1
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Rao J, Wang X, Chen X, Liu Y, Jiang J, Wang Z. Multi-omics analysis reveals that Cas13d contributes to PI3K-AKT signaling and facilitates cell proliferation via PFKFB4 upregulation. Gene 2024; 927:148760. [PMID: 38992762 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is a powerful gene editing technology, the clinical application of which is currently constrained due to safety concerns. A substantial body of safety research concerning Cas9 exists; however, scant attention has been directed toward investigating the safety profile of the emergent Cas13 system, which confers RNA editing capabilities. In particular, uncertainties persist regarding the potential cellular impacts of Cas13d in the absence of reliance on a cleavage effect. In this study, we conducted an initial exploration of the effects of Cas13d on HeLa cells. Total RNA and protein samples were extracted after transfection with a Cas13d-expressing plasmid construct, followed by transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing. Differential gene expression analysis identified 94 upregulated and 847 downregulated genes, while differential protein expression analysis identified 185 upregulated and 231 downregulated proteins. Subsequently, enrichment analysis was conducted on the transcriptome and proteome sequencing data, revealing that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is a common term. After intersecting the differentially expressed genes enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway with all the differentially expressed proteins, it was found that the expression of the related regulatory gene PFKFB4 was upregulated. Moreover, western blot analysis demonstrated that Cas13d can mediate PI3K-Akt signaling upregulation through overexpression of PFKFB4. CCK-8 assay, colony formation, and EdU experiments showed that Cas13d can promote cell proliferation. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that Cas13d significantly impacts the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, and proliferation phenotype, of HeLa cells, thus offering novel insights into safety considerations regarding gene editing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Rao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudi Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfeng Jiang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Histology and Embryology Department, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhinong Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Ferreira da Silva J, Tou CJ, King EM, Eller ML, Rufino-Ramos D, Ma L, Cromwell CR, Metovic J, Benning FMC, Chao LH, Eichler FS, Kleinstiver BP. Click editing enables programmable genome writing using DNA polymerases and HUH endonucleases. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02324-x. [PMID: 39039307 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies based on DNA-dependent polymerases (DDPs) could offer several benefits compared with other types of editors to install diverse edits. Here, we develop click editing, a genome writing platform that couples the advantageous properties of DDPs with RNA-programmable nickases to permit the installation of a range of edits, including substitutions, insertions and deletions. Click editors (CEs) leverage the 'click'-like bioconjugation ability of HUH endonucleases with single-stranded DNA substrates to covalently tether 'click DNA' (clkDNA) templates encoding user-specifiable edits at targeted genomic loci. Through iterative optimization of the modular components of CEs and their clkDNAs, we demonstrate the ability to install precise genome edits with minimal indels in diverse immortalized human cell types and primary fibroblasts with precise editing efficiencies of up to ~30%. Editing efficiency can be improved by rapidly screening clkDNA oligonucleotides with various modifications, including repair-evading substitutions. Click editing is a precise and versatile genome editing approach for diverse biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ferreira da Silva
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connor J Tou
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Engineering Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily M King
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeline L Eller
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Rufino-Ramos
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linyuan Ma
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher R Cromwell
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jasna Metovic
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Friederike M C Benning
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke H Chao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Ge W, Gou S, Zhao X, Jin Q, Zhuang Z, Zhao Y, Liang Y, Ouyang Z, Liu X, Chen F, Shi H, Yan H, Wu H, Lai L, Wang K. In vivo evaluation of guide-free Cas9-induced safety risks in a pig model. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:184. [PMID: 39025833 PMCID: PMC11258294 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01905-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has shown great potential for treating human genetic diseases through gene therapy. However, there are concerns about the safety of this system, specifically related to the use of guide-free Cas9. Previous studies have shown that guide-free Cas9 can induce genomic instability in vitro. However, the in vivo safety risks associated with guide-free Cas9 have not been evaluated, which is necessary for the development of gene therapy in clinical settings. In this study, we used doxycycline-inducible Cas9-expressing pigs to evaluate the safety risks of guide-free Cas9 in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that expression of guide-free Cas9 could induce genomic damages and transcriptome changes in vivo. The severity of the genomic damages and transcriptome changes were correlate with the expression levels of Cas9 protein. Moreover, prolonged expression of Cas9 in pigs led to abnormal phenotypes, including a significant decrease in body weight, which may be attributable to genomic damage-induced nutritional absorption and metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, we observed an increase in whole-genome and tumor driver gene mutations in pigs with long-term Cas9 expression, raising the risk of tumor occurrence. Our in vivo evaluation of guide-free Cas9 in pigs highlights the necessity of considering and monitoring the detrimental effects of Cas9 alone as genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system is implemented in clinical gene therapy. This research emphasizes the importance of further study and implementation of safety measures to ensure the successful and safe application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikai Ge
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Shixue Gou
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Xiaozhu Zhao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Jin
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhuang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhen Ouyang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Hui Shi
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Haizhao Yan
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Han Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya institute of Swine resource, Hainan Provincial Research Center of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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4
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Sousa AA, Hemez C, Lei L, Traore S, Kulhankova K, Newby GA, Doman JL, Oye K, Pandey S, Karp PH, McCray PB, Liu DR. Systematic optimization of prime editing for the efficient functional correction of CFTR F508del in human airway epithelial cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01233-3. [PMID: 38987629 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) enables precise and versatile genome editing without requiring double-stranded DNA breaks. Here we describe the systematic optimization of PE systems to efficiently correct human cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) F508del, a three-nucleotide deletion that is the predominant cause of CF. By combining six efficiency optimizations for PE-engineered PE guide RNAs, the PEmax architecture, the transient expression of a dominant-negative mismatch repair protein, strategic silent edits, PE6 variants and proximal 'dead' single-guide RNAs-we increased correction efficiencies for CFTR F508del from less than 0.5% in HEK293T cells to 58% in immortalized bronchial epithelial cells (a 140-fold improvement) and to 25% in patient-derived airway epithelial cells. The optimizations also resulted in minimal off-target editing, in edit-to-indel ratios 3.5-fold greater than those achieved by nuclease-mediated homology-directed repair, and in the functional restoration of CFTR ion channels to over 50% of wild-type levels (similar to those achieved via combination treatment with elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor) in primary airway cells. Our findings support the feasibility of a durable one-time treatment for CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Sousa
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Colin Hemez
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lei Lei
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Soumba Traore
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Katarina Kulhankova
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan L Doman
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Keyede Oye
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Smriti Pandey
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Philip H Karp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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5
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McClements ME, Elsayed MEAA, Major L, de la Camara CMF, MacLaren RE. Gene Therapies in Clinical Development to Treat Retinal Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2024:10.1007/s40291-024-00722-0. [PMID: 38955952 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapies have emerged as promising treatments in clinical development for various retinal disorders, offering hope to patients with inherited degenerative eye conditions. Several gene therapies have already shown remarkable success in clinical trials, with significant improvements observed in visual acuity and the preservation of retinal function. A multitude of gene therapies have now been delivered safely in human clinical trials for a wide range of inherited retinal disorders but there are some gaps in the reported trial data. Some of the most exciting treatment options are not under peer review and information is only available in press release form. Whilst many trials appear to have delivered good outcomes of safety, others have failed to meet primary endpoints and therefore not proceeded to phase III. Despite this, such trials have enabled researchers to learn how best to assess and monitor patient outcomes, which will guide future trials to greater success. In this review, we consider recent and ongoing clinical trials for a variety of potential retinal gene therapy treatments and discuss the positive and negative issues related to these trials. We discuss the treatment potential following clinical trials as well as the potential risks of some treatments under investigation. As these therapies continue to advance through rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes, they hold the potential to revolutionise the landscape of retinal disorder treatments, providing renewed vision and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK.
- Oxford University Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Maram E A Abdalla Elsayed
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK
- Oxford University Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Lauren Major
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK
- Oxford University Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Cristina Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK
- Oxford University Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK
- Oxford University Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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6
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Lazar NH, Celik S, Chen L, Fay MM, Irish JC, Jensen J, Tillinghast CA, Urbanik J, Bone WP, Gibson CC, Haque IS. High-resolution genome-wide mapping of chromosome-arm-scale truncations induced by CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1482-1493. [PMID: 38811841 PMCID: PMC11250378 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01758-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is a powerful tool for introducing targeted mutations in DNA, but recent studies have shown that it can have unintended effects such as structural changes. However, these studies have not yet looked genome wide or across data types. Here we performed a phenotypic CRISPR-Cas9 scan targeting 17,065 genes in primary human cells, revealing a 'proximity bias' in which CRISPR knockouts show unexpected similarities to unrelated genes on the same chromosome arm. This bias was found to be consistent across cell types, laboratories, Cas9 delivery methods and assay modalities, and the data suggest that it is caused by telomeric truncations of chromosome arms, with cell cycle and apoptotic pathways playing a mediating role. Additionally, a simple correction is demonstrated to mitigate this pervasive bias while preserving biological relationships. This previously uncharacterized effect has implications for functional genomic studies using CRISPR-Cas9, with applications in discovery biology, drug-target identification, cell therapies and genetic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Chen
- Recursion, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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7
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D'Alessio AM, Boffa I, De Stefano L, Soria LR, Brunetti-Pierri N. Liver gene transfer for metabolite detoxification in inherited metabolic diseases. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38884367 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are a growing group of genetic diseases caused by defects in enzymes that mediate cellular metabolism, often resulting in the accumulation of toxic substrates. The liver is a highly metabolically active organ that hosts several thousands of chemical reactions. As such, it is an organ frequently affected in IMDs. In this article, we review current approaches for liver-directed gene-based therapy aimed at metabolite detoxification in a variety of IMDs. Moreover, we discuss current unresolved challenges in gene-based therapies for IMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso M D'Alessio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Iolanda Boffa
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia De Stefano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Leandro R Soria
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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8
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Yeo SP, Kua L, Tan JW, Lim JK, Wong FHS, Santos MD, Poh CM, Goh AXH, Koh XY, Zhou X, Rajarethinam R, Chen Q, Her Z, Horak ID, Low L, Tan KW. B7-H3-Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptors Epstein-Barr Virus-specific T Cells Provides a Tumor Agnostic Off-The-Shelf Therapy Against B7-H3-positive Solid Tumors. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1410-1429. [PMID: 38717140 PMCID: PMC11149603 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Encouraged by the observations of significant B7-H3 protein overexpression in many human solid tumors compared to healthy tissues, we directed our focus towards targeting B7-H3 using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We utilized a nanobody as the B7-H3-targeting domain in our CAR construct to circumvent the stability issues associated with single-chain variable fragment-based domains. In efforts to expand patient access to CAR T-cell therapy, we engineered our nanobody-based CAR into human Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cells (EBVST), offering a readily available off-the-shelf treatment. B7H3.CAR-armored EBVSTs demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo activities against multiple B7-H3-positive human tumor cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. Murine T cells expressing a murine equivalent of our B7H3.CAR exhibited no life-threatening toxicities in immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic tumors. Further in vitro evaluation revealed that while human T, B, and natural killer cells were unaffected by B7H3.CAR EBVSTs, monocytes were targeted because of upregulation of B7-H3. Such targeting of myeloid cells, which are key mediators of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), contributed to a low incidence of CRS in humanized mice after B7H3.CAR EBVST treatment. Notably, we showed that B7H3.CAR EBVSTs can target B7-H3-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), thereby mitigating MDSC-driven immune suppression. In summary, our data demonstrate that our nanobody-based B7H3.CAR EBVSTs are effective as an off-the-shelf therapy for B7-H3-positive solid tumors. These cells also offer an avenue to modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, highlighting their promising clinical potential in targeting solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Clinical application of EBVSTs armored with B7-H3-targeting CARs offer an attractive solution to translate off-the-shelf CAR T cells as therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay Kua
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | - Jin Wei Tan
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | | | - Fiona HS Wong
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | | | | | - Angeline XH Goh
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | | | | | - Ravisankar Rajarethinam
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zhisheng Her
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ivan D. Horak
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | - Lionel Low
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | - Kar Wai Tan
- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd, Singapore
- Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, Singapore
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9
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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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10
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Zhao G, Ma Q, Yang H, Jiang H, Xu Q, Luo S, Meng Z, Liu J, Zhu L, Lin Q, Li M, Fang J, Ma L, Qiu W, Mao Z, Lu Z. Base editing of the mutated TERT promoter inhibits liver tumor growth. Hepatology 2024; 79:1310-1323. [PMID: 38016019 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Base editing has shown great potential for treating human diseases with mutated genes. However, its potential for treating HCC has not yet been explored. APPROACH AND RESULTS We employed adenine base editors (ABEs) to correct a telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT ) promoter mutation, which frequently occurs in various human cancers, including HCC. The mutated TERT promoter -124 C>T is corrected to -124 C by a single guide (sg) RNA-guided and deactivated Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 (CjCas9)-fused adenine base editor (CjABE). This edit impairs the binding of the E-twenty six/ternary complex factor transcription factor family, including E-twenty six-1 and GABPA, to the TERT promoter, leading to suppressed TERT promoter and telomerase activity, decreased TERT expression and cell proliferation, and increased cell senescence. Importantly, injection of adeno-associated viruses expressing sgRNA-guided CjABE or employment of lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of CjABE mRNA and sgRNA inhibits the growth of liver tumors harboring TERT promoter mutations. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that a sgRNA-guided CjABE efficiently converts the mutated TERT promoter -124 C>T to -124 C in HCC cells and underscore the potential to treat HCC by the base editing-mediated correction of TERT promoter mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxiang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qingxia Ma
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Huang Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongfei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shudi Luo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Meng
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Lin
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Min Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Leina Ma
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wensheng Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, China
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11
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Lian X, Chatterjee S, Sun Y, Dilliard SA, Moore S, Xiao Y, Bian X, Yamada K, Sung YC, Levine RM, Mayberry K, John S, Liu X, Smith C, Johnson LT, Wang X, Zhang CC, Liu DR, Newby GA, Weiss MJ, Yen JS, Siegwart DJ. Bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles for genome editing in diseased and malignant haematopoietic stem cells. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01680-8. [PMID: 38783058 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic genome editing of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) would provide long-lasting treatments for multiple diseases. However, the in vivo delivery of genetic medicines to HSCs remains challenging, especially in diseased and malignant settings. Here we report on a series of bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA to a broad group of at least 14 unique cell types in the bone marrow, including healthy and diseased HSCs, leukaemic stem cells, B cells, T cells, macrophages and leukaemia cells. CRISPR/Cas and base editing is achieved in a mouse model expressing human sickle cell disease phenotypes for potential foetal haemoglobin reactivation and conversion from sickle to non-sickle alleles. Bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles were also able to achieve Cre-recombinase-mediated genetic deletion in bone-marrow-engrafted leukaemic stem cells and leukaemia cells. We show evidence that diverse cell types in the bone marrow niche can be edited using bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhen Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yehui Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sean A Dilliard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yufen Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kohki Yamada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yun-Chieh Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rachel M Levine
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kalin Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Caroline Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay T Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan S Yen
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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12
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Bhattacharya S, Agarwal A, Muniyappa K. Deciphering the Substrate Specificity Reveals that CRISPR-Cas12a Is a Bifunctional Enzyme with Both Endo- and Exonuclease Activities. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168550. [PMID: 38575054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The class 2 CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cas12a systems, originally described as adaptive immune systems of bacteria and archaea, have emerged as versatile tools for genome-editing, with applications in biotechnology and medicine. However, significantly less is known about their substrate specificity, but such knowledge may provide instructive insights into their off-target cleavage and previously unrecognized mechanism of action. Here, we document that the Acidaminococcus sp. Cas12a (AsCas12a) binds preferentially, and independently of crRNA, to a suite of branched DNA structures, such as the Holliday junction (HJ), replication fork and D-loops, compared with single- or double-stranded DNA, and promotes their degradation. Further, our study revealed that AsCas12a binds to the HJ, specifically at the crossover region, protects it from DNase I cleavage and renders a pair of thymine residues in the HJ homologous core hypersensitive to KMnO4 oxidation, suggesting DNA melting and/or distortion. Notably, these structural changes enabled AsCas12a to resolve HJ into nonligatable intermediates, and subsequently their complete degradation. We further demonstrate that crRNA impedes HJ cleavage by AsCas12a, and that of Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a, without affecting their DNA-binding ability. We identified a separation-of-function variant, which uncouples DNA-binding and DNA cleavage activities of AsCas12a. Importantly, we found robust evidence that AsCas12a endonuclease also has 3'-to-5' and 5'-to-3' exonuclease activity, and that these two activities synergistically promote degradation of DNA, yielding di- and mononucleotides. Collectively, this study significantly advances knowledge about the substrate specificity of AsCas12a and provides important insights into the degradation of different types of DNA substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supreet Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Ankit Agarwal
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Kalappa Muniyappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.
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13
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Park JC, Kim YJ, Hwang GH, Kang CY, Bae S, Cha HJ. Enhancing genome editing in hPSCs through dual inhibition of DNA damage response and repair pathways. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4002. [PMID: 38734692 PMCID: PMC11088699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48111-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome editing is crucial for establishing isogenic human disease models and ex vivo stem cell therapy from the patient-derived hPSCs. Unlike Cas9-mediated knock-in, cytosine base editor and prime editor achieve the desirable gene correction without inducing DNA double strand breaks. However, hPSCs possess highly active DNA repair pathways and are particularly susceptible to p53-dependent cell death. These unique characteristics impede the efficiency of gene editing in hPSCs. Here, we demonstrate that dual inhibition of p53-mediated cell death and distinct activation of the DNA damage repair system upon DNA damage by cytosine base editor or prime editor additively enhanced editing efficiency in hPSCs. The BE4stem system comprised of p53DD, a dominant negative p53, and three UNG inhibitor, engineered to specifically diminish base excision repair, improves cytosine base editor efficiency in hPSCs. Addition of dominant negative MLH1 to inhibit mismatch repair activity and p53DD in the conventional prime editor system also significantly enhances prime editor efficiency in hPSCs. Thus, combined inhibition of the distinct cellular cascades engaged in hPSCs upon gene editing could significantly enhance precise genome editing in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chan Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gue-Ho Hwang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Kang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
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15
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Przanowska RK, Labban N, Przanowski P, Hawes RB, Atkins KA, Showalter SL, Janes KA. Patient-derived response estimates from zero-passage organoids of luminal breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.24.586432. [PMID: 38585922 PMCID: PMC10996455 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.24.586432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Primary luminal breast cancer cells lose their identity rapidly in standard tissue culture, which is problematic for testing hormone interventions and molecular pathways specific to the luminal subtype. Breast cancer organoids are thought to retain tumor characteristics better, but long-term viability of luminal-subtype cases is a persistent challenge. Our goal was to adapt short-term organoids of luminal breast cancer for parallel testing of genetic and pharmacologic perturbations. Methods We freshly isolated patient-derived cells from luminal tumor scrapes, miniaturized the organoid format into 5 μl replicates for increased throughput, and set an endpoint of 14 days to minimize drift. Therapeutic hormone targeting was mimicked in these "zero-passage" organoids by withdrawing β-estradiol and adding 4-hydroxytamoxifen. We also examined sulforaphane as an electrophilic stress and commercial neutraceutical with reported anti-cancer properties. Downstream mechanisms were tested genetically by lentiviral transduction of two complementary sgRNAs and Cas9 stabilization for the first week of organoid culture. Transcriptional changes were measured by RT-qPCR or RNA sequencing, and organoid phenotypes were quantified by serial brightfield imaging, digital image segmentation, and regression modeling of cellular doubling times. Results We achieved >50% success in initiating luminal breast cancer organoids from tumor scrapes and maintaining them to the 14-day zero-passage endpoint. Success was mostly independent of clinical parameters, supporting general applicability of the approach. Abundance of ESR1 and PGR in zero-passage organoids consistently remained within the range of patient variability at the endpoint. However, responsiveness to hormone withdrawal and blockade was highly variable among luminal breast cancer cases tested. Combining sulforaphane with knockout of NQO1 (a phase II antioxidant response gene and downstream effector of sulforaphane) also yielded a breadth of organoid growth phenotypes, including growth inhibition with sulforaphane, growth promotion with NQO1 knockout, and growth antagonism when combined. Conclusions Zero-passage organoids are a rapid and scalable way to interrogate properties of luminal breast cancer cells from patient-derived material. This includes testing drug mechanisms of action in different clinical cohorts. A future goal is to relate inter-patient variability of zero-passage organoids to long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róża K Przanowska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Najwa Labban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Piotr Przanowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Russell B Hawes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kristen A Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kevin A Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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16
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Gallego Villarejo L, Gerding WM, Bachmann L, Hardt LHI, Bormann S, Nguyen HP, Müller T. Optical Genome Mapping Reveals Genomic Alterations upon Gene Editing in hiPSCs: Implications for Neural Tissue Differentiation and Brain Organoid Research. Cells 2024; 13:507. [PMID: 38534351 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060507] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing, notably CRISPR (cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), has revolutionized genetic engineering allowing for precise targeted modifications. This technique's combination with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a particularly valuable tool in cerebral organoid (CO) research. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9-generated fluorescently labeled hiPSCs exhibited no significant morphological or growth rate differences compared with unedited controls. However, genomic aberrations during gene editing necessitate efficient genome integrity assessment methods. Optical genome mapping, a high-resolution genome-wide technique, revealed genomic alterations, including chromosomal copy number gain and losses affecting numerous genes. Despite these genomic alterations, hiPSCs retain their pluripotency and capacity to generate COs without major phenotypic changes but one edited cell line showed potential neuroectodermal differentiation impairment. Thus, this study highlights optical genome mapping in assessing genome integrity in CRISPR/Cas9-edited hiPSCs emphasizing the need for comprehensive integration of genomic and morphological analysis to ensure the robustness of hiPSC-based models in cerebral organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Gallego Villarejo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wanda M Gerding
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Luzie H I Hardt
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Bormann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thorsten Müller
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
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17
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Chen X, Du J, Yun S, Xue C, Yao Y, Rao S. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9-based genome insertion technologies. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102138. [PMID: 38379727 PMCID: PMC10878794 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102138] [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: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Programmable genome insertion (or knock-in) is vital for both fundamental and translational research. The continuously expanding number of CRISPR-based genome insertion strategies demonstrates the ongoing development in this field. Common methods for site-specific genome insertion rely on cellular double-strand breaks repair pathways, such as homology-directed repair, non-homologous end-joining, and microhomology-mediated end joining. Recent advancements have further expanded the toolbox of programmable genome insertion techniques, including prime editing, integrase coupled with programmable nuclease, and CRISPR-associated transposon. These tools possess their own capabilities and limitations, promoting tremendous efforts to enhance editing efficiency, broaden targeting scope and improve editing specificity. In this review, we first summarize recent advances in programmable genome insertion techniques. We then elaborate on the cons and pros of each technique to assist researchers in making informed choices when using these tools. Finally, we identify opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Jingjing Du
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Shaowei Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Chaoyou Xue
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Shuquan Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
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18
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Xu F, Zheng C, Xu W, Zhang S, Liu S, Chen X, Yao K. Breaking genetic shackles: The advance of base editing in genetic disorder treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364135. [PMID: 38510648 PMCID: PMC10953296 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364135] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of gene editing technology has markedly improved the outlook for treating genetic diseases. Base editing, recognized as an exceptionally precise genetic modification tool, is emerging as a focus in the realm of genetic disease therapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and delivery methods of cytosine base editors (CBE), adenine base editors (ABE), and RNA base editors, with a particular focus on their applications and recent research advances in the treatment of genetic diseases. We have also explored the potential challenges faced by base editing technology in treatment, including aspects such as targeting specificity, safety, and efficacy, and have enumerated a series of possible solutions to propel the clinical translation of base editing technology. In conclusion, this article not only underscores the present state of base editing technology but also envisions its tremendous potential in the future, providing a novel perspective on the treatment of genetic diseases. It underscores the vast potential of base editing technology in the realm of genetic medicine, providing support for the progression of gene medicine and the development of innovative approaches to genetic disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyan Zheng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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19
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Waldo JJ, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. Epigenetic editing for autosomal dominant neurological disorders. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1304110. [PMID: 38510848 PMCID: PMC10950933 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1304110] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the molecules and mechanisms that modify gene expression states without changing the nucleotide context. These modifications are what encode the cell state during differentiation or epigenetic memory in mitosis. Epigenetic modifications can alter gene expression by changing the chromatin architecture by altering the affinity for DNA to wrap around histone octamers, forming nucleosomes. The higher affinity the DNA has for the histones, the tighter it will wrap and therefore induce a heterochromatin state, silencing gene expression. Several groups have shown the ability to harness the cell's natural epigenetic modification pathways to engineer proteins that can induce changes in epigenetics and consequently regulate gene expression. Therefore, epigenetic modification can be used to target and treat disorders through the modification of endogenous gene expression. The use of epigenetic modifications may prove an effective path towards regulating gene expression to potentially correct or cure genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle D. Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, United States
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20
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Peuget S, Zhou X, Selivanova G. Translating p53-based therapies for cancer into the clinic. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:192-215. [PMID: 38287107 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00658-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Inactivation of the most important tumour suppressor gene TP53 occurs in most, if not all, human cancers. Loss of functional wild-type p53 is achieved via two main mechanisms: mutation of the gene leading to an absence of tumour suppressor activity and, in some cases, gain-of-oncogenic function; or inhibition of the wild-type p53 protein mediated by overexpression of its negative regulators MDM2 and MDMX. Because of its high potency as a tumour suppressor and the dependence of at least some established tumours on its inactivation, p53 appears to be a highly attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. However, p53 is a transcription factor and therefore has long been considered undruggable. Nevertheless, several innovative strategies have been pursued for targeting dysfunctional p53 for cancer treatment. In mutant p53-expressing tumours, the predominant strategy is to restore tumour suppressor function with compounds acting either in a generic manner or otherwise selective for one or a few specific p53 mutations. In addition, approaches to deplete mutant p53 or to target vulnerabilities created by mutant p53 expression are currently under development. In wild-type p53 tumours, the major approach is to protect p53 from the actions of MDM2 and MDMX by targeting these negative regulators with inhibitors. Although the results of at least some clinical trials of MDM2 inhibitors and mutant p53-restoring compounds are promising, none of the agents has yet been approved by the FDA. Alternative strategies, based on a better understanding of p53 biology, the mechanisms of action of compounds and treatment regimens as well as the development of new technologies are gaining interest, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras for MDM2 degradation. Other approaches are taking advantage of the progress made in immune-based therapies for cancer. In this Review, we present these ongoing clinical trials and emerging approaches to re-evaluate the current state of knowledge of p53-based therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Peuget
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaolei Zhou
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Galina Selivanova
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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21
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Tieu V, Sotillo E, Bjelajac JR, Chen C, Malipatlolla M, Guerrero JA, Xu P, Quinn PJ, Fisher C, Klysz D, Mackall CL, Qi LS. A versatile CRISPR-Cas13d platform for multiplexed transcriptomic regulation and metabolic engineering in primary human T cells. Cell 2024; 187:1278-1295.e20. [PMID: 38387457 PMCID: PMC10965243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR technologies have begun to revolutionize T cell therapies; however, conventional CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing tools are limited in their safety, efficacy, and scope. To address these challenges, we developed multiplexed effector guide arrays (MEGA), a platform for programmable and scalable regulation of the T cell transcriptome using the RNA-guided, RNA-targeting activity of CRISPR-Cas13d. MEGA enables quantitative, reversible, and massively multiplexed gene knockdown in primary human T cells without targeting or cutting genomic DNA. Applying MEGA to a model of CAR T cell exhaustion, we robustly suppressed inhibitory receptor upregulation and uncovered paired regulators of T cell function through combinatorial CRISPR screening. We additionally implemented druggable regulation of MEGA to control CAR activation in a receptor-independent manner. Lastly, MEGA enabled multiplexed disruption of immunoregulatory metabolic pathways to enhance CAR T cell fitness and anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. MEGA offers a versatile synthetic toolkit for applications in cancer immunotherapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Tieu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeremy R Bjelajac
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Meena Malipatlolla
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justin A Guerrero
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick J Quinn
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chris Fisher
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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22
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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23
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Castiello MC, Brandas C, Ferrari S, Porcellini S, Sacchetti N, Canarutto D, Draghici E, Merelli I, Barcella M, Pelosi G, Vavassori V, Varesi A, Jacob A, Scala S, Basso Ricci L, Paulis M, Strina D, Di Verniere M, Sergi Sergi L, Serafini M, Holland SM, Bergerson JRE, De Ravin SS, Malech HL, Pala F, Bosticardo M, Brombin C, Cugnata F, Calzoni E, Crooks GM, Notarangelo LD, Genovese P, Naldini L, Villa A. Exonic knockout and knockin gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells rescues RAG1 immunodeficiency. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh8162. [PMID: 38324638 PMCID: PMC11149094 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh8162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recombination activating genes (RAGs) are tightly regulated during lymphoid differentiation, and their mutations cause a spectrum of severe immunological disorders. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the treatment of choice but is limited by donor availability and toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed gene editing strategies targeting a corrective sequence into the human RAG1 gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) and validated them by tailored two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and in vivo xenotransplant platforms to assess rescue of expression and function. Whereas integration into intron 1 of RAG1 achieved suboptimal correction, in-frame insertion into exon 2 drove physiologic human RAG1 expression and activity, allowing disruption of the dominant-negative effects of unrepaired hypomorphic alleles. Enhanced HDR-mediated gene editing enabled the correction of human RAG1 in HSPCs from patients with hypomorphic RAG1 mutations to overcome T and B cell differentiation blocks. Gene correction efficiency exceeded the minimal proportion of functional HSPCs required to rescue immunodeficiency in Rag1-/- mice, supporting the clinical translation of HSPC gene editing for the treatment of RAG1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Chiara Brandas
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Simona Porcellini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Nicolò Sacchetti
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Daniele Canarutto
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Pediatric Immunohematology Unit and BMT Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pelosi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Valentina Vavassori
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelica Varesi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luca Basso Ricci
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Dario Strina
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza (MI) 20900, Italy
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jenna R E Bergerson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suk See De Ravin
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harry L Malech
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chiara Brombin
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Federica Cugnata
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Enrica Calzoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pietro Genovese
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
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24
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Alves CRR, Ha LL, Yaworski R, Sutton ER, Lazzarotto CR, Christie KA, Reilly A, Beauvais A, Doll RM, de la Cruz D, Maguire CA, Swoboda KJ, Tsai SQ, Kothary R, Kleinstiver BP. Optimization of base editors for the functional correction of SMN2 as a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:118-131. [PMID: 38057426 PMCID: PMC10922509 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations in SMN1. SMN2 is a paralogous gene with a C•G-to-T•A transition in exon 7, which causes this exon to be skipped in most SMN2 transcripts, and results in low levels of the protein survival motor neuron (SMN). Here we show, in fibroblasts derived from patients with SMA and in a mouse model of SMA that, irrespective of the mutations in SMN1, adenosine base editors can be optimized to target the SMN2 exon-7 mutation or nearby regulatory elements to restore the normal expression of SMN. After optimizing and testing more than 100 guide RNAs and base editors, and leveraging Cas9 variants with high editing fidelity that are tolerant of different protospacer-adjacent motifs, we achieved the reversion of the exon-7 mutation via an A•T-to-G•C edit in up to 99% of fibroblasts, with concomitant increases in the levels of the SMN2 exon-7 transcript and of SMN. Targeting the SMN2 exon-7 mutation via base editing or other CRISPR-based methods may provide long-lasting outcomes to patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiano R R Alves
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Leillani L Ha
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma R Sutton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cicera R Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife Reilly
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roman M Doll
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biosciences/Cancer Biology Program, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Demitri de la Cruz
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shengdar Q Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ye L, Lam SZ, Yang L, Suzuki K, Zou Y, Lin Q, Zhang Y, Clark P, Peng L, Chen S. AAV-mediated delivery of a Sleeping Beauty transposon and an mRNA-encoded transposase for the engineering of therapeutic immune cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:132-148. [PMID: 37430157 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Engineering cells for adoptive therapy requires overcoming limitations in cell viability and, in the efficiency of transgene delivery, the duration of transgene expression and the stability of genomic integration. Here we report a gene-delivery system consisting of a Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase encoded into a messenger RNA delivered by an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding an SB transposon that includes the desired transgene, for mediating the permanent integration of the transgene. Compared with lentiviral vectors and with the electroporation of plasmids of transposon DNA or minicircle DNA, the gene-delivery system, which we named MAJESTIC (for 'mRNA AAV-SB joint engineering of stable therapeutic immune cells'), offers prolonged transgene expression, as well as higher transgene expression, therapeutic-cell yield and cell viability. MAJESTIC can deliver chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) into T cells (which we show lead to strong anti-tumour activity in vivo) and also transduce natural killer cells, myeloid cells and induced pluripotent stem cells with bi-specific CARs, kill-switch CARs and synthetic T-cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lupeng Ye
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Modern Biology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Luojia Yang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kazushi Suzuki
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yongji Zou
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qianqian Lin
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul Clark
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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26
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Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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Behrouzian Fard G, Ahmadi MH, Gholamin M, Amirfakhrian R, Saberi Teimourian E, Karimi MA, Hosseini Bafghi M. CRISPR-Cas9 technology: As an efficient genome modification tool in the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:472-488. [PMID: 37986642 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally and is a major public health concern. Managing this disease is difficult due to its multiple stages and numerous genetic and epigenetic changes. Traditional cancer diagnosis and treatment methods have limitations, making it crucial to develop new modalities to combat the increasing burden of cancer. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has transformed genetic engineering due to its simplicity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and cost-effectiveness. It has been proposed as an effective technology to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies. This article presents the most recent discoveries regarding the structure, mechanism, and delivery methods of the highly powerful genome editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9. In terms of diagnosis, the article examines the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in detecting microRNAs and DNA methylation, and discusses two popular gene detection techniques that utilize the CRISPR-Cas system: DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR trans reporter and specific high sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking. Regarding treatment, the article explores several genes that have been identified and modified by CRISPR-Cas9 for effective tumorigenesis of common cancers such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. The present review also addresses the challenges and ethical issues associated with using CRISPR-Cas9 as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Despite some limitations, CRISPR-Cas9-based cancer diagnosis has the potential to become the next generation of cancer diagnostic tools, and the continuous progress of CRISPR-Cas9 can greatly aid in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Behrouzian Fard
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehran Gholamin
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Razieh Amirfakhrian
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elahe Saberi Teimourian
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Karimi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hosseini Bafghi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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28
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Begagić E, Bečulić H, Đuzić N, Džidić-Krivić A, Pugonja R, Muharemović A, Jaganjac B, Salković N, Sefo H, Pojskić M. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:238. [PMID: 38275409 PMCID: PMC10813360 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010238] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review examines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in glioblastoma (GBM), a predominant and aggressive brain tumor. Categorizing gene targets into distinct groups, this review explores their roles in cell cycle regulation, microenvironmental dynamics, interphase processes, and therapy resistance reduction. The complexity of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in GBM research is highlighted, providing unique insights into apoptosis, cell proliferation, and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. The studies challenge conventional perspectives on specific genes, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating key molecular players in cell cycle dynamics. Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy in GBMs yields significant insights into the regulation of cellular processes, spanning cell interphase, renewal, and migration. Researchers, by precisely targeting specific genes, uncover the molecular orchestration governing cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation during critical phases of the cell cycle. The findings underscore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in unraveling the complex dynamics of the GBM microenvironment, offering promising avenues for targeted therapies to curb GBM growth. This review also outlines studies addressing therapy resistance in GBM, employing CRISPR/Cas9 to target genes associated with chemotherapy resistance, showcasing its transformative potential in effective GBM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Begagić
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Hakija Bečulić
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nermin Đuzić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Džidić-Krivić
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ragib Pugonja
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Asja Muharemović
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Belma Jaganjac
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Salković
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Univerzitetska 1, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Haso Sefo
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirza Pojskić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35033 Marburg, Germany;
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29
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Kruglova N, Shepelev M. Increasing Gene Editing Efficiency via CRISPR/Cas9- or Cas12a-Mediated Knock-In in Primary Human T Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:119. [PMID: 38255224 PMCID: PMC10813735 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010119] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes represent a promising target for genome editing. They are primarily modified to recognize and kill tumor cells or to withstand HIV infection. In most studies, T cell genome editing is performed using the CRISPR/Cas technology. Although this technology is easily programmable and widely accessible, its efficiency of T cell genome editing was initially low. Several crucial improvements were made in the components of the CRISPR/Cas technology and their delivery methods, as well as in the culturing conditions of T cells, before a reasonable editing level suitable for clinical applications was achieved. In this review, we summarize and describe the aforementioned parameters that affect human T cell editing efficiency using the CRISPR/Cas technology, with a special focus on gene knock-in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kruglova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
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30
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Becker HJ, Yamazaki S. Understanding genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited hematopoietic stem cell products. Exp Hematol 2024; 129:104133. [PMID: 38036097 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas gene editing has transformed genetic research and is poised to drive the next generation of gene therapies targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the installation of the "desired" edit is most often only achieved in a minor subset of alleles. The array of cellular pathways triggered by gene editing tools produces a broad spectrum of "undesired" editing outcomes, including short insertions and deletions (indels) and chromosome rearrangements, leading to considerable genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited HSC populations. This heterogeneity may undermine the effect of the genetic intervention since only a subset of cells will carry the intended modification. Also, undesired mutations represent a potential safety concern as gene editing advances toward broader clinical use. Here, we will review the different sources of "undesired" edits and will discuss strategies for their mitigation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jiro Becker
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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31
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Mishra G, Srivastava K, Rais J, Dixit M, Kumari Singh V, Chandra Mishra L. CRISPR-Cas9: A Potent Gene-editing Tool for the Treatment of Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:191-204. [PMID: 36788695 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230213094308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The prokaryotic adaptive immune system has clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat. CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) genome editing systems have been harnessed. A robust programmed technique for efficient and accurate genome editing and gene targeting has been developed. Engineered cell therapy, in vivo gene therapy, animal modeling, and cancer diagnosis and treatment are all possible applications of this ground-breaking approach. Multiple genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer cells induce malignant cell growth and provide chemoresistance. The capacity to repair or ablate such mutations has enormous potential in the fight against cancer. The CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing method has recently become popular in cancer treatment research due to its excellent efficiency and accuracy. The preceding study has shown therapeutic potential in expanding our anticancer treatments by using CRISPR-Cas9 to directly target cancer cell genomic DNA in cellular and animal cancer models. In addition, CRISPR-Cas9 can combat oncogenic infections and test anticancer medicines. It may design immune cells and oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapeutic applications. In this review, these preclinical CRISPRCas9- based cancer therapeutic techniques are summarised, along with the hurdles and advancements in converting therapeutic CRISPR-Cas9 into clinical use. It will increase their applicability in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Mishra
- Department of Zoology, Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi-110036, Delhi, India
- Division Radiopharmaceuticals and Radiation Biology, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi-110054, India
| | - Kamakshi Srivastava
- Department of Zoology, Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi-110036, Delhi, India
| | - Juhi Rais
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226014, India
| | - Manish Dixit
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226014, India
| | - Vandana Kumari Singh
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi- 110007, Dehli, India
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Baruteau J, Brunetti-Pierri N, Gissen P. Liver-directed gene therapy for inherited metabolic diseases. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:9-21. [PMID: 38171926 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy clinical trials are rapidly expanding for inherited metabolic liver diseases whilst two gene therapy products have now been approved for liver based monogenic disorders. Liver-directed gene therapy has recently become an option for treatment of haemophilias and is likely to become one of the favoured therapeutic strategies for inherited metabolic liver diseases in the near future. In this review, we present the different gene therapy vectors and strategies for liver-targeting, including gene editing. We highlight the current development of viral and nonviral gene therapy for a number of inherited metabolic liver diseases including urea cycle defects, organic acidaemias, Crigler-Najjar disease, Wilson disease, glycogen storage disease Type Ia, phenylketonuria and maple syrup urine disease. We describe the main limitations and open questions for further gene therapy development: immunogenicity, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, gene therapy administration in a fibrotic liver. The follow-up of a constantly growing number of gene therapy treated patients allows better understanding of its benefits and limitations and provides strategies to design safer and more efficacious treatments. Undoubtedly, liver-targeting gene therapy offers a promising avenue for innovative therapies with an unprecedented potential to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from inherited metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Baruteau
- Department of Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paul Gissen
- Department of Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Hosseini SY, Mallick R, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Navigating the prime editing strategy to treat cardiovascular genetic disorders in transforming heart health. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 22:75-89. [PMID: 38494784 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2328642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular disorders, the discovery of prime editing (PE), has opened new horizons for finding their cures. PE strategy is the most versatile editing tool to change cardiac genetic background for therapeutic interventions. The optimization of elements, prediction of efficiency, and discovery of the involved genes regulating the process have not been completed. The large size of the cargo and multi-elementary structure makes the in vivo heart delivery challenging. AREAS COVERED Updated from recent published studies, the fundamentals of the PEs, their application in cardiology, potentials, shortcomings, and the future perspectives for the treatment of cardiac-related genetic disorders will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The ideal PE for the heart should be tissue-specific, regulatable, less immunogenic, high transducing, and safe. However, low efficiency, sup-optimal PE architecture, the large size of required elements, the unclear role of transcriptomics on the process, unpredictable off-target effects, and its context-dependency are subjects that need to be considered. It is also of great importance to see how beneficial or detrimental cell cycle or epigenomic modifier is to bring changes into cardiac cells. The PE delivery is challenging due to the size, multi-component properties of the editors and liver sink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Younes Hosseini
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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34
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Tou CJ, Kleinstiver BP. Recent Advances in Double-Strand Break-Free Kilobase-Scale Genome Editing Technologies. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3493-3499. [PMID: 36049184 PMCID: PMC10239562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing approaches have transformed the ability to make user-defined changes to genomes in both ex vivo and in vivo contexts. Despite the abundant development of technologies that permit the installation of nucleotide-level changes, until recently, larger-scale sequence edits via technologies independent of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) had remained less explored. Here, we review recent advances toward DSB-free technologies that enable kilobase-scale modifications including insertions, deletions, inversions, replacements, and others. These technologies provide new capabilities for users, while offering hope for the simplification of putative therapeutic strategies by moving away from small mutation-specific edits and toward more generalizable kilobase-scale approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Tou
- Biological Engineering Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Nandy K, Babu D, Rani S, Joshi G, Ijee S, George A, Palani D, Premkumar C, Rajesh P, Vijayanand S, David E, Murugesan M, Velayudhan SR. Efficient gene editing in induced pluripotent stem cells enabled by an inducible adenine base editor with tunable expression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21953. [PMID: 38081875 PMCID: PMC10713686 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The preferred method for disease modeling using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is to generate isogenic cell lines by correcting or introducing pathogenic mutations. Base editing enables the precise installation of point mutations at specific genomic locations without the need for deleterious double-strand breaks used in the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing methods. We created a bulk population of iPSCs that homogeneously express ABE8e adenine base editor enzyme under a doxycycline-inducible expression system at the AAVS1 safe harbor locus. These cells enabled fast, efficient and inducible gene editing at targeted genomic regions, eliminating the need for single-cell cloning and screening to identify those with homozygous mutations. We could achieve multiplex genomic editing by creating homozygous mutations in very high efficiencies at four independent genomic loci simultaneously in AAVS1-iABE8e iPSCs, which is highly challenging with previously described methods. The inducible ABE8e expression system allows editing of the genes of interest within a specific time window, enabling temporal control of gene editing to study the cell or lineage-specific functions of genes and their molecular pathways. In summary, the inducible ABE8e system provides a fast, efficient and versatile gene-editing tool for disease modeling and functional genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittika Nandy
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632115, India
| | - Dinesh Babu
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
| | - Sonam Rani
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632115, India
| | - Gaurav Joshi
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Smitha Ijee
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632115, India
| | - Anila George
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Dhavapriya Palani
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
| | - Chitra Premkumar
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
| | - Praveena Rajesh
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
| | - S Vijayanand
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632115, India
| | - Ernest David
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632115, India
| | - Mohankumar Murugesan
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India
| | - Shaji R Velayudhan
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632002, India.
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India.
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36
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Leonard A, Tisdale JF. Gene therapy for sickle cell disease. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2023; 2023:542-547. [PMID: 38066927 PMCID: PMC10727030 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is potentially curable after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or autologous HSCT after ex vivo genetic modification. Autologous HSCT with gene therapy has the potential to overcome many of the limitations of allogeneic HSCT that include the lack of suitable donors, graft-versus-host disease, the need for immune suppression, and the potential for graft rejection. Significant progress in gene therapy for SCD has been made over the past several decades, now with a growing number of clinical trials investigating various gene addition and gene editing strategies. Available results from a small number of patients, some with relatively short follow-up, are promising as a potentially curative strategy, with current efforts focused on continuing to improve the efficacy, durability, and safety of gene therapies for the cure of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John F Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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37
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Kim J. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches to Tackle KRAS Mutant Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16933. [PMID: 38069255 PMCID: PMC10707712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS are highly relevant to various cancers, driving persistent efforts toward the development of drugs that can effectively inhibit KRAS activity. Previously, KRAS was considered 'undruggable'; however, the recent advances in our understanding of RNA and nucleic acid chemistry and delivery formulations have sparked a paradigm shift in the approach to KRAS inhibition. We are currently witnessing a large wave of next-generation drugs for KRAS mutant cancers-nucleic acid-based therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the current progress in targeting KRAS mutant tumors and outline significant developments in nucleic acid-based strategies. We delve into their mechanisms of action, address existing challenges, and offer insights into the current clinical trial status of these approaches. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of the potential of nucleic acid-based strategies in the field of KRAS mutant cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Health Science and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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38
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Yuan B, Zhang S, Song L, Chen J, Cao J, Qiu J, Qiu Z, Chen J, Zhao XM, Cheng TL. Engineering of cytosine base editors with DNA damage minimization and editing scope diversification. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e105. [PMID: 37843111 PMCID: PMC10639057 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosine base editors (CBEs), which enable precise C-to-T substitutions, have been restricted by potential safety risks, including DNA off-target edits, RNA off-target edits and additional genotoxicity such as DNA damages induced by double-strand breaks (DSBs). Though DNA and RNA off-target edits have been ameliorated via various strategies, evaluation and minimization of DSB-associated DNA damage risks for most CBEs remain to be resolved. Here we demonstrate that YE1, an engineered CBE variant with minimized DNA and RNA off-target edits, could induce prominent DSB-associated DNA damage risks, manifested as γH2AX accumulation in human cells. We then perform deaminase engineering for two deaminases lamprey LjCDA1 and human APOBEC3A, and generate divergent CBE variants with eliminated DSB-associated DNA damage risks, in addition to minimized DNA/RNA off-target edits. Furthermore, the editing scopes and sequence preferences of APOBEC3A-derived CBEs could be further diversified by internal fusion strategy. Taken together, this study provides updated evaluation platform for DSB-associated DNA damage risks of CBEs and further generates a series of safer toolkits with diversified editing signatures to expand their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yuan
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shuqian Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji’nan 250012, China
| | - Liting Song
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jinlong Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jixin Cao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiayi Qiu
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Songjiang Hospital, Songjiang Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Ming Zhao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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39
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Zha MJ, Cai CE, He PM. Outlook on the Security and Potential Improvements of CRISPR-Cas9. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1729-1736. [PMID: 36881252 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing technology is regarded as a good news to save patients with genetic diseases because of its significant function of specifically changing genetic information. From zinc-finger proteins to transcription activator-like effector protein nucleases gene editing tools are constantly updated. At the same time, scientists are constantly developing a variety of new gene editing therapy strategies, in order to promote gene editing therapy from various aspects and realize the maturity of the technology as soon as possible. In 2016, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated CAR-T therapy was the first to enter the clinical trial stage, indicating that the use of CRISPR-Cas system as the blade of the genetic lancet to save patients is officially on the schedule. The first challenge to achieve this exciting goal is to improve the security of the technology. This review will introduce the gene security issues faced by the CRISPR system as a clinical treatment tool, the current safer delivery methods and the newly developed CRISPR editing tools with higher precision. Many reviews summarize the means of improving the security of gene editing therapy and the comprehensive delivery method, while few articles focus on the threat of gene editing to the genomic security of the treatment target. Therefore, this review focuses on the risks brought by gene editing therapy to the patient genome, which provides a broader perspective for exploring and improving the security of gene editing therapy from two aspects of delivery system and CRISPR editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jun Zha
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Chun-Er Cai
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Pei-Min He
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
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40
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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41
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Liu Y, Schmiderer L, Hjort M, Lang S, Bremborg T, Rydström A, Schambach A, Larsson J, Karlsson S. Engineered human Diamond-Blackfan anemia disease model confirms therapeutic effects of clinically applicable lentiviral vector at single-cell resolution. Haematologica 2023; 108:3095-3109. [PMID: 37199130 PMCID: PMC10620578 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diamond-Blackfan anemia is a rare genetic bone marrow failure disorder which is usually caused by mutations in ribosomal protein genes. In the present study, we generated a traceable RPS19-deficient cell model using CRISPR-Cas9 and homology-directed repair to investigate the therapeutic effects of a clinically applicable lentiviral vector at single-cell resolution. We developed a gentle nanostraw delivery platform to edit the RPS19 gene in primary human cord bloodderived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The edited cells showed expected impaired erythroid differentiation phenotype, and a specific erythroid progenitor with abnormal cell cycle status accompanied by enrichment of TNFα/NF-κB and p53 signaling pathways was identified by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. The therapeutic vector could rescue the abnormal erythropoiesis by activating cell cycle-related signaling pathways and promoted red blood cell production. Overall, these results establish nanostraws as a gentle option for CRISPR-Cas9- based gene editing in sensitive primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and provide support for future clinical investigations of the lentiviral gene therapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Stockholm.
| | - Ludwig Schmiderer
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184
| | - Martin Hjort
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden; Navan Technologies, MBC Biolabs, San Carlos, CA 94070; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, 22100 Lund
| | - Stefan Lang
- Division of Molecular Hematology and Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund
| | - Tyra Bremborg
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184
| | - Anna Rydström
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Jonas Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184
| | - Stefan Karlsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184.
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42
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Carvalho C, Lemos L, Antas P, Seabra MC. Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases: exploiting new tools in genome editing and nanotechnology. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1270561. [PMID: 38983081 PMCID: PMC11182192 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1270561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) encompass a diverse group of genetic disorders that lead to progressive visual impairment and blindness. Over the years, considerable strides have been made in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of IRDs, laying the foundation for novel therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy has emerged as a compelling approach for treating IRDs, with notable advancements achieved through targeted gene augmentation. However, several setbacks and limitations persist, hindering the widespread clinical success of gene therapy for IRDs. One promising avenue of research is the development of new genome editing tools. Cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases, base editing and prime editing provide unprecedented precision and efficiency in targeted gene manipulation, offering the potential to overcome existing challenges in gene therapy for IRDs. Furthermore, traditional gene therapy encounters a significant challenge due to immune responses to viral vectors, which remain crucial obstacles in achieving long-lasting therapeutic effects. Nanotechnology has emerged as a valuable ally in the quest to optimize gene therapy outcomes for ocular diseases. Nanoparticles engineered with nanoscale precision offer improved gene delivery to specific retinal cells, allowing for enhanced targeting and reduced immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in gene therapy for IRDs and explore the setbacks that have been encountered in clinical trials. We highlight the technological advances in genome editing for the treatment of IRDs and how integrating nanotechnology into gene delivery strategies could enhance the safety and efficacy of gene therapy, ultimately offering hope for patients with IRDs and potentially paving the way for similar advancements in other ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Carvalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa Lemos
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Antas
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
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43
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Guo M, Xiong Y. Sex-biased genome-editing effects of CRISPR-Cas9 across cancer cells dependent on p53 status. iScience 2023; 26:107529. [PMID: 37636042 PMCID: PMC10448110 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has emerged as the dominant technology for gene editing and clinical applications. One major concern is its off-target effect after the introduction of exogenous CRISPR-Cas9 into cells. Several previous studies have investigated either Cas9 alone or CRISPR-Cas9 interactions with p53. Here, we reanalyzed previously reported data of p53-associated Cas9 activities and observed large significant sex differences between p53-wildtype and p53-mutant cells. To expand the impact of this finding, we further examined all protein-coding genes for sex-specific dependencies in a large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screening dataset from the DepMap project. We highlighted the p53-dependent sex bias of gene knockouts (including MYC, PIK3CA, KAT2B, KDM4E, SUV39H1, FANCB, TLR7, and APC2) across cancer types and potential mechanisms (mediated by transcriptional factors, including SOX9, FOXO4, LEF1, and RYBP) underlying this phenomenon. Our results suggest that the p53-dependent sex bias may need to be considered in future clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9, especially in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengbiao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanyan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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44
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Abstract
Ex vivo gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) represents a promising curative treatment strategy for monogenic blood disorders. Gene editing using the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway enables precise genetic modifications ranging from single base pair correction to replacement or insertion of large DNA segments. Hence, HDR-based gene editing could facilitate broad application of gene editing across monogenic disorders, but the technology still faces challenges for clinical translation. Among these, recent studies demonstrate induction of a DNA damage response (DDR) and p53 activation caused by DNA double-strand breaks and exposure to recombinant adeno-associated virus vector repair templates, resulting in reduced proliferation, engraftment, and clonogenic capacity of edited HSPCs. While different mitigation strategies can reduce this DDR, more research is needed on this phenomenon to ensure safe and efficient implementation of HDR-based gene editing in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie R. Dorset
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O. Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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45
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da Silva JF, Tou CJ, King EM, Eller ML, Ma L, Rufino-Ramos D, Kleinstiver BP. Click editing enables programmable genome writing using DNA polymerases and HUH endonucleases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557440. [PMID: 37745481 PMCID: PMC10515857 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies that install diverse edits can widely enable genetic studies and new therapeutics. Here we develop click editing, a genome writing platform that couples the advantageous properties of DNA-dependent DNA polymerases with RNA-programmable nickases (e.g. CRISPR-Cas) to permit the installation of a range of edits including substitutions, insertions, and deletions. Click editors (CEs) leverage the "click"-like bioconjugation ability of HUH endonucleases (HUHes) with single stranded DNA substrates to covalently tether "click DNA" (clkDNA) templates encoding user-specifiable edits at targeted genomic loci. Through iterative optimization of the modular components of CEs (DNA polymerase and HUHe orthologs, architectural modifications, etc.) and their clkDNAs (template configurations, repair evading substitutions, etc.), we demonstrate the ability to install precise genome edits with minimal indels and no unwanted byproduct insertions. Since clkDNAs can be ordered as simple DNA oligonucleotides for cents per base, it is possible to screen many different clkDNA parameters rapidly and inexpensively to maximize edit efficiency. Together, click editing is a precise and highly versatile platform for modifying genomes with a simple workflow and broad utility across diverse biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ferreira da Silva
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Connor J. Tou
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Biological Engineering Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Emily M. King
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Madeline L. Eller
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Linyuan Ma
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Rufino-Ramos
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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46
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Gapinske M, Winter J, Swami D, Gapinske L, Woods WS, Shirguppe S, Miskalis A, Busza A, Joulani D, Kao CJ, Kostan K, Bigot A, Bashir R, Perez-Pinera P. Targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy by skipping DMD exon 45 with base editors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:572-586. [PMID: 37637209 PMCID: PMC10448430 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked monogenic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle weakness, leading to loss of ambulation and decreased life expectancy. Since the current standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to merely treat symptoms, there is a dire need for treatment modalities that can correct the underlying genetic mutations. While several gene replacement therapies are being explored in clinical trials, one emerging approach that can directly correct mutations in genomic DNA is base editing. We have recently developed CRISPR-SKIP, a base editing strategy to induce permanent exon skipping by introducing C > T or A > G mutations at splice acceptors in genomic DNA, which can be used therapeutically to recover dystrophin expression when a genomic deletion leads to an out-of-frame DMD transcript. We now demonstrate that CRISPR-SKIP can be adapted to correct some forms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by disrupting the splice acceptor in human DMD exon 45 with high efficiency, which enables open reading frame recovery and restoration of dystrophin expression. We also demonstrate that AAV-delivered split-intein base editors edit the splice acceptor of DMD exon 45 in cultured human cells and in vivo, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson Winter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Devyani Swami
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lauren Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wendy S. Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Shraddha Shirguppe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Angelo Miskalis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anna Busza
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Dana Joulani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Collin J. Kao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kurt Kostan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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47
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Balmas E, Sozza F, Bottini S, Ratto ML, Savorè G, Becca S, Snijders KE, Bertero A. Manipulating and studying gene function in human pluripotent stem cell models. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2250-2287. [PMID: 37519013 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are uniquely suited to study human development and disease and promise to revolutionize regenerative medicine. These applications rely on robust methods to manipulate gene function in hPSC models. This comprehensive review aims to both empower scientists approaching the field and update experienced stem cell biologists. We begin by highlighting challenges with manipulating gene expression in hPSCs and their differentiated derivatives, and relevant solutions (transfection, transduction, transposition, and genomic safe harbor editing). We then outline how to perform robust constitutive or inducible loss-, gain-, and change-of-function experiments in hPSCs models, both using historical methods (RNA interference, transgenesis, and homologous recombination) and modern programmable nucleases (particularly CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives, i.e., CRISPR interference, activation, base editing, and prime editing). We further describe extension of these approaches for arrayed or pooled functional studies, including emerging single-cell genomic methods, and the related design and analytical bioinformatic tools. Finally, we suggest some directions for future advancements in all of these areas. Mastering the combination of these transformative technologies will empower unprecedented advances in human biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Balmas
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sozza
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Sveva Bottini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Ratto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Savorè
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Becca
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Kirsten Esmee Snijders
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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Xiong Y, Xi X, Xiang Y, Li S, Liu H, Su Y, He R, Xiong C, Xu B, Wang X, Fu L, Zhao C, Han X, Li X, Xie S, Ruan J. CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Cytosine Base Editing Screen for the Functional Assessment of CALR Intron Variants in Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13331. [PMID: 37686137 PMCID: PMC10487596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes viral encephalitis in humans, pigs and other mammals across Asia and the Western Pacific. Genetic screening tools such as CRISPR screening, DNA sequencing and RNA interference have greatly improved our understanding of JEV replication and its potential antiviral approaches. However, information on exon and intron mutations associated with JEV replication is still scanty. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cytosine base editing can efficiently generate C: G-to-T: A conversion in the genome of living cells. One intriguing application of base editing is to screen pivotal variants for gene function that is yet to be achieved in pigs. Here, we illustrate that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cytosine base editor, known as AncBE4max, can be used for the functional analysis of calreticulin (CALR) variants. We conducted a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cytosine base editing screen using 457 single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) against all exons and introns of CALR to identify loss-of-function variants involved in JEV replication. We unexpectedly uncovered that two enriched sgRNAs targeted the same site in intron-2 of the CALR gene. We found that mutating four consecutive G bases in the intron-2 of the CALR gene to four A bases significantly inhibited JEV replication. Thus, we established a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cytosine-base-editing point mutation screening technique in pigs. Our results suggest that CRISPR-mediated base editing is a powerful tool for identifying the antiviral functions of variants in the coding and noncoding regions of the CALR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcai Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoning Xi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Yue Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Hailong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Yinyu Su
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Ruigao He
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Chong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Bingrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Liangliang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Changzhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaosong Han
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jinxue Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.X.); (X.X.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.S.); (R.H.); (C.X.); (B.X.); (X.W.); (L.F.); (C.Z.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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49
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Zhao Z, Shang P, Mohanraju P, Geijsen N. Prime editing: advances and therapeutic applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1000-1012. [PMID: 37002157 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas)-mediated genome editing has revolutionized biomedical research and will likely change the therapeutic and diagnostic landscape. However, CRISPR-Cas9, which edits DNA by activating DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, is not always sufficient for gene therapy applications where precise mutation repair is required. Prime editing, the latest revolution in genome-editing technologies, can achieve any possible base substitution, insertion, or deletion without the requirement for DSBs. However, prime editing is still in its infancy, and further development is needed to improve editing efficiency and delivery strategies for therapeutic applications. We summarize latest developments in the optimization of prime editor (PE) variants with improved editing efficiency and precision. Moreover, we highlight some potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Zhao
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands
| | - Peng Shang
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands
| | - Prarthana Mohanraju
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands.
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50
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Yi M, Wang M, Xu Y, Cao Z, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. CRISPR-based m 6A modification and its potential applications in telomerase regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200734. [PMID: 37519297 PMCID: PMC10382234 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200734] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase determines cell lifespan by controlling chromosome stability and cell viability, m6A epigenetic modification plays an important role in the regulation of telomerase activity. Using CRISPR epigenome editing to analyze specific m6A modification sites in telomerase will provide an important tool for analyzing the molecular mechanism of m6A modification regulating telomerase activity. In this review, we clarified the relevant applications of CRISPR system, paid special attention to the regulation of m6A modification in stem cells and cancer cells based on CRISPR system, emphasized the regulation of m6A modification on telomerase activity, pointed out that m6A modification sites regulate telomerase activity, and discussed strategies based on telomerase activity and disease treatment, which are helpful to promote the research of anti-aging and tumor related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Yi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongjie Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhikun Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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