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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Genetic confounds of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mice. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2318519. [PMID: 38369744 PMCID: PMC10878023 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2318519] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals remains a controversial phenomenon. A recent study by Takahashi et al. provides evidence for this mode of inheritance in mice by using a CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenetic editing technique to modify DNA methylation levels at specific promoters and then demonstrating the inheritance of the gain in methylation in offspring. In this technical commentary, we argue that the method used in the original study inherently amplifies the likelihood of genetic changes that thereafter lead to the heritability of epigenetic changes. We provide evidence that genetic changes from multiple sources do indeed occur in these experiments and explore several avenues by which these changes could be causal to the apparent inheritance of epigenetic changes. We conclude a genetic basis of inheritance cannot be ruled out and thus transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has not been adequately established by the original study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Yang Q, Abebe JS, Mai M, Rudy G, Kim SY, Devinsky O, Long C. T4 DNA polymerase prevents deleterious on-target DNA damage and enhances precise CRISPR editing. EMBO J 2024; 43:3733-3751. [PMID: 39039289 PMCID: PMC11377749 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Unintended on-target chromosomal alterations induced by CRISPR/Cas9 in mammalian cells are common, particularly large deletions and chromosomal translocations, and present a safety challenge for genome editing. Thus, there is still an unmet need to develop safer and more efficient editing tools. We screened diverse DNA polymerases of distinct origins and identified a T4 DNA polymerase derived from phage T4 that strongly prevents undesired on-target damage while increasing the proportion of precise 1- to 2-base-pair insertions generated during CRISPR/Cas9 editing (termed CasPlus). CasPlus induced substantially fewer on-target large deletions while increasing the efficiency of correcting common frameshift mutations in DMD and restored higher level of dystrophin expression than Cas9-alone in human cardiomyocytes. Moreover, CasPlus greatly reduced the frequency of on-target large deletions during mouse germline editing. In multiplexed guide RNAs mediating gene editing, CasPlus repressed chromosomal translocations while maintaining gene disruption efficiency that was higher or comparable to Cas9 in primary human T cells. Therefore, CasPlus offers a safer and more efficient gene editing strategy to treat pathogenic variants or to introduce genetic modifications in human applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyan Yang
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan S Abebe
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Mai
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriella Rudy
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sang Y Kim
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- New York University Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chengzu Long
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Fang CH, Cheng YF, Lin SR, Lai WY, Liao LR, Chiu YL, Lee JM. Establishment of a protocol for rapidly expanding Epstein-Barr-virus-specific cytotoxic T cells with enhanced cytotoxicity. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:980. [PMID: 39118069 PMCID: PMC11312821 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12707-7] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lytic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection plays a major role in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). For patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC and resistant to conventional therapies, adoptive cell therapy using EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (EBV-CTLs) is a promising option. However, the long production period (around 3 to 4 weeks) and low EBV-CTL purity (approximately 40% of total CD8 T cells) in the cell product limits the application of EBV-CTLs in clinics. Thus, this study aimed to establish a protocol for the rapid production of EBV-CTLs. METHODS By culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from EBV-seropositive donors with EBV-specific peptides and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, and interferon α (IFN-α) for 9 days, we identified that IL-15 can enhance IL-2-mediated CTL activation and significantly increase the yield of CTLs. RESULTS When IFN-α was used in IL-2/IL-15-mediated CTL production from days 0 to 6, the productivity of EBV-CTLs and EBV-specific cytotoxicity significantly were reinforced relative to EBV-CTLs from IL-2/IL-15 treatment. Additionally, IFN-α-induced production improvement of virus-specific CTLs was not only the case for EBV-CTLs but also for cytomegalovirus-specific CTLs. CONCLUSION We established a novel protocol to rapidly expand highly pure EBV-CTLs from PBMCs, which can produce EBV-CTLs in 9 days and does not require feeder cells during cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Fang
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Ya Fang Cheng
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ren Lin
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Lai
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ren Liao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Chiu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 121, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine and Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, 320315, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 100233, Taiwan.
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
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4
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Porreca I, Blassberg R, Harbottle J, Joubert B, Mielczarek O, Stombaugh J, Hemphill K, Sumner J, Pazeraitis D, Touza JL, Francescatto M, Firth M, Selmi T, Collantes JC, Strezoska Z, Taylor B, Jin S, Wiggins CM, van Brabant Smith A, Lambourne JJ. An aptamer-mediated base editing platform for simultaneous knockin and multiple gene knockout for allogeneic CAR-T cells generation. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2692-2710. [PMID: 38937969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.033] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene editing technologies hold promise for enabling the next generation of adoptive cellular therapies. In conventional gene editing platforms that rely on nuclease activity, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), allow efficient introduction of genetic modifications; however, these modifications occur via the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and can lead to unwanted genomic alterations and genotoxicity. Here, we apply a novel modular RNA aptamer-mediated Pin-point base editing platform to simultaneously introduce multiple gene knockouts and site-specific integration of a transgene in human primary T cells. We demonstrate high editing efficiency and purity at all target sites and significantly reduced frequency of chromosomal translocations compared with the conventional CRISPR-Cas9 system. Site-specific knockin of a chimeric antigen receptor and multiplex gene knockout are achieved within a single intervention and without the requirement for additional sequence-targeting components. The ability to perform complex genome editing efficiently and precisely highlights the potential of the Pin-point platform for application in a range of advanced cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bronwyn Joubert
- Revvity, 8100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge CB25 9TL, UK
| | - Olga Mielczarek
- Revvity, 8100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge CB25 9TL, UK
| | | | | | - Jonathan Sumner
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, R&D, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Deividas Pazeraitis
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, R&D, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Julia Liz Touza
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Margherita Francescatto
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mike Firth
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, R&D, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Tommaso Selmi
- Revvity, 8100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge CB25 9TL, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Collantes
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Campus Cumbayá, Casilla Postal 17-1200-841, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | | | - Benjamin Taylor
- AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences, R&D, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Shengkan Jin
- Pharmacology Department, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ceri M Wiggins
- Revvity, 8100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge CB25 9TL, UK
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5
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Ge W, Gou S, Zhao X, Jin Q, Zhuang Z, Zhao Y, Liang Y, Ouyang Z, Liu X, Chen F, Shi H, Yan H, Wu H, Lai L, Wang K. In vivo evaluation of guide-free Cas9-induced safety risks in a pig model. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:184. [PMID: 39025833 PMCID: PMC11258294 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01905-1] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has shown great potential for treating human genetic diseases through gene therapy. However, there are concerns about the safety of this system, specifically related to the use of guide-free Cas9. Previous studies have shown that guide-free Cas9 can induce genomic instability in vitro. However, the in vivo safety risks associated with guide-free Cas9 have not been evaluated, which is necessary for the development of gene therapy in clinical settings. In this study, we used doxycycline-inducible Cas9-expressing pigs to evaluate the safety risks of guide-free Cas9 in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that expression of guide-free Cas9 could induce genomic damages and transcriptome changes in vivo. The severity of the genomic damages and transcriptome changes were correlate with the expression levels of Cas9 protein. Moreover, prolonged expression of Cas9 in pigs led to abnormal phenotypes, including a significant decrease in body weight, which may be attributable to genomic damage-induced nutritional absorption and metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, we observed an increase in whole-genome and tumor driver gene mutations in pigs with long-term Cas9 expression, raising the risk of tumor occurrence. Our in vivo evaluation of guide-free Cas9 in pigs highlights the necessity of considering and monitoring the detrimental effects of Cas9 alone as genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system is implemented in clinical gene therapy. This research emphasizes the importance of further study and implementation of safety measures to ensure the successful and safe application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikai Ge
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Shixue Gou
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Xiaozhu Zhao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Jin
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhuang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhen Ouyang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Hui Shi
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Haizhao Yan
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Han Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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Vinceti A, Iannuzzi RM, Boyle I, Trastulla L, Campbell CD, Vazquez F, Dempster JM, Iorio F. A benchmark of computational methods for correcting biases of established and unknown origin in CRISPR-Cas9 screening data. Genome Biol 2024; 25:192. [PMID: 39030569 PMCID: PMC11264729 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03336-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screens are formidable tools for investigating biology with unprecedented precision and scale. However, biases in data lead to potential confounding effects on interpretation and compromise overall quality. The activity of Cas9 is influenced by structural features of the target site, including copy number amplifications (CN bias). More worryingly, proximal targeted loci tend to generate similar gene-independent responses to CRISPR-Cas9 targeting (proximity bias), possibly due to Cas9-induced whole chromosome-arm truncations or other genomic structural features and different chromatin accessibility levels. RESULTS We benchmarked eight computational methods, rigorously evaluating their ability to reduce both CN and proximity bias in the two largest publicly available cell-line-based CRISPR-Cas9 screens to date. We also evaluated the capability of each method to preserve data quality and heterogeneity by assessing the extent to which the processed data allows accurate detection of true positive essential genes, established oncogenetic addictions, and known/novel biomarkers of cancer dependency. Our analysis sheds light on the ability of each method to correct biases under different scenarios. AC-Chronos outperforms other methods in correcting both CN and proximity biases when jointly processing multiple screens of models with available CN information, whereas CRISPRcleanR is the top performing method for individual screens or when CN information is not available. In addition, Chronos and AC-Chronos yield a final dataset better able to recapitulate known sets of essential and non-essential genes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our investigation provides guidance for the selection of the most appropriate bias-correction method, based on its strengths, weaknesses and experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucia Trastulla
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Iorio
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Chin AHB, Nguma JDB, Ahmad MF. Stringent criteria needed for germline genome editing of human IVF embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1727-1731. [PMID: 38695986 PMCID: PMC11263300 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Germline genome editing of IVF embryos is controversial because it is not directly health or lifesaving but is intended to prevent genetic diseases in yet-unborn future offspring. The following criteria are thus proposed for future clinical trials: (i) Due to medical risks, there should be cautious and judicious application while avoiding any non-essential usage, with rigorous patient counseling. (ii) Genome editing should only be performed on the entire batch of IVF embryos without initial PGT screening if all of them are expected to be affected by genetic disease. (iii) When there is a fair chance that some IVF embryos will not be affected by genetic diseases, initial PGT screening must be performed to identify unaffected embryos for transfer. (iv) IVF embryos with carrier status should not undergo germline genome editing. (v) If patients fail to conceive after the transfer of unaffected embryos, they should undergo another fresh IVF cycle rather than opt for genome editing of their remaining affected embryos. (vi) Only if the patient is unable to produce any more unaffected embryos in a fresh IVF cycle due to advanced maternal age or diminished ovarian reserves, can the genome editing of remaining affected embryos be permitted as a last resort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Heng Boon Chin
- Singapore Fertility and IVF Consultancy Pvt Ltd, 531A Upper Cross Street, #04-95, Hong Lim Complex, Chinatown, 051531, Singapore.
| | - Jean-Didier Bosenge Nguma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kisangani University Hospital, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Mohd Faizal Ahmad
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Advanced Reproductive Centre (ARC), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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8
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Lazar NH, Celik S, Chen L, Fay MM, Irish JC, Jensen J, Tillinghast CA, Urbanik J, Bone WP, Gibson CC, Haque IS. High-resolution genome-wide mapping of chromosome-arm-scale truncations induced by CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1482-1493. [PMID: 38811841 PMCID: PMC11250378 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01758-y] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is a powerful tool for introducing targeted mutations in DNA, but recent studies have shown that it can have unintended effects such as structural changes. However, these studies have not yet looked genome wide or across data types. Here we performed a phenotypic CRISPR-Cas9 scan targeting 17,065 genes in primary human cells, revealing a 'proximity bias' in which CRISPR knockouts show unexpected similarities to unrelated genes on the same chromosome arm. This bias was found to be consistent across cell types, laboratories, Cas9 delivery methods and assay modalities, and the data suggest that it is caused by telomeric truncations of chromosome arms, with cell cycle and apoptotic pathways playing a mediating role. Additionally, a simple correction is demonstrated to mitigate this pervasive bias while preserving biological relationships. This previously uncharacterized effect has implications for functional genomic studies using CRISPR-Cas9, with applications in discovery biology, drug-target identification, cell therapies and genetic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Chen
- Recursion, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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9
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Rossi M, Breman E. Engineering strategies to safely drive CAR T-cells into the future. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1411393. [PMID: 38962002 PMCID: PMC11219585 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1411393] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has proven a breakthrough in cancer treatment in the last decade, giving unprecedented results against hematological malignancies. All approved CAR T-cell products, as well as many being assessed in clinical trials, are generated using viral vectors to deploy the exogenous genetic material into T-cells. Viral vectors have a long-standing clinical history in gene delivery, and thus underwent iterations of optimization to improve their efficiency and safety. Nonetheless, their capacity to integrate semi-randomly into the host genome makes them potentially oncogenic via insertional mutagenesis and dysregulation of key cellular genes. Secondary cancers following CAR T-cell administration appear to be a rare adverse event. However several cases documented in the last few years put the spotlight on this issue, which might have been underestimated so far, given the relatively recent deployment of CAR T-cell therapies. Furthermore, the initial successes obtained in hematological malignancies have not yet been replicated in solid tumors. It is now clear that further enhancements are needed to allow CAR T-cells to increase long-term persistence, overcome exhaustion and cope with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To this aim, a variety of genomic engineering strategies are under evaluation, most relying on CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing technologies. These approaches are liable to introduce unintended, irreversible genomic alterations in the product cells. In the first part of this review, we will discuss the viral and non-viral approaches used for the generation of CAR T-cells, whereas in the second part we will focus on gene editing and non-gene editing T-cell engineering, with particular regard to advantages, limitations, and safety. Finally, we will critically analyze the different gene deployment and genomic engineering combinations, delineating strategies with a superior safety profile for the production of next-generation CAR T-cell.
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Dias J, Garcia J, Agliardi G, Roddie C. CAR-T cell manufacturing landscape-Lessons from the past decade and considerations for early clinical development. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101250. [PMID: 38737799 PMCID: PMC11088187 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapies have consolidated their position over the last decade as an effective alternative to conventional chemotherapies for the treatment of a number of hematological malignancies. With an exponential increase in the number of commercial therapies and hundreds of phase 1 trials exploring CAR-T cell efficacy in different settings (including autoimmunity and solid tumors), demand for manufacturing capabilities in recent years has considerably increased. In this review, we explore the current landscape of CAR-T cell manufacturing and discuss some of the challenges limiting production capacity worldwide. We describe the latest technical developments in GMP production platform design to facilitate the delivery of a range of increasingly complex CAR-T cell products, and the challenges associated with translation of new scientific developments into clinical products for patients. We explore all aspects of the manufacturing process, namely early development, manufacturing technology, quality control, and the requirements for industrial scaling. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced as a small academic team, responsible for the delivery of a high number of innovative products to patients. We describe our experience in the setup of an effective bench-to-clinic pipeline, with a streamlined workflow, for implementation of a diverse portfolio of phase 1 trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Dias
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - John Garcia
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Giulia Agliardi
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Claire Roddie
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
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11
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Moiani A, Letort G, Lizot S, Chalumeau A, Foray C, Felix T, Le Clerre D, Temburni-Blake S, Hong P, Leduc S, Pinard N, Marechal A, Seclen E, Boyne A, Mayer L, Hong R, Pulicani S, Galetto R, Gouble A, Cavazzana M, Juillerat A, Miccio A, Duclert A, Duchateau P, Valton J. Non-viral DNA delivery and TALEN editing correct the sickle cell mutation in hematopoietic stem cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4965. [PMID: 38862518 PMCID: PMC11166989 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49353-3] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is a devastating blood disorder that originates from a single point mutation in the HBB gene coding for hemoglobin. Here, we develop a GMP-compatible TALEN-mediated gene editing process enabling efficient HBB correction via a DNA repair template while minimizing risks associated with HBB inactivation. Comparing viral versus non-viral DNA repair template delivery in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vitro, both strategies achieve comparable HBB correction and result in over 50% expression of normal adult hemoglobin in red blood cells without inducing β-thalassemic phenotype. In an immunodeficient female mouse model, transplanted cells edited with the non-viral strategy exhibit higher engraftment and gene correction levels compared to those edited with the viral strategy. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that non-viral DNA repair template delivery mitigates P53-mediated toxicity and preserves high levels of long-term hematopoietic stem cells. This work paves the way for TALEN-based autologous gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gil Letort
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Lizot
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Anne Chalumeau
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Chloe Foray
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Tristan Felix
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Patrick Hong
- Cellectis Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Leduc
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Noemie Pinard
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Alan Marechal
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | | | - Alex Boyne
- Cellectis Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louisa Mayer
- Cellectis Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Hong
- Cellectis Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Roman Galetto
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Gouble
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Human Lymphohematopoiesis Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Annarita Miccio
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Julien Valton
- Cellectis S.A., 8 Rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, France.
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12
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Bekaert B, Boel A, Rybouchkin A, Cosemans G, Declercq S, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Parrington J, Stoop D, Coucke P, Menten B, Heindryckx B. Various repair events following CRISPR/Cas9-based mutational correction of an infertility-related mutation in mouse embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1605-1617. [PMID: 38557805 PMCID: PMC11224219 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03095-9] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unpredictable genetic modifications and chromosomal aberrations following CRISPR/Cas9 administration hamper the efficacy of germline editing. Repair events triggered by double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) besides non-homologous end joining and repair template-driven homology-directed repair have been insufficiently investigated in mouse. In this work, we are the first to investigate the precise repair mechanisms triggered by parental-specific DSB induction in mouse for paternal mutational correction in the context of an infertility-related mutation. METHODS We aimed to correct a paternal 22-nucleotide deletion in Plcz1, associated with lack of fertilisation in vitro, by administrating CRISPR/Cas9 components during intracytoplasmic injection of Plcz1-null sperm in wild-type oocytes combined with assisted oocyte activation. Through targeted next-generation sequencing, 77 injected embryos and 26 blastomeres from seven injected embryos were investigated. In addition, low-pass whole genome sequencing was successfully performed on 17 injected embryo samples. RESULTS Repair mechanisms induced by two different CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNA (gRNA) designs were investigated. In 13.73% (7/51; gRNA 1) and 19.05% (4/21; gRNA 2) of the targeted embryos, only the wild-type allele was observed, of which the majority (85.71%; 6/7) showed integrity of the targeted chromosome. Remarkably, for both designs, only in one of these embryos (1/7; gRNA 1 and 1/4; gRNA2) could repair template use be detected. This suggests that alternative repair events have occurred. Next, various genetic events within the same embryo were detected after single-cell analysis of four embryos. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the occurrence of mosaicism and complex repair events after CRISPR/Cas9 DSB induction where chromosomal integrity is predominantly contained.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bekaert
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Rybouchkin
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G Cosemans
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Declercq
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - J Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - D Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P Coucke
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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13
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Ryu J, Statz JP, Chan W, Oyama K, Custer M, Wienisch M, Chen R, Hanna CB, Hennebold JD. Generation of Rhesus Macaque Embryos with Expanded CAG Trinucleotide Repeats in the Huntingtin Gene. Cells 2024; 13:829. [PMID: 38786052 PMCID: PMC11119628 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100829] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from expanded CAG repeats in exon 1 of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. The resultant misfolded HTT protein accumulates within neuronal cells, negatively impacting their function and survival. Ultimately, HTT accumulation results in cell death, causing the development of HD. A nonhuman primate (NHP) HD model would provide important insight into disease development and the generation of novel therapies due to their genetic and physiological similarity to humans. For this purpose, we tested CRISPR/Cas9 and a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) containing expanded CAG repeats in introducing an expanded CAG repeat into the HTT gene in rhesus macaque embryos. Analyses were conducted on arrested embryos and trophectoderm (TE) cells biopsied from blastocysts to assess the insertion of the ssDNA into the HTT gene. Genotyping results demonstrated that 15% of the embryos carried an expanded CAG repeat. The integration of an expanded CAG repeat region was successfully identified in five blastocysts, which were cryopreserved for NHP HD animal production. Some off-target events were observed in biopsies from the cryopreserved blastocysts. NHP embryos were successfully produced, which will help to establish an NHP HD model and, ultimately, may serve as a vital tool for better understanding HD's pathology and developing novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
| | - John P. Statz
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
| | - William Chan
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
| | - Kiana Oyama
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
| | - Maggie Custer
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
| | - Martin Wienisch
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | | | - Carol B. Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jon D. Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.R.); (J.P.S.); (W.C.); (K.O.); (M.C.); (C.B.H.)
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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14
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Park JC, Kim YJ, Hwang GH, Kang CY, Bae S, Cha HJ. Enhancing genome editing in hPSCs through dual inhibition of DNA damage response and repair pathways. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4002. [PMID: 38734692 PMCID: PMC11088699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48111-9] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome editing is crucial for establishing isogenic human disease models and ex vivo stem cell therapy from the patient-derived hPSCs. Unlike Cas9-mediated knock-in, cytosine base editor and prime editor achieve the desirable gene correction without inducing DNA double strand breaks. However, hPSCs possess highly active DNA repair pathways and are particularly susceptible to p53-dependent cell death. These unique characteristics impede the efficiency of gene editing in hPSCs. Here, we demonstrate that dual inhibition of p53-mediated cell death and distinct activation of the DNA damage repair system upon DNA damage by cytosine base editor or prime editor additively enhanced editing efficiency in hPSCs. The BE4stem system comprised of p53DD, a dominant negative p53, and three UNG inhibitor, engineered to specifically diminish base excision repair, improves cytosine base editor efficiency in hPSCs. Addition of dominant negative MLH1 to inhibit mismatch repair activity and p53DD in the conventional prime editor system also significantly enhances prime editor efficiency in hPSCs. Thus, combined inhibition of the distinct cellular cascades engaged in hPSCs upon gene editing could significantly enhance precise genome editing in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chan Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gue-Ho Hwang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Kang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Yuan B, Bi C, Tian Y, Wang J, Jin Y, Alsayegh K, Tehseen M, Yi G, Zhou X, Shao Y, Romero FV, Fischle W, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Hamdan S, Huang Y, Li M. Modulation of the microhomology-mediated end joining pathway suppresses large deletions and enhances homology-directed repair following CRISPR-Cas9-induced DNA breaks. BMC Biol 2024; 22:101. [PMID: 38685010 PMCID: PMC11059712 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01896-z] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing often induces unintended, large genomic rearrangements, posing potential safety risks. However, there are no methods for mitigating these risks. RESULTS Using long-read individual-molecule sequencing (IDMseq), we found the microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) DNA repair pathway plays a predominant role in Cas9-induced large deletions (LDs). We targeted MMEJ-associated genes genetically and/or pharmacologically and analyzed Cas9-induced LDs at multiple gene loci using flow cytometry and long-read sequencing. Reducing POLQ levels or activity significantly decreases LDs, while depleting or overexpressing RPA increases or reduces LD frequency, respectively. Interestingly, small-molecule inhibition of POLQ and delivery of recombinant RPA proteins also dramatically promote homology-directed repair (HDR) at multiple disease-relevant gene loci in human pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal the contrasting roles of RPA and POLQ in Cas9-induced LD and HDR, suggesting new strategies for safer and more precise genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolei Yuan
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Chongwei Bi
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yeteng Tian
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Jin
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Alsayegh
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Present address: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Tehseen
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Gang Yi
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fernanda Vargas Romero
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Altos Labs, Inc, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Samir Hamdan
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yanyi Huang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Cell Analysis, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mo Li
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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16
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He J, Li J, Liu Y, Li Y. Sperm-Associated Antigen 5 Knockout Reduces Doxorubicin and Docetaxel Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT549 Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1269. [PMID: 38610947 PMCID: PMC11010853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm-associated antigen 5 (SPAG5), also known as Astrin, was previously demonstrated as a biomarker for cellular resistance to major breast cancer therapies, including chemo-, endocrine- and targeted therapy. However, the contribution of SPAG5 to anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains controversial. In the present study, the SPAG5 knockout cell model was established by using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 TNBC cell lines. The knockout of SPAG5 was confirmed on both gene and protein levels using genomic PCR, DNA sequencing and western blotting. The functional loss of SPAG5 was determined by colony-formation assay. SPAG5-regulated doxorubicin- and docetaxel-resistance was assessed by MTT and apoptosis assays. The results indicated that all the SPAG5 knockout MDA-MB-231 and BT549 clones were biallelic, where one allele was replaced by the donor template, and the other allele had the same "T" insertion (indel) adjacent to the cutting sites of gRNAs at the exon 1 boundary, irrespective of the gRNAs and cell lines. The locus of indel interrupted the SPAG5 transcription by damaging the GT-AG mRNA processing rule. Deletion of SPAG5 decreased clonogenicity in both MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. SPAG5 was able to regulate the resistance and the drug-induced apoptosis of both doxorubicin and docetaxel. In conclusion, recombinant plasmid-based CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used to delete the SPAG5 gene in the TNBC cell lines. SPAG5 has an important role in regulating cell proliferation and doxorubicin- and docetaxel-resistance in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji He
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (J.H.); (J.L.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Food and Agriculture Technology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (J.H.); (J.L.); (Y.L.)
- General Medicine Department, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Yanbiao Liu
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (J.H.); (J.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Li
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (J.H.); (J.L.); (Y.L.)
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17
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Li Z, You L, Hermann A, Bier E. Developmental progression of DNA double-strand break repair deciphered by a single-allele resolution mutation classifier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2629. [PMID: 38521791 PMCID: PMC10960810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46479-2] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired by a hierarchically regulated network of pathways. Factors influencing the choice of particular repair pathways, however remain poorly characterized. Here we develop an Integrated Classification Pipeline (ICP) to decompose and categorize CRISPR/Cas9 generated mutations on genomic target sites in complex multicellular insects. The ICP outputs graphic rank ordered classifications of mutant alleles to visualize discriminating DSB repair fingerprints generated from different target sites and alternative inheritance patterns of CRISPR components. We uncover highly reproducible lineage-specific mutation fingerprints in individual organisms and a developmental progression wherein Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining (MMEJ) or Insertion events predominate during early rapid mitotic cell cycles, switching to distinct subsets of Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ) alleles, and then to Homology-Directed Repair (HDR)-based gene conversion. These repair signatures enable marker-free tracking of specific mutations in dynamic populations, including NHEJ and HDR events within the same samples, for in-depth analysis of diverse gene editing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Lang You
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anita Hermann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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18
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Fujinami K, Waheed N, Laich Y, Yang P, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Higgins JJ, Lu JT, Curtiss D, Clary C, Michaelides M. Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:495-505. [PMID: 37940365 PMCID: PMC10958310 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the large ABCA4 gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kb ABCA4 open reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yannik Laich
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Yang
- Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan T Lu
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Cathryn Clary
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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19
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Salomonsson SE, Clelland CD. Building CRISPR Gene Therapies for the Central Nervous System: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:283-290. [PMID: 38285472 PMCID: PMC11164426 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4983] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Importance Gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) holds the promise to arrest or cure monogenic disease if it can be determined which genetic change to create without inducing unintended cellular dysfunction and how to deliver this technology to the target organ reliably and safely. Clinical trials for blood and liver disorders, for which delivery of CRISPR is not limiting, show promise, yet no trials have begun for central nervous system (CNS) indications. Observations The CNS is arguably the most challenging target given its innate exclusion of large molecules and its defenses against bacterial invasion (from which CRISPR originates). Herein, the types of CRISPR editing (DNA cutting, base editing, and templated repair) and how these are applied to different genetic variants are summarized. The challenges of delivering genome editors to the CNS, including the viral and nonviral delivery vehicles that may ultimately circumvent these challenges, are discussed. Also, ways to minimize the potential in vivo genotoxic effects of genome editors through delivery vehicle design and preclinical off-target testing are considered. The ethical considerations of germline editing, a potential off-target outcome of any gene editing therapy, are explored. The unique regulatory challenges of a human-specific therapy that cannot be derisked solely in animal models are also discussed. Conclusions and Relevance An understanding of both the potential benefits and challenges of CRISPR gene therapy better informs the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and timeline considerations of developing CRISPR gene therapy for neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally E Salomonsson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Claire D Clelland
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
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20
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Zhao JJ, Sun XY, Tian SN, Zhao ZZ, Yin MD, Zhao M, Zhang F, Li SA, Yang ZX, Wen W, Cheng T, Gong A, Zhang JP, Zhang XB. Decoding the complexity of on-target integration: characterizing DNA insertions at the CRISPR-Cas9 targeted locus using nanopore sequencing. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:189. [PMID: 38368357 PMCID: PMC10874558 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR-Cas9 technology has advanced in vivo gene therapy for disorders like hemophilia A, notably through the successful targeted incorporation of the F8 gene into the Alb locus in hepatocytes, effectively curing this disorder in mice. However, thoroughly evaluating the safety and specificity of this therapy is essential. Our study introduces a novel methodology to analyze complex insertion sequences at the on-target edited locus, utilizing barcoded long-range PCR, CRISPR RNP-mediated deletion of unedited alleles, magnetic bead-based long amplicon enrichment, and nanopore sequencing. RESULTS We identified the expected F8 insertions and various fragment combinations resulting from the in vivo linearization of the double-cut plasmid donor. Notably, our research is the first to document insertions exceeding ten kbp. We also found that a small proportion of these insertions were derived from sources other than donor plasmids, including Cas9-sgRNA plasmids, genomic DNA fragments, and LINE-1 elements. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents a robust method for analyzing the complexity of on-target editing, particularly for in vivo long insertions, where donor template integration can be challenging. This work offers a new tool for quality control in gene editing outcomes and underscores the importance of detailed characterization of edited genomic sequences. Our findings have significant implications for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in treating various disorders, including hemophilia A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xin-Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | | | - Zong-Ze Zhao
- College of Computer Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Meng-Di Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Si-Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Zhi-Xue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Wei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - An Gong
- College of Computer Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266000, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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21
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Kim-Yip RP, McNulty R, Joyce B, Mollica A, Chen PJ, Ravisankar P, Law BK, Liu DR, Toettcher JE, Ivakine EA, Posfai E, Adamson B. Efficient prime editing in two-cell mouse embryos using PEmbryo. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02106-x. [PMID: 38321114 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Using transient inhibition of DNA mismatch repair during a permissive stage of development, we demonstrate highly efficient prime editing of mouse embryos with few unwanted, local byproducts (average 58% precise edit frequency, 0.5% on-target error frequency across 13 substitution edits at 8 sites), enabling same-generation phenotyping of founders. Whole-genome sequencing reveals that mismatch repair inhibition increases off-target indels at low-complexity regions in the genome without any obvious phenotype in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Kim-Yip
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Ryan McNulty
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Bradley Joyce
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Antonio Mollica
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Prime Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Purnima Ravisankar
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin K Law
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Evgueni A Ivakine
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eszter Posfai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Britt Adamson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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22
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A conditional, zinc-finger-dependent recombinase system for DNA editing. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02122-x. [PMID: 38302754 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02122-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
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23
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Ye L, Lam SZ, Yang L, Suzuki K, Zou Y, Lin Q, Zhang Y, Clark P, Peng L, Chen S. AAV-mediated delivery of a Sleeping Beauty transposon and an mRNA-encoded transposase for the engineering of therapeutic immune cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:132-148. [PMID: 37430157 PMCID: PMC11320892 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Engineering cells for adoptive therapy requires overcoming limitations in cell viability and, in the efficiency of transgene delivery, the duration of transgene expression and the stability of genomic integration. Here we report a gene-delivery system consisting of a Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase encoded into a messenger RNA delivered by an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding an SB transposon that includes the desired transgene, for mediating the permanent integration of the transgene. Compared with lentiviral vectors and with the electroporation of plasmids of transposon DNA or minicircle DNA, the gene-delivery system, which we named MAJESTIC (for 'mRNA AAV-SB joint engineering of stable therapeutic immune cells'), offers prolonged transgene expression, as well as higher transgene expression, therapeutic-cell yield and cell viability. MAJESTIC can deliver chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) into T cells (which we show lead to strong anti-tumour activity in vivo) and also transduce natural killer cells, myeloid cells and induced pluripotent stem cells with bi-specific CARs, kill-switch CARs and synthetic T-cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lupeng Ye
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Modern Biology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Luojia Yang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kazushi Suzuki
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yongji Zou
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qianqian Lin
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul Clark
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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24
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Jibrilla M, Raji H, Okeke MI. Survey of attitude to human genome modification in Nigeria. J Community Genet 2024; 15:1-11. [PMID: 37995060 PMCID: PMC10857991 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00689-1] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing and mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) are biotechnologies used to modify the host nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, respectively. Gene editing is the modification of a region of the host genome using site-specific nucleases, in particular the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system. Heritable and somatic genome editing (HGE and SGE) are used in gene therapy. MRT is a technique used to substitute the defective mitochondria in the recipient embryo with a female donor healthy mitochondrion in order to prevent the inheritance of mothers' defective mitochondria resulting in the change of mitochondria of the entire generation to come. To evaluate the perception of the Nigerian citizens on human genome modification, two survey forms were created and distributed in-person and majorly online. There was a total of 268 responses, 188 from the public and 80 from health workers and bio-scientists. The results showed poor knowledge about gene editing and MRT by the Nigerian public, but its use to prevent and cure inherited diseases was supported. Morality and religion have great influence on the attitude of Nigerians towards genome modification, but the influence of religion and morality is not unequivocal. Multiple regression analysis of Nigerian public responses shows that gender (females), age (19-30 years), monthly income (NGN 0 to 30,000), and level of education (tertiary) are significantly associated with approval of human genome editing, but the survey of health workers and bio-scientists shows no significant association except for females who approve and Muslims who disapprove of human genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jibrilla
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Science Concentration, American University of Nigeria, 98 Lamido Zubairu Way, PMB, Yola, 2250, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Hayatu Raji
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Science Concentration, American University of Nigeria, 98 Lamido Zubairu Way, PMB, Yola, 2250, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Malachy Ifeanyi Okeke
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Science Concentration, American University of Nigeria, 98 Lamido Zubairu Way, PMB, Yola, 2250, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
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25
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McMahon R, Masamsetti VP, Tam PPL. Phenotypic Analysis of Early Neurogenesis in a Mouse Chimeric Embryo and Stem Cell-Based Neuruloid Model. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2746:165-177. [PMID: 38070089 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3585-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing the impact of genetic mutations on early neurogenesis of mammalian embryos in conventional mouse mutant models is laborious and time-consuming. To overcome these constraints and to fast-track the phenotypic analysis, we developed a protocol that harnesses the amenability of engineering genetic modifications in embryonic stem cells from which mid-gestation mouse chimeras and in vitro neuruloids are generated. These stem cell-based chimera and neuruloid experimental models allow phenotyping at early developmental time points of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley McMahon
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - V Pragathi Masamsetti
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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26
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Poot M. Methods of Detection and Mechanisms of Origin of Complex Structural Genome Variations. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2825:39-65. [PMID: 38913302 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3946-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Based on classical karyotyping, structural genome variations (SVs) have generally been considered to be either "simple" (with one or two breakpoints) or "complex" (with more than two breakpoints). Studying the breakpoints of SVs at nucleotide resolution revealed additional, subtle structural variations, such that even "simple" SVs turned out to be "complex." Genome-wide sequencing methods, such as fosmid and paired-end mapping, short-read and long-read whole genome sequencing, and single-molecule optical mapping, also indicated that the number of SVs per individual was considerably larger than expected from karyotyping and high-resolution chromosomal array-based studies. Interestingly, SVs were detected in studies of cohorts of individuals without clinical phenotypes. The common denominator of all SVs appears to be a failure to accurately repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) or to halt cell cycle progression if DSBs persist. This review discusses the various DSB response mechanisms during the mitotic cell cycle and during meiosis and their regulation. Emphasis is given to the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of translocations, deletions, duplications, and inversions during or shortly after meiosis I. Recently, CRISPR-Cas9 studies have provided unexpected insights into the formation of translocations and chromothripsis by both breakage-fusion-bridge and micronucleus-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Poot
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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27
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Rossi M, Steklov M, Huberty F, Nguyen T, Marijsse J, Jacques-Hespel C, Najm P, Lonez C, Breman E. Efficient shRNA-based knockdown of multiple target genes for cell therapy using a chimeric miRNA cluster platform. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102038. [PMID: 37799328 PMCID: PMC10548280 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering technologies are powerful tools in cell-based immunotherapy to optimize or fine-tune cell functionalities. However, their use for multiple gene edits poses relevant biological and technical challenges. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based cell engineering bypasses these criticalities and represents a valid alternative to CRISPR-based gene editing. Here, we describe a microRNA (miRNA)-based multiplex shRNA platform obtained by combining highly efficient miRNA scaffolds into a chimeric cluster, to deliver up to four shRNA-like sequences. Thanks to its limited size, our cassette could be deployed in a one-step process along with all the CAR components, streamlining the generation of engineered CAR T cells. The plug-and-play design of the shRNA platform allowed us to swap each shRNA-derived guide sequence without affecting the system performance. Appropriately choosing the target sequences, we were able to either achieve a functional KO, or fine-tune the expression levels of the target genes, all without the need for gene editing. Through our strategy we achieved easy, safe, efficient, and tunable modulation of multiple target genes simultaneously. This approach allows for the effective introduction of multiple functionally relevant tweaks in the transcriptome of the engineered cells, which may lead to increased performance in challenging environments, e.g., solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | | | - Thuy Nguyen
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | | | - Paul Najm
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | - Eytan Breman
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
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28
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Ge W, Zhao X, Gou S, Jin Q, Chen F, Ouyang Z, Lai C, Cui T, Mai B, Lu S, Zhong K, Liang Y, Chen T, Wu H, Li N, Ye Y, Lai L, Wang K. Evaluation of guide-free Cas9-induced genomic damage and transcriptome changes in pig embryos. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102035. [PMID: 37808924 PMCID: PMC10551558 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Cas9 protein without sgRNAs can induce genomic damage at the cellular level in vitro. However, whether the detrimental effects occur in embryos after Cas9 treatment remains unknown. Here, using pig embryos as subjects, we observed that Cas9 protein transcribed from injected Cas9 mRNA can persist until at least the blastocyst stage. Cas9 protein alone can induce genome damage in preimplantation embryos, represented by the increased number of phosphorylated histone H2AX foci on the chromatin fiber, which led to apoptosis and decreased cell number of blastocysts. In addition, single-blastocyst RNA sequencing confirmed that Cas9 protein without sgRNAs can cause changes in the blastocyst transcriptome, depressing embryo development signal pathways, such as cell cycle, metabolism, and cellular communication-related signal pathways, while activating apoptosis and necroptosis signal pathways, which together resulted in impaired preimplantation embryonic development. These results indicated that attention should be given to the detrimental effects caused by the Cas9 protein when using CRISPR-Cas9 for germline genome editing, especially for the targeted correction of human pathological mutations using germline gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikai Ge
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Xiaozhu Zhao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shixue Gou
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Qin Jin
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Zhen Ouyang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Chengdan Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Tao Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Baoyi Mai
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Kexin Zhong
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Han Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Nan Li
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yinghua Ye
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
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29
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Sahu S, Poplawska M, Lim SH, Dutta D. CRISPR-based precision medicine for hematologic disorders: Advancements, challenges, and prospects. Life Sci 2023; 333:122165. [PMID: 37832631 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of programmable nucleases to introduce defined alterations in genomic sequences has been a powerful tool for precision medicine. While several nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcriptor activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), and meganucleases have been explored, the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized the field of genome engineering. In addition to disease modeling, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has contributed to safer and more effective treatment strategies for hematologic diseases and personalized T-cell-based therapies. Here we discuss the applications of the CRISPR technology in the treatment of hematologic diseases, their efficacy, and ongoing clinical trials. We examine the obstacles to their successful use and the approaches investigated to overcome these challenges. Finally, we provide our perspectives to improve this genome editing tool for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sounak Sahu
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles Street, Building 560, Room 32-04, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Maria Poplawska
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology and Oncology), State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Seah H Lim
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology and Oncology), State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Dibyendu Dutta
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology and Oncology), State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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30
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Bestas B, Wimberger S, Degtev D, Madsen A, Rottner AK, Karlsson F, Naumenko S, Callahan M, Touza JL, Francescatto M, Möller CI, Badertscher L, Li S, Cerboni S, Selfjord N, Ericson E, Gordon E, Firth M, Chylinski K, Taheri-Ghahfarokhi A, Bohlooly-Y M, Snowden M, Pangalos M, Nuttall B, Akcakaya P, Sienski G, Maresca M. A Type II-B Cas9 nuclease with minimized off-targets and reduced chromosomal translocations in vivo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5474. [PMID: 37673883 PMCID: PMC10482872 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41240-7] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and derived enzymes are widely used as genome editors, but their promiscuous nuclease activity often induces undesired mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Several strategies for mapping off-target effects have emerged, but they suffer from limited sensitivity. To increase the detection sensitivity, we develop an off-target assessment workflow that uses Duplex Sequencing. The strategy increases sensitivity by one order of magnitude, identifying previously unknown SpCas9's off-target mutations in the humanized PCSK9 mouse model. To reduce off-target risks, we perform a bioinformatic search and identify a high-fidelity Cas9 variant of the II-B subfamily from Parasutterella secunda (PsCas9). PsCas9 shows improved specificity as compared to SpCas9 across multiple tested sites, both in vitro and in vivo, including the PCSK9 site. In the future, while PsCas9 will offer an alternative to SpCas9 for research and clinical use, the Duplex Sequencing workflow will enable a more sensitive assessment of Cas9 editing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Bestas
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sandra Wimberger
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dmitrii Degtev
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Madsen
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antje K Rottner
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Karlsson
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sergey Naumenko
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Callahan
- Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Julia Liz Touza
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margherita Francescatto
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carl Ivar Möller
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lukas Badertscher
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Songyuan Li
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silvia Cerboni
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Selfjord
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elke Ericson
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Firth
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Amir Taheri-Ghahfarokhi
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Bohlooly-Y
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Snowden
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Barrett Nuttall
- Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Pinar Akcakaya
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Grzegorz Sienski
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Marcello Maresca
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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31
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Bissiere S, Hernandez B, Rubio C, Simón C, Plachta N. Updates on preimplantation embryo research. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:467-472. [PMID: 37150393 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation development is the only stage of human development that can be studied outside the body in real time, as human embryos can be produced by in vitro fertilization and cultured in the laboratory as self-contained structures until the blastocyst stage. Here, we focus some of the key cellular and morphogenetic processes by which the 1-cell embryo is transformed gradually into a blastocyst ready for implantation. Although most of our knowledge about the dynamic series of events patterning preimplantation human development derives from work in mouse embryos, we discuss key differences that could exist with humans. Furthermore, we highlight how new approaches may enable to reveal many of the unknown processes driving human preimplantation development, particularly using noninvasive imaging and genetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Blake Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Carlos Simón
- Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Valencia, & INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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32
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Truong MA, Cané-Gasull P, Lens SMA. Modeling specific aneuploidies: from karyotype manipulations to biological insights. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:25. [PMID: 37640903 PMCID: PMC10462580 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
An abnormal chromosome number, or aneuploidy, underlies developmental disorders and is a common feature of cancer, with different cancer types exhibiting distinct patterns of chromosomal gains and losses. To understand how specific aneuploidies emerge in certain tissues and how they contribute to disease development, various methods have been developed to alter the karyotype of mammalian cells and mice. In this review, we provide an overview of both classic and novel strategies for inducing or selecting specific chromosomal gains and losses in human and murine cell systems. We highlight how these customized aneuploidy models helped expanding our knowledge of the consequences of specific aneuploidies to (cancer) cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- My Anh Truong
- Oncode Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Cané-Gasull
- Oncode Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne M A Lens
- Oncode Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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33
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Tsai HH, Kao HJ, Kuo MW, Lin CH, Chang CM, Chen YY, Chen HH, Kwok PY, Yu AL, Yu J. Whole genomic analysis reveals atypical non-homologous off-target large structural variants induced by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5183. [PMID: 37626063 PMCID: PMC10457329 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing has promising therapeutic potential for genetic diseases and cancers, but safety could be a concern. Here we use whole genomic analysis by 10x linked-read sequencing and optical genome mapping to interrogate the genome integrity after editing and in comparison to four parental cell lines. In addition to the previously reported large structural variants at on-target sites, we identify heretofore unexpected large chromosomal deletions (91.2 and 136 Kb) at atypical non-homologous off-target sites without sequence similarity to the sgRNA in two edited lines. The observed large structural variants induced by CRISPR-Cas9 editing in dividing cells may result in pathogenic consequences and thus limit the usefulness of the CRISPR-Cas9 editing system for disease modeling and gene therapy. In this work, our whole genomic analysis may provide a valuable strategy to ensure genome integrity after genomic editing to minimize the risk of unintended effects in research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Hui Tsai
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Jung Kao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Kuo
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsien Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital and School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Min Chang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yin Chen
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Huei Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pui-Yan Kwok
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Institute for Human Genetics, and Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, USA
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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34
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Girish V, Lakhani AA, Thompson SL, Scaduto CM, Brown LM, Hagenson RA, Sausville EL, Mendelson BE, Kandikuppa PK, Lukow DA, Yuan ML, Stevens EC, Lee SN, Schukken KM, Akalu SM, Vasudevan A, Zou C, Salovska B, Li W, Smith JC, Taylor AM, Martienssen RA, Liu Y, Sun R, Sheltzer JM. Oncogene-like addiction to aneuploidy in human cancers. Science 2023; 381:eadg4521. [PMID: 37410869 PMCID: PMC10753973 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg4521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Most cancers exhibit aneuploidy, but its functional significance in tumor development is controversial. Here, we describe ReDACT (Restoring Disomy in Aneuploid cells using CRISPR Targeting), a set of chromosome engineering tools that allow us to eliminate specific aneuploidies from cancer genomes. Using ReDACT, we created a panel of isogenic cells that have or lack common aneuploidies, and we demonstrate that trisomy of chromosome 1q is required for malignant growth in cancers harboring this alteration. Mechanistically, gaining chromosome 1q increases the expression of MDM4 and suppresses p53 signaling, and we show that TP53 mutations are mutually exclusive with 1q aneuploidy in human cancers. Thus, tumor cells can be dependent on specific aneuploidies, raising the possibility that these "aneuploidy addictions" could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishruth Girish
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monet Lou Yuan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | | | - Sophia N. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | | | | | - Charles Zou
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Wenxue Li
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Joan C. Smith
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Robert A. Martienssen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Ruping Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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35
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Borrajo J, Javanmardi K, Griffin J, St. Martin SJ, Yao D, Hill K, Blainey PC, Al-Shayeb B. Programmable multi-kilobase RNA editing using CRISPR-mediated trans-splicing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.18.553620. [PMID: 37645763 PMCID: PMC10462116 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Current gene editing approaches in eukaryotic cells are limited to single base edits or small DNA insertions and deletions, and remain encumbered by unintended permanent effects and significant challenges in the delivery of large DNA cargo. Here we describe Splice Editing, a generalizable platform to correct gene transcripts in situ by programmable insertion or replacement of large RNA segments. By combining CRISPR-mediated RNA targeting with endogenous cellular RNA-splicing machinery, Splice Editing enables efficient, precise, and programmable large-scale editing of gene targets without DNA cleavage or mutagenesis. RNA sequencing and measurement of spliced protein products confirm that Splice Editing achieves efficient and specific targeted RNA and protein correction. We show that Splice Editors based on novel miniature RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems discovered and characterized in this work can be packaged for effective delivery to human cells and affect different types of edits across multiple targets and cell lines. By editing thousands of bases simultaneously in a single reversible step, Splice Editing could expand the treatable disease population for monogenic diseases with large allelic diversity without the permanent unintended effects of DNA editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Borrajo
- Amber Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | | | | | | | - David Yao
- Amber Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Kaisle Hill
- Amber Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Paul C. Blainey
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02141
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139
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36
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Cullot G, Boutin J, Fayet S, Prat F, Rosier J, Cappellen D, Lamrissi I, Pennamen P, Bouron J, Amintas S, Thibault C, Moranvillier I, Laharanne E, Merlio JP, Guyonnet-Duperat V, Blouin JM, Richard E, Dabernat S, Moreau-Gaudry F, Bedel A. Cell cycle arrest and p53 prevent ON-target megabase-scale rearrangements induced by CRISPR-Cas9. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4072. [PMID: 37429857 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39632-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized our ability to precisely modify the genome and has led to gene editing in clinical applications. Comprehensive analysis of gene editing products at the targeted cut-site has revealed a complex spectrum of outcomes. ON-target genotoxicity is underestimated with standard PCR-based methods and necessitates appropriate and more sensitive detection methods. Here, we present two complementary Fluorescence-Assisted Megabase-scale Rearrangements Detection (FAMReD) systems that enable the detection, quantification, and cell sorting of edited cells with megabase-scale loss of heterozygosity (LOH). These tools reveal rare complex chromosomal rearrangements caused by Cas9-nuclease and show that LOH frequency depends on cell division rate during editing and p53 status. Cell cycle arrest during editing suppresses the occurrence of LOH without compromising editing. These data are confirmed in human stem/progenitor cells, suggesting that clinical trials should consider p53 status and cell proliferation rate during editing to limit this risk by designing safer protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cullot
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - J Boutin
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Fayet
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Prat
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - J Rosier
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - D Cappellen
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Tumor Biology and Tumor Bank Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - I Lamrissi
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - P Pennamen
- CHU de Bordeaux, department of medical genetics, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - J Bouron
- CHU de Bordeaux, department of medical genetics, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Amintas
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Tumor Biology and Tumor Bank Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Thibault
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - I Moranvillier
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - E Laharanne
- CHU de Bordeaux, Tumor Biology and Tumor Bank Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - J P Merlio
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Tumor Biology and Tumor Bank Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Guyonnet-Duperat
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- Vect'UB, vectorology platform, INSERM US 005-CNRS UAR 3427-TBM-Core, Bordeaux university, Bordeaux, France
| | - J M Blouin
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - E Richard
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Dabernat
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Moreau-Gaudry
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
| | - A Bedel
- Bordeaux University, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
- CHU de Bordeaux, Biochemistry Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
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Park JC, Park MJ, Lee SY, Kim D, Kim KT, Jang HK, Cha HJ. Gene editing with 'pencil' rather than 'scissors' in human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:164. [PMID: 37340491 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03394-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the advances in genome editing technologies, research on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have recently undergone breakthroughs that enable precise alteration of desired nucleotide bases in hPSCs for the creation of isogenic disease models or for autologous ex vivo cell therapy. As pathogenic variants largely consist of point mutations, precise substitution of mutated bases in hPSCs allows researchers study disease mechanisms with "disease-in-a-dish" and provide functionally repaired cells to patients for cell therapy. To this end, in addition to utilizing the conventional homologous directed repair system in the knock-in strategy based on endonuclease activity of Cas9 (i.e., 'scissors' like gene editing), diverse toolkits for editing the desirable bases (i.e., 'pencils' like gene editing) that avoid the accidental insertion and deletion (indel) mutations as well as large harmful deletions have been developed. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in genome editing methodologies and employment of hPSCs for future translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chan Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihn Jeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Tae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ki Jang
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Paschoudi K, Yannaki E, Psatha N. Precision Editing as a Therapeutic Approach for β-Hemoglobinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119527. [PMID: 37298481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119527] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disorders worldwide, caused by a wide spectrum of mutations in the β-globin locus, and associated with morbidity and early mortality in case of patient non-adherence to supportive treatment. Allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (allo-HSCT) used to be the only curative option, although the indispensable need for an HLA-matched donor markedly restricted its universal application. The evolution of gene therapy approaches made possible the ex vivo delivery of a therapeutic β- or γ- globin gene into patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells followed by the transplantation of corrected cells into myeloablated patients, having led to high rates of transfusion independence (thalassemia) or complete resolution of painful crises (sickle cell disease-SCD). Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), a syndrome characterized by increased γ-globin levels, when co-inherited with β-thalassemia or SCD, converts hemoglobinopathies to a benign condition with mild clinical phenotype. The rapid development of precise genome editing tools (ZFN, TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9) over the last decade has allowed the targeted introduction of mutations, resulting in disease-modifying outcomes. In this context, genome editing tools have successfully been used for the introduction of HPFH-like mutations both in HBG1/HBG2 promoters or/and in the erythroid enhancer of BCL11A to increase HbF expression as an alternative curative approach for β-hemoglobinopathies. The current investigation of new HbF modulators, such as ZBTB7A, KLF-1, SOX6, and ZNF410, further expands the range of possible genome editing targets. Importantly, genome editing approaches have recently reached clinical translation in trials investigating HbF reactivation in both SCD and thalassemic patients. Showing promising outcomes, these approaches are yet to be confirmed in long-term follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiriaki Paschoudi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Clinic, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Exokhi, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Clinic, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Exokhi, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nikoletta Psatha
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Sethi S, Takashima Y, Nakamura S, Wan L, Honda N, Fujimoto K. Acceleration of the Deamination of Cytosine through Photo-Crosslinking. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4687-4700. [PMID: 37367047 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the major factor for deamination reaction rate acceleration, i.e., hydrophilicity, by using various 5-substituted target cytosines and by carrying out deamination at high temperatures. Through substitution of the groups at the 5'-position of the cytosine, the effect of hydrophilicity was understood. It was then used to compare the various modifications of the photo-cross-linkable moiety as well as the effect of the counter base of the cytosine to edit both DNA and RNA. Furthermore, we were able to achieve cytosine deamination at 37 °C with a half-life in the order of a few hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Sethi
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Takashima
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
| | - Shigetaka Nakamura
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
| | - Licheng Wan
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
| | - Nozomi Honda
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
| | - Kenzo Fujimoto
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Asahi-dai 1-1, Ishikawa, Nomi 923-1292, Japan
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40
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Kraus C, Sontheimer EJ. Applications of Anti-CRISPR Proteins in Genome Editing and Biotechnology. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168120. [PMID: 37100169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
In the ten years since the discovery of the first anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, the number of validated Acrs has expanded rapidly, as has our understanding of the diverse mechanisms they employ to suppress natural CRISPR-Cas immunity. Many, though not all, function via direct, specific interaction with Cas protein effectors. The abilities of Acr proteins to modulate the activities and properties of CRISPR-Cas effectors have been exploited for an ever-increasing spectrum of biotechnological uses, most of which involve the establishment of control over genome editing systems. This control can be used to minimize off-target editing, restrict editing based on spatial, temporal, or conditional cues, limit the spread of gene drive systems, and select for genome-edited bacteriophages. Anti-CRISPRs have also been developed to overcome bacterial immunity, facilitate viral vector production, control synthetic gene circuits, and other purposes. The impressive and ever-growing diversity of Acr inhibitory mechanisms will continue to allow the tailored applications of Acrs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute; Program in Molecular Medicine, and; Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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41
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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Increasing Specificity of Targeted DNA Methylation Editing by Non-Enzymatic CRISPR/dCas9-Based Steric Hindrance. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051238. [PMID: 37238909 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As advances in genome engineering inch the technology towards wider clinical use-slowed by technical and ethical hurdles-a newer offshoot, termed "epigenome engineering", offers the ability to correct disease-causing changes in the DNA without changing its sequence and, thus, without some of the unfavorable correlates of doing so. In this review, we note some of the shortcomings of epigenetic editing technology-specifically the risks involved in the introduction of epigenetic enzymes-and highlight an alternative epigenetic editing strategy using physical occlusion to modify epigenetic marks at target sites without a requirement for any epigenetic enzyme. This may prove to be a safer alternative for more specific epigenetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Ye L, Lam SZ, Yang L, Suzuki K, Zou Y, Lin Q, Zhang Y, Clark P, Peng L, Chen S. Therapeutic immune cell engineering with an mRNA : AAV- Sleeping Beauty composite system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532651. [PMID: 36993594 PMCID: PMC10055155 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy has shown clinical success in patients with hematological malignancies. Immune cell engineering is critical for production, research, and development of cell therapy; however, current approaches for generation of therapeutic immune cells face various limitations. Here, we establish a composite gene delivery system for the highly efficient engineering of therapeutic immune cells. This system, termed MAJESTIC ( m RNA A AV-Sleeping-Beauty J oint E ngineering of S table T herapeutic I mmune C ells), combines the merits of mRNA, AAV vector, and transposon into one composite system. In MAJESTIC, the transient mRNA component encodes a transposase that mediates permanent genomic integration of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, which carries the gene-of-interest and is embedded within the AAV vector. This system can transduce diverse immune cell types with low cellular toxicity and achieve highly efficient and stable therapeutic cargo delivery. Compared with conventional gene delivery systems, such as lentiviral vector, DNA transposon plasmid, or minicircle electroporation, MAJESTIC shows higher cell viability, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene expression, therapeutic cell yield, as well as prolonged transgene expression. CAR-T cells generated by MAJESTIC are functional and have strong anti-tumor activity in vivo . This system also demonstrates versatility for engineering different cell therapy constructs such as canonical CAR, bi-specific CAR, kill switch CAR, and synthetic TCR; and for CAR delivery into various immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, myeloid cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
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43
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Limitations of gene editing assessments in human preimplantation embryos. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1219. [PMID: 36882397 PMCID: PMC9992379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36820-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Range of DNA repair in response to double-strand breaks induced in human preimplantation embryos remains uncertain due to the complexity of analyzing single- or few-cell samples. Sequencing of such minute DNA input requires a whole genome amplification that can introduce artifacts, including coverage nonuniformity, amplification biases, and allelic dropouts at the target site. We show here that, on average, 26.6% of preexisting heterozygous loci in control single blastomere samples appear as homozygous after whole genome amplification indicative of allelic dropouts. To overcome these limitations, we validate on-target modifications seen in gene edited human embryos in embryonic stem cells. We show that, in addition to frequent indel mutations, biallelic double-strand breaks can also produce large deletions at the target site. Moreover, some embryonic stem cells show copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity at the cleavage site which is likely caused by interallelic gene conversion. However, the frequency of loss of heterozygosity in embryonic stem cells is lower than in blastomeres, suggesting that allelic dropouts is a common whole genome amplification outcome limiting genotyping accuracy in human preimplantation embryos.
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Padmaswari MH, Agrawal S, Jia MS, Ivy A, Maxenberger DA, Burcham LA, Nelson CE. Delivery challenges for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011307. [PMID: 36864908 PMCID: PMC9969352 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects about one in every 5000 live male births. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, which is required for muscle membrane stabilization. The loss of functional dystrophin causes muscle degradation that leads to weakness, loss of ambulation, cardiac and respiratory complications, and eventually, premature death. Therapies to treat DMD have advanced in the past decade, with treatments in clinical trials and four exon-skipping drugs receiving conditional Food and Drug Administration approval. However, to date, no treatment has provided long-term correction. Gene editing has emerged as a promising approach to treating DMD. There is a wide range of tools, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and, most notably, RNA-guided enzymes from the bacterial adaptive immune system clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Although challenges in using CRISPR for gene therapy in humans still abound, including safety and efficiency of delivery, the future for CRISPR gene editing for DMD is promising. This review will summarize the progress in CRISPR gene editing for DMD including key summaries of current approaches, delivery methodologies, and the challenges that gene editing still faces as well as prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shilpi Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Mary S. Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Allie Ivy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Daniel A. Maxenberger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Landon A. Burcham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
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45
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Castiello MC, Ferrari S, Villa A. Correcting inborn errors of immunity: From viral mediated gene addition to gene editing. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101731. [PMID: 36863140 PMCID: PMC10109147 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment to cure inborn errors of immunity. Remarkable progress has been achieved thanks to the development and optimization of effective combination of advanced conditioning regimens and use of immunoablative/suppressive agents preventing rejection as well as graft versus host disease. Despite these tremendous advances, autologous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell therapy based on ex vivo gene addition exploiting integrating γ-retro- or lenti-viral vectors, has demonstrated to be an innovative and safe therapeutic strategy providing proof of correction without the complications of the allogeneic approach. The recent advent of targeted gene editing able to precisely correct genomic variants in an intended locus of the genome, by introducing deletions, insertions, nucleotide substitutions or introducing a corrective cassette, is emerging in the clinical setting, further extending the therapeutic armamentarium and offering a cure to inherited immune defects not approachable by conventional gene addition. In this review, we will analyze the current state-of-the art of conventional gene therapy and innovative protocols of genome editing in various primary immunodeficiencies, describing preclinical models and clinical data obtained from different trials, highlighting potential advantages and limits of gene correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy.
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46
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Guo W, Comai L, Henry IM. Chromoanagenesis in the asy1 meiotic mutant of Arabidopsis. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkac185. [PMID: 35920777 PMCID: PMC9911071 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chromoanagenesis is a catastrophic event that involves localized chromosomal shattering and reorganization. In this study, we report a case of chromoanagenesis resulting from defective meiosis in the MEIOTIC ASYNAPTIC MUTANT 1 (asy1) background in Arabidopsis thaliana. We provide a detailed characterization of the genomic structure of this individual with a severely shattered segment of chromosome 1. We identified 260 novel DNA junctions in the affected region, most of which affect gene sequence on 1 or both sides of the junction. Our results confirm that asy1-related defective meiosis is a potential trigger for chromoanagenesis. This is the first example of chromoanagenesis associated with female meiosis and indicates the potential for genome evolution during oogenesis. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Chromoanagenesis is a complex and catastrophic event that results in severely restructured chromosomes. It has been identified in cancer cells and in some plant samples, after specific triggering events. Here, we identified this kind of genome restructuring in a mutant that exhibits defective meiosis in the model plant system Arabidopsis thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weier Guo
- Genome Center and Dept. Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Luca Comai
- Genome Center and Dept. Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Isabelle M Henry
- Genome Center and Dept. Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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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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48
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Schmidt JK, Kim YH, Strelchenko N, Gierczic SR, Pavelec D, Golos TG, Slukvin II. Whole genome sequencing of CCR5 CRISPR-Cas9-edited Mauritian cynomolgus macaque blastomeres reveals large-scale deletions and off-target edits. Front Genome Ed 2023; 4:1031275. [PMID: 36714391 PMCID: PMC9877282 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1031275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 approaches offers promise for introducing or correcting disease-associated mutations for research and clinical applications. Nonhuman primates are physiologically closer to humans than other laboratory animal models, providing ideal candidates for introducing human disease-associated mutations to develop models of human disease. The incidence of large chromosomal anomalies in CRISPR-Cas9-edited human embryos and cells warrants comprehensive genotypic investigation of editing outcomes in primate embryos. Our objective was to evaluate on- and off-target editing outcomes in CCR5 CRISPR-Cas9-targeted Mauritian cynomolgus macaque embryos. Methods: DNA isolated from individual blastomeres of two embryos, along with paternal and maternal DNA, was subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. Results: Large deletions were identified in macaque blastomeres at the on-target site that were not previously detected using PCR-based methods. De novo mutations were also identified at predicted CRISPR-Cas9 off-target sites. Discussion: This is the first report of WGS analysis of CRISPR-Cas9-targeted nonhuman primate embryonic cells, in which a high editing efficiency was coupled with the incidence of editing errors in cells from two embryos. These data demonstrate that comprehensive sequencing-based methods are warranted for evaluating editing outcomes in primate embryos, as well as any resultant offspring to ensure that the observed phenotype is due to the targeted edit and not due to unidentified off-target mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yun Hee Kim
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nick Strelchenko
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sarah R. Gierczic
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Derek Pavelec
- University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Igor I. Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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49
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Girish V, Lakhani AA, Scaduto CM, Thompson SL, Brown LM, Hagenson RA, Sausville EL, Mendelson BE, Lukow DA, Yuan ML, Kandikuppa PK, Stevens EC, Lee SN, Salovska B, Li W, Smith JC, Taylor AM, Martienssen RA, Liu Y, Sun R, Sheltzer JM. Oncogene-like addiction to aneuploidy in human cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523344. [PMID: 36711674 PMCID: PMC9882055 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Most cancers exhibit aneuploidy, but its functional significance in tumor development is controversial. Here, we describe ReDACT (Restoring Disomy in Aneuploid cells using CRISPR Targeting), a set of chromosome engineering tools that allow us to eliminate specific aneuploidies from cancer genomes. Using ReDACT, we created a panel of isogenic cells that have or lack common aneuploidies, and we demonstrate that trisomy of chromosome 1q is required for malignant growth in cancers harboring this alteration. Mechanistically, gaining chromosome 1q increases the expression of MDM4 and suppresses TP53 signaling, and we show that TP53 mutations are mutually-exclusive with 1q aneuploidy in human cancers. Thus, specific aneuploidies play essential roles in tumorigenesis, raising the possibility that targeting these "aneuploidy addictions" could represent a novel approach for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishruth Girish
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monet Lou Yuan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | | | | | - Sophia N. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Wenxue Li
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Joan C. Smith
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Robert A. Martienssen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Ruping Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Scotto di Carlo F, Russo S, Muyas F, Mangini M, Garribba L, Pazzaglia L, Genesio R, Biamonte F, De Luca AC, Santaguida S, Scotlandi K, Cortés-Ciriano I, Gianfrancesco F. Profilin 1 deficiency drives mitotic defects and reduces genome stability. Commun Biol 2023; 6:9. [PMID: 36599901 PMCID: PMC9813376 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04392-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Profilin 1-encoded by PFN1-is a small actin-binding protein with a tumour suppressive role in various adenocarcinomas and pagetic osteosarcomas. However, its contribution to tumour development is not fully understood. Using fix and live cell imaging, we report that Profilin 1 inactivation results in multiple mitotic defects, manifested prominently by anaphase bridges, multipolar spindles, misaligned and lagging chromosomes, and cytokinesis failures. Accordingly, next-generation sequencing technologies highlighted that Profilin 1 knock-out cells display extensive copy-number alterations, which are associated with complex genome rearrangements and chromothripsis events in primary pagetic osteosarcomas with Profilin 1 inactivation. Mechanistically, we show that Profilin 1 is recruited to the spindle midzone at anaphase, and its deficiency reduces the supply of actin filaments to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. The mitotic defects are also observed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and mesenchymal cells deriving from a newly generated knock-in mouse model harbouring a Pfn1 loss-of-function mutation. Furthermore, nuclear atypia is also detected in histological sections of mutant femurs. Thus, our results indicate that Profilin 1 has a role in regulating cell division, and its inactivation triggers mitotic defects, one of the major mechanisms through which tumour cells acquire chromosomal instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Scotto di Carlo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso” (IGB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Sharon Russo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso” (IGB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Naples, Italy ,grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesc Muyas
- grid.52788.300000 0004 0427 7672European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Maria Mangini
- grid.429047.c0000 0004 6477 0469Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenza Garribba
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology at IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pazzaglia
- grid.419038.70000 0001 2154 6641IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Genesio
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Biamonte
- grid.411489.10000 0001 2168 2547Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy ,grid.411489.10000 0001 2168 2547Center of Interdepartmental Services (CIS), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara De Luca
- grid.429047.c0000 0004 6477 0469Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Santaguida
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology at IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- grid.419038.70000 0001 2154 6641IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isidro Cortés-Ciriano
- grid.52788.300000 0004 0427 7672European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Fernando Gianfrancesco
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso” (IGB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Naples, Italy
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