1
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Choi SW, Nam JW. Optimal design of synthetic circular RNAs. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01251-w. [PMID: 38871815 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs are an unusual class of single-stranded RNAs whose ends are covalently linked via back-splicing. Due to their versatility, the need to express circular RNAs in vivo and in vitro has increased. Efforts have been made to efficiently and precisely synthesize circular RNAs. However, a review on the optimization of the processes of circular RNA design, synthesis, and delivery is lacking. Our review highlights the multifaceted aspects considered when producing optimal circular RNAs and summarizes the available options for each step of exogenous circular RNA design and synthesis, including circularization strategies. Additionally, this review describes several potential applications of circular RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Won Choi
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Wu Nam
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
- Bio-BigData Center, Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
- Hanyang Institute of Advanced BioConvergence, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Villiger L, Joung J, Koblan L, Weissman J, Abudayyeh OO, Gootenberg JS. CRISPR technologies for genome, epigenome and transcriptome editing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:464-487. [PMID: 38308006 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Our ability to edit genomes lags behind our capacity to sequence them, but the growing understanding of CRISPR biology and its application to genome, epigenome and transcriptome engineering is narrowing this gap. In this Review, we discuss recent developments of various CRISPR-based systems that can transiently or permanently modify the genome and the transcriptome. The discovery of further CRISPR enzymes and systems through functional metagenomics has meaningfully broadened the applicability of CRISPR-based editing. Engineered Cas variants offer diverse capabilities such as base editing, prime editing, gene insertion and gene regulation, thereby providing a panoply of tools for the scientific community. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current CRISPR tools, considering their efficiency, precision, specificity, reliance on cellular DNA repair mechanisms and their applications in both fundamental biology and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss ongoing clinical trials that illustrate the potential impact of CRISPR systems on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Villiger
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julia Joung
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luke Koblan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Weissman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Omar O Abudayyeh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Janciauskiene S, Lechowicz U, Pelc M, Olejnicka B, Chorostowska-Wynimko J. Diagnostic and therapeutic value of human serpin family proteins. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116618. [PMID: 38678961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SERPIN (serine proteinase inhibitors) is an acronym for the superfamily of structurally similar proteins found in animals, plants, bacteria, viruses, and archaea. Over 1500 SERPINs are known in nature, while only 37 SERPINs are found in humans, which participate in inflammation, coagulation, angiogenesis, cell viability, and other pathophysiological processes. Both qualitative or quantitative deficiencies or overexpression and/or abnormal accumulation of SERPIN can lead to diseases commonly referred to as "serpinopathies". Hence, strategies involving SERPIN supplementation, elimination, or correction are utilized and/or under consideration. In this review, we discuss relationships between certain SERPINs and diseases as well as putative strategies for the clinical explorations of SERPINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Janciauskiene
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases and BREATH German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Urszula Lechowicz
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pelc
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Beata Olejnicka
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases and BREATH German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland.
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4
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Shi Y, Shen F, Chen X, Sun M, Zhang P. Current understanding of circular RNAs in preeclampsia. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:1607-1619. [PMID: 38605141 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01675-x] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multiple organ and system disease that seriously threatens the safety of the mother and infant during pregnancy, and has a profound impact on the morbidity and mortality of the mother and new babies. Presently, there are no remedies for cure of PE as to the mechanisms of PE are still unclear, and the only way to eliminate the symptoms is to deliver the placenta. Thus, new therapeutic targets for PE are urgently needed. Approximately 95% of human transcripts are thought to be non-coding RNAs, and the roles of them are to be increasingly recognized of great importance in various biological processes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs, with no 5' caps and 3' polyadenylated tails, commonly produced by back-splicing of exons. The structure of circRNAs makes them more stable than their counterparts. Increasing evidence shows that circRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of PE, but the biogenesis, functions, and mechanisms of circRNAs in PE are poorly understood. In the present review, we mainly summarize the biogenesis, functions, and possible mechanisms of circRNAs in the development and progression of PE, as well as opportunities and challenges in the treatment and prevention of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Shi
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fangrong Shen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xionghui Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Institute of Trauma Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center of Trauma Medicine, Suzhou, China.
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Pengjie Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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5
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Sun X, Zhao X, Xu Y, Yan Y, Han L, Wei M, He M. Potential therapeutic strategy for cancer: Multi-dimensional cross-talk between circRNAs and parental genes. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216794. [PMID: 38453043 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In many ways, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to be crucial in the onset and advancement of cancer throughout the last ten years and have become a new focus of intense research in the field of RNAs. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that circRNAs can regulate parental gene expression via a variety of biological pathways. Furthermore, research into the complex interactions between circRNAs and their parental genes will shed light on their biological roles and open up new avenues for circRNAs' potential clinical translational uses. However, to date, multi-dimensional cross-talk between circRNAs and parental genes have not been systematically elucidated. Particularly intriguing is circRNA's exploration of tumor targeting, and potential therapeutic uses based on the parental gene regulation perspective. Here, we discuss their biogenesis, take a fresh look at the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs control the expression of their parental genes in cancer. We further highlight We further highlight the latest circRNA clinical translational applications, including prognostic diagnostic markers, cancer vaccines, gDNA, and so on. Demonstrating the potential benefits and future applications of circRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Li Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
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6
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Wong BL, Mendoza HG, Jacobsen CS, Beal PA. RNA sequences that direct selective ADAR editing from a SELEX library bearing 8-azanebularine. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 104:117700. [PMID: 38583236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADARs) catalyze the deamination of adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). ADARs' ability to recognize and edit dsRNA is dependent on local sequence context surrounding the edited adenosine and the length of the duplex. A deeper understanding of how editing efficiency is affected by mismatches, loops, and bulges around the editing site would aid in the development of therapeutic gRNAs for ADAR-mediated site-directed RNA editing (SDRE). Here, a SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) approach was employed to identify dsRNA substrates that bind to the deaminase domain of human ADAR2 (hADAR2d) with high affinity. A library of single-stranded RNAs was hybridized with a fixed-sequence target strand containing the nucleoside analog 8-azanebularine that mimics the adenosine deamination transition state. The presence of this nucleoside analog in the library biased the screen to identify hit sequences compatible with adenosine deamination at the site of 8-azanebularine modification. SELEX also identified non-duplex structural elements that supported editing at the target site while inhibiting editing at bystander sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey L Wong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Herra G Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Casey S Jacobsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Peter A Beal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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7
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Witzenberger M, Schwartz S. Directing RNA-modifying machineries towards endogenous RNAs: opportunities and challenges. Trends Genet 2024; 40:313-325. [PMID: 38350740 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Over 170 chemical modifications can be naturally installed on RNA, all of which are catalyzed by dedicated machineries. These modifications can alter RNA sequence structure, stability, and translation as well as serving as quality control marks that record aspects of RNA processing. The diverse roles played by RNAs within cells has motivated endeavors to exogenously introduce RNA modifications at target sites for diverse purposes ranging from recording RNA:protein interactions to therapeutic applications. Here, we discuss these applications and the approaches that have been employed to engineer RNA-modifying machineries, and highlight persisting challenges and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Witzenberger
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7630031, Israel.
| | - Schraga Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7630031, Israel.
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8
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Caporali A, Anwar M, Devaux Y, Katare R, Martelli F, Srivastava PK, Pedrazzini T, Emanueli C. Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in ischaemic heart disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024:10.1038/s41569-024-01001-5. [PMID: 38499868 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The adult heart is a complex, multicellular organ that is subjected to a series of regulatory stimuli and circuits and has poor reparative potential. Despite progress in our understanding of disease mechanisms and in the quality of health care, ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, owing to adverse cardiac remodelling, leading to ischaemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic targets are urgently required for the protection and repair of the ischaemic heart. Moreover, personalized clinical biomarkers are necessary for clinical diagnosis, medical management and to inform the individual response to treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) deeply influence cardiovascular functions and contribute to communication between cells in the cardiac microenvironment and between the heart and other organs. As such, ncRNAs are candidates for translation into clinical practice. However, ncRNA biology has not yet been completely deciphered, given that classes and modes of action have emerged only in the past 5 years. In this Review, we discuss the latest discoveries from basic research on ncRNAs and highlight both the clinical value and the challenges underscoring the translation of these molecules as biomarkers and therapeutic regulators of the processes contributing to the initiation, progression and potentially the prevention or resolution of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caporali
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maryam Anwar
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxemburg
| | - Rajesh Katare
- Department of Physiology, HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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9
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Zhang D, Zhu L, Gao Y, Wang Y, Li P. RNA editing enzymes: structure, biological functions and applications. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:34. [PMID: 38493171 PMCID: PMC10944622 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01216-6] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, over than 170 different RNA modifications have been identified. However, only a few of these modifications can lead to base pair changes, which are called RNA editing. RNA editing is a ubiquitous modification in mammalian transcriptomes and is an important co/posttranscriptional modification that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. There are two main types of RNA editing events: adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) editing, catalyzed by ADARs on double-stranded RNA or ADATs on tRNA, and cytosine to uridine (C-to-U) editing catalyzed by APOBECs. This article provides an overview of the structure, function, and applications of RNA editing enzymes. We discuss the structural characteristics of three RNA editing enzyme families and their catalytic mechanisms in RNA editing. We also explain the biological role of RNA editing, particularly in innate immunity, cancer biogenesis, and antiviral activity. Additionally, this article describes RNA editing tools for manipulating RNA to correct disease-causing mutations, as well as the potential applications of RNA editing enzymes in the field of biotechnology and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejiu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- College of Basic Medical, Qingdao Binhai University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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10
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Schneider N, Steinberg R, Ben-David A, Valensi J, David-Kadoch G, Rosenwasser Z, Banin E, Levanon EY, Sharon D, Ben-Aroya S. A pipeline for identifying guide RNA sequences that promote RNA editing of nonsense mutations that cause inherited retinal diseases. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102130. [PMID: 38375504 PMCID: PMC10875612 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are endogenous enzymes catalyzing the deamination of adenosines to inosines, which are then read as guanosines during translation. This ability to recode makes ADAR an attractive therapeutic tool to edit genetic mutations and reprogram genetic information at the mRNA level. Using the endogenous ADARs and guiding them to a selected target has promising therapeutic potential. Indeed, different studies have reported several site-directed RNA-editing approaches for making targeted base changes in RNA molecules. The basic strategy has been to use guide RNAs (gRNAs) that hybridize and form a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structure with the desired RNA target because of ADAR activity in regions of dsRNA formation. Here we report on a novel pipeline for identifying disease-causing variants as candidates for RNA editing, using a yeast-based screening system to select efficient gRNAs for editing of nonsense mutations, and test them in a human cell line reporter system. We have used this pipeline to modify the sequence of transcripts carrying nonsense mutations that cause inherited retinal diseases in the FAM161A, KIZ, TRPM1, and USH2A genes. Our approach can serve as a basis for gene therapy intervention in knockin mouse models and ultimately in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schneider
- Division of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Ricky Steinberg
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Amit Ben-David
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Johanna Valensi
- Division of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Galit David-Kadoch
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Zohar Rosenwasser
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Division of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Erez Y. Levanon
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Division of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Shay Ben-Aroya
- The Nano Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Building 206, Room B-840, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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11
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Luo N, Huang Q, Dong L, Liu W, Song J, Sun H, Wu H, Gao Y, Yi C. Near-cognate tRNAs increase the efficiency and precision of pseudouridine-mediated readthrough of premature termination codons. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8. [PMID: 38448662 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Programmable RNA pseudouridylation has emerged as a new type of RNA base editor to suppress premature termination codons (PTCs) that can lead to truncated and nonfunctional proteins. However, current methods to correct disease-associated PTCs suffer from low efficiency and limited precision. Here we develop RESTART v3, which uses near-cognate tRNAs to improve the readthrough efficiency of pseudouridine-modified PTCs. We show an average of ~5-fold (range: 2.1- to 9.5-fold) higher editing efficiency than RESTART v2 in cultured cells and achieve functional PTC readthrough in disease cell models of cystic fibrosis and Hurler syndrome. Furthermore, RESTART v3 enables accurate incorporation of the original amino acid for nearly half of the PTC sites, considering the naturally occurring frequencies of sense-to-nonsense codons, without affecting normal termination codons. Although off-target sites were detected, we did not observe changes to the coding information or the expression level of transcripts, and the overall natural tRNA abundance remained constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Modit Therapeutics Beijing Limited, K115 Beijing ATLATL International Innovation Platform, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Song J, Luo N, Dong L, Peng J, Yi C. RNA base editors: The emerging approach of RNA therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1844. [PMID: 38576085 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1844] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics offer a flexible and reversible approach for treating genetic disorders, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, aptamers, mRNA vaccines, and RNA editing. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in RNA base editing to correct disease-relevant point mutations. These achievements have significantly influenced the fields of biotechnology, biomedical research and therapeutics development. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design and performance of contemporary RNA base editors, including A-to-I, C-to-U, A-to-m6A, and U-to-Ψ. We compare recent innovative developments and highlight their applications in disease-relevant contexts. Lastly, we discuss the limitations and future prospects of utilizing RNA base editing for therapeutic purposes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China
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13
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Song J, Zhuang Y, Yi C. Programmable RNA base editing via targeted modifications. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:277-290. [PMID: 38418907 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01531-y] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editors are powerful tools in biology and hold great promise for the treatment of human diseases. Advanced DNA base editing tools, such as cytosine base editor and adenine base editor, have been developed to correct permanent mistakes in genetic material. However, undesired off-target edits would also be permanent, which poses a considerable risk for therapeutics. Alternatively, base editing at the RNA level is capable of correcting disease-causing mutations but does not lead to lasting genotoxic effects. RNA base editors offer temporary and reversible therapies and have been catching on in recent years. Here, we summarize some emerging RNA editors based on A-to-inosine, C-to-U and U-to-pseudouridine changes. We review the programmable RNA-targeting systems as well as modification enzyme-based effector proteins and highlight recent technological breakthroughs. Finally, we compare editing tools, discuss limitations and opportunities, and provide insights for the future directions of RNA base editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Portell A, Mali P. Mutation corrections in spinal muscular atrophy. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:111-113. [PMID: 38129656 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01166-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Portell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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15
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Schmitt-Ulms C, Kayabolen A, Manero-Carranza M, Zhou N, Donnelly K, Nuccio SP, Kato K, Nishimasu H, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Programmable RNA writing with trans-splicing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578223. [PMID: 38352602 PMCID: PMC10862893 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
RNA editing offers the opportunity to introduce either stable or transient modifications to nucleic acid sequence without permanent off-target effects, but installation of arbitrary edits into the transcriptome is currently infeasible. Here, we describe Programmable RNA Editing & Cleavage for Insertion, Substitution, and Erasure (PRECISE), a versatile RNA editing method for writing RNA of arbitrary length and sequence into existing pre-mRNAs via 5' or 3' trans-splicing. In trans-splicing, an exogenous template is introduced to compete with the endogenous pre-mRNA, allowing for replacement of upstream or downstream exon sequence. Using Cas7-11 cleavage of pre-mRNAs to bias towards editing outcomes, we boost the efficiency of RNA trans-splicing by 10-100 fold, achieving editing rates between 5-50% and 85% on endogenous and reporter transcripts, respectively, while maintaining high-fidelity. We demonstrate PRECISE editing across 11 distinct endogenous transcripts of widely varying expression levels, showcasing more than 50 types of edits, including all 12 possible transversions and transitions, insertions ranging from 1 to 1,863 nucleotides, and deletions. We show high efficiency replacement of exon 4 of MECP2, addressing most mutations that drive the Rett Syndrome; editing of SHANK3 transcripts, a gene involved in Autism; and replacement of exon 1 of HTT, removing the hallmark repeat expansions of Huntington's disease. Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals the high precision of PRECISE editing and lack of off-target trans-splicing activity. Furthermore, we combine payload engineering and ribozymes for protein-free, high-efficiency trans-splicing, with demonstrated efficiency in editing HTT exon 1 via AAV delivery. We show that the high activity of PRECISE editing enables editing in non-dividing neurons and patient-derived Huntington's disease fibroblasts. PRECISE editing markedly broadens the scope of genetic editing, is straightforward to deliver over existing gene editing tools like prime editing, lacks permanent off-targets, and can enable any type of genetic edit large or small, including edits not otherwise possible with existing RNA base editors, widening the spectrum of addressable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Schmitt-Ulms
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alisan Kayabolen
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Marcos Manero-Carranza
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nathan Zhou
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Keira Donnelly
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sabrina Pia Nuccio
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kazuki Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimasu
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Structural Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Inamori Research Institute for Science, 620 Suiginya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8411, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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16
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Azad MTA, Sugi T, Qulsum U, Kato K. Detection of Developmental Asexual Stage-Specific RNA Editing Events in Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 Malaria Parasite. Microorganisms 2024; 12:137. [PMID: 38257964 PMCID: PMC10819399 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010137] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional variation has been studied but post-transcriptional modification due to RNA editing has not been investigated in Plasmodium. We investigated developmental stage-specific RNA editing in selected genes in Plasmodium falciparum 3D7. We detected extensive amination- and deamination-type RNA editing at 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 46 h in tightly synchronized Plasmodium. Most of the editing events were observed in 8 and 16 h ring-stage parasites. Extensive A-to-G deamination-type editing was detected more during the 16 h ring stage (25%) than the 8 h ring stage (20%). Extensive U-to-C amination-type editing was detected more during the 16 h ring stage (31%) than the 8 h ring stage (22%). In 28S, rRNA editing converted the loop structure to the stem structure. The hemoglobin binding activity of PF3D7_0216900 was also altered due to RNA editing. Among the expressed 28S rRNA genes, PF3D7_0532000 and PF3D7_0726000 expression was higher. Increased amounts of the transcripts of these two genes were found, particularly PF3D7_0726000 in the ring stage and PF3D7_0532000 in the trophozoite and schizont stages. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression did not correlate with the editing level. This first experimental report of RNA editing will help to identify the editing machinery that might be useful for antimalarial drug discovery and malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Thoufic Anam Azad
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Tatsuki Sugi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Nishi10-Kita 20, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Umme Qulsum
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
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17
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Cerneckis J, Ming GL, Song H, He C, Shi Y. The rise of epitranscriptomics: recent developments and future directions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:24-38. [PMID: 38103979 PMCID: PMC10843569 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The epitranscriptomics field has undergone tremendous growth since the discovery that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is reversible and is distributed throughout the transcriptome. Efforts to map RNA modifications transcriptome-wide and reshape the epitranscriptome in disease settings have facilitated mechanistic understanding and drug discovery in the field. In this review we discuss recent advancements in RNA modification detection methods and consider how these developments can be applied to gain novel insights into the epitranscriptome. We also highlight drug discovery efforts aimed at developing epitranscriptomic therapeutics for cancer and other diseases. Finally, we consider engineering of the epitranscriptome as an emerging direction to investigate RNA modifications and their causal effects on RNA processing at high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, the Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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18
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Xiang J, Xu W, Wu J, Luo Y, Yang B, Chen J. Nucleoside deaminases: the key players in base editing toolkit. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2023; 9:325-337. [PMID: 38524700 PMCID: PMC10960570 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.230029] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of nucleoside deaminase-containing base editors realized targeted single base change with high efficiency and precision. Such nucleoside deaminases include adenosine and cytidine deaminases, which can catalyze adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) and cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) conversion respectively. These nucleoside deaminases are under the spotlight because of their vast application potential in gene editing. Recent advances in the engineering of current nucleoside deaminases and the discovery of new nucleoside deaminases greatly broaden the application scope and improve the editing specificity of base editors. In this review, we cover current knowledge about the deaminases used in base editors, including their key structural features, working mechanisms, optimization, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangchao Xiang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yaxin Luo
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Bei Yang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
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19
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Weng S, Yang X, Yu N, Wang PC, Xiong S, Ruan H. Harnessing ADAR-Mediated Site-Specific RNA Editing in Immune-Related Disease: Prediction and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:351. [PMID: 38203521 PMCID: PMC10779106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ADAR (Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA) proteins are a group of enzymes that play a vital role in RNA editing by converting adenosine to inosine in RNAs. This process is a frequent post-transcriptional event observed in metazoan transcripts. Recent studies indicate widespread dysregulation of ADAR-mediated RNA editing across many immune-related diseases, such as human cancer. We comprehensively review ADARs' function as pattern recognizers and their capability to contribute to mediating immune-related pathways. We also highlight the potential role of site-specific RNA editing in maintaining homeostasis and its relationship to various diseases, such as human cancers. More importantly, we summarize the latest cutting-edge computational approaches and data resources for predicting and analyzing RNA editing sites. Lastly, we cover the recent advancement in site-directed ADAR editing tool development. This review presents an up-to-date overview of ADAR-mediated RNA editing, how site-specific RNA editing could potentially impact disease pathology, and how they could be harnessed for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Weng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Nannan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Peng-Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Sidong Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Hang Ruan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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20
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Budzko L, Hoffa-Sobiech K, Jackowiak P, Figlerowicz M. Engineered deaminases as a key component of DNA and RNA editing tools. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102062. [PMID: 38028200 PMCID: PMC10661471 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Over recent years, zinc-dependent deaminases have attracted increasing interest as key components of nucleic acid editing tools that can generate point mutations at specific sites in either DNA or RNA by combining a targeting module (such as a catalytically impaired CRISPR-Cas component) and an effector module (most often a deaminase). Deaminase-based molecular tools are already being utilized in a wide spectrum of therapeutic and research applications; however, their medical and biotechnological potential seems to be much greater. Recent reports indicate that the further development of nucleic acid editing systems depends largely on our ability to engineer the substrate specificity and catalytic activity of the editors themselves. In this review, we summarize the current trends and achievements in deaminase engineering. The presented data indicate that the potential of these enzymes has not yet been fully revealed or understood. Several examples show that even relatively minor changes in the structure of deaminases can give them completely new and unique properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Budzko
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Karolina Hoffa-Sobiech
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Jackowiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Figlerowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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21
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Xue Y, Tao Y, Wang X, Wang X, Shu Y, Liu Y, Kang W, Chen S, Cheng Z, Yan B, Xie Y, Bi L, Jia H, Li J, Xiao Q, Chen L, Yao X, Shi L, Yang H, Wu H. RNA base editing therapy cures hearing loss induced by OTOF gene mutation. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3520-3530. [PMID: 37915172 PMCID: PMC10727966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Otoferlin (OTOF) gene mutations represent the primary cause of hearing impairment and deafness in auditory neuropathy. The c.2485C>T (p. Q829X) mutation variant is responsible for approximately 3% of recessive prelingual deafness cases within the Spanish population. Previous studies have used two recombinant AAV vectors to overexpress OTOF, albeit with limited efficacy. In this study, we introduce an enhanced mini-dCas13X RNA base editor (emxABE) delivered via an AAV9 variant, achieving nearly 100% transfection efficiency in inner hair cells. This approach is aimed at treating OTOFQ829X, resulting in an approximately 80% adenosine-to-inosine conversion efficiency in humanized OtofQ829X/Q829X mice. Following a single scala media injection of emxABE targeting OTOFQ829X (emxABE-T) administered during the postnatal day 0-3 period in OtofQ829X/Q829X mice, we observed OTOF expression restoration in nearly 100% of inner hair cells. Moreover, auditory function was significantly improved, reaching similar levels as in wild-type mice. This enhancement persisted for at least 7 months. We also investigated P5-P7 and P30 OtofQ829X/Q829X mice, achieving auditory function restoration through round window injection of emxABE-T. These findings not only highlight an effective therapeutic strategy for potentially addressing OTOFQ829X-induced hearing loss but also underscore emxABE as a versatile toolkit for treating other monogenic diseases characterized by premature termination codons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Xing Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xueling Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wen Kang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Sifan Chen
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhenzhe Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Boou Yan
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yanwei Xie
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Lanting Bi
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Haitao Jia
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qingquan Xiao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Liying Chen
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200125, China.
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22
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Kumar S, Liu GS. Recent advances in RNA-targeting therapy for neurological diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2663-2664. [PMID: 37449612 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satheesh Kumar
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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23
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Sun M, Yang Y. Biological functions and applications of circRNAs-next generation of RNA-based therapy. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 15:mjad031. [PMID: 37147015 PMCID: PMC10708935 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Sun
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
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24
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Li B, Qu L, Yang J. RNA-Guided RNA Modifications: Biogenesis, Functions, and Applications. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3198-3210. [PMID: 37931323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications are ubiquitous in both protein-coding and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), playing crucial functional roles in diverse biological processes across all kingdoms of life. These RNA modifications can be achieved through two distinct mechanisms: RNA-independent and RNA-guided (also known as RNA-dependent). In the RNA-independent mechanism, modifications are directly introduced onto RNA molecules by enzymes without the involvement of other RNA molecules, while the cellular RNA-guided RNA modification system exists in the form of RNA-protein complexes, wherein one guide RNA collaborates with a set of proteins, including the modifying enzyme. The primary function of guide RNAs lies in their ability to bind to complementary regions within the target RNAs, orchestrating the installation of specific modifications. Both mechanisms offer unique advantages and are critical to the diverse and dynamic landscape of RNA modifications. RNA-independent modifications provide rapid and direct modification of RNA molecules, while RNA-guided mechanisms offer precise and programmable means to introduce modifications at specific RNA sites. Recently, emerging evidence has shed light on RNA-guided RNA modifications as a captivating area of research, providing precise and programmable control over RNA sequences and functions.In this Account, we focus on RNA modifications synthesized in an RNA-guided manner, including 2'-O-methylated nucleotides (Nm), pseudouridine (Ψ), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and inosine (I). This Account sheds light on the intricate processes of biogenesis and elucidates the regulatory roles of these modifications in RNA metabolism. These roles include pivotal functions such as RNA stability, translation, and splicing, where each modification contributes to the diverse and finely tuned regulatory landscape of RNA biology. In addition to elucidating the biogenesis and functions of these modifications, we also provide an overview of high-throughput methods and their underlying biochemical principles used for the transcriptome-wide investigation of these modifications and their fundamental interactions in RNA-guided systems. This includes exploring RNA-protein interactions and RNA-RNA interactions, which play crucial roles in the dynamic regulatory networks of RNA-guided modifications. The ever-advancing methodologies have greatly enhanced our understanding of the dynamic and widespread nature of RNA-guided RNA modifications and their regulatory functions. Furthermore, the applications of RNA-guided RNA modifications are discussed, illuminating their potential in diverse fields. From basic research to gene therapy, the programmable nature of RNA-guided modifications presents exciting opportunities for manipulating gene expression and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 Guangdong, China
| | - Lianghu Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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25
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Pfeiffer LS, Stafforst T. Precision RNA base editing with engineered and endogenous effectors. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1526-1542. [PMID: 37735261 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA base editing refers to the rewriting of genetic information within an intact RNA molecule and serves various functions, such as evasion of the endogenous immune system and regulation of protein function. To achieve this, certain enzymes have been discovered in human cells that catalyze the conversion of one nucleobase into another. This natural process could be exploited to manipulate and recode any base in a target transcript. In contrast to DNA base editing, analogous changes introduced in RNA are not permanent or inheritable but rather allow reversible and doseable effects that appeal to various therapeutic applications. The current practice of RNA base editing involves the deamination of adenosines and cytidines, which are converted to inosines and uridines, respectively. In this Review, we summarize current site-directed RNA base-editing strategies and highlight recent achievements to improve editing efficiency, precision, codon-targeting scope and in vivo delivery into disease-relevant tissues. Besides engineered editing effectors, we focus on strategies to harness endogenous adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes and discuss limitations and future perspectives to apply the tools in basic research and as a therapeutic modality. We expect the field to realize the first RNA base-editing drug soon, likely on a well-defined genetic disease. However, the long-term challenge will be to carve out the sweet spot of the technology where its unique ability is exploited to modulate signaling cues, metabolism or other clinically relevant processes in a safe and doseable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Pfeiffer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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26
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Okuda T, Lenz AK, Seitz F, Vogel J, Höbartner C. A SAM analogue-utilizing ribozyme for site-specific RNA alkylation in living cells. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1523-1531. [PMID: 37667013 PMCID: PMC10624628 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional RNA modification methods are in high demand for site-specific RNA labelling and analysis of RNA functions. In vitro-selected ribozymes are attractive tools for RNA research and have the potential to overcome some of the limitations of chemoenzymatic approaches with repurposed methyltransferases. Here we report an alkyltransferase ribozyme that uses a synthetic, stabilized S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) analogue and catalyses the transfer of a propargyl group to a specific adenosine in the target RNA. Almost quantitative conversion was achieved within 1 h under a wide range of reaction conditions in vitro, including physiological magnesium ion concentrations. A genetically encoded version of the SAM analogue-utilizing ribozyme (SAMURI) was expressed in HEK293T cells, and intracellular propargylation of the target adenosine was confirmed by specific fluorescent labelling. SAMURI is a general tool for the site-specific installation of the smallest tag for azide-alkyne click chemistry, which can be further functionalized with fluorophores, affinity tags or other functional probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Okuda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lenz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Seitz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Center for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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27
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Yi Z, Zhao Y, Yi Z, Zhang Y, Tang G, Zhang X, Tang H, Zhang W, Zhao Y, Xu H, Nie Y, Sun X, Xing L, Dai L, Yuan P, Wei W. Utilizing AAV-mediated LEAPER 2.0 for programmable RNA editing in non-human primates and nonsense mutation correction in humanized Hurler syndrome mice. Genome Biol 2023; 24:243. [PMID: 37872590 PMCID: PMC10591355 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endogenous adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) have been harnessed to facilitate precise adenosine-to-inosine editing on RNAs. However, the practicability of this approach for therapeutic purposes is still ambiguous due to the variable expression of intrinsic ADAR across various tissues and species, as well as the absence of all-encompassing confirmation for delivery methods. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrate that AAV-mediated delivery of circular ADAR-recruiting RNAs (arRNAs) achieves effective RNA editing in non-human primates at dosages suitable for therapy. Within a time frame of 4 to 13 weeks following infection, the editing efficiency in AAV-infected cells can reach approximately 80%, with no discernible toxicity, even at elevated dosages. In addition, when AAV-delivered circular arRNAs are systematically administered to a humanized mouse model of Hurler syndrome, it rectifies the premature stop codon precisely and restores the functionality of IDUA enzyme encoded by the Hurler causative gene in multiple organs. CONCLUSIONS These discoveries considerably bolster the prospects of employing AAV-borne circular arRNAs for therapeutic applications and exploratory translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Yi
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Zhao
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Zexuan Yi
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjian Zhang
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Gangbin Tang
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixian Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhao
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayuan Xu
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Nie
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Xing
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian Dai
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Yuan
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
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28
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Mashima R, Takada S, Miyamoto Y. RNA-Based Therapeutic Technology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15230. [PMID: 37894911 PMCID: PMC10607345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapy has been an expanding area of clinical research since the COVID-19 outbreak. Often, its comparison has been made to DNA-based gene therapy, such as adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated therapy. These DNA-based therapies show persistent expression, with maximized therapeutic efficacy. However, accumulating data indicate that proper control of gene expression is occasionally required. For example, in cancer immunotherapy, cytokine response syndrome is detrimental for host animals, while excess activation of the immune system induces supraphysiological cytokines. RNA-based therapy seems to be a rather mild therapy, and it has room to fit unmet medical needs, whereas current DNA-based therapy has unclear issues. This review focused on RNA-based therapy for cancer immunotherapy, hematopoietic disorders, and inherited disorders, which have received attention for possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Mashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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29
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Feng XY, Zhu SX, Pu KJ, Huang HJ, Chen YQ, Wang WT. New insight into circRNAs: characterization, strategies, and biomedical applications. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:91. [PMID: 37828589 PMCID: PMC10568798 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently closed, endogenous ncRNAs. Most circRNAs are derived from exonic or intronic sequences by precursor RNA back-splicing. Advanced high-throughput RNA sequencing and experimental technologies have enabled the extensive identification and characterization of circRNAs, such as novel types of biogenesis, tissue-specific and cell-specific expression patterns, epigenetic regulation, translation potential, localization and metabolism. Increasing evidence has revealed that circRNAs participate in diverse cellular processes, and their dysregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly cancer. In this review, we systematically discuss the characterization of circRNAs, databases, challenges for circRNA discovery, new insight into strategies used in circRNA studies and biomedical applications. Although recent studies have advanced the understanding of circRNAs, advanced knowledge and approaches for circRNA annotation, functional characterization and biomedical applications are continuously needed to provide new insights into circRNAs. The emergence of circRNA-based protein translation strategy will be a promising direction in the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun-Xin Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Jia Pu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng-Jing Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Azad MTA, Qulsum U, Tsukahara T. Examination of Factors Affecting Site-Directed RNA Editing by the MS2-ADAR1 Deaminase System. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1584. [PMID: 37628635 PMCID: PMC10454654 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) have double-stranded RNA binding domains and a deaminase domain (DD). We used the MS2 system and specific guide RNAs to direct ADAR1-DD to target adenosines in the mRNA encoding-enhanced green fluorescence protein. Using this system in transfected HEK-293 cells, we evaluated the effects of changing the length and position of the guide RNA on the efficiency of conversion of amber (TAG) and ochre (TAA) stop codons to tryptophan (TGG) in the target. Guide RNAs of 19, 21 and 23 nt were positioned upstream and downstream of the MS2-RNA, providing a total of six guide RNAs. The upstream guide RNAs were more functionally effective than the downstream guide RNAs, with the following hierarchy of efficiency: 21 nt > 23 nt > 19 nt. The highest editing efficiency was 16.6%. Off-target editing was not detected in the guide RNA complementary region but was detected 50 nt downstream of the target. The editing efficiency was proportional to the amount of transfected deaminase but inversely proportional to the amount of the transfected guide RNA. Our results suggest that specific RNA editing requires precise optimization of the ratio of enzyme, guide RNA, and target RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Thoufic Anam Azad
- Area of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (M.T.A.A.)
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Umme Qulsum
- Area of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (M.T.A.A.)
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Toshifumi Tsukahara
- Area of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Research Area, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (M.T.A.A.)
- GeCoRT Co., Ltd., 2-11-2 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0011, Kanagawa, Japan
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31
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Zhang XE, Liu C, Dai J, Yuan Y, Gao C, Feng Y, Wu B, Wei P, You C, Wang X, Si T. Enabling technology and core theory of synthetic biology. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:1742-1785. [PMID: 36753021 PMCID: PMC9907219 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2214-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides a new paradigm for life science research ("build to learn") and opens the future journey of biotechnology ("build to use"). Here, we discuss advances of various principles and technologies in the mainstream of the enabling technology of synthetic biology, including synthesis and assembly of a genome, DNA storage, gene editing, molecular evolution and de novo design of function proteins, cell and gene circuit engineering, cell-free synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI)-aided synthetic biology, as well as biofoundries. We also introduce the concept of quantitative synthetic biology, which is guiding synthetic biology towards increased accuracy and predictability or the real rational design. We conclude that synthetic biology will establish its disciplinary system with the iterative development of enabling technologies and the maturity of the core theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-En Zhang
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Chenli Liu
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Junbiao Dai
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Caixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Bian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ping Wei
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Chun You
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
| | - Xiaowo Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology; Bioinformatics Division, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Tong Si
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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32
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C. Amplifying gene expression with RNA-targeted therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:539-561. [PMID: 37253858 PMCID: PMC10227815 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases are caused by insufficient expression of mutated genes and would benefit from increased expression of the corresponding protein. However, in drug development, it has been historically easier to develop drugs with inhibitory or antagonistic effects. Protein replacement and gene therapy can achieve the goal of increased protein expression but have limitations. Recent discoveries of the extensive regulatory networks formed by non-coding RNAs offer alternative targets and strategies to amplify the production of a specific protein. In addition to RNA-targeting small molecules, new nucleic acid-based therapeutic modalities that allow highly specific modulation of RNA-based regulatory networks are being developed. Such approaches can directly target the stability of mRNAs or modulate non-coding RNA-mediated regulation of transcription and translation. This Review highlights emerging RNA-targeted therapeutics for gene activation, focusing on opportunities and challenges for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- OPKO Health, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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33
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Chiavetta RF, Titoli S, Barra V, Cancemi P, Melfi R, Di Leonardo A. Site-Specific RNA Editing of Stop Mutations in the CFTR mRNA of Human Bronchial Cultured Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10940. [PMID: 37446121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is reported that about 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients worldwide have nonsense (stop) mutations in the CFTR gene, which cause the premature termination of CFTR protein synthesis, leading to a truncated and non-functional protein. To address this issue, we investigated the possibility of rescuing the CFTR nonsense mutation (UGA) by sequence-specific RNA editing in CFTR mutant CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X human bronchial cells. We used two different base editor tools that take advantage of ADAR enzymes (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) to edit adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) within the mRNA: the REPAIRv2 (RNA Editing for Programmable A to I Replacement, version 2) and the minixABE (A to I Base Editor). Immunofluorescence experiments show that both approaches were able to recover the CFTR protein in the CFTR mutant cells. In addition, RT-qPCR confirmed the rescue of the CFTR full transcript. These findings suggest that site-specific RNA editing may efficiently correct the UGA premature stop codon in the CFTR transcript in CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X cells. Thus, this approach, which is safer than acting directly on the mutated DNA, opens up new therapeutic possibilities for CF patients with nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta F Chiavetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Titoli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cancemi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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34
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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 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02992-z] [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: 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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Ogasawara S, Ebashi S. RNA Overwriting of Cellular mRNA by Cas13b-Directed RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of Influenza A Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10000. [PMID: 37373148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210000] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of mRNA processing results in diseases such as cancer. Although RNA editing technologies attract attention as gene therapy for repairing aberrant mRNA, substantial sequence defects arising from mis-splicing cannot be corrected by existing techniques using adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) due to the limitation of adenosine-to-inosine point conversion. Here, we report an RNA editing technology called "RNA overwriting" that overwrites the sequence downstream of a designated site on the target RNA by utilizing the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the influenza A virus. To enable RNA overwriting within living cells, we developed a modified RdRp by introducing H357A and E361A mutations in the polymerase basic 2 of RdRp and fusing the C-terminus with catalytically inactive Cas13b (dCas13b). The modified RdRp knocked down 46% of the target mRNA and further overwrote 21% of the mRNA. RNA overwriting is a versatile editing technique that can perform various modifications, including addition, deletion, and mutation introduction, and thus allow for repair of the aberrant mRNA produced by dysregulation of mRNA processing, such as mis-splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinzi Ogasawara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
| | - Sae Ebashi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
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36
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Booth BJ, Nourreddine S, Katrekar D, Savva Y, Bose D, Long TJ, Huss DJ, Mali P. RNA editing: Expanding the potential of RNA therapeutics. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1533-1549. [PMID: 36620962 PMCID: PMC9824937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics have had a tremendous impact on medicine, recently exemplified by the rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, RNA-targeting drugs have been developed for diseases with significant unmet medical needs through selective mRNA knockdown or modulation of pre-mRNA splicing. Recently, RNA editing, particularly antisense RNA-guided adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR)-based programmable A-to-I editing, has emerged as a powerful tool to manipulate RNA to enable correction of disease-causing mutations and modulate gene expression and protein function. Beyond correcting pathogenic mutations, the technology is particularly well suited for therapeutic applications that require a transient pharmacodynamic effect, such as the treatment of acute pain, obesity, viral infection, and inflammation, where it would be undesirable to introduce permanent alterations to the genome. Furthermore, transient modulation of protein function, such as altering the active sites of enzymes or the interface of protein-protein interactions, opens the door to therapeutic avenues ranging from regenerative medicine to oncology. These emerging RNA-editing-based toolsets are poised to broadly impact biotechnology and therapeutic applications. Here, we review the emerging field of therapeutic RNA editing, highlight recent laboratory advancements, and discuss the key challenges on the path to clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami Nourreddine
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Zhang Y, Feng D, Mu G, Wang Q, Wang J, Luo Y, Tang X. Light-triggered site-directed RNA editing by endogenous ADAR1 with photolabile guide RNA. Cell Chem Biol 2023:S2451-9456(23)00149-6. [PMID: 37295425 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA A-to-I editing is a post-transcriptional modification pervasively occurring in cells. Artificial intervention of A-to-I editing at specific sites of RNA could also be achieved with guide RNA and exogenous ADAR enzymes. In contrast to previous fused SNAP-ADAR enzymes for light-driven RNA A-to-I editing, we developed photo-caged antisense guide RNA oligonucleotides with simple 3'-terminal cholesterol modification, and successfully achieved light-triggered site-specific RNA A-to-I editing for the first time utilizing endogenous ADAR enzymes. Our caged A-to-I editing system effectively implemented light-dependent point mutation of mRNA transcripts of both exogenous and endogenous genes in living cells and 3D tumorspheres, as well as spatial regulation of EGFP expression, which provides a new approach for precise manipulation of RNA editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Di Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guanqun Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Shanghai Primerna Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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38
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Wang X, Zhang R, Yang D, Li G, Fan Z, Du H, Wang Z, Liu Y, Lin J, Wu X, Shi L, Yang H, Zhou Y. Develop a Compact RNA Base Editor by Fusing ADAR with Engineered EcCas6e. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206813. [PMID: 37098587 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Catalytically inactive CRISPR-Cas13 (dCas13)-based base editors can achieve the conversion of adenine-to-inosine (A-to-I) or cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) at the RNA level, however, the large size of dCas13 protein limits its in vivo applications. Here, a compact and efficient RNA base editor (ceRBE) is reported with high in vivo editing efficiency. The larger dCas13 protein is replaced with a 199-amino acid EcCas6e protein, derived from the Class 1 CRISPR family involved in pre-crRNA processing, and conducted optimization for toxicity and editing efficiency. The ceRBE efficiently achieves both A-to-I and C-to-U base editing with low transcriptome off-target in HEK293T cells. The efficient repair of the DMD Q1392X mutation (68.3±10.1%) is also demonstrated in a humanized mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) after AAV delivery, achieving restoration of expression for gene products. The study supports that the compact and efficient ceRBE has great potential for treating genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Renxia Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Zhanqing Fan
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Hongting Du
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Zikang Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yingsi Zhou
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co. Ltd., 6th Floor, Unit 3, Building 5, No. 160 Basheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200131, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
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Liang Y, Chen F, Wang K, Lai L. Base editors: development and applications in biomedicine. Front Med 2023; 17:359-387. [PMID: 37434066 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Base editor (BE) is a gene-editing tool developed by combining the CRISPR/Cas system with an individual deaminase, enabling precise single-base substitution in DNA or RNA without generating a DNA double-strand break (DSB) or requiring donor DNA templates in living cells. Base editors offer more precise and secure genome-editing effects than other conventional artificial nuclease systems, such as CRISPR/Cas9, as the DSB induced by Cas9 will cause severe damage to the genome. Thus, base editors have important applications in the field of biomedicine, including gene function investigation, directed protein evolution, genetic lineage tracing, disease modeling, and gene therapy. Since the development of the two main base editors, cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs), scientists have developed more than 100 optimized base editors with improved editing efficiency, precision, specificity, targeting scope, and capacity to be delivered in vivo, greatly enhancing their application potential in biomedicine. Here, we review the recent development of base editors, summarize their applications in the biomedical field, and discuss future perspectives and challenges for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
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40
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Bellingrath JS, McClements ME, Fischer MD, MacLaren RE. Programmable RNA editing with endogenous ADAR enzymes - a feasible option for the treatment of inherited retinal disease? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1092913. [PMID: 37293541 PMCID: PMC10244592 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1092913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA editing holds great promise for the therapeutic correction of pathogenic, single nucleotide variants (SNV) in the human transcriptome since it does not risk creating permanent off-targets edits in the genome and has the potential for innovative delivery options. Adenine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes catalyse the most widespread form of posttranscriptional RNA editing in humans and their ability to hydrolytically deaminate adenosine to inosine in double stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been harnessed to change pathogenic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the human genome on a transcriptional level. Until now, the most promising target editing rates have been achieved by exogenous delivery of the catalytically active ADAR deaminase domain (ADARDD) fused to an RNA binding protein. While it has been shown that endogenous ADARs can be recruited to a defined target site with the sole help of an ADAR-recruiting guide RNA, thus freeing up packaging space, decreasing the chance of an immune response against a foreign protein, and decreasing transcriptome-wide off-target effects, this approach has been limited by a low editing efficiency. Through the recent development of novel circular ADAR-recruiting guide RNAs as well as the optimisation of ADAR-recruiting antisense oligonucleotides, RNA editing with endogenous ADAR is now showing promising target editing efficiency in vitro and in vivo. A target editing efficiency comparable to RNA editing with exogenous ADAR was shown both in wild-type and disease mouse models as well as in wild-type non-human primates (NHP) immediately following and up to 6 weeks after application. With these encouraging results, RNA editing with endogenous ADAR has the potential to present an attractive option for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), a field where gene replacement therapy has been established as safe and efficacious, but where an unmet need still exists for genes that exceed the packaging capacity of an adeno associated virus (AAV) or are expressed in more than one retinal isoform. This review aims to give an overview of the recent developments in the field of RNA editing with endogenous ADAR and assess its applicability for the field of treatment of IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia-Sophia Bellingrath
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - M. Dominik Fischer
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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41
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Ma L, Yang S, Peng Q, Zhang J, Zhang J. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology for sickle cell disease. Gene 2023; 874:147480. [PMID: 37182559 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147480] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenic hematologic disorder and is essentially congenital hemolytic anemia caused by an inherited point mutation in the β-globin on chromosome 11. Although the genetic basis of SCD was revealed as early as 1957, treatment options for SCD have been very limited to date. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was thought to hold promise as a cure for SCD, but the available donors were still only 15% useful. Gene therapy has advanced rapidly into the 21st century with the promise of a cure for SCD, and gene editing strategies based on the cluster-based regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequence (CRISPR)/Cas9 system have revolutionized the field of gene therapy by precisely targeting genes. In this paper, we review the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches of SCD, briefly summarize the delivery strategies of CRISPR/Cas9, and finally discuss in depth the current status, application barriers, and solution directions of CRISPR/Cas9 in SCD. Through the review in this paper, we hope to provide some references for gene therapy in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Ma
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Shanglun Yang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Qianya Peng
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China.
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Diaz Quiroz JF, Ojha N, Shayhidin EE, De Silva D, Dabney J, Lancaster A, Coull J, Milstein S, Fraley AW, Brown CR, Rosenthal JJC. Development of a selection assay for small guide RNAs that drive efficient site-directed RNA editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e41. [PMID: 36840708 PMCID: PMC10123091 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge confronting the clinical application of site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) is the design of small guide RNAs (gRNAs) that can drive efficient editing. Although many gRNA designs have effectively recruited endogenous Adenosine Deaminases that Act on RNA (ADARs), most of them exceed the size of currently FDA-approved antisense oligos. We developed an unbiased in vitro selection assay to identify short gRNAs that promote superior RNA editing of a premature termination codon. The selection assay relies on hairpin substrates in which the target sequence is linked to partially randomized gRNAs in the same molecule, so that gRNA sequences that promote editing can be identified by sequencing. These RNA substrates were incubated in vitro with ADAR2 and the edited products were selected using amplification refractory mutation system PCR and used to regenerate the substrates for a new round of selection. After nine repetitions, hairpins which drove superior editing were identified. When gRNAs of these hairpins were delivered in trans, eight of the top ten short gRNAs drove superior editing both in vitro and in cellula. These results show that efficient small gRNAs can be selected using our approach, an important advancement for the clinical application of SDRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Felipe Diaz Quiroz
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Namrata Ojha
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joshua J C Rosenthal
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
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Loan Young T, Chang Wang K, James Varley A, Li B. Clinical Delivery of Circular RNA: Lessons Learned from RNA Drug Development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114826. [PMID: 37088404 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNA) represent a distinct class of covalently closed-loop RNA molecules, which play diverse roles in regulating biological processes and disease states. The enhanced stability of synthetic circRNAs compared to their linear counterparts has recently garnered considerable research interest, paving the way for new therapeutic applications. While clinical circRNA technology is still in its early stages, significant advancements in mRNA technology offer valuable insights into its potential future applications. Two primary obstacles that must be addressed are the development of efficient production methods and the optimization of delivery systems. To expedite progress in this area, this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on circRNA structure and function, outline recent techniques for synthesizing circRNAs, highlight key delivery strategies and applications, and discuss the current challenges and future prospects in the field of circRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Loan Young
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Kevin Chang Wang
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Andrew James Varley
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Bowen Li
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada.
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44
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Tassinari V, La Rosa P, Guida E, Colopi A, Caratelli S, De Paolis F, Gallo A, Cenciarelli C, Sconocchia G, Dolci S, Cesarini V. Contribution of A-to-I RNA editing, M6A RNA Methylation, and Alternative Splicing to physiological brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 212:111807. [PMID: 37023929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a physiological and progressive phenomenon in all organisms' life cycle, characterized by the accumulation of degenerative processes triggered by several alterations within molecular pathways. These changes compromise cell fate, resulting in the loss of functions in tissues throughout the body, including the brain. Physiological brain aging has been linked to structural and functional alterations, as well as to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Post-transcriptional RNA modifications modulate mRNA coding properties, stability, translatability, expanding the coding capacity of the genome, and are involved in all cellular processes. Among mRNA post-transcriptional modifications, the A-to-I RNA editing, m6A RNA Methylation and Alternative Splicing play a critical role in all the phases of a neuronal cell life cycle and alterations in their mechanisms of action significantly contribute to aging and neurodegeneration. Here we review our current understanding of the contribution of A-to-I RNA editing, m6A RNA Methylation, and Alternative Splicing to physiological brain aging process and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Colopi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Paolis
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Gallo
- RNA Editing Lab., Oncohaematology Department, Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cenciarelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.
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45
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Diaz Quiroz JF, Siskel LD, Rosenthal JJC. Site-directed A → I RNA editing as a therapeutic tool: moving beyond genetic mutations. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:498-505. [PMID: 36669890 PMCID: PMC10019371 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079518.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine deamination by the ADAR family of enzymes is a natural process that edits genetic information as it passes through messenger RNA. Adenosine is converted to inosine in mRNAs, and this base is interpreted as guanosine during translation. Realizing the potential of this activity for therapeutics, a number of researchers have developed systems that redirect ADAR activity to new targets, ones that are not normally edited. These site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) systems can be broadly classified into two categories: ones that deliver an antisense RNA oligonucleotide to bind opposite a target adenosine, creating an editable structure that endogenously expressed ADARs recognize, and ones that tether the catalytic domain of recombinant ADAR to an antisense RNA oligonucleotide that serves as a targeting mechanism, much like with CRISPR-Cas or RNAi. To date, SDRE has been used mostly to try and correct genetic mutations. Here we argue that these applications are not ideal SDRE, mostly because RNA edits are transient and genetic mutations are not. Instead, we suggest that SDRE could be used to tune cell physiology to achieve temporary outcomes that are therapeutically advantageous, particularly in the nervous system. These include manipulating excitability in nociceptive neural circuits, abolishing specific phosphorylation events to reduce protein aggregation related to neurodegeneration or reduce the glial scarring that inhibits nerve regeneration, or enhancing G protein-coupled receptor signaling to increase nerve proliferation for the treatment of sensory disorders like blindness and deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Diaz Quiroz
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Louise D Siskel
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Joshua J C Rosenthal
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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46
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Lipid nanoparticle-based ribonucleoprotein delivery for in vivo genome editing. J Control Release 2023; 355:406-416. [PMID: 36773957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) system is a technology that is used to perform site-specific gene disruption, repair, and the modification of genomic DNA via DNA repair mechanisms, and is expected to be a fundamental therapeutic strategy for the treatment of infectious diseases and genetic disorders. For clinical applications, the non-viral vector-based delivery of the CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein (RNP) is important, but the poor efficiency of delivery and the lack of a practical method for its manufacture remains as an issue. We report herein on the development of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based Cas RNP delivery system based on optimally designed single stranded oligonucleotides (ssODNs) that allow efficient in vivo genome editing. The formation of sequence-specific RNP-ssODN complexes was found to be important for the functional delivery of RNP. Furthermore, the melting temperature (Tm) between sgRNA and ssODN had a significant effect on in vivo gene knockout efficiency. An ssODN with a high Tm resulted in limited knockout (KO) activity while that at near room temperature showed the highest KO activity, indicating the importance of the cytosolic release of RNPs. Two consecutive intravenous injections of the Tm optimized formulation achieved approximately 70% and 80% transthyretin KO at the DNA and protein level, respectively, without any obvious toxicity. These findings represent a significant contribution to the development of safe in vivo CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery technology and its practical application in genome editing therapies.
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47
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Zhang P, Zhu Y, Guo Q, Li J, Zhan X, Yu H, Xie N, Tan H, Lundholm N, Garcia-Cuetos L, Martin MD, Subirats MA, Su YH, Ruiz-Trillo I, Martindale MQ, Yu JK, Gilbert MTP, Zhang G, Li Q. On the origin and evolution of RNA editing in metazoans. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112112. [PMID: 36795564 PMCID: PMC9989829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing of nuclear-transcribed mRNAs is the hallmark of metazoan transcriptional regulation. Here, by profiling the RNA editomes of 22 species that cover major groups of Holozoa, we provide substantial evidence supporting A-to-I mRNA editing as a regulatory innovation originating in the last common ancestor of extant metazoans. This ancient biochemistry process is preserved in most extant metazoan phyla and primarily targets endogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formed by evolutionarily young repeats. We also find intermolecular pairing of sense-antisense transcripts as an important mechanism for forming dsRNA substrates for A-to-I editing in some but not all lineages. Likewise, recoding editing is rarely shared across lineages but preferentially targets genes involved in neural and cytoskeleton systems in bilaterians. We conclude that metazoan A-to-I editing might first emerge as a safeguard mechanism against repeat-derived dsRNA and was later co-opted into diverse biological processes due to its mutagenic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China; Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Qunfei Guo
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ji Li
- BGI Research-Wuhan, BGI, Wuhan 430074, China
| | | | - Hao Yu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Nianxia Xie
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | | | - Nina Lundholm
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lydia Garcia-Cuetos
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael D Martin
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Center for Theoretical Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Yi-Hsien Su
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, UPF-CSIC Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Bilogia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Q Martindale
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Jr-Kai Yu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan 26242, Taiwan
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Guojie Zhang
- Center of Evolutionary and Organismal Biology, & Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Villum Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Qiye Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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48
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CircRNA_0017076 acts as a sponge for miR-185-5p in the control of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells during renal interstitial fibrosis. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1024-1040. [PMID: 36828974 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological hallmark of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in certain renal diseases, but their role in RIF is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of circRNA_0017076 in RIF. CircRNA_0017076 expression was markedly upregulated in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and kidney biopsy samples from patients with RIF. Functional assays showed that circRNA_0017076 colocalized with microRNA-185-5p (miR-185-5p) and inhibited miR-185-5p function via direct binding to miR-185-5p. In vitro, the knockdown of circRNA_0017076 inhibited the calcium ion (Ca2+) influx-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RTECs and downregulated the expression of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which is a target protein of miR-185-5p. Silencing mmu_circ_0004488 reduced fibrotic lesions in the kidneys of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice by targeting the miR-185-5p/Stim1 axis. For the first time, we identified circRNA_0017076 as a sponge for miR-185-5p, which regulates STIM1 gene expression and is involved in RIF. Our results support circRNA_0017076 as a potential therapeutic target for RIF disease.
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49
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Lei Z, Meng H, Zhuang Y, Zhu Q, Yi C. Chemical and Biological Approaches to Interrogate off-Target Effects of Genome Editing Tools. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:205-217. [PMID: 36731114 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Various genome editing tools have been developed for programmable genome manipulation at specified genomic loci. However, it is crucial to comprehensively interrogate the off-target effect induced by these genome editing tools, especially when apply them onto the therapeutic applications. Here, we outlined the off-target effect that has been observed for various genome editing tools. We also reviewed detection methods to determine or evaluate the off-target editing, and we have discussed their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we have summarized current RNA editing tools for RNA therapy and medicine that may serve as alternative approaches for genome editing tools in both research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Lei
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Haowei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Qingguo Zhu
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China.,State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China.,Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing100871, China.,Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
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50
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Tao J, Bauer DE, Chiarle R. Assessing and advancing the safety of CRISPR-Cas tools: from DNA to RNA editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 36639728 PMCID: PMC9838544 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas gene editing has revolutionized experimental molecular biology over the past decade and holds great promise for the treatment of human genetic diseases. Here we review the development of CRISPR-Cas9/Cas12/Cas13 nucleases, DNA base editors, prime editors, and RNA base editors, focusing on the assessment and improvement of their editing precision and safety, pushing the limit of editing specificity and efficiency. We summarize the capabilities and limitations of each CRISPR tool from DNA editing to RNA editing, and highlight the opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research, as well as the therapeutic and clinical considerations for their use in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Tao
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
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