1
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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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2
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Roth GV, Gengaro IR, Qi LS. Precision epigenetic editing: Technological advances, enduring challenges, and therapeutic applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00309-X. [PMID: 39137782 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome is a complex framework through which gene expression is precisely and flexibly modulated to incorporate heritable memory and responses to environmental stimuli. It governs diverse cellular processes, including cell fate, disease, and aging. The need to understand this system and precisely control gene expression outputs for therapeutic purposes has precipitated the development of a diverse set of epigenetic editing tools. Here, we review the existing toolbox for targeted epigenetic editing, technical considerations of the current technologies, and opportunities for future development. We describe applications of therapeutic epigenetic editing and their potential for treating disease, with a discussion of ongoing delivery challenges that impede certain clinical interventions, particularly in the brain. With simultaneous advancements in available engineering tools and appropriate delivery technologies, we predict that epigenetic editing will increasingly cement itself as a powerful approach for safely treating a wide range of disorders in all tissues of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie V Roth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Isabella R Gengaro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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3
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McCutcheon SR, Rohm D, Iglesias N, Gersbach CA. Epigenome editing technologies for discovery and medicine. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:1199-1217. [PMID: 39075148 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02320-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Epigenome editing has rapidly evolved in recent years, with diverse applications that include elucidating gene regulation mechanisms, annotating coding and noncoding genome functions and programming cell state and lineage specification. Importantly, given the ubiquitous role of epigenetics in complex phenotypes, epigenome editing has unique potential to impact a broad spectrum of diseases. By leveraging powerful DNA-targeting technologies, such as CRISPR, epigenome editing exploits the heritable and reversible mechanisms of epigenetics to alter gene expression without introducing DNA breaks, inducing DNA damage or relying on DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dahlia Rohm
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nahid Iglesias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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4
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Zhang G, Song Z, Huang S, Wang Y, Sun J, Qiao L, Li G, Feng Y, Han W, Tang J, Chen Y, Huang X, Liu F, Wang X, Liu J. nCas9 Engineering for Improved Target Interaction Presents an Effective Strategy to Enhance Base Editing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2405426. [PMID: 38881503 PMCID: PMC11336945 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405426] [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: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Base editors (BEs) are a recent generation of genome editing tools that couple a cytidine or adenosine deaminase activity to a catalytically impaired Cas9 moiety (nCas9) to enable specific base conversions at the targeted genomic loci. Given their strong application potential, BEs are under active developments toward greater levels of efficiency and safety. Here, a previously overlooked nCas9-centric strategy is explored for enhancement of BE. Based on a cytosine BE (CBE), 20 point mutations associated with nCas9-target interaction are tested. Subsequently, from the initial positive X-to-arginine hits, combinatorial modifications are applied to establish further enhanced CBE variants (1.1-1.3). Parallel nCas9 modifications in other versions of CBEs including A3A-Y130F-BE4max, YEE-BE4max, CGBE, and split-AncBE4max, as well as in the context of two adenine BEs (ABE), likewise enhance their respective activities. The same strategy also substantially improves the efficiencies of high-fidelity nCas9/BEs. Further evidence confirms that the stabilization of nCas9-substrate interactions underlies the enhanced BE activities. In support of their translational potential, the engineered CBE and ABE variants respectively enable 82% and 25% higher rates of editing than the controls in primary human T-cells. This study thus demonstrates a highly adaptable strategy for enhancing BE, and for optimizing other forms of Cas9-derived tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ziguo Song
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐BreedingMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi ProvinceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | | | - Yafeng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjing210008China
| | - Jiayuan Sun
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐BreedingMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi ProvinceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Lu Qiao
- Zhejiang LabHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Guanglei Li
- Gene Editing CenterSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University100 Haike Rd., Pudong New AreaShanghai201210China
| | | | - Wei Han
- Zhejiang LabHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Jin Tang
- Zhejiang LabHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Yulin Chen
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐BreedingMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi ProvinceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | | | - Furui Liu
- Zhejiang LabHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐BreedingMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi ProvinceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Jianghuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease StudyModel Animal Research Center at Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing210061China
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5
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Clark T, Waller MA, Loo L, Moreno CL, Denes CE, Neely GG. CRISPR activation screens: navigating technologies and applications. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:1017-1034. [PMID: 38493051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.02.007] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) activation (CRISPRa) has become an integral part of the molecular biology toolkit. CRISPRa genetic screens are an exciting high-throughput means of identifying genes the upregulation of which is sufficient to elicit a given phenotype. Activation machinery is continually under development to achieve greater, more robust, and more consistent activation. In this review, we offer a succinct technological overview of available CRISPRa architectures and a comprehensive summary of pooled CRISPRa screens. Furthermore, we discuss contemporary applications of CRISPRa across broad fields of research, with the aim of presenting a view of exciting emerging applications for CRISPRa screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teleri Clark
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew A Waller
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lipin Loo
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cesar L Moreno
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher E Denes
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G Gregory Neely
- Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
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6
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Gill J. Dissecting the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas technologies to design efficient biotechnologies. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01366-8. [PMID: 39060676 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Gill
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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7
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Melore SM, Hamilton MC, Reddy TE. HyperCas12a enables highly-multiplexed epigenome editing screens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602263. [PMID: 39026853 PMCID: PMC11257430 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between multiple genes or cis-regulatory elements (CREs) underlie a wide range of biological processes in both health and disease. High-throughput screens using dCas9 fused to epigenome editing domains have allowed researchers to assess the impact of activation or repression of both coding and non-coding genomic regions on a phenotype of interest, but assessment of genetic interactions between those elements has been limited to pairs. Here, we combine a hyper-efficient version of Lachnospiraceae bacterium dCas12a (dHyperLbCas12a) with RNA Polymerase II expression of long CRISPR RNA (crRNA) arrays to enable efficient highly-multiplexed epigenome editing. We demonstrate that this system is compatible with several activation and repression domains, including the P300 histone acetyltransferase domain and SIN3A interacting domain (SID). We also show that the dCas12a platform can perform simultaneous activation and repression using a single crRNA array via co-expression of multiple dCas12a orthologues. Lastly, demonstrate that the dCas12a system is highly effective for high-throughput screens. We use dHyperLbCas12a-KRAB and a ~19,000-member barcoded library of crRNA arrays containing six crRNAs each to dissect the independent and combinatorial contributions of CREs to the dose-dependent control of gene expression at a glucocorticoid-responsive locus. The tools and methods introduced here create new possibilities for highly multiplexed control of gene expression in a wide variety of biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Schuyler M. Melore
- University Program in Genetics & Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Combinatorial Gene Regulation, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marisa C. Hamilton
- University Program in Genetics & Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Combinatorial Gene Regulation, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Timothy E. Reddy
- University Program in Genetics & Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Combinatorial Gene Regulation, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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8
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CRISPRdelight illuminates non-repetitive genomic loci in living cells. Nat Methods 2024:10.1038/s41592-024-02352-0. [PMID: 38969724 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02352-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
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9
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Yang LZ, Min YH, Liu YX, Gao BQ, Liu XQ, Huang Y, Wang H, Yang L, Liu ZJ, Chen LL. CRISPR-array-mediated imaging of non-repetitive and multiplex genomic loci in living cells. Nat Methods 2024:10.1038/s41592-024-02333-3. [PMID: 38965442 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic imaging of genomic loci is key for understanding gene regulation, but methods for imaging genomes, in particular non-repetitive DNAs, are limited. We developed CRISPRdelight, a DNA-labeling system based on endonuclease-deficient CRISPR-Cas12a (dCas12a), with an engineered CRISPR array to track DNA location and motion. CRISPRdelight enables robust imaging of all examined 12 non-repetitive genomic loci in different cell lines. We revealed the confined movement of the CCAT1 locus (chr8q24) at the nuclear periphery for repressed expression and active motion in the interior nucleus for transcription. We uncovered the selective repositioning of HSP gene loci to nuclear speckles, including a remarkable relocation of HSPH1 (chr13q12) for elevated transcription during stresses. Combining CRISPR-dCas12a and RNA aptamers allowed multiplex imaging of four types of satellite DNA loci with a single array, revealing their spatial proximity to the nucleolus-associated domain. CRISPRdelight is a user-friendly and robust system for imaging and tracking genomic dynamics and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Zhong Yang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Yi-Hui Min
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Qing Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Youkui Huang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, 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, China
| | - Zhe J Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
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10
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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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11
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Muralidharan A, Boukany PE. Electrotransfer for nucleic acid and protein delivery. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:780-798. [PMID: 38102019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.009] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer of nucleic acids and proteins has become crucial in biotechnology for gene augmentation and genome editing. This review explores the applications of electrotransfer in both ex vivo and in vivo scenarios, emphasizing biomedical uses. We provide insights into completed clinical trials and successful instances of nucleic acid and protein electrotransfer into therapeutically relevant cells such as immune cells and stem and progenitor cells. In addition, we delve into emerging areas of electrotransfer where nanotechnology and deep learning techniques overcome the limitations of traditional electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
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12
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Xin C, Qiao D, Wang J, Sun W, Cao Z, Lu Y, Jiang Y, Chai Y, Wang XC, Chen QJ. Enhanced editing efficiency in Arabidopsis with a LbCas12a variant harboring D156R and E795L mutations. ABIOTECH 2024; 5:117-126. [PMID: 38978783 PMCID: PMC11229449 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-024-00144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cas12a (Cpf1), a Class 2 Type V CRISPR/Cas nuclease, has several unique attributes for genome editing and may provide a valuable alternative to Cas9. However, a low editing efficiency due to temperature sensitivity and insufficient cleavage activity of the Cas12a nuclease are major obstacles to its broad application. In this report, we generated two variants, ttAsCas12 Ultra and ttLbCas12a Ultra harboring three (E174R, M537R, and F870L) or two (D156R and E795L) mutations, respectively, by combining the mutations from the temperature-tolerant variants ttAsCas12a (E174R) and ttLbCas12a (D156R), and those from the highly active variants AsCas12a Ultra (M537R and F870L) and LbCas12a Ultra (E795L). We compared editing efficiencies of the five resulting Cas12a variants (LbCas12a, ttLbCas12a, ttLbCas12a Ultra, AsCas12a Ultra, and ttAsCas12 Ultra) at six target sites of four genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The variant ttLbCas12a Ultra, harboring the D156R and E795L mutations, exhibited the highest editing efficiency of all variants tested in Arabidopsis and can be used to generate homozygous or biallelic mutants in a single generation in Arabidopsis plants grown at 22 °C. In addition, optimization of ttLbCas12a Ultra, by varying nuclear localization signal sequences and codon usage, further greatly improved editing efficiency. Collectively, our results indicate that ttLbCas12a Ultra is a valuable alternative to Cas9 for editing genes or promoters in Arabidopsis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-024-00144-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dexin Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenghong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue-Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi-jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
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13
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Hsiung CCS, Wilson CM, Sambold NA, Dai R, Chen Q, Teyssier N, Misiukiewicz S, Arab A, O'Loughlin T, Cofsky JC, Shi J, Gilbert LA. Engineered CRISPR-Cas12a for higher-order combinatorial chromatin perturbations. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02224-0. [PMID: 38760567 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02224-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Multiplexed genetic perturbations are critical for testing functional interactions among coding or non-coding genetic elements. Compared to double-stranded DNA cutting, repressive chromatin formation using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) avoids genotoxicity and is more effective for perturbing non-coding regulatory elements in pooled assays. However, current CRISPRi pooled screening approaches are limited to targeting one to three genomic sites per cell. We engineer an Acidaminococcus Cas12a (AsCas12a) variant, multiplexed transcriptional interference AsCas12a (multiAsCas12a), that incorporates R1226A, a mutation that stabilizes the ribonucleoprotein-DNA complex via DNA nicking. The multiAsCas12a-KRAB fusion improves CRISPRi activity over DNase-dead AsCas12a-KRAB fusions, often rescuing the activities of lentivirally delivered CRISPR RNAs (crRNA) that are inactive when used with the latter. multiAsCas12a-KRAB supports CRISPRi using 6-plex crRNA arrays in high-throughput pooled screens. Using multiAsCas12a-KRAB, we discover enhancer elements and dissect the combinatorial function of cis-regulatory elements in human cells. These results instantiate a group testing framework for efficiently surveying numerous combinations of chromatin perturbations for biological discovery and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C-S Hsiung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - C M Wilson
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - R Dai
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Q Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Teyssier
- Biological and Medical Informatics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S Misiukiewicz
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Arab
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - T O'Loughlin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J C Cofsky
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Shi
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - L A Gilbert
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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14
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Liu X, Rong N, Tian Z, Rich J, Niu L, Li P, Huang L, Dong Y, Zhou W, Zhang P, Chen Y, Wang C, Meng L, Huang TJ, Zheng H. Acoustothermal transfection for cell therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1855. [PMID: 38630814 PMCID: PMC11023511 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Transfected stem cells and T cells are promising in personalized cell therapy and immunotherapy against various diseases. However, existing transfection techniques face a fundamental trade-off between transfection efficiency and cell viability; achieving both simultaneously remains a substantial challenge. This study presents an acoustothermal transfection method that leverages acoustic and thermal effects on cells to enhance the permeability of both the cell membrane and nuclear envelope to achieve safe, efficient, and high-throughput transfection of primary T cells and stem cells. With this method, two types of plasmids were simultaneously delivered into the nuclei of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with efficiencies of 89.6 ± 1.2%. CXCR4-transfected MSCs could efficiently target cerebral ischemia sites in vivo and reduce the infarct volume in mice. Our acoustothermal transfection method addresses a key bottleneck in balancing the transfection efficiency and cell viability, which can become a powerful tool in the future for cellular and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ning Rong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lili Niu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengqi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Laixin Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yankai Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab for Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab for Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Congzhi Wang
- National Innovation Center for Advanced Medical Devices, 385 Mintang Road, Shenzhen 518131, China
| | - Long Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hairong Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
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15
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Nguyen LT, Macaluso NC, Rakestraw NR, Carman DR, Pizzano BLM, Hautamaki RC, Rananaware SR, Roberts IE, Jain PK. Harnessing noncanonical crRNAs to improve functionality of Cas12a orthologs. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113777. [PMID: 38358883 PMCID: PMC11031708 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a broad diversity among Cas12a endonucleases that possess nucleic acid detection and gene-editing capabilities, but few are studied extensively. Here, we present an exhaustive investigation of 23 Cas12a orthologs, with a focus on their cis- and trans-cleavage activities in combination with noncanonical crRNAs. Through biochemical assays, we observe that some noncanonical crRNA:Cas12a effector complexes outperform their corresponding wild-type crRNA:Cas12a. Cas12a can recruit crRNA with modifications such as loop extensions and split scaffolds. Moreover, the tolerance of Cas12a to noncanonical crRNA is also observed in mammalian cells through the formation of indels. We apply the adaptability of Cas12a:crRNA complexes to detect SARS-CoV-2 in clinical nasopharyngeal swabs, saliva samples, and tracheal aspirates. Our findings further expand the toolbox for next-generation CRISPR-based diagnostics and gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long T Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nicolas C Macaluso
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Noah R Rakestraw
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dylan R Carman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brianna L M Pizzano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Raymond C Hautamaki
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Isabel E Roberts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Piyush K Jain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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16
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Hsiung CC, Wilson CM, Sambold NA, Dai R, Chen Q, Misiukiewicz S, Arab A, Teyssier N, O'Loughlin T, Cofsky JC, Shi J, Gilbert LA. Higher-order combinatorial chromatin perturbations by engineered CRISPR-Cas12a for functional genomics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.18.558350. [PMID: 37781594 PMCID: PMC10541102 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiplexed genetic perturbations are critical for testing functional interactions among coding or non-coding genetic elements. Compared to double-stranded DNA cutting, repressive chromatin formation using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) avoids genotoxicity and is more effective for perturbing non-coding regulatory elements in pooled assays. However, current CRISPRi pooled screening approaches are limited to targeting 1-3 genomic sites per cell. To develop a tool for higher-order ( > 3) combinatorial targeting of genomic sites with CRISPRi in functional genomics screens, we engineered an Acidaminococcus Cas12a variant -- referred to as mul tiplexed transcriptional interference AsCas12a (multiAsCas12a). multiAsCas12a incorporates a key mutation, R1226A, motivated by the hypothesis of nicking-induced stabilization of the ribonucleoprotein:DNA complex for improving CRISPRi activity. multiAsCas12a significantly outperforms prior state-of-the-art Cas12a variants in combinatorial CRISPRi targeting using high-order multiplexed arrays of lentivirally transduced CRISPR RNAs (crRNA), including in high-throughput pooled screens using 6-plex crRNA array libraries. Using multiAsCas12a CRISPRi, we discover new enhancer elements and dissect the combinatorial function of cis-regulatory elements. These results instantiate a group testing framework for efficiently surveying potentially numerous combinations of chromatin perturbations for biological discovery and engineering.
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17
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Liang R, He Z, Zhao KT, Zhu H, Hu J, Liu G, Gao Q, Liu M, Zhang R, Qiu JL, Gao C. Prime editing using CRISPR-Cas12a and circular RNAs in human cells. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02095-x. [PMID: 38200119 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02095-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing with prime editors based on CRISPR-Cas9 is limited by the large size of the system and the requirement for a G/C-rich protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence. Here, we use the smaller Cas12a protein to develop four circular RNA-mediated prime editor (CPE) systems: nickase-dependent CPE (niCPE), nuclease-dependent CPE (nuCPE), split nickase-dependent CPE (sniCPE) and split nuclease-dependent CPE (snuCPE). CPE systems preferentially recognize T-rich genomic regions and possess a potential multiplexing capacity in comparison to corresponding Cas9-based systems. The efficiencies of the nuclease-based systems are up to 10.42%, whereas niCPE and sniCPE reach editing frequencies of up to 24.89% and 40.75% without positive selection in human cells, respectively. A derivative system, called one-sniCPE, combines all three RNA editing components under a single promoter. By arraying CRISPR RNAs for different targets in one circular RNA, we also demonstrate low-efficiency editing of up to four genes simultaneously with the nickase prime editors niCPE and sniCPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghong Liang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zixin He
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Haocheng Zhu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiacheng Hu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanwen Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Meiyan Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Long Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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18
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Koonin EV, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Discovery of Diverse CRISPR-Cas Systems and Expansion of the Genome Engineering Toolbox. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3465-3487. [PMID: 37192099 PMCID: PMC10734277 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR systems mediate adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea through diverse effector mechanisms and have been repurposed for versatile applications in therapeutics and diagnostics thanks to their facile reprogramming with RNA guides. RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas targeting and interference are mediated by effectors that are either components of multisubunit complexes in class 1 systems or multidomain single-effector proteins in class 2. The compact class 2 CRISPR systems have been broadly adopted for multiple applications, especially genome editing, leading to a transformation of the molecular biology and biotechnology toolkit. The diversity of class 2 effector enzymes, initially limited to the Cas9 nuclease, was substantially expanded via computational genome and metagenome mining to include numerous variants of Cas12 and Cas13, providing substrates for the development of versatile, orthogonal molecular tools. Characterization of these diverse CRISPR effectors uncovered many new features, including distinct protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) that expand the targeting space, improved editing specificity, RNA rather than DNA targeting, smaller crRNAs, staggered and blunt end cuts, miniature enzymes, promiscuous RNA and DNA cleavage, etc. These unique properties enabled multiple applications, such as harnessing the promiscuous RNase activity of the type VI effector, Cas13, for supersensitive nucleic acid detection. class 1 CRISPR systems have been adopted for genome editing, as well, despite the challenge of expressing and delivering the multiprotein class 1 effectors. The rich diversity of CRISPR enzymes led to rapid maturation of the genome editing toolbox, with capabilities such as gene knockout, base editing, prime editing, gene insertion, DNA imaging, epigenetic modulation, transcriptional modulation, and RNA editing. Combined with rational design and engineering of the effector proteins and associated RNAs, the natural diversity of CRISPR and related bacterial RNA-guided systems provides a vast resource for expanding the repertoire of tools for molecular biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V. Koonin
- National
Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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19
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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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20
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Zhou L, Yang L, Feng Y, Chen S. Pooled screening with next-generation gene editing tools. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 28:100479. [PMID: 38222973 PMCID: PMC10786633 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2023.100479] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Pooled screening creates a pool of cells with genetic variants, allowing for the simultaneous examination for changes in behavior or function. By selectively inducing mutations or perturbing expression, it enables scientists to systematically investigate the function of genes or genetic elements. Emerging gene editing tools, such as CRISPR, coupled with advances in sequencing and computational capabilities, provide growing opportunities to understand biological processes in humans, animals, and plants as well as to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions and agricultural research. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of pooled screens using next-generation gene editing tools along with relevant challenges and describe potential future directions of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Luojia Yang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanzhi Feng
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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21
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Bigini F, Lee SH, Sun YJ, Sun Y, Mahajan VB. Unleashing the potential of CRISPR multiplexing: Harnessing Cas12 and Cas13 for precise gene modulation in eye diseases. Vision Res 2023; 213:108317. [PMID: 37722240 PMCID: PMC10685911 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a flourishing field with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases. The emergence of CRISPR-Cas9 has significantly advanced targeted and efficient genome editing. Although CRISPR-Cas9 has demonstrated promising potential applications in various genetic disorders, it faces limitations in simultaneously targeting multiple genes. Novel CRISPR systems, such as Cas12 and Cas13, have been developed to overcome these challenges, enabling multiplexing and providing unique advantages. Cas13, in particular, targets mRNA instead of genomic DNA, permitting precise gene expression control and mitigating off-target effects. This review investigates the potential of Cas12 and Cas13 in ocular gene therapy applications, such as suppression of inflammation and cell death. In addition, the capabilities of Cas12 and Cas13 are explored in addressing potential targets related with disease mechanisms such as aberrant isoforms, mitochondrial genes, cis-regulatory sequences, modifier genes, and long non-coding RNAs. Anatomical accessibility and relative immune privilege of the eye provide an ideal organ system for evaluating these novel techniques' efficacy and safety. By targeting multiple genes concurrently, CRISPR-Cas12 and Cas13 systems hold promise for treating a range of ocular disorders, including glaucoma, retinal dystrophies, and age-related macular degeneration. Nonetheless, additional refinement is required to ascertain the safety and efficacy of these approaches in ocular disease treatments. Thus, the development of Cas12 and Cas13 systems marks a significant advancement in gene therapy, offering the potential to devise effective treatments for ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bigini
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Soo Hyeon Lee
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Young Joo Sun
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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22
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Liu P, Foiret J, Situ Y, Zhang N, Kare AJ, Wu B, Raie MN, Ferrara KW, Qi LS. Sonogenetic control of multiplexed genome regulation and base editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6575. [PMID: 37852951 PMCID: PMC10584809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Manipulating gene expression in the host genome with high precision is crucial for controlling cellular function and behavior. Here, we present a precise, non-invasive, and tunable strategy for controlling the expression of multiple endogenous genes both in vitro and in vivo, utilizing ultrasound as the stimulus. By engineering a hyper-efficient dCas12a and effector under a heat shock promoter, we demonstrate a system that can be inducibly activated through thermal energy produced by ultrasound absorption. This system allows versatile thermal induction of gene activation or base editing across cell types, including primary T cells, and enables multiplexed gene activation using a single guide RNA array. In mouse models, localized temperature elevation guided by high-intensity focused ultrasound effectively triggers reporter gene expression in implanted cells. Our work underscores the potential of ultrasound as a clinically viable approach to enhance cell and gene-based therapies via precision genome and epigenome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Liu
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Josquin Foiret
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yinglin Situ
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nisi Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aris J Kare
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bo Wu
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marina N Raie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine W Ferrara
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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23
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Fang F, Liu P, Huang H, Feng X, Li L, Sun Y, Kaufman RJ, Hu Y. RGC-specific ATF4 and/or CHOP deletion rescues glaucomatous neurodegeneration and visual function. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:286-295. [PMID: 37547290 PMCID: PMC10400881 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been linked with various acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. We previously found that optic nerve (ON) injury and diseases induce neuronal ER stress in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We further demonstrated that germline deletion of CHOP preserves the structure and function of both RGC somata and axons in mouse glaucoma models. Here we report that RGC-specific deletion of CHOP and/or its upstream regulator ATF4 synergistically promotes RGC and ON survival and preserves visual function in mouse ON crush and silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU) glaucoma models. Consistently, topical application of the ATF4/CHOP chemical inhibitor ISRIB or RGC-specific CRISPR-mediated knockdown of the ATF4 downstream effector Gadd45a also delivers significant neuroprotection in the SOHU glaucoma model. These studies suggest that blocking the neuronal intrinsic ATF4/CHOP axis of ER stress is a promising neuroprotection strategy for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Randal J. Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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24
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Fei X, Lei C, Ren W, Liu X, Liu C. Regulating the trans-Cleavage Activity of CRISPR/Cas12a by Using an Elongation-Caged Single-Stranded DNA Activator and the Biosensing Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12169-12176. [PMID: 37531567 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas12a system exhibits extraordinary capability in the field of biosensing and molecular diagnosis due to its trans-cleavage ability. However, it is still desirable for precise control and programmable regulation of Cas12a trans-cleavage activity to promote the in-depth studies and application expansion of Cas12a-based sensing platforms. In this work, we have developed a new and robust CRISPR/Cas12a regulation mechanism by endowing the activator with the function of caging crRNA ingeniously. Specifically, we constructed an integrated elongation-caged activator (EL-activator) by extending the ssDNA activator on the 3'-end. We found that appending only about 8 nt that is complementary to the crRNA repeat region is enough to cage the crRNA spacer/repeat region, thus effectively inhibiting Cas12a trans-cleavage activity. The inner inhibition mechanism was further uncovered after a thorough investigation, demonstrating that the EL-activator works by impeding the conformation of crRNA required for Cas12a recognition and destroying its affinity with Cas12a. By further switching on the elongated moiety on the EL-activator using target biomarkers, the blocked trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a can be rapidly recovered. Finally, a versatile sensing platform was established based on the EL-activator regulation mechanism, expanding the conventional Cas12a system that only directly recognizes DNA to the direct detection of enzymes and RNA biomarkers. This work has enriched the CRISPR/Cas12a regulation toolbox and expanded its sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Fei
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province; School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China
| | - Chao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province; School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China
| | - Wei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province; School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P. R. China
| | - Chenghui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province; School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China
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25
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Shevade K, Peddada S, Mader K, Przybyla L. Functional genomics in stem cell models: considerations and applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1236553. [PMID: 37554308 PMCID: PMC10404852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1236553] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protocols to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells have advanced in terms of cell type specificity and tissue-level complexity over the past 2 decades, which has facilitated human disease modeling in the most relevant cell types. The ability to generate induced PSCs (iPSCs) from patients further enables the study of disease mutations in an appropriate cellular context to reveal the mechanisms that underlie disease etiology and progression. As iPSC-derived disease models have improved in robustness and scale, they have also been adopted more widely for use in drug screens to discover new therapies and therapeutic targets. Advancement in genome editing technologies, in particular the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9, has further allowed for rapid development of iPSCs containing disease-causing mutations. CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have now evolved beyond creating single gene edits, aided by the fusion of inhibitory (CRISPRi) or activation (CRISPRa) domains to a catalytically dead Cas9 protein, enabling inhibition or activation of endogenous gene loci. These tools have been used in CRISPR knockout, CRISPRi, or CRISPRa screens to identify genetic modifiers that synergize or antagonize with disease mutations in a systematic and unbiased manner, resulting in identification of disease mechanisms and discovery of new therapeutic targets to accelerate drug discovery research. However, many technical challenges remain when applying large-scale functional genomics approaches to differentiated PSC populations. Here we review current technologies in the field of iPSC disease modeling and CRISPR-based functional genomics screens and practical considerations for implementation across a range of modalities, applications, and disease areas, as well as explore CRISPR screens that have been performed in iPSC models to-date and the insights and therapies these screens have produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaivalya Shevade
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sailaja Peddada
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karl Mader
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laralynne Przybyla
- Laboratory for Genomics Research, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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26
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Zhang X, Wang X, Lv J, Huang H, Wang J, Zhuo M, Tan Z, Huang G, Liu J, Liu Y, Li M, Lin Q, Li L, Ma S, Huang T, Lin Y, Zhao X, Rong Z. Engineered circular guide RNAs boost CRISPR/Cas12a- and CRISPR/Cas13d-based DNA and RNA editing. Genome Biol 2023; 24:145. [PMID: 37353840 PMCID: PMC10288759 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CRISPR/Cas12a and CRISPR/Cas13d systems are widely used for fundamental research and hold great potential for future clinical applications. However, the short half-life of guide RNAs (gRNAs), particularly free gRNAs without Cas nuclease binding, limits their editing efficiency and durability. RESULTS Here, we engineer circular free gRNAs (cgRNAs) to increase their stability, and thus availability for Cas12a and Cas13d processing and loading, to boost editing. cgRNAs increases the efficiency of Cas12a-based transcription activators and genomic DNA cleavage by approximately 2.1- to 40.2-fold for single gene editing and 1.7- to 2.1-fold for multiplexed gene editing than their linear counterparts, without compromising specificity, across multiple sites and cell lines. Similarly, the RNA interference efficiency of Cas13d is increased by around 1.8-fold. In in vivo mouse liver, cgRNAs are more potent in activating gene expression and cleaving genomic DNA. CONCLUSIONS CgRNAs enable more efficient programmable DNA and RNA editing for Cas12a and Cas13d with broad applicability for fundamental research and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523058, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ma Zhuo
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhihong Tan
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guanjie Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mengrao Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qixiao Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lian Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shufeng Ma
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhao
- Department of Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523058, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
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27
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Han D, Xiao Q, Wang Y, Zhang H, Dong X, Li G, Kong X, Wang S, Song J, Zhang W, Zhou J, Bi L, Yuan Y, Shi L, Zhong N, Yang H, Zhou Y. Development of miniature base editors using engineered IscB nickase. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-01898-9. [PMID: 37231266 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As a miniature RNA-guided endonuclease, IscB is presumed to be the ancestor of Cas9 and to share similar functions. IscB is less than half the size of Cas9 and thus more suitable for in vivo delivery. However, the poor editing efficiency of IscB in eukaryotic cells limits its in vivo applications. Here we describe the engineering of OgeuIscB and its corresponding ωRNA to develop an IscB system that is highly efficient in mammalian systems, named enIscB. By fusing enIscB with T5 exonuclease (T5E), we found enIscB-T5E exhibited comparable targeting efficiency to SpG Cas9 while showing reduced chromosome translocation effects in human cells. Furthermore, by fusing cytosine or adenosine deaminase with enIscB nickase, we generated miniature IscB-derived base editors (miBEs), exhibiting robust editing efficiency (up to 92%) to induce DNA base conversions. Overall, our work establishes enIscB-T5E and miBEs as versatile tools for genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyi Han
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingquan Xiao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Dong
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangfeng Kong
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Shihao Wang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Song
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Weihong Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxing Zhou
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Lanting Bi
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Na Zhong
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., 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 Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingsi Zhou
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- HUIEDIT Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
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28
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Chavez M, Rane DA, Chen X, Qi LS. Stable expression of large transgenes via the knock-in of an integrase-deficient lentivirus. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:661-671. [PMID: 37127707 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The targeted insertion and stable expression of a large genetic payload in primary human cells demands methods that are robust, efficient and easy to implement. Large payload insertion via retroviruses is typically semi-random and hindered by transgene silencing. Leveraging homology-directed repair to place payloads under the control of endogenous essential genes can overcome silencing but often results in low knock-in efficiencies and cytotoxicity. Here we report a method for the knock-in and stable expression of a large payload and for the simultaneous knock-in of two genes at two endogenous loci. The method, which we named CLIP (for 'CRISPR for long-fragment integration via pseudovirus'), leverages an integrase-deficient lentivirus encoding a payload flanked by homology arms and 'cut sites' to insert the payload upstream and in-frame of an endogenous essential gene, followed by the delivery of a CRISPR-associated ribonucleoprotein complex via electroporation. We show that CLIP enables the efficient insertion and stable expression of large payloads and of two difficult-to-express viral antigens in primary T cells at low cytotoxicity. CLIP offers a scalable and efficient method for manufacturing engineered primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chavez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Draven A Rane
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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29
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Ishikawa K, Saitoh S. Transcriptional Regulation Technology for Gene Perturbation in Fission Yeast. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040716. [PMID: 37189462 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation and introduction of genetic mutations is the primary approach to characterize gene functions in model yeasts. Although this approach has proven very powerful, it is not applicable to all genes in these organisms. For example, introducing defective mutations into essential genes causes lethality upon loss of function. To circumvent this difficulty, conditional and partial repression of target transcription is possible. While transcriptional regulation techniques, such as promoter replacement and 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) disruption, are available for yeast systems, CRISPR-Cas-based technologies have provided additional options. This review summarizes these gene perturbation technologies, including recent advances in methods based on CRISPR-Cas systems for Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We discuss how biological resources afforded by CRISPRi can promote fission yeast genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ishikawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Asahi-machi 67, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Saitoh
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Asahi-machi 67, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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30
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Kieu Nguyen NT, Tu Y, Lee HS, Truong VA, Chang YH, Pham NN, Chang CW, Lin YH, Lai PL, Chen PH, Parfyonova YV, Menshikov M, Chang YH, Hu YC. Split dCas12a activator for lncRNA H19 activation to enhance BMSC differentiation and promote calvarial bone healing. Biomaterials 2023; 297:122106. [PMID: 37030110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Healing of large calvarial bone defects in adults is challenging. We previously showed that inducing chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BMSC) or adipose tissue (ASC) before implantation can switch the repair pathway and improve calvarial bone healing. Split dCas12a activator is a new CRISPR activation system comprising the amino (N) and carboxyl (C) fragments of dCas12a protein, each being fused with synthetic transcription activators at both termini. The split dCas12a activator was shown to induce programmable gene expression in cell lines. Here we exploited the split dCas12a activator to activate the expression of chondroinductive long non-coding RNA H19. We showed that co-expression of the split N- and C-fragments resulted in spontaneous dimerization, which elicited stronger activation of H19 than full-length dCas12a activator in rat BMSC and ASC. We further packaged the entire split dCas12a activator system (13.2 kb) into a hybrid baculovirus vector, which enhanced and prolonged H19 activation for at least 14 days in BMSC and ASC. The extended H19 activation elicited potent chondrogenic differentiation and inhibited adipogenesis. Consequently, the engineered BMSC promoted in vitro cartilage formation and augmented calvarial bone healing in rats. These data implicated the potentials of the split dCas12a activator for stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuong Thi Kieu Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yi Tu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Sheng Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Vu Anh Truong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Nam Ngoc Pham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Wei Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 333, Taiwan; Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hsin Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yelena V Parfyonova
- National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
| | - Mikhail Menshikov
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Cardiology Research Center, Russia
| | - Yu-Han Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 333, Taiwan; Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chen Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan; Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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31
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Chang HY, Qi LS. Reversing the Central Dogma: RNA-guided control of DNA in epigenetics and genome editing. Mol Cell 2023; 83:442-451. [PMID: 36736311 PMCID: PMC10044466 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Central Dogma of the flow of genetic information is arguably the crowning achievement of 20th century molecular biology. Reversing the flow of information from RNA to DNA or chromatin has come to the fore in recent years, from the convergence of fundamental discoveries and synthetic biology. Inspired by the example of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mammalian genomes that direct chromatin modifications and gene expression, synthetic biologists have repurposed prokaryotic RNA-guided genome defense systems such as CRISPR to edit eukaryotic genomes and epigenomes. Here we explore the parallels of these two fields and highlight opportunities for synergy and future breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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32
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Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) renaissance was catalysed by the discovery that RNA-guided prokaryotic CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins can create targeted double-strand breaks in mammalian genomes. This finding led to the development of CRISPR systems that harness natural DNA repair mechanisms to repair deficient genes more easily and precisely than ever before. CRISPR has been used to knock out harmful mutant genes and to fix errors in coding sequences to rescue disease phenotypes in preclinical studies and in several clinical trials. However, most genetic disorders result from combinations of mutations, deletions and duplications in the coding and non-coding regions of the genome and therefore require sophisticated genome engineering strategies beyond simple gene knockout. To overcome this limitation, the toolbox of natural and engineered CRISPR-Cas systems has been dramatically expanded to include diverse tools that function in human cells for precise genome editing and epigenome engineering. The application of CRISPR technology to edit the non-coding genome, modulate gene regulation, make precise genetic changes and target infectious diseases has the potential to lead to curative therapies for many previously untreatable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chavez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul B Finn
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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33
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Shaytan AK, Novikov RV, Vinnikov RS, Gribkova AK, Glukhov GS. From DNA-protein interactions to the genetic circuit design using CRISPR-dCas systems. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1070526. [PMID: 36589238 PMCID: PMC9795063 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1070526] [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: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the CRISPR-Cas technology has gained widespread popularity in different fields from genome editing and detecting specific DNA/RNA sequences to gene expression control. At the heart of this technology is the ability of CRISPR-Cas complexes to be programmed for targeting particular DNA loci, even when using catalytically inactive dCas-proteins. The repertoire of naturally derived and engineered dCas-proteins including fusion proteins presents a promising toolbox that can be used to construct functional synthetic genetic circuits. Rational genetic circuit design, apart from having practical relevance, is an important step towards a deeper quantitative understanding of the basic principles governing gene expression regulation and functioning of living organisms. In this minireview, we provide a succinct overview of the application of CRISPR-dCas-based systems in the emerging field of synthetic genetic circuit design. We discuss the diversity of dCas-based tools, their properties, and their application in different types of genetic circuits and outline challenges and further research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. Shaytan
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Department of Computer Science, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,*Correspondence: A. K. Shaytan,
| | - R. V. Novikov
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - R. S. Vinnikov
- Department of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. K. Gribkova
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - G. S. Glukhov
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Faculty of Biology, MSU-BIT Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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34
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Ma E, Chen K, Shi H, Stahl EC, Adler B, Trinidad M, Liu J, Zhou K, Ye J, Doudna J. Improved genome editing by an engineered CRISPR-Cas12a. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12689-12701. [PMID: 36537251 PMCID: PMC9825149 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a is an RNA-guided, programmable genome editing enzyme found within bacterial adaptive immune pathways. Unlike CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12a uses only a single catalytic site to both cleave target double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) (cis-activity) and indiscriminately degrade single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) (trans-activity). To investigate how the relative potency of cis- versus trans-DNase activity affects Cas12a-mediated genome editing, we first used structure-guided engineering to generate variants of Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a that selectively disrupt trans-activity. The resulting engineered mutant with the biggest differential between cis- and trans-DNase activity in vitro showed minimal genome editing activity in human cells, motivating a second set of experiments using directed evolution to generate additional mutants with robust genome editing activity. Notably, these engineered and evolved mutants had enhanced ability to induce homology-directed repair (HDR) editing by 2-18-fold compared to wild-type Cas12a when using HDR donors containing mismatches with crRNA at the PAM-distal region. Finally, a site-specific reversion mutation produced improved Cas12a (iCas12a) variants with superior genome editing efficiency at genomic sites that are difficult to edit using wild-type Cas12a. This strategy establishes a pipeline for creating improved genome editing tools by combining structural insights with randomization and selection. The available structures of other CRISPR-Cas enzymes will enable this strategy to be applied to improve the efficacy of other genome-editing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enbo Ma
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Honglue Shi
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Stahl
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ben Adler
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Junjie Liu
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kaihong Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jinjuan Ye
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
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35
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CRISPR-Based Tools for Fighting Rare Diseases. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121968. [PMID: 36556333 PMCID: PMC9787644 DOI: 10.3390/life12121968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases affect the life of a tremendous number of people globally. The CRISPR-Cas system emerged as a powerful genome engineering tool and has facilitated the comprehension of the mechanism and development of therapies for rare diseases. This review focuses on current efforts to develop the CRISPR-based toolbox for various rare disease therapy applications and compares the pros and cons of different tools and delivery methods. We further discuss the therapeutic applications of CRISPR-based tools for fighting different rare diseases.
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36
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Hu Y, Ewen-Campen B, Comjean A, Rodiger J, Mohr SE, Perrimon N. Paralog Explorer: A resource for mining information about paralogs in common research organisms. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6570-6577. [PMID: 36467589 PMCID: PMC9712503 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.041] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Paralogs are genes which arose via gene duplication, and when such paralogs retain overlapping or redundant function, this poses a challenge to functional genetics research. Recent technological advancements have made it possible to systematically probe gene function for redundant genes using dual or multiplex gene perturbation, and there is a need for a simple bioinformatic tool to identify putative paralogs of a gene(s) of interest. We have developed Paralog Explorer (https://www.flyrnai.org/tools/paralogs/), an online resource that allows researchers to quickly and accurately identify candidate paralogous genes in the genomes of the model organisms D. melanogaster, C. elegans, D. rerio, M. musculus, and H. sapiens. Paralog Explorer deploys an effective between-species ortholog prediction software, DIOPT, to analyze within-species paralogs. Paralog Explorer allows users to identify candidate paralogs, and to navigate relevant databases regarding gene co-expression, protein-protein and genetic interaction, as well as gene ontology and phenotype annotations. Altogether, this tool extends the value of current ortholog prediction resources by providing sophisticated features useful for identification and study of paralogous genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Ben Ewen-Campen
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Rodiger
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02138, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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37
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Multiplexed base editing through Cas12a variant-mediated cytosine and adenine base editors. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1163. [PMID: 36323848 PMCID: PMC9630288 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04152-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cas12a can process multiple sgRNAs from a single transcript of CRISPR array, conferring advantages in multiplexed base editing when incorporated into base editor systems, which is extremely helpful given that phenotypes commonly involve multiple genes or single-nucleotide variants. However, multiplexed base editing through Cas12a-derived base editors has been barely reported, mainly due to the compromised efficiencies and restricted protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) of TTTV for wild-type Cas12a. Here, we develop Cas12a-mediated cytosine base editor (CBE) and adenine base editor (ABE) systems with elevated efficiencies and expanded targeting scope, by combining highly active deaminases with Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a (LbCas12a) variants. We confirm that these CBEs and ABEs can perform efficient C-to-T and A-to-G conversions, respectively, on targets with PAMs of NTTN, TYCN, and TRTN. Notably, multiplexed base editing can be conducted using the developed CBEs and ABEs in somatic cells and embryos. These Cas12a variant-mediated base editors will serve as versatile tools for multiplexed point mutation, which is notably important in genetic improvement, disease modeling, and gene therapy.
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38
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Zhang P, Chan MM. A multifaceted signal recorder of cellular experiences using Cas12a base-editing. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1279-1281. [PMID: 35933268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Technological advances have led to the emergence of lineage tracers, but signal recorders for mammalian systems have remained elusive. Kempton et al. have developed a Cas12a base-editing signal recorder capable of capturing diverse signals and operating in various experimental designs. The recorder enables new opportunities to chronicle cellular history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Michelle M Chan
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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39
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Demirci S, Essawi K, Germino-Watnick P, Liu X, Hakami W, Tisdale JF. Advances in CRISPR Delivery Methods: Perspectives and Challenges. CRISPR J 2022; 5:660-676. [PMID: 36260301 PMCID: PMC9835311 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of new genome editing technologies and the emphasis placed on their optimization, the genetic and phenotypic correction of a plethora of diseases sit on the horizon. Ideally, genome editing approaches would provide long-term solutions through permanent disease correction instead of simply treating patients symptomatically. Although various editing machinery options exist, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas (CRISPR-associated protein) editing technique has emerged as the most popular due to its high editing efficiency, simplicity, and affordability. However, while CRISPR technology is gradually being perfected, optimization is futile without accessible, effective, and safe delivery to the desired cell or tissue. Therefore, it is important that scientists simultaneously focus on inventing and improving delivery modalities for editing machinery as well. In this review, we will discuss the critical details of viral and nonviral delivery systems, including payload, immunogenicity, efficacy in delivery, clinical application, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirci
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Address correspondence to: Selami Demirci, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA,
| | - Khaled Essawi
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paula Germino-Watnick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiong Liu
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Hakami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - John F. Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Address correspondence to: John F. Tisdale, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA,
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40
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Wong KA, Benowitz LI. Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Axon Regeneration after Optic Nerve Injury: Role of Inflammation and Other Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710179. [PMID: 36077577 PMCID: PMC9456227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The optic nerve, like most pathways in the mature central nervous system, cannot regenerate if injured, and within days, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that extend axons through the optic nerve, begin to die. Thus, there are few clinical options to improve vision after traumatic or ischemic optic nerve injury or in neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, dominant optic neuropathy, or optic pathway gliomas. Research over the past two decades has identified several strategies to enable RGCs to regenerate axons the entire length of the optic nerve, in some cases leading to modest reinnervation of di- and mesencephalic visual relay centers. This review primarily focuses on the role of the innate immune system in improving RGC survival and axon regeneration, and its synergy with manipulations of signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, and cell-extrinsic suppressors of axon growth. Research in this field provides hope that clinically effective strategies to improve vision in patients with currently untreatable losses could become a reality in 5-10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Wong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (K.A.W.); (L.I.B.)
| | - Larry I. Benowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (K.A.W.); (L.I.B.)
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41
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Danila F, Schreiber T, Ermakova M, Hua L, Vlad D, Lo S, Chen Y, Lambret‐Frotte J, Hermanns AS, Athmer B, von Caemmerer S, Yu S, Hibberd JM, Tissier A, Furbank RT, Kelly S, Langdale JA. A single promoter-TALE system for tissue-specific and tuneable expression of multiple genes in rice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:1786-1806. [PMID: 35639605 PMCID: PMC9398400 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In biological discovery and engineering research, there is a need to spatially and/or temporally regulate transgene expression. However, the limited availability of promoter sequences that are uniquely active in specific tissue-types and/or at specific times often precludes co-expression of multiple transgenes in precisely controlled developmental contexts. Here, we developed a system for use in rice that comprises synthetic designer transcription activator-like effectors (dTALEs) and cognate synthetic TALE-activated promoters (STAPs). The system allows multiple transgenes to be expressed from different STAPs, with the spatial and temporal context determined by a single promoter that drives expression of the dTALE. We show that two different systems-dTALE1-STAP1 and dTALE2-STAP2-can activate STAP-driven reporter gene expression in stable transgenic rice lines, with transgene transcript levels dependent on both dTALE and STAP sequence identities. The relative strength of individual STAP sequences is consistent between dTALE1 and dTALE2 systems but differs between cell-types, requiring empirical evaluation in each case. dTALE expression leads to off-target activation of endogenous genes but the number of genes affected is substantially less than the number impacted by the somaclonal variation that occurs during the regeneration of transformed plants. With the potential to design fully orthogonal dTALEs for any genome of interest, the dTALE-STAP system thus provides a powerful approach to fine-tune the expression of multiple transgenes, and to simultaneously introduce different synthetic circuits into distinct developmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Danila
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Plant Sciences Division, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Tom Schreiber
- Department of Cell and Metabolic BiologyLeibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalleGermany
| | - Maria Ermakova
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Plant Sciences Division, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Lei Hua
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Daniela Vlad
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Shuen‐Fang Lo
- Biotechnology CenterNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Shih Chen
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Anna S. Hermanns
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Present address:
Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant ScienceCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Benedikt Athmer
- Department of Cell and Metabolic BiologyLeibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalleGermany
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Plant Sciences Division, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Su‐May Yu
- Biotechnology CenterNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Alain Tissier
- Department of Cell and Metabolic BiologyLeibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalleGermany
| | - Robert T. Furbank
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Plant Sciences Division, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Steven Kelly
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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42
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Kempton HR, Love KS, Guo LY, Qi LS. Scalable biological signal recording in mammalian cells using Cas12a base editors. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:742-750. [PMID: 35637351 PMCID: PMC9246900 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Biological signal recording enables the study of molecular inputs experienced throughout cellular history. However, current methods are limited in their ability to scale up beyond a single signal in mammalian contexts. Here, we develop an approach using a hyper-efficient dCas12a base editor for multi-signal parallel recording in human cells. We link signals of interest to expression of guide RNAs to catalyze specific nucleotide conversions as a permanent record, enabled by Cas12's guide-processing abilities. We show this approach is plug-and-play with diverse biologically relevant inputs and extend it for more sophisticated applications, including recording of time-delimited events and history of chimeric antigen receptor T cells' antigen exposure. We also demonstrate efficient recording of up to four signals in parallel on an endogenous safe-harbor locus. This work provides a versatile platform for scalable recording of signals of interest for a variety of biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Kempton
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kasey S Love
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucie Y Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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43
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Yuan Q, Gao X. Multiplex base- and prime-editing with drive-and-process CRISPR arrays. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2771. [PMID: 35589728 PMCID: PMC9120480 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current base- and prime-editing technologies lack efficient strategies to edit multiple genomic loci simultaneously, limiting their applications in complex genomics and polygenic diseases. Here, we describe drive-and-process (DAP) CRISPR array architectures for multiplex base-editing (MBE) and multiplex prime-editing (MPE) in human cells. We leverage tRNA as the RNA polymerase III promoter to drive the expression of tandemly assembled tRNA-guide RNA (gRNA) arrays, of which the individual gRNAs are released by the cellular endogenous tRNA processing machinery. We engineer a 75-nt human cysteine tRNA (hCtRNA) for the DAP array, achieving up to 31-loci MBE and up to 3-loci MPE. By applying MBE or MPE elements for deliveries via adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus, we demonstrate simultaneous editing of multiple disease-relevant genomic loci. Our work streamlines the expression and processing of gRNAs on a single array and establishes efficient MBE and MPE strategies for biomedical research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichen Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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