strategy for generating double-clicked sgRNA allows for Cas9 activity in cells. By minimizing the size of each RNA fragment to 41 nucleotides or less, this strategy is well suited for custom, scalable synthesis of sgRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Park
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Eiman A Osman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | | | - Chris D St Laurent
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Yuning Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Elena N Kitova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - John S Klassen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Basil P Hubbard
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Matthew S Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Julianne M Gibbs
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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44
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Guide RNAs containing universal bases enable Cas9/Cas12a recognition of polymorphic sequences. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1617. [PMID: 35338140 PMCID: PMC8956631 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas complexes enable precise gene editing in a wide variety of organisms. While the rigid identification of DNA sequences by these systems minimizes the potential for off-target effects, it consequently poses a problem for the recognition of sequences containing naturally occurring polymorphisms. The presence of genetic variance such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a gene sequence can compromise the on-target activity of CRISPR systems. Thus, when attempting to target multiple variants of a human gene, or evolved variants of a pathogen gene using a single guide RNA, more flexibility is desirable. Here, we demonstrate that Cas9 can tolerate the inclusion of universal bases in individual guide RNAs, enabling simultaneous targeting of polymorphic sequences. Crucially, we find that specificity is selectively degenerate at the site of universal base incorporation, and remains otherwise preserved. We demonstrate the applicability of this technology to targeting multiple naturally occurring human SNPs with individual guide RNAs and to the design of Cas12a/Cpf1-based DETECTR probes capable of identifying multiple evolved variants of the HIV protease gene. Our findings extend the targeting capabilities of CRISPR/Cas systems beyond their canonical spacer sequences and highlight a use of natural and synthetic universal bases.
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45
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Kotikam V, Gajula PK, Coyle L, Rozners E. Amide Internucleoside Linkages Are Well Tolerated in Protospacer Adjacent Motif-Distal Region of CRISPR RNAs. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:509-512. [PMID: 35225591 PMCID: PMC9636586 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing technology is revolutionizing molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine. However, as with other nucleic acid technologies, CRISPR would greatly benefit from chemical modifications that optimize delivery, activity, and specificity of gene editing. Amide modifications at certain positions of short interfering RNAs have been previously shown to improve their RNAi activity and specificity, which motivated the current study on replacement of selected internucleoside phosphates of CRISPR RNAs with amide linkages. Herein, we show that amide modifications did not interfere with CRISPR-Cas9 activity when placed in the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) distal region of CRISPR RNAs. In contrast, modification of the seed region led to a loss of DNA cleavage activity at most but not all positions. These results are encouraging for future studies on amides as backbone modifications in CRISPR RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venubabu Kotikam
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Praveen Kumar Gajula
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Lamorna Coyle
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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46
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Boukouris AE, Zhang Y, Saleme B, Kinnaird A, Zhao YY, Liu Y, Zervopoulos SD, Das SK, Mittal RD, Haromy A, Lorenzana-Carrillo MA, Krysler AR, Cromwell CR, Hubbard BP, Sutendra G, Michelakis ED. A reversible metabolic stress-sensitive regulation of CRMP2A orchestrates EMT/stemness and increases metastatic potential in cancer. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110511. [PMID: 35294884 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
An epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype with cancer stem cell-like properties is a critical feature of aggressive/metastatic tumors, but the mechanism(s) that promote it and its relation to metabolic stress remain unknown. Here we show that Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2A (CRMP2A) is unexpectedly and reversibly induced in cancer cells in response to multiple metabolic stresses, including low glucose and hypoxia, and inhibits EMT/stemness. Loss of CRMP2A, when metabolic stress decreases (e.g., around blood vessels in vivo) or by gene deletion, induces extensive microtubule remodeling, increased glutamine utilization toward pyrimidine synthesis, and an EMT/stemness phenotype with increased migration, chemoresistance, tumor initiation capacity/growth, and metastatic potential. In a cohort of 27 prostate cancer patients with biopsies from primary tumors and distant metastases, CRMP2A expression decreases in the metastatic versus primary tumors. CRMP2A is an endogenous molecular brake on cancer EMT/stemness and its loss increases the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongneng Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bruno Saleme
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Kinnaird
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yuan Yuan Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Subhash K Das
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rohan D Mittal
- Department of Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alois Haromy
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Amanda R Krysler
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Basil P Hubbard
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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47
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Méndez-Mancilla A, Wessels HH, Legut M, Kadina A, Mabuchi M, Walker J, Robb GB, Holden K, Sanjana NE. Chemically modified guide RNAs enhance CRISPR-Cas13 knockdown in human cells. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:321-327.e4. [PMID: 34343484 PMCID: PMC8792099 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 proteins have recently emerged as a powerful platform to modulate gene expression outcomes. However, protein and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) delivery in human cells can be challenging with rapid crRNA degradation yielding transient knockdown. Here we compare several chemical RNA modifications at different positions to identify synthetic crRNAs that improve RNA targeting efficiency and half-life in human cells. We show that co-delivery of modified crRNAs and recombinant Cas13 enzyme in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes can alter gene expression in primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This system represents a robust and efficient method to modulate transcripts without genetic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Méndez-Mancilla
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hans-Hermann Wessels
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mateusz Legut
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Neville E Sanjana
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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48
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Ke Y, Ghalandari B, Huang S, Li S, Huang C, Zhi X, Cui D, Ding X. 2'- O-Methyl modified guide RNA promotes the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination ability of CRISPR-Cas12a systems. Chem Sci 2022; 13:2050-2061. [PMID: 35308857 PMCID: PMC8848812 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06832f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR–Cas12a system has been widely applied to genome editing and molecular diagnostics. However, off-target cleavages and false-positive results remain as major concerns in Cas12a practical applications. Herein, we propose a strategy by utilizing the 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) modified guide RNA (gRNA) to promote the Cas12a's specificity. Gibbs free energy analysis demonstrates that the 2′-OMe modifications at the 3′-end of gRNA effectively suppress the Cas12a's overall non-specific affinity while maintaining high on-target affinity. For general application illustrations, HBV genotyping and SARS-CoV-2 D614G mutant biosensing platforms are developed to validate the enhanced Cas12a's specificity. Our results indicate that the 2′-OMe modified gRNAs could discriminate single-base mutations with at least two-fold enhanced specificity compared to unmodified gRNAs. Furthermore, we investigate the enhancing mechanisms of the 2′-OMe modified Cas12a systems by molecular docking simulations and the results suggest that the 2′-OMe modifications at the 3′-end of gRNA reduce the Cas12a's binding activity to off-target DNA. This work offers a versatile and universal gRNA design strategy for highly specific Cas12a system development. This study illustrates that 2′-O-methyl modified gRNAs improve the specificity of the CRISPR–Cas12a system (mg-CRISPR) via suppressing the Cas12a's affinity to off-target DNA and provides an efficient strategy for high-specificity gRNA design.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Behafarid Ghalandari
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Shiyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Sijie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Chengjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Shanghai Engineering Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030 China
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49
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Rezazade Bazaz M, Dehghani H. From DNA break repair pathways to CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene knock-in methods. Life Sci 2022; 295:120409. [PMID: 35182556 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Various DNA breaks created via programmable CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease activity results in different intracellular DNA break repair pathways. Based on the cellular repair pathways, CRISPR-based gene knock-in methods can be categorized into two major strategies: 1) Homology-independent strategies which are targeted insertion events based on non-homologous end joining, and 2) Homology-dependent strategies which are targeted insertion events based on the homology-directed repair. This review elaborates on various gene knock-in methods in mammalian cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and in sync with DNA-break repair pathways. Gene knock-in methods are applied in functional genomics and gene therapy. To compensate or correct genetic defects, different CRISPR-based gene knock-in strategies can be used. Thus, researchers need to make a conscious decision about the most suitable knock-in method. For a successful gene-targeted insertion, some determinant factors should be considered like cell cycle, dominant DNA repair pathway, size of insertions, and donor properties. In this review, different aspects of each gene knock-in strategy are discussed to provide a framework for choosing the most appropriate gene knock-in method in different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahere Rezazade Bazaz
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hesam Dehghani
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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50
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Roy RK, Debashree I, Srivastava S, Rishi N, Srivastava A. CRISPR/ Cas9 Off-targets: Computational Analysis of Causes, Prediction,
Detection, and Overcoming Strategies. Curr Bioinform 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893616666210708150439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a highly flexible RNA-guided endonuclease (RGEN)
based gene-editing tool that has transformed the field of genomics, gene therapy, and genome/
epigenome imaging. Its wide range of applications provides immense scope for understanding
as well as manipulating genetic/epigenetic elements. However, the RGEN is prone to
off-target mutagenesis that leads to deleterious effects. This review details the molecular and cellular
mechanisms underlying the off-target activity, various available detection tools and prediction
methodology ranging from sequencing to machine learning approaches, and the strategies to
overcome/minimise off-targets. A coherent and concise method increasing target precision would
prove indispensable to concrete manipulation and interpretation of genome editing results that
can revolutionise therapeutics, including clarity in genome regulatory mechanisms during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar Roy
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Ipsita Debashree
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Sonal Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
| | - Narayan Rishi
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
| | - Ashish Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
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