1
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Liu Y, Liu S, Sheng H, Feng X, Wang S, Hu Y, Zhang L, Cai B, Ma Y. Revolutionizing cattle breeding: Gene editing advancements for enhancing economic traits. Gene 2024; 927:148595. [PMID: 38795857 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148595] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Beef and dairy products are rich in protein and amino acids, making them highly nutritious for human consumption. The increasing use of gene editing technology in agriculture has paved the way for genetic improvement in cattle breeding via the development of the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system. Gene sequences are artificially altered and employed in the pursuit of improving bovine breeding research through targeted knockout, knock-in, substitution, and mutation methods. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in gene editing technology and its diverse applications in enhancing both quantitative and qualitative traits across livestock. These applications encompass areas such as meat quality, milk quality, fertility, disease resistance, environmental adaptability, sex control, horn development, and coat colour. Furthermore, the review considers prospective ideas and insights that may be employed to refine breeding traits, enhance editing efficiency, and navigate the ethical considerations associated with these advancements. The review's focus on improving the quality of beef and milk is intended to enhance the economic viability of these products. Furthermore, it constitutes a valuable resource for scholars and researchers engaged in the fields of cattle genetic improvement and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Shuang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Hui Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Xue Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Shuzhe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Yamei Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Lingkai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Bei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China.
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2
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Zhang R, Chai N, Liu T, Zheng Z, Lin Q, Xie X, Wen J, Yang Z, Liu YG, Zhu Q. The type V effectors for CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome engineering in plants. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 74:108382. [PMID: 38801866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108382] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
A plethora of CRISPR effectors, such as Cas3, Cas9, and Cas12a, are commonly employed as gene editing tools. Among these, Cas12 effectors developed based on Class II type V proteins exhibit distinct characteristics compared to Class II type VI and type II effectors, such as their ability to generate non-allelic DNA double-strand breaks, their compact structures, and the presence of a single RuvC-like nuclease domain. Capitalizing on these advantages, Cas12 family proteins have been increasingly explored and utilized in recent years. However, the characteristics and applications of different subfamilies within the type V protein family have not been systematically summarized. In this review, we focus on the characteristics of type V effector (CRISPR/Cas12) proteins and the current methods used to discover new effector proteins. We also summarize recent modifications based on engineering of type V effectors. In addition, we introduce the applications of type V effectors for gene editing in animals and plants, including the development of base editors, tools for regulating gene expression, methods for gene targeting, and biosensors. We emphasize the prospects for development and application of CRISPR/Cas12 effectors with the goal of better utilizing toolkits based on this protein family for crop improvement and enhanced agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Taoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiye Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiupeng Lin
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xianrong Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zi Yang
- College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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3
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Shang J, Song F, Zhang Z, Chen D, Yang S. Application of novel CRISPR tools in brain therapy. Life Sci 2024; 352:122855. [PMID: 38908787 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing toolkit has been widely used to modify the genome sequence of organisms. As the CRISPR toolbox continues to grow and new CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins are discovered, its applications have expanded beyond conventional genome editing. This now encompass epigenetic editing, gene expression control, and various other functions. Notably, these advancements are finding practical application in the treatment of brain diseases. Furthermore, the amalgamation of CRISPR and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) technologies has emerged as a potential approach for disease treatment. With this in mind, this review commences by offering a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in CRISPR gene editing tools. This encompasses an exploration of various Cas proteins, gene expression control, epigenetic editing, base editing and primer editing. Additionally, we present an in-depth examination of the manifold applications of these innovative CRISPR tools in the realms of brain therapeutics, such as neurodegenerative diseases, neurological syndromes and genetic disorders, epileptic disorders, and brain tumors, also explore the pathogenesis of these diseases. This includes their utilization in modeling, gene screening, therapeutic gene editing, as well as their emerging synergy with CAR-T technology. Finally, we discuss the remaining technical challenges that need to be addressed for effective utilization of CRISPR tools in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Shang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fei Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Di Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Sen Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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4
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Lim SR, Kim HJ, Lee SJ. Efficient CRISPR-Cas12f1-Mediated Multiplex Bacterial Genome Editing via Low-Temperature Recovery. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1522-1529. [PMID: 38881238 PMCID: PMC11294644 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2403.03033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas system is being used as a powerful genome editing tool with developments focused on enhancing its efficiency and accuracy. Recently, the miniature CRISPR-Cas12f1 system, which is small enough to be easily loaded onto various vectors for cellular delivery, has gained attention. In this study, we explored the influence of temperature conditions on multiplex genome editing using CRISPR-Cas12f1 in an Escherichia coli model. It was revealed that when two distinct targets in the genome are edited simultaneously, the editing efficiency can be enhanced by allowing cells to recover at a reduced temperature during the editing process. Additionally, employing 3'-end truncated sgRNAs facilitated the simultaneous single-nucleotide level editing of three targets. Our results underscore the potential of optimizing recovery temperature and sgRNA design protocols in developing more effective and precise strategies for multiplex genome editing across various organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Ra Lim
- Department of Systems Biotechnology and Institute of Microbiomics, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Kim
- Department of Systems Biotechnology and Institute of Microbiomics, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jun Lee
- Department of Systems Biotechnology and Institute of Microbiomics, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
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5
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Tang N, Wang Z, Pan D, Ji Q. Characterization and Engineering of a Novel Miniature Eubacterium siraeum CRISPR-Cas12f System. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2115-2127. [PMID: 38941613 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00154] [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: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cas12f nucleases are one of the most compact genome editors, exhibiting promising potential for in vivo therapeutic applications. However, the availability of active Cas12f genome editors remains relatively limited in the field. Here, we report the characterization and engineering of a novel miniature Cas12f endonuclease from Eubacterium siraeum (EsCas12f1, 433 amino acids). We elucidate the specific Protospacer Adjacent Motifs preference and the detailed biochemical properties for DNA targeting and cleavage. By employing rational design strategies, we systematically optimize the guide RNA of EsCas12f1, converting the initially ineffective CRISPR-EsCas12f1 system into an efficient bacterial genome editor. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capacity of EsCas12f1 for in vitro nucleic-acid diagnostics. In summary, our results enrich the miniature CRISPR-Cas toolbox and pave the way for the application of EsCas12f1 for both genome editing and in vitro diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Na Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deng Pan
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
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6
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Tang N, Ji Q. Miniature CRISPR-Cas12 Systems: Mechanisms, Engineering, and Genome Editing Applications. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1399-1408. [PMID: 38899980 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic application of CRISPR-based gene editing technology is hindered by the delivery challenges of large Cas nucleases. The emergence of miniature editing tools derived from type V CRISPR systems and their ancestor TnpB nucleases presents promising solutions to counter these obstacles. Notably, the type V CRISPR-Cas12f and -Cas12n systems exhibit not only a concise gene size but also remarkable precision in targeted editing, thereby underscoring their potential as supreme gene editing tools. Although both systems are considered as intermediates in the evolution of TnpB to mature Cas12 effectors, they exhibit distinct biochemical and structural characteristics, demonstrating the diversity and complexity of TnpB's evolutionary outcomes. The diverse evolutionary branches indicate the existence of numerous unexplored compact CRISPR systems in nature, the mining and development of which could potentially revolutionize gene manipulation techniques and pave the way for innovative applications in gene therapy. In this Account, we summarize the recent advances from our group with the research and development of Cas12f and Cas12n genome editing systems, including the identification, characterization, and engineering for improving the editing efficiency. Additionally, we discuss the evolutionary process of the ancestral nuclease TnpB growing into various type V CRISPR systems, giving insight into the discovery of novel compact gene editing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
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7
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Jiang K, Yan Z, Di Bernardo M, Sgrizzi SR, Villiger L, Kayabolen A, Kim B, Carscadden JK, Hiraizumi M, Nishimasu H, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Rapid protein evolution by few-shot learning with a protein language model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.17.604015. [PMID: 39071429 PMCID: PMC11275896 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.17.604015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Directed evolution of proteins is critical for applications in basic biological research, therapeutics, diagnostics, and sustainability. However, directed evolution methods are labor intensive, cannot efficiently optimize over multiple protein properties, and are often trapped by local maxima. In silico-directed evolution methods incorporating protein language models (PLMs) have the potential to accelerate this engineering process, but current approaches fail to generalize across diverse protein families. We introduce EVOLVEpro, a few-shot active learning framework to rapidly improve protein activity using a combination of PLMs and protein activity predictors, achieving improved activity with as few as four rounds of evolution. EVOLVEpro substantially enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of in silico protein evolution, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods and yielding proteins with up to 100-fold improvement of desired properties. We showcase EVOLVEpro for five proteins across three applications: T7 RNA polymerase for RNA production, a miniature CRISPR nuclease, a prime editor, and an integrase for genome editing, and a monoclonal antibody for epitope binding. These results demonstrate the advantages of few-shot active learning with small amounts of experimental data over zero-shot predictions. EVOLVEpro paves the way for broader applications of AI-guided protein engineering in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Jiang
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
| | - Zhaoqing Yan
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Matteo Di Bernardo
- Department of Bioengineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
| | - Samantha R. Sgrizzi
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Lukas Villiger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology Kantonspital St. Gallen St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Alisan Kayabolen
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Byungji Kim
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research At MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
| | - Josephine K. Carscadden
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Masahiro Hiraizumi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimasu
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Structural Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
- Inamori Research Institute for Science 620 Suiginya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8411, Japan
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- Department of Medicine Division of Engineering in Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute Mass General Brigham Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, 02115 MA, USA
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Song R, Chen Z, Xiao H, Wang H. The CRISPR-Cas system in molecular diagnostics. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119820. [PMID: 38901631 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119820] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Robust, sensitive, and rapid molecular detection tools are essential prerequisites for disease diagnosis and epidemiological control. However, the current mainstream tests necessitate expensive equipment and specialized operators, impeding the advancement of molecular diagnostics. The CRISPR-Cas system is an integral component of the bacterial adaptive immune system, wherein Cas proteins recognize PAM sequences by binding to CRISPR RNA, subsequently triggering DNA or RNA cleavage. The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas system has invigorated molecular diagnostics. With further in-depth research on this system, its application in molecular diagnosis is flourishing. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent research progress on the CRISPR-Cas system, specifically focusing on its application in molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongyi Chen
- Department of Pathology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haojun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000, China.
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Wang F, Ma S, Zhang S, Ji Q, Hu C. CRISPR beyond: harnessing compact RNA-guided endonucleases for enhanced genome editing. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2566-8. [PMID: 39012436 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system, an adaptive immunity system in prokaryotes designed to combat phages and foreign nucleic acids, has evolved into a groundbreaking technology enabling gene knockout, large-scale gene insertion, base editing, and nucleic acid detection. Despite its transformative impact, the conventional CRISPR-Cas effectors face a significant hurdle-their size poses challenges in effective delivery into organisms and cells. Recognizing this limitation, the imperative arises for the development of compact and miniature gene editors to propel advancements in gene-editing-related therapies. Two strategies were accepted to develop compact genome editors: harnessing OMEGA (Obligate Mobile Element-guided Activity) systems, or engineering the existing CRISPR-Cas system. In this review, we focus on the advances in miniature genome editors based on both of these strategies. The objective is to unveil unprecedented opportunities in genome editing by embracing smaller, yet highly efficient genome editors, promising a future characterized by enhanced precision and adaptability in the genetic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feizuo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Shengsheng Ma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Senfeng Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Quanquan Ji
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Chunyi Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme (TRP), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
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10
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Yan H, Tan X, Zou S, Sun Y, Ke A, Tang W. Assessing and engineering the IscB-ωRNA system for programmed genome editing. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01669-3. [PMID: 38977787 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OMEGA RNA (ωRNA)-guided endonuclease IscB, the evolutionary ancestor of Cas9, is an attractive system for in vivo genome editing because of its compact size and mechanistic resemblance to Cas9. However, wild-type IscB-ωRNA systems show limited activity in human cells. Here we report enhanced OgeuIscB, which, with eight amino acid substitutions, displayed a fourfold increase in in vitro DNA-binding affinity and a 30.4-fold improvement in insertion-deletion (indel) formation efficiency in human cells. Paired with structure-guided ωRNA engineering, the enhanced OgeuIscB-ωRNA systems efficiently edited the human genome across 26 target sites, attaining up to 87.3% indel and 62.2% base-editing frequencies. Both wild-type and engineered OgeuIscB-ωRNA showed moderate fidelity in editing the human genome, with off-target profiles revealing key determinants of target selection including an NARR target-adjacent motif (TAM) and the TAM-proximal 14 nucleotides in the R-loop. Collectively, our engineered OgeuIscB-ωRNA systems are programmable, potent and sufficiently specific for human genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Siyuan Zou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yihong Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ailong Ke
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Weixin Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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11
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Cheng P, Mao C, Tang J, Yang S, Cheng Y, Wang W, Gu Q, Han W, Chen H, Li S, Chen Y, Zhou J, Li W, Pan A, Zhao S, Huang X, Zhu S, Zhang J, Shu W, Wang S. Zero-shot prediction of mutation effects with multimodal deep representation learning guides protein engineering. Cell Res 2024:10.1038/s41422-024-00989-2. [PMID: 38969803 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-024-00989-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in amino acid sequences can provoke changes in protein function. Accurate and unsupervised prediction of mutation effects is critical in biotechnology and biomedicine, but remains a fundamental challenge. To resolve this challenge, here we present Protein Mutational Effect Predictor (ProMEP), a general and multiple sequence alignment-free method that enables zero-shot prediction of mutation effects. A multimodal deep representation learning model embedded in ProMEP was developed to comprehensively learn both sequence and structure contexts from ~160 million proteins. ProMEP achieves state-of-the-art performance in mutational effect prediction and accomplishes a tremendous improvement in speed, enabling efficient and intelligent protein engineering. Specifically, ProMEP accurately forecasts mutational consequences on the gene-editing enzymes TnpB and TadA, and successfully guides the development of high-performance gene-editing tools with their engineered variants. The gene-editing efficiency of a 5-site mutant of TnpB reaches up to 74.04% (vs 24.66% for the wild type); and the base editing tool developed on the basis of a TadA 15-site mutant (in addition to the A106V/D108N double mutation that renders deoxyadenosine deaminase activity to TadA) exhibits an A-to-G conversion frequency of up to 77.27% (vs 69.80% for ABE8e, a previous TadA-based adenine base editor) with significantly reduced bystander and off-target effects compared to ABE8e. ProMEP not only showcases superior performance in predicting mutational effects on proteins but also demonstrates a great capability to guide protein engineering. Therefore, ProMEP enables efficient exploration of the gigantic protein space and facilitates practical design of proteins, thereby advancing studies in biomedicine and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Tang
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wuke Wang
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuxi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Han
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sihan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | - Wuju Li
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Pan
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Shu
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China.
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12
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Wu X, Yang J, Zhang J, Song Y. Gene editing therapy for cardiovascular diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e639. [PMID: 38974714 PMCID: PMC11224995 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.639] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of gene editing tools has been a significant area of research in the life sciences for nearly 30 years. These tools have been widely utilized in disease detection and mechanism research. In the new century, they have shown potential in addressing various scientific challenges and saving lives through gene editing therapies, particularly in combating cardiovascular disease (CVD). The rapid advancement of gene editing therapies has provided optimism for CVD patients. The progress of gene editing therapy for CVDs is a comprehensive reflection of the practical implementation of gene editing technology in both clinical and basic research settings, as well as the steady advancement of research and treatment of CVDs. This article provides an overview of the commonly utilized DNA-targeted gene editing tools developed thus far, with a specific focus on the application of these tools, particularly the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated genes (Cas) (CRISPR/Cas) system, in CVD gene editing therapy. It also delves into the challenges and limitations of current gene editing therapies, while summarizing ongoing research and clinical trials related to CVD. The aim is to facilitate further exploration by relevant researchers by summarizing the successful applications of gene editing tools in the field of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yuning Song
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
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13
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Eggers AR, Chen K, Soczek KM, Tuck OT, Doherty EE, Xu B, Trinidad MI, Thornton BW, Yoon PH, Doudna JA. Rapid DNA unwinding accelerates genome editing by engineered CRISPR-Cas9. Cell 2024; 187:3249-3261.e14. [PMID: 38781968 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.031] [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] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Thermostable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas9) enzymes could improve genome-editing efficiency and delivery due to extended protein lifetimes. However, initial experimentation demonstrated Geobacillus stearothermophilus Cas9 (GeoCas9) to be virtually inactive when used in cultured human cells. Laboratory-evolved variants of GeoCas9 overcome this natural limitation by acquiring mutations in the wedge (WED) domain that produce >100-fold-higher genome-editing levels. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the wild-type and improved GeoCas9 (iGeoCas9) enzymes reveal extended contacts between the WED domain of iGeoCas9 and DNA substrates. Biochemical analysis shows that iGeoCas9 accelerates DNA unwinding to capture substrates under the magnesium-restricted conditions typical of mammalian but not bacterial cells. These findings enabled rational engineering of other Cas9 orthologs to enhance genome-editing levels, pointing to a general strategy for editing enzyme improvement. Together, these results uncover a new role for the Cas9 WED domain in DNA unwinding and demonstrate how accelerated target unwinding dramatically improves Cas9-induced genome-editing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Eggers
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Katarzyna M Soczek
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Owen T Tuck
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Erin E Doherty
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Bryant Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Marena I Trinidad
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Brittney W Thornton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter H Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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14
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Wei J, Liu J, Tian Y, Wang Z, Hou L, Yang Y, Tao C, Li M, Gao BQ, Zhou H, Zheng X, Tang J, Gao S, Yang L, Chai R, Wang Y. Discovery and engineering of ChCas12b for precise genome editing. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024:S2095-9273(24)00408-0. [PMID: 38910106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Many clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat and CRISPR-associated protein 12b (CRISPR-Cas12b) nucleases have been computationally identified, yet their potential for genome editing remains largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a GFP-activation assay screening 13 Cas12b nucleases for mammalian genome editing, identifying five active candidates. Candidatus hydrogenedentes Cas12b (ChCas12b) was found to recognize a straightforward WTN (W = T or A) proto-spacer adjacent motif (PAM), thereby dramatically expanding the targeting scope. Upon optimization of the single guide RNA (sgRNA) scaffold, ChCas12b exhibited activity comparable to SpCas9 across a panel of nine endogenous loci. Additionally, we identified nine mutations enhancing ChCas12b specificity. More importantly, we demonstrated that both ChCas12b and its high-fidelity variant, ChCas12b-D496A, enabled allele-specific disruption of genes harboring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These data position ChCas12b and its high-fidelity counterparts as promising tools for both fundamental research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingtong Liu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuwen Tian
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ziwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Linghui Hou
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chen Tao
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bao-Qing Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Huanyu Zhou
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xixi Zheng
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Junnan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Song Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Yongming Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Shanghai Pudong Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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15
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Banda A, Impomeni O, Singh A, Baloch AR, Hu W, Jaijyan DK. Precision in Action: The Role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas in Gene Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:636. [PMID: 38932365 PMCID: PMC11209408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060636] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme-CAS holds great promise for treating many uncured human diseases and illnesses by precisely correcting harmful point mutations and disrupting disease-causing genes. The recent Food and Drug Association (FDA) approval of the first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell anemia marks the beginning of a new era in gene editing. However, delivering CRISPR specifically into diseased cells in vivo is a significant challenge and an area of intense research. The identification of new CRISPR/Cas variants, particularly ultra-compact CAS systems with robust gene editing activities, paves the way for the low-capacity delivery vectors to be used in gene therapies. CRISPR/Cas technology has evolved beyond editing DNA to cover a wide spectrum of functionalities, including RNA targeting, disease diagnosis, transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, high-throughput screening, and new disease modeling. CRISPR/Cas can be used to engineer B-cells to produce potent antibodies for more effective vaccines and enhance CAR T-cells for the more precise and efficient targeting of tumor cells. However, CRISPR/Cas technology has challenges, including off-target effects, toxicity, immune responses, and inadequate tissue-specific delivery. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the development of a more effective and specific CRISPR/Cas delivery system. This entails strategically utilizing specific gRNAs in conjunction with robust CRISPR/Cas variants to mitigate off-target effects. This review seeks to delve into the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas mechanism, explore progress in gene therapies, evaluate gene delivery systems, highlight limitations, outline necessary precautions, and scrutinize the ethical considerations associated with its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Banda
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Olivia Impomeni
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Aparana Singh
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala 799046, India;
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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16
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He Y, Han Y, Ma Y, Liu S, Fan T, Liang Y, Tang X, Zheng X, Wu Y, Zhang T, Qi Y, Zhang Y. Expanding plant genome editing scope and profiles with CRISPR-FrCas9 systems targeting palindromic TA sites. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38713743 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is widely used for genome editing, but its PAM sequence requirements limit its efficiency. In this study, we explore Faecalibaculum rodentium Cas9 (FrCas9) for plant genome editing, especially in rice. FrCas9 recognizes a concise 5'-NNTA-3' PAM, targeting more abundant palindromic TA sites in plant genomes than the 5'-NGG-3' PAM sites of the most popular SpCas9. FrCas9 shows cleavage activities at all tested 5'-NNTA-3' PAM sites with editing outcomes sharing the same characteristics of a typical CRISPR-Cas9 system. FrCas9 induces high-efficiency targeted mutagenesis in stable rice lines, readily generating biallelic mutants with expected phenotypes. We augment FrCas9's ability to generate larger deletions through fusion with the exonuclease, TREX2. TREX2-FrCas9 generates much larger deletions than FrCas9 without compromise in editing efficiency. We demonstrate TREX2-FrCas9 as an efficient tool for genetic knockout of a microRNA gene. Furthermore, FrCas9-derived cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABE) are developed to produce targeted C-to-T and A-to-G base edits in rice plants. Whole-genome sequencing-based off-target analysis suggests that FrCas9 is a highly specific nuclease. Expression of TREX2-FrCas9 in plants, however, causes detectable guide RNA-independent off-target mutations, mostly as single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Together, we have established an efficient CRISPR-FrCas9 system for targeted mutagenesis, large deletions, C-to-T base editing, and A-to-G base editing in plants. The simple palindromic TA motif in the PAM makes the CRISPR-FrCas9 system a promising tool for genome editing in plants with an expanded targeting scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao He
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangshuo Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanqin Ma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shishi Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Liang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelian Zheng
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuechao Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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17
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Cui T, Cai B, Tian Y, Liu X, Liang C, Gao Q, Li B, Ding Y, Li R, Zhou Q, Li W, Teng F. Therapeutic In Vivo Gene Editing Achieved by a Hypercompact CRISPR-Cas12f1 System Delivered with All-in-One Adeno-Associated Virus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308095. [PMID: 38408137 PMCID: PMC11109646 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-based gene therapies are making remarkable strides toward the clinic. But the large size of most widely used Cas endonucleases including Cas9 and Cas12a restricts their efficient delivery by the adeno-associated virus (AAV) for in vivo gene editing. Being exceptionally small, the recently engineered type V-F CRISPR-Cas12f1 systems can overcome the cargo packaging bottleneck and present as strong candidates for therapeutic applications. In this study, the pairwise editing efficiencies of different engineered Cas12f1/sgRNA scaffold combinations are systemically screened and optimized, and the CasMINI_v3.1/ge4.1 system is identified as being able to significantly boost the gene editing activity. Moreover, packaged into single AAV vectors and delivered via subretinal injection, CasMINI_v3.1/ge4.1 achieves remarkably high in vivo editing efficiencies, over 70% in transduced retinal cells. Further, the efficacy of this Cas12f1 system-based gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa in RhoP23H mice is demonstrated by the therapeutic benefits achieved including rescued visual function and structural preservation. And minimal bystander editing activity is detected. This work advances and expands the therapeutic potential of the miniature Cas12f1 system to support efficient and accurate in vivo gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Bingyu Cai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Yao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Chen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Bojin Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Yali Ding
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Rongqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100101China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100101China
| | - Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
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18
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Wang H, Zhou J, Lei J, Mo G, Wu Y, Liu H, Pang Z, Du M, Zhou Z, Paek C, Sun Z, Chen Y, Wang Y, Chen P, Yin L. Engineering of a compact, high-fidelity EbCas12a variant that can be packaged with its crRNA into an all-in-one AAV vector delivery system. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002619. [PMID: 38814985 PMCID: PMC11139299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002619] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas12a has become a powerful genome-editing tool in biomedical research due to its ease of use and low off-targeting. However, the size of Cas12a severely limits clinical applications such as adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy. Here, we characterized a novel compact Cas12a ortholog, termed EbCas12a, from the metagenome-assembled genome of a currently unclassified Erysipelotrichia. It has the PAM sequence of 5'-TTTV-3' (V = A, G, C) and the smallest size of approximately 3.47 kb among the Cas12a orthologs reported so far. In addition, enhanced EbCas12a (enEbCas12a) was also designed to have comparable editing efficiency with higher specificity to AsCas12a and LbCas12a in mammalian cells at multiple target sites. Based on the compact enEbCas12a, an all-in-one AAV delivery system with crRNA for Cas12a was developed for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Overall, the novel smallest high-fidelity enEbCas12a, this first case of the all-in-one AAV delivery for Cas12a could greatly boost future gene therapy and scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guosheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yankang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingkun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chonil Paek
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaiqiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongshun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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19
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Wu H, Sun Y, Wang Y, Luo L, Song Y. Advances in miniature CRISPR-Cas proteins and their applications in gene editing. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:231. [PMID: 38652321 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system consists of Cas proteins and single-stranded RNAs that recruit Cas proteins and specifically target the nucleic acid. Some Cas proteins can accurately cleave the target nucleic acid under the guidance of the single-stranded RNAs. Due to its exceptionally high specificity, the CRISPR-Cas system is now widely used in various fields such as gene editing, transcription regulation, and molecular diagnosis. However, the huge size of the most frequently utilized Cas proteins (Cas9, Cas12a, and Cas13, which contain 950-1,400 amino acids) can limit their applicability, especially in eukaryotic gene editing, where larger Cas proteins are difficult to deliver into the target cells. Recently discovered miniature CRISPR-Cas proteins, consisting of only 400 to 800 amino acids, offer the possibility of overcoming this limitation. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress of several miniature CRISPR-Cas proteins (Cas12f, Cas12j, Cas12k, and Cas12m) and their practical applications in the field of gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yixiang Sun
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yimai Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Liqiang Luo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yizhi Song
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, China.
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20
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Bigelyte G, Duchovska B, Zedaveinyte R, Sasnauskas G, Sinkunas T, Dalgediene I, Tamulaitiene G, Silanskas A, Kazlauskas D, Valančauskas L, Madariaga-Marcos J, Seidel R, Siksnys V, Karvelis T. Innate programmable DNA binding by CRISPR-Cas12m effectors enable efficient base editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3234-3248. [PMID: 38261981 PMCID: PMC11013384 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae016] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cas9 and Cas12 nucleases of class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity in prokaryotes through RNA-guided cleavage of foreign DNA. Here we characterize a set of compact CRISPR-Cas12m (subtype V-M) effector proteins and show that they provide protection against bacteriophages and plasmids through the targeted DNA binding rather than DNA cleavage. Biochemical assays suggest that Cas12m effectors can act as roadblocks inhibiting DNA transcription and/or replication, thereby triggering interference against invaders. Cryo-EM structure of Gordonia otitidis (Go) Cas12m ternary complex provided here reveals the structural mechanism of DNA binding ensuring interference. Harnessing GoCas12m innate ability to bind DNA target we fused it with adenine deaminase TadA-8e and showed an efficient A-to-G editing in Escherichia coli and human cells. Overall, this study expands our understanding of the functionally diverse Cas12 protein family, revealing DNA-binding dependent interference mechanism of Cas12m effectors that could be harnessed for engineering of compact base-editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Bigelyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Brigita Duchovska
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Rimante Zedaveinyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Sasnauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Sinkunas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Indre Dalgediene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Giedre Tamulaitiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Silanskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Darius Kazlauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Lukas Valančauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Julene Madariaga-Marcos
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Ralf Seidel
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Tautvydas Karvelis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
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21
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Wang X, Li L, Guo L, Feng Y, Du Z, Jiang W, Wu X, Zheng J, Xiao X, Zheng H, Sun Y, Ma H. Robust miniature Cas-based transcriptional modulation by engineering Un1Cas12f1 and tethering Sso7d. Mol Ther 2024; 32:910-919. [PMID: 38351611 PMCID: PMC11163271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.013] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The miniature V-F CRISPR-Cas12f system has been repurposed for gene editing and transcription modulation. The small size of Cas12f satisfies the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) for gene therapy. However, the efficiency of Cas12f-mediated transcriptional activation varies among different target sites. Here, we developed a robust miniature Cas-based transcriptional activation or silencing system using Un1Cas12f1. We engineered Un1Cas12f1 and the cognate guide RNA and generated miniCRa, which led to a 1,319-fold increase in the activation of the ASCL1 gene. The activity can be further increased by tethering DNA-binding protein Sso7d to miniCRa and generating SminiCRa, which reached a 5,628-fold activation of the ASCL1 gene and at least hundreds-fold activation at other genes examined. We adopted these mutations of Un1Cas12f1 for transcriptional repression and generated miniCRi or SminiCRi, which led to the repression of ∼80% on average of eight genes. We generated an all-in-one AAV vector AIOminiCRi used to silence the disease-related gene SERPINA1. AIOminiCRi AAVs led to the 70% repression of the SERPINA1 gene in the Huh-7 cells. In summary, miniCRa, SminiCRa, miniCRi, and SminiCRi are robust miniature transcriptional modulators with high specificity that expand the toolbox for biomedical research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Wang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wei Jiang
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhui Ma
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Hua HM, Xu JF, Huang XS, Zimin AA, Wang WF, Lu YH. Low-Toxicity and High-Efficiency Streptomyces Genome Editing Tool Based on the Miniature Type V-F CRISPR/Cas Nuclease AsCas12f1. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:5358-5367. [PMID: 38427033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing tools based on SpCas9 and FnCpf1 have facilitated strain improvements for natural product production and novel drug discovery in Streptomyces. However, due to high toxicity, their editing requires high DNA transformation efficiency, which is unavailable in most streptomycetes. The transformation efficiency of an all-in-one editing tool based on miniature Cas nuclease AsCas12f1 was significantly higher than those of SpCas9 and FnCpf1 in tested streptomycetes, which is due to its small size and weak DNA cleavage activity. Using this tool, in Streptomyces coelicolor, we achieved 100% efficiency for single gene or gene cluster deletion and 46.7 and 40% efficiency for simultaneous deletion of two genes and two gene clusters, respectively. AsCas12f1 was successfully extended to Streptomyces hygroscopicus SIPI-054 for efficient genome editing, in which SpCas9/FnCpf1 does not work well. Collectively, this work offers a low-toxicity, high-efficiency genome editing tool for streptomycetes, particularly those with low DNA transformation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Hua
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Jia-Feng Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Xue-Shuang Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Andrei A Zimin
- G.K. Scriabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms RAS, Pushchino 142290, Russia
| | - Wen-Fang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Yin-Hua Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
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23
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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24
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Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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25
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Jin M, Lin J, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Kong X, Zhang X, Shao Z, Wang Y, Yu Y, Li J, Chen WJ, Li G, Yang H, Wang N. enOsCas12f1-mediated exon skipping for Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy in humanized mouse model. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:256-259. [PMID: 38103683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qingquan Xiao
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiangfeng Kong
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhurui Shao
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yin Wang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China.
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26
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Su M, Li F, Wang Y, Gao Y, Lan W, Shao Z, Zhu C, Tang N, Gan J, Wu Z, Ji Q. Molecular basis and engineering of miniature Cas12f with C-rich PAM specificity. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:180-189. [PMID: 37697004 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01420-4] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12f nucleases are currently one of the smallest genome editors, exhibiting advantages for efficient delivery via cargo-size-limited adeno-associated virus delivery vehicles. Most characterized Cas12f nucleases recognize similar T-rich protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) for DNA targeting, substantially restricting their targeting scope. Here we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure and engineering of a miniature Clostridium novyi Cas12f1 nuclease (CnCas12f1, 497 amino acids) with rare C-rich PAM specificity. Structural characterizations revealed detailed PAM recognition, asymmetric homodimer formation and single guide RNA (sgRNA) association mechanisms. sgRNA engineering transformed CRISPR-CnCas12f1, which initially was incapable of genome targeting in bacteria, into an effective genome editor in human cells. Our results facilitate further understanding of CRISPR-Cas12f1 working mechanism and expand the mini-CRISPR toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Su
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Lan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Wu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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27
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Fan P, Wang H, Zhao F, Zhang T, Li J, Sun X, Yu Y, Xiong H, Lai L, Sui T. Targeted mutagenesis in mice via an engineered AsCas12f1 system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:63. [PMID: 38280977 PMCID: PMC10821844 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05100-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
SpCas9 and AsCas12a are widely utilized as genome editing tools in human cells, but their applications are largely limited by their bulky size. Recently, AsCas12f1 protein, with a small size (422 amino acids), has been demonstrated to be capable of cleaving double-stranded DNA protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). However, low editing efficiency and large differences in activity against different genomic loci have been a limitation in its application. Here, we show that engineered AsCas12f1 sgRNA has significantly improved the editing efficiency in human cells and mouse embryos. Moreover, we successfully generated three stable mouse mutant disease models using the engineered CRISPR-AsCas12f1 system in this study. Collectively, our work uncovers the engineered AsCas12f1 system expands mini CRISPR toolbox, providing a remarkable promise for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Hejun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Feiyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jinze Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xiaodi Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yongduo Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Haoyang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tingting Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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28
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Li Z, Guo R, Sun X, Li G, Shao Z, Huo X, Yang R, Liu X, Cao X, Zhang H, Zhang W, Zhang X, Ma S, Zhang M, Liu Y, Yao Y, Shi J, Yang H, Hu C, Zhou Y, Xu C. Engineering a transposon-associated TnpB-ωRNA system for efficient gene editing and phenotypic correction of a tyrosinaemia mouse model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:831. [PMID: 38280857 PMCID: PMC10821889 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45197-z] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposon-associated ribonucleoprotein TnpB is known to be the ancestry endonuclease of diverse Cas12 effector proteins from type-V CRISPR system. Given its small size (408 aa), it is of interest to examine whether engineered TnpB could be used for efficient mammalian genome editing. Here, we showed that the gene editing activity of native TnpB from Deinococcus radiodurans (ISDra2 TnpB) in mouse embryos was already higher than previously identified small-sized Cas12f1. Further stepwise engineering of noncoding RNA (ωRNA or reRNA) component of TnpB significantly elevated the nuclease activity of TnpB. Notably, an optimized TnpB-ωRNA system could be efficiently delivered in vivo with single adeno-associated virus (AAV) and corrected the disease phenotype in a tyrosinaemia mouse model. Thus, the engineered miniature TnpB system represents a new addition to the current genome editing toolbox, with the unique feature of the smallest effector size that facilitate efficient AAV delivery for editing of cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruochen Guo
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhi Sun
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xiaona Huo
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Cao
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | | | | | - Xiaoyin Zhang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangyu Ma
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyi Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yingsi Zhou
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Eggers AR, Chen K, Soczek KM, Tuck OT, Doherty EE, Thornton BW, Xu B, Trinidad MI, Doudna JA. Rapid DNA unwinding accelerates genome editing by engineered CRISPR-Cas9. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571777. [PMID: 38168238 PMCID: PMC10760125 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Thermostable CRISPR-Cas9 enzymes could improve genome editing efficiency and delivery due to extended protein lifetimes. However, initial experimentation demonstrated Geobacillus stearothermophilus Cas9 (GeoCas9) to be virtually inactive when used in cultured human cells. Laboratory-evolved variants of GeoCas9 overcome this natural limitation by acquiring mutations in the wedge (WED) domain that produce >100-fold higher genome editing levels. Cryo-EM structures of the wildtype and improved GeoCas9 (iGeoCas9) enzymes reveal extended contacts between the WED domain of iGeoCas9 and DNA substrates. Biochemical analysis shows that iGeoCas9 accelerates DNA unwinding to capture substrates under the magnesium-restricted conditions typical of mammalian but not bacterial cells. These findings enabled rational engineering of other Cas9 orthologs to enhance genome editing levels, pointing to a general strategy for editing enzyme improvement. Together, these results uncover a new role for the Cas9 WED domain in DNA unwinding and demonstrate how accelerated target unwinding dramatically improves Cas9-induced genome editing activity.
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30
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Tan J, Shen M, Chai N, Liu Q, Liu YG, Zhu Q. Genome editing for plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 291:154141. [PMID: 38016350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Plant metabolism and development are a reflection of the orderly expression of genetic information intertwined with the environment interactions. Genome editing is the cornerstone for scientists to modify endogenous genes or introduce exogenous functional genes and metabolic pathways, holding immense potential applications in molecular breeding and biosynthesis. Over the course of nearly a decade of development, genome editing has advanced significantly beyond the simple cutting of double-stranded DNA, now enabling precise base and fragment replacements, regulation of gene expression and translation, as well as epigenetic modifications. However, the utilization of genome editing in plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation remains exploratory. Here, we provide an introduction and a comprehensive overview of the editing attributes associated with various CRISPR/Cas tools, along with diverse strategies for the meticulous control of plant metabolic pathways and developments. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of current approaches and future prospects for genome editing-driven plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Tan
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Mengyuan Shen
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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31
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Wu T, Liu C, Zou S, Lyu R, Yang B, Yan H, Zhao M, Tang W. An engineered hypercompact CRISPR-Cas12f system with boosted gene-editing activity. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1384-1393. [PMID: 37400536 PMCID: PMC10625714 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01380-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Compact CRISPR-Cas systems offer versatile treatment options for genetic disorders, but their application is often limited by modest gene-editing activity. Here we present enAsCas12f, an engineered RNA-guided DNA endonuclease up to 11.3-fold more potent than its parent protein, AsCas12f, and one-third of the size of SpCas9. enAsCas12f shows higher DNA cleavage activity than wild-type AsCas12f in vitro and functions broadly in human cells, delivering up to 69.8% insertions and deletions at user-specified genomic loci. Minimal off-target editing is observed with enAsCas12f, suggesting that boosted on-target activity does not impair genome-wide specificity. We determine the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the AsCas12f-sgRNA-DNA complex at a resolution of 2.9 Å, which reveals dimerization-mediated substrate recognition and cleavage. Structure-guided single guide RNA (sgRNA) engineering leads to sgRNA-v2, which is 33% shorter than the full-length sgRNA, but with on par activity. Together, the engineered hypercompact AsCas12f system enables robust and faithful gene editing in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Siyuan Zou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruitu Lyu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bowei Yang
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Weixin Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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32
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Ullah N, Yang N, Guan Z, Xiang K, Wang Y, Diaby M, Chen C, Gao B, Song C. Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Insights of Cas14-Homology Proteins in Bacteria and Archaea. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1911. [PMID: 37895260 PMCID: PMC10606334 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Type-V-F Cas12f proteins, also known as Cas14, have drawn significant interest within the diverse CRISPR-Cas nucleases due to their compact size. This study involves analyzing and comparing Cas14-homology proteins in prokaryotic genomes through mining, sequence comparisons, a phylogenetic analysis, and an array/repeat analysis. In our analysis, we identified and mined a total of 93 Cas14-homology proteins that ranged in size from 344 aa to 843 aa. The majority of the Cas14-homology proteins discovered in this analysis were found within the Firmicutes group, which contained 37 species, representing 42% of all the Cas14-homology proteins identified. In archaea, the DPANN group had the highest number of species containing Cas14-homology proteins, a total of three species. The phylogenetic analysis results demonstrate the division of Cas14-homology proteins into three clades: Cas14-A, Cas14-B, and Cas14-U. Extensive similarity was observed at the C-terminal end (CTD) through a domain comparison of the three clades, suggesting a potentially shared mechanism of action due to the presence of cutting domains in that region. Additionally, a sequence similarity analysis of all the identified Cas14 sequences indicated a low level of similarity (18%) between the protein variants. The analysis of repeats/arrays in the extended nucleotide sequences of the identified Cas14-homology proteins highlighted that 44 out of the total mined proteins possessed CRISPR-associated repeats, with 20 of them being specific to Cas14. Our study contributes to the increased understanding of Cas14 proteins across prokaryotic genomes. These homologous proteins have the potential for future applications in the mining and engineering of Cas14 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chengyi Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (N.U.); (N.Y.); (Z.G.); (K.X.); (Y.W.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (B.G.)
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33
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Qu J, Liu N, Gao L, Hu J, Sun M, Yu D. Development of CRISPR Cas9, spin-off technologies and their application in model construction and potential therapeutic methods of Parkinson's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1223747. [PMID: 37483347 PMCID: PMC10359996 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1223747] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common degenerative diseases. It is most typically characterized by neuronal death following the accumulation of Lewis inclusions in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region, with clinical symptoms such as motor retardation, autonomic dysfunction, and dystonia spasms. The exact molecular mechanism of its pathogenesis has not been revealed up to now. And there is a lack of effective treatments for PD, which places a burden on patients, families, and society. CRISPR Cas9 is a powerful technology to modify target genomic sequence with rapid development. More and more scientists utilized this technique to perform research associated neurodegenerative disease including PD. However, the complexity involved makes it urgent to organize and summarize the existing findings to facilitate a clearer understanding. In this review, we described the development of CRISPR Cas9 technology and the latest spin-off gene editing systems. Then we focused on the application of CRISPR Cas9 technology in PD research, summarizing the construction of the novel PD-related medical models including cellular models, small animal models, large mammal models. We also discussed new directions and target molecules related to the use of CRISPR Cas9 for PD treatment from the above models. Finally, we proposed the view about the directions for the development and optimization of the CRISPR Cas9 technology system, and its application to PD and gene therapy in the future. All these results provided a valuable reference and enhanced in understanding for studying PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Qu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Na Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongyi Yu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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