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He K, Xue Q, Zhou W, Wang P, Hu X, Lin T, Chen N, Wang B, Ma T, Ding S. Extended pegRNAs enhance the editing capability of Prime editing. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00248-8. [PMID: 39341743 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing is highly valuable in biomedical research. Despite their versatility, current Prime editing (PE) techniques are limited to short sequence alterations [up to ~44 base pairs (bp)], and exhibit inconsistent or low efficiency across genomic loci, particularly when faced with poly-T sequences. To address these challenges, we developed an extended PE (exPE) technique that can potentially execute any precise genome editing. By harnessing RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoters to transcribe extended PE guide RNAs (expegRNAs), exPE substantially improves editing efficiency and overcomes the challenges posed by poly-T sequences. Compared with conventional PE, exPE achieves up to a 14-fold increase in the efficiency of base conversions and short insertions, and, remarkably, up to a 259-fold improvement in regions with poly-T sequences. Uniquely, exPE enables seamless insertion of gene-sized DNA fragments into genomes, potentially correcting nearly 90% of human genetic variants, thereby broadening its applications in genetic research and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezhang He
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiaomei Xue
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Pengqi Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaodan Hu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tongtong Lin
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Nan Chen
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bowen Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tianhua Ma
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Sheng Ding
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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2
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Jeong SH, Lee HJ, Lee SJ. Use of paired Cas9-NG nickase and truncated sgRNAs for single-nucleotide microbial genome editing. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1471720. [PMID: 39391173 PMCID: PMC11464485 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1471720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The paired nickases approach, which utilizes clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) nickase and dual guide RNA, has the advantage of reducing off-target effects by being able to double the target sequence. In this study, our research utilized the Cas9-NG nickase variant to minimize PAM sequence constraints, enabling the generation of paired nicks at desired genomic loci. We performed a systematic investigation into the formation sites for double nicks and the design of donor DNA within a bacterial model system. Although we successfully identified the conditions necessary for the effective formation of double nicks in vivo, achieving single-nucleotide level editing directly at the target sites in the genome proved challenging. Nonetheless, our experiments revealed that efficient editing at the single-nucleotide level was achievable on target DNA sequences that are hybridized with 5'-end-truncated dual single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs). Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the paired nickases approach, offering a single-mismatch intolerance design strategy for accurate nucleotide editing. This strategy not only enhances the precision of genome editing but also marks a significant step forward in the development of nickase-derived genome editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sang Jun Lee
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiomics, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yao B, Lei Z, Gonçalves MAFV, Sluijter JPG. Integrating Prime Editing and Cellular Reprogramming as Novel Strategies for Genetic Cardiac Disease Modeling and Treatment. Curr Cardiol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11886-024-02118-2. [PMID: 39259489 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-024-02118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to evaluate the potential of CRISPR-based gene editing tools, particularly prime editors (PE), in treating genetic cardiac diseases. It seeks to answer how these tools can overcome current therapeutic limitations and explore the synergy between PE and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) for personalized medicine. RECENT FINDINGS Recent advancements in CRISPR technology, including CRISPR-Cas9, base editors, and PE, have demonstrated precise genome correction capabilities. Notably, PE has shown exceptional precision in correcting genetic mutations. Combining PE with iPSC-CMs has emerged as a robust platform for disease modeling and developing innovative treatments for genetic cardiac diseases. The review finds that PE, when combined with iPSC-CMs, holds significant promise for treating genetic cardiac diseases by addressing their root causes. This approach could revolutionize personalized medicine, offering more effective and precise treatments. Future research should focus on refining these technologies and their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yao
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Circulatory Health Research Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zhiyong Lei
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Circulatory Health Research Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Circulatory Health Research Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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4
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Vats S, Kumar J, Sonah H, Zhang F, Deshmukh R. Prime editing in plants: prospects and challenges. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:5344-5356. [PMID: 38366636 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Prime editors are reverse transcriptase (RT)-based genome-editing tools that utilize double-strand break (DSB)-free mechanisms to decrease off-target editing in genomes and enhance the efficiency of targeted insertions. The multiple prime editors that have been developed within a short span of time are a testament to the potential of this technique for targeted insertions. This is mainly because of the possibility of generation of all types of mutations including deletions, insertions, transitions, and transversions. Prime editing reverses several bottlenecks of gene editing technologies that limit the biotechnological applicability to produce designer crops. This review evaluates the status and evolution of the prime editing technique in terms of the types of editors available up to prime editor 5 and twin prime editors, and considers the developments in plants in a systematic manner. The various factors affecting prime editing efficiency in plants are discussed in detail, including the effects of temperature, the prime editing guide (peg)RNA, and RT template amongst others. We discuss the current obstructions, key challenges, and available resolutions associated with the technique, and consider future directions and further improvements that are feasible to elevate the efficiency in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanskriti Vats
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana (NCR Delhi), India
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Jitesh Kumar
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Humira Sonah
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, 123031, India
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5
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Fan X, Lei Y, Wang L, Wu X, Li D. Advancing CRISPR base editing technology through innovative strategies and ideas. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2699-5. [PMID: 39231901 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The innovation of CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology has developed rapidly in recent years. It is widely used in the fields of disease animal model construction, biological breeding, disease diagnosis and screening, gene therapy, cell localization, cell lineage tracking, synthetic biology, information storage, etc. However, developing idealized editors in various fields is still a goal for future development. This article focuses on the development and innovation of non-DSB editors BE and PE in the platform-based CRISPR system. It first explains the application of ideas for improvement such as "substitution", "combination", "adaptation", and "adjustment" in BE and PE development and then catalogues the ingenious inversions and leaps of thought reflected in the innovations made to CRISPR technology. It will then elaborate on the efforts currently being made to develop small editors to solve the problem of AAV overload and summarize the current application status of editors for in vivo gene modification using AAV as a delivery system. Finally, it summarizes the inspiration brought by CRISPR/Cas innovation and assesses future prospects for development of an idealized editor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongwei Fan
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yang Lei
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Xiushan Wu
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Guangzhou, 510100, China.
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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6
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Hosseini SY, Mallick R, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Insights into Prime Editing Technology: A Deep Dive into Fundamentals, Potentials, and Challenges. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:649-668. [PMID: 38832869 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most versatile and precise gene editing technology, prime editing (PE) can establish a durable cure for most human genetic disorders. Several generations of PE have been developed based on an editor machine or prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to achieve any kind of genetic correction. However, due to the early stage of development, PE complex elements need to be optimized for more efficient editing. Smart optimization of editor proteins as well as pegRNA has been contemplated by many researchers, but the universal PE machine's current shortcomings remain to be solved. The modification of PE elements, fine-tuning of the host genes, manipulation of epigenetics, and blockage of immune responses could be used to reach more efficient PE. Moreover, the host factors involved in the PE process, such as repair and innate immune system genes, have not been determined, and PE cell context dependency is still poorly understood. Regarding the large size of the PE elements, delivery is a significant challenge and the development of a universal viral or nonviral platform is still far from complete. PE versions with shortened variants of reverse transcriptase are still too large to fit in common viral vectors. Overall, PE faces challenges in optimization for efficiency, high context dependency during the cell cycling, and delivery due to the large size of elements. In addition, immune responses, unpredictability of outcomes, and off-target effects further limit its application, making it essential to address these issues for broader use in nonpersonalized gene editing. Besides, due to the limited number of suitable animal models and computational modeling, the prediction of the PE process remains challenging. In this review, the fundamentals of PE, including generations, potential, optimization, delivery, in vivo barriers, and the future landscape of the technology are discussed.
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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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7
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Li A, Zhu Z, Yang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Liu J. Precise Insertion of AttB Sequences in Goat Genome Using Enhanced Prime Editor. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9486. [PMID: 39273433 PMCID: PMC11395042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editor, an editing tool based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system, allows for all 12 types of nucleotide exchanges and arbitrary indels in genomic sequences without the need for inducing DNA double-strand breaks. Despite its flexibility and precision, prime editing efficiency is still low and hindered by various factors such as target sites, editing types, and the length of the primer binding site. In this study, we developed a prime editing system by incorporating an RNA motif at the 3' terminal of the pegRNA and integrating all twin prime editor factors into a single plasmid. These two strategies enhanced prime editing efficiency at target sites by up to 3.58-fold and 2.19-fold, respectively. Subsequently, enhanced prime editor was employed in goat cells and embryos to efficiently insert a 38 bp attB sequence into the Gt(ROSA)26Sor (Rosa26) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) loci. The enhanced prime editor can mediate 11.9% and 6.8% editing efficiency in parthenogenetic activation of embryos through embryo microinjection. In summary, our study introduces a modified prime editing system with improved editing and transfection efficiency, making it more suitable for inserting foreign sequences into primary cells and embryos. These results broaden the potential applications of prime editing technologies in the production of transgenic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhenliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yayi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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8
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Feng Q, Li Q, Zhou H, Wang Z, Lin C, Jiang Z, Liu T, Wang D. CRISPR technology in human diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e672. [PMID: 39081515 PMCID: PMC11286548 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.672] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene editing is a growing gene engineering technique that allows accurate editing of a broad spectrum of gene-regulated diseases to achieve curative treatment and also has the potential to be used as an adjunct to the conventional treatment of diseases. Gene editing technology, mainly based on clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein systems, which is capable of generating genetic modifications in somatic cells, provides a promising new strategy for gene therapy for a wide range of human diseases. Currently, gene editing technology shows great application prospects in a variety of human diseases, not only in therapeutic potential but also in the construction of animal models of human diseases. This paper describes the application of gene editing technology in hematological diseases, solid tumors, immune disorders, ophthalmological diseases, and metabolic diseases; focuses on the therapeutic strategies of gene editing technology in sickle cell disease; provides an overview of the role of gene editing technology in the construction of animal models of human diseases; and discusses the limitations of gene editing technology in the treatment of diseases, which is intended to provide an important reference for the applications of gene editing technology in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Research and Development CentreBaicheng Medical CollegeBaichengChina
| | - Qirong Li
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hengzong Zhou
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Zhan Wang
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Grain Science and TechnologyJilin Business and Technology CollegeChangchunChina
| | - Ziping Jiang
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Tianjia Liu
- Research and Development CentreBaicheng Medical CollegeBaichengChina
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Animal ScienceJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
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9
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Masarwy R, Stotsky-Oterin L, Elisha A, Hazan-Halevy I, Peer D. Delivery of nucleic acid based genome editing platforms via lipid nanoparticles: Clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115359. [PMID: 38857763 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technology presents a promising approach for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. Despite its potential, the translation of CRISPR/Cas into effective in-vivo gene therapy encounters challenges, primarily due to the need for safe and efficient delivery mechanisms. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), FDA-approved for RNA delivery, show potential for delivering also CRISPR/Cas, offering the capability to efficiently encapsulate large mRNA molecules with single guide RNAs. However, achieving precise targeting in-vivo remains a significant obstacle, necessitating further research into optimizing LNP formulations. Strategies to enhance specificity, such as modifying LNP structures and incorporating targeting ligands, are explored to improve organ and cell type targeting. Furthermore, the development of base and prime editing technology presents a potential breakthrough, offering precise modifications without generating double-strand breaks (DSBs). Prime editing, particularly when delivered via targeted LNPs, holds promise for treating diverse diseases safely and precisely. This review assesses both the progress made and the persistent challenges faced in using LNP-encapsulated CRISPR-based technologies for therapeutic purposes, with a particular focus on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Masarwy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Stotsky-Oterin
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviad Elisha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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10
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Wu X, Yang J, Zhang J, Song Y. Gene editing therapy for cardiovascular diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e639. [PMID: 38974714 PMCID: PMC11224995 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of gene editing tools has been a significant area of research in the life sciences for nearly 30 years. These tools have been widely utilized in disease detection and mechanism research. In the new century, they have shown potential in addressing various scientific challenges and saving lives through gene editing therapies, particularly in combating cardiovascular disease (CVD). The rapid advancement of gene editing therapies has provided optimism for CVD patients. The progress of gene editing therapy for CVDs is a comprehensive reflection of the practical implementation of gene editing technology in both clinical and basic research settings, as well as the steady advancement of research and treatment of CVDs. This article provides an overview of the commonly utilized DNA-targeted gene editing tools developed thus far, with a specific focus on the application of these tools, particularly the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated genes (Cas) (CRISPR/Cas) system, in CVD gene editing therapy. It also delves into the challenges and limitations of current gene editing therapies, while summarizing ongoing research and clinical trials related to CVD. The aim is to facilitate further exploration by relevant researchers by summarizing the successful applications of gene editing tools in the field of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yuning Song
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
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11
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Liu B, Dong X, Zheng C, Keener D, Chen Z, Cheng H, Watts JK, Xue W, Sontheimer EJ. Targeted genome editing with a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and exogenous DNA-containing templates. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:1039-1045. [PMID: 37709915 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01947-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Reverse transcriptases, used in prime editing systems, exhibit lower fidelity, processivity and dNTP affinity than many DNA-dependent DNA polymerases. We report that a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (phi29), untethered from Cas9, enables editing from a synthetic, end-stabilized DNA-containing template at up to 60% efficiency in human cells. Compared to prime editing, DNA polymerase editing avoids autoinhibitory intramolecular base pairing of the template, facilitates template synthesis and supports larger insertions (>100 nucleotides).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Xiaolong Dong
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Tessera Therapeutics, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - David Keener
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Haoyang Cheng
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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12
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Lu P, Zuo E, Yan J. Developing a multi-modular assembled prime editing (mPE) system improved precise multi-base insertion efficiency in dicots. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00259-5. [PMID: 38942381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.021] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Prime Editing (PE) system is a precise and versatile genome editing tool with great potential in plant breeding and plant synthetic biology. However, low PE efficiency severely restricts its application, especially in dicots. PE can introduce small tags to trace target protein or cis-element to regulate gene transcription which is an expertise superior to other gene editing tools. Owing to low efficiency, PE adaption in stably transformed Arabidopsis is lacking. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the issue of low PE efficiency in dicots and develop systematic solutions to improve it. Currently, PE in dicots is undetectable and inconsistent, and this study seeks to address it. Split PE into several parts showed better performance in some target sites in mammal cells. We plan to discover the optimal split PE combination in dicot. METHODS We conducted large-scale transformation experiments in dicot model plants Arabidopsis thaliana (At) and Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with deep amplicon sequencing (0.2-0.5 million clean total reads). RESULTS The editing efficiency decreased upon using a fused reverse transcriptase (RT) or an extended pegRNA separately and further decreased dramatically when these were used together. With the help of the pol II strategy to express PE gRNA (pegRNA), we named the most effective split PE combination as a multi-modular assembled prime editing system (mPE). mPE exhibited improved precise editing efficiency on most gene sites with various editing types, ranging from 1.3-fold to 1288.5-fold and achieved PE on some sites that could not be edited by original PE2. Especially, mPE showed superiority for multi-base insertion with an average improvement of 197.9-fold. CONCLUSION The original PE architecture strongly inhibited the cleavage activity of Cas9. Split PE improved PE efficiency extensively and was in favor of introducing small insertions in dicot plants, indicating that different PE variants might have their own expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjun Lu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Erwei Zuo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Jianbin Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China.
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13
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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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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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Johnson GA, Gould SI, Sánchez-Rivera FJ. Deconstructing cancer with precision genome editing. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:803-819. [PMID: 38629716 PMCID: PMC11088927 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in genome editing technologies are allowing investigators to engineer and study cancer-associated mutations in their endogenous genetic contexts with high precision and efficiency. Of these, base editing and prime editing are quickly becoming gold-standards in the field due to their versatility and scalability. Here, we review the merits and limitations of these precision genome editing technologies, their application to modern cancer research, and speculate how these could be integrated to address future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Johnson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Samuel I. Gould
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Francisco J. Sánchez-Rivera
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
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16
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Zeng H, Daniel TC, Lingineni A, Chee K, Talloo K, Gao X. Recent advances in prime editing technologies and their promises for therapeutic applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103071. [PMID: 38330875 PMCID: PMC10947817 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103071] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a groundbreaking genome editing technology offering unparalleled precision in targeted genome modifications and has great potential for therapeutic applications. This review delves into the core principles of PE and emphasizes its advancements, applications, and prospects. We begin with a brief introduction to PE principles, followed by a detailed examination of recent improvements in efficiency, precision, and the scale of feasible edits. These improvements have been made to the PE systems through guide RNA engineering, protein engineering, DNA repair pathway screening, chromosomal or epigenomic modification, and in silico design and optimization tools. Furthermore, we highlight in vivo studies showcasing the therapeutic potential of PE to model and treat genetic diseases. Moreover, we discuss PE's versatile applications in saturation genome editing and its applicability to nonhuman organisms. In conclusion, we address the challenges and opportunities linked with PE, emphasizing its profound impact on biological research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Tyler C Daniel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Ananya Lingineni
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kelly Chee
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Komal Talloo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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17
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Wang Q, Capelletti S, Liu J, Janssen JM, Gonçalves MAFV. Selection-free precise gene repair using high-capacity adenovector delivery of advanced prime editing systems rescues dystrophin synthesis in DMD muscle cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2740-2757. [PMID: 38321963 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editors have high potential for disease modelling and regenerative medicine efforts including those directed at the muscle-wasting disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the large size and multicomponent nature of prime editing systems pose substantial production and delivery issues. Here, we report that packaging optimized full-length prime editing constructs in adenovector particles (AdVPs) permits installing precise DMD edits in human myogenic cells, namely, myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (up to 80% and 64%, respectively). AdVP transductions identified optimized prime-editing reagents capable of correcting DMD reading frames of ∼14% of patient genotypes and restoring dystrophin synthesis and dystrophin-β-dystroglycan linkages in unselected DMD muscle cell populations. AdVPs were equally suitable for correcting DMD iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and delivering dual prime editors tailored for DMD repair through targeted exon 51 deletion. Moreover, by exploiting the cell cycle-independent AdVP transduction process, we report that 2- and 3-component prime-editing modalities are both most active in cycling than in post-mitotic cells. Finally, we establish that combining AdVP transduction with seamless prime editing allows for stacking chromosomal edits through successive delivery rounds. In conclusion, AdVPs permit versatile investigation of advanced prime editing systems independently of their size and component numbers, which should facilitate their screening and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Capelletti
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jin Liu
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine M Janssen
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
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18
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Song J, Luo N, Dong L, Peng J, Yi C. RNA base editors: The emerging approach of RNA therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1844. [PMID: 38576085 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics offer a flexible and reversible approach for treating genetic disorders, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, aptamers, mRNA vaccines, and RNA editing. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in RNA base editing to correct disease-relevant point mutations. These achievements have significantly influenced the fields of biotechnology, biomedical research and therapeutics development. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design and performance of contemporary RNA base editors, including A-to-I, C-to-U, A-to-m6A, and U-to-Ψ. We compare recent innovative developments and highlight their applications in disease-relevant contexts. Lastly, we discuss the limitations and future prospects of utilizing RNA base editing for therapeutic purposes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), Peking University, Beijing, China
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19
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Pacesa M, Pelea O, Jinek M. Past, present, and future of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Cell 2024; 187:1076-1100. [PMID: 38428389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.042] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing has been a transformative force in the life sciences and human medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to dissect complex biological processes and treat the underlying causes of many genetic diseases. CRISPR-based technologies, with their remarkable efficiency and easy programmability, stand at the forefront of this revolution. In this Review, we discuss the current state of CRISPR gene editing technologies in both research and therapy, highlighting limitations that constrain them and the technological innovations that have been developed in recent years to address them. Additionally, we examine and summarize the current landscape of gene editing applications in the context of human health and therapeutics. Finally, we outline potential future developments that could shape gene editing technologies and their applications in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pacesa
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oana Pelea
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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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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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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22
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Vu TV, Nguyen NT, Kim J, Hong JC, Kim J. Prime editing: Mechanism insight and recent applications in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:19-36. [PMID: 37794706 PMCID: PMC10754014 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) technology utilizes an extended prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to direct a fusion peptide consisting of nCas9 (H840) and reverse transcriptase (RT) to a specific location in the genome. This enables the installation of base changes at the targeted site using the extended portion of the pegRNA through RT activity. The resulting product of the RT reaction forms a 3' flap, which can be incorporated into the genomic site through a series of biochemical steps involving DNA repair and synthesis pathways. PE has demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving almost all forms of precise gene editing, such as base conversions (all types), DNA sequence insertions and deletions, chromosomal translocation and inversion and long DNA sequence insertion at safe harbour sites within the genome. In plant science, PE could serve as a groundbreaking tool for precise gene editing, allowing the creation of desired alleles to improve crop varieties. Nevertheless, its application has encountered limitations due to efficiency constraints, particularly in dicotyledonous plants. In this review, we discuss the step-by-step mechanism of PE, shedding light on the critical aspects of each step while suggesting possible solutions to enhance its efficiency. Additionally, we present an overview of recent advancements and future perspectives in PE research specifically focused on plants, examining the key technical considerations of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien V. Vu
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Ngan Thi Nguyen
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jihae Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jae‐Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Division of Life ScienceGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Nulla Bio Inc.JinjuKorea
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23
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Yu X, Huo G, Yu J, Li H, Li J. Prime editing: Its systematic optimization and current applications in disease treatment and agricultural breeding. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127025. [PMID: 37769783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127025] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome-editing technology has accelerated the development of the life sciences. Prime editing has raised genome editing to a new level because it allows for all 12 types of base substitutions, targeted insertions and deletions, large DNA fragment integration, and even combinations of these edits without generating DNA double-strand breaks. This versatile and game-changing technology has successfully been applied to human cells and plants, and it currently plays important roles in basic research, gene therapy, and crop breeding. Although prime editing has substantially expanded the range of possibilities for genome editing, its efficiency requires improvement. In this review, we briefly introduce prime editing and highlight recent optimizations that have improved the efficiency of prime editors. We also describe how the dual-pegRNA strategy has expanded current editing capabilities, and we summarize the potential of prime editing in treating mammalian diseases and improving crop breeding. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current prime editors and future prospects for optimizing these editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Guanzhong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jintai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; College of Modern Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China.
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24
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Fu Y, He X, Gao XD, Li F, Ge S, Yang Z, Fan X. Prime editing: current advances and therapeutic opportunities in human diseases. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:3278-3291. [PMID: 37973465 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.11.015] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing ushers in a new era of disease treatment since many genetic diseases are caused by base-pair mutations in genomic DNA. With the rapid development of genome editing technology, novel editing tools such as base editing and prime editing (PE) have attracted public attention, heralding a great leap forward in this field. PE, in particular, is characterized by no need for double-strand breaks (DSBs) or homology sequence templates with variable application scenarios, including point mutations as well as insertions or deletions. With higher editing efficiency and fewer byproducts than traditional editing tools, PE holds great promise as a therapeutic strategy for human diseases. Subsequently, a growing demand for the standard construction of PE system has spawned numerous easy-to-access internet resources and tools for personalized prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) design and off-target site prediction. In this review, we mainly introduce the innovation and evolutionary strategy of PE systems and the auxiliary tools for PE design and analysis. Additionally, its application and future potential in the clinical field have been summarized and envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidian Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xin D Gao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge MA 02141, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
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25
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Wang Y, Feng YL, Liu Q, Xiao JJ, Liu SC, Huang ZC, Xie AY. TREX2 enables efficient genome disruption mediated by paired CRISPR-Cas9 nickases that generate 3'-overhanging ends. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102072. [PMID: 38028195 PMCID: PMC10661556 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102072] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Paired SpCas9 nickases (SpCas9n) are an effective strategy to reduce off-target effect in genome editing. However, this approach is not efficient with 3'-overhanging ends, limiting its applications. In order to expand the utility of paired SpCas9n in genome editing, we tested the effect of the TREX2 3'-5' exonuclease on repair of 3'-overhanging ends. We found ectopic overexpression of Trex2 stimulates the efficiency of paired SpCas9n in genome disruption with 3'-overhanging ends up to 400-fold with little stimulation of off-target editing. TREX2 overexpressed preferentially deletes entire 3' overhangs but has no significant effect on 5' overhangs. Trex2 overexpression also stimulates genome disruption by paired SpCas9n that potentially generate short 3'-overhanging ends at overlapping SpCas9n target sites, suggesting sequential nicking of overlapping target sites by SpCas9n. This approach is further simplified with improved efficiency and safety by fusion of TREX2 and particularly its DNA-binding-deficient mutant to SpCas9n. Junction analysis at overlapping targets revealed the different extent of end resection of 3' single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) by free TREX2 and TREX2 fused to SpCas9n. SpCas9n-TREX2 fusion is more convenient and safer than overexpression of free TREX2 to process 3'-overhanging ends for efficient genome disruption by paired SpCas9n, allowing practical use of this TREX2-based strategy in genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Li Feng
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Jing Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - Si-Cheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
| | - An-Yong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Qiantang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, P.R. China
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26
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Petrova IO, Smirnikhina SA. The Development, Optimization and Future of Prime Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17045. [PMID: 38069367 PMCID: PMC10707272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317045] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is a rapidly developing method of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. The increasing number of novel PE applications and improved versions demands constant analysis and evaluation. The present review covers the mechanism of prime editing, the optimization of the method and the possible next step in the evolution of CRISPR/Cas9-associated genome editing. The basic components of a prime editing system are a prime editor fusion protein, consisting of nickase and reverse transcriptase, and prime editing guide RNA, consisting of a protospacer, scaffold, primer binding site and reverse transcription template. Some prime editing systems include other parts, such as additional RNA molecules. All of these components were optimized to achieve better efficiency for different target organisms and/or compactization for viral delivery. Insights into prime editing mechanisms allowed us to increase the efficiency by recruiting mismatch repair inhibitors. However, the next step in prime editing evolution requires the incorporation of new mechanisms. Prime editors combined with integrases allow us to combine the precision of prime editing with the target insertion of large, several-kilobase-long DNA fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina O. Petrova
- Laboratory of Genome Editing, Research Center for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye 1, 115478 Moscow, Russia
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27
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Zhang M, Zhu Z, Xun G, Zhao H. To Cut or not to Cut: Next-generation Genome Editors for Precision Genome Engineering. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 28:100489. [PMID: 37593347 PMCID: PMC10430874 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2023.100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Since the original report of repurposing the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genome engineering, the past decade has witnessed profound improvement in our ability to efficiently manipulate the mammalian genome. However, significant challenges lie ahead that hinder the translation of CRISPR-based gene editing technologies into safe and effective therapeutics. The CRISPR systems often have a limited target scope due to PAM restrictions, and the off-target activity also poses serious risks for therapeutic applications. Moreover, the first-generation genome editors typically achieve desired genomic modifications by inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs) at target site(s). Despite being highly efficient, this "cut and fix" strategy is less favorable in clinical settings due to drawbacks associated with the nuclease-induced DSBs. In this review, we focus on recent advances that help address these challenges, including the engineering and discovery of novel CRISPR/Cas systems with improved functionalities and the development of DSB-free genome editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zhixin Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Guanhua Xun
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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28
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Qian Y, Wang D, Niu W, Shi Z, Wu M, Zhao D, Li J, Gao X, Zhang Z, Lai L, Li Z. Development of a highly efficient prime editor system in mice and rabbits. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:346. [PMID: 37924393 PMCID: PMC11072004 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05003-3] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The recently developed prime-editing (PE) technique is more precise than previously available techniques and permits base-to-base conversion, replacement, and insertions and deletions in the genome. However, previous reports show that the efficiency of prime editing is insufficient to produce genome-edited animals. In fact, prime-guide RNA (pegRNA) designs have posed a challenge in achieving favorable editing efficiency. Here, we designed prime binding sites (PBS) with a melting temperature (Tm) of 42 °C, leading to optimal performance in cells, and we found that the optimal Tm was affected by the culture temperature. In addition, the ePE3max system was developed by updating the PE architecture to PEmax and expressing engineered pegRNA (epegRNA) based on the original PE3 system. The updated ePE3max system can efficiently induce gene editing in mouse and rabbit embryos. Furthermore, we successfully generated a Hoxd13 (c. 671 G > T) mutation in mice and a Tyr (c. 572 del) mutation in rabbits by ePE3max. Overall, the editing efficiency of modified ePE3max systems is superior to that of the original PE3 system in producing genome-edited animals, which can serve as an effective and versatile genome-editing tool for precise genome modification in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Qian
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Di Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Wenchao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Mao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jinze Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhongtian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Xu Z, Ma D, Su H, Jia X, Li Y, Lu Y, Xie Z. Explore the dominant factor in prime editing via a view of DNA processing. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:371-377. [PMID: 37325180 PMCID: PMC10265487 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is a revolutionary gene-editing method that is capable of introducing insertions, deletions and base substitutions into the genome. However, the editing efficiency of Prime Editor (PE) is limited by the DNA repair process. Here, we show that overexpression of the flap structure-specific endonuclease 1 (FEN1) and the DNA ligase 1 (LIG1) increases the efficiency of prime editing, which is similar to the dominant negative mutL homolog 1 (MLH1dn). In addition, MLH1 is still the dominant factor over FEN1 and LIG1 in prime editing. Our results help to further understand the relationship of proteins involved in prime editing and envisage future directions for the development of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimeng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dacheng Ma
- Research Center for Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Houzhen Su
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinqing Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Centre, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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30
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Doman JL, Pandey S, Neugebauer ME, An M, Davis JR, Randolph PB, McElroy A, Gao XD, Raguram A, Richter MF, Everette KA, Banskota S, Tian K, Tao YA, Tolar J, Osborn MJ, Liu DR. Phage-assisted evolution and protein engineering yield compact, efficient prime editors. Cell 2023; 186:3983-4002.e26. [PMID: 37657419 PMCID: PMC10482982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing enables a wide variety of precise genome edits in living cells. Here we use protein evolution and engineering to generate prime editors with reduced size and improved efficiency. Using phage-assisted evolution, we improved editing efficiencies of compact reverse transcriptases by up to 22-fold and generated prime editors that are 516-810 base pairs smaller than the current-generation editor PEmax. We discovered that different reverse transcriptases specialize in different types of edits and used this insight to generate reverse transcriptases that outperform PEmax and PEmaxΔRNaseH, the truncated editor used in dual-AAV delivery systems. Finally, we generated Cas9 domains that improve prime editing. These resulting editors (PE6a-g) enhance therapeutically relevant editing in patient-derived fibroblasts and primary human T-cells. PE6 variants also enable longer insertions to be installed in vivo following dual-AAV delivery, achieving 40% loxP insertion in the cortex of the murine brain, a 24-fold improvement compared to previous state-of-the-art prime editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Doman
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Smriti Pandey
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Monica E Neugebauer
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Meirui An
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peyton B Randolph
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amber McElroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xin D Gao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michelle F Richter
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kelcee A Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Tian
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Y Allen Tao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark J Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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31
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Shi L, Su J, Cho MJ, Song H, Dong X, Liang Y, Zhang Z. Promoter editing for the genetic improvement of crops. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:4349-4366. [PMID: 37204916 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression plays a fundamental role in the regulation of agronomically important traits in crop plants. The genetic manipulation of plant promoters through genome editing has emerged as an effective strategy to create favorable traits in crops by altering the expression pattern of the pertinent genes. Promoter editing can be applied in a directed manner, where nucleotide sequences associated with favorable traits are precisely generated. Alternatively, promoter editing can also be exploited as a random mutagenic approach to generate novel genetic variations within a designated promoter, from which elite alleles are selected based on their phenotypic effects. Pioneering studies have demonstrated the potential of promoter editing in engineering agronomically important traits as well as in mining novel promoter alleles valuable for plant breeding. In this review, we provide an update on the application of promoter editing in crops for increased yield, enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improved quality. We also discuss several remaining technical bottlenecks and how this strategy may be better employed for the genetic improvement of crops in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Myeong-Je Cho
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Hao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaoou Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Plant Genome Editing, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, No. 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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32
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Liang Z, Wu Y, Guo Y, Wei S. Addition of the T5 exonuclease increases the prime editing efficiency in plants. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:582-588. [PMID: 36958601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a versatile genome editing tool without the need for double-stranded DNA breaks or donor DNA templates, but is limited by low editing efficiency. We previously fused the M-MLV reverse transcriptase to the Cas9 nickase, generating the PE2 (v1) system, but the editing efficiency of this system is still low. Here we develop different versions of PE2 by adding the 5'-to-3' exonuclease at different positions of the nCas9-M-MLV RT fusion protein. PE2 (v2), in which the T5 exonuclease fused to the N-terminus of the nCas9-MMLV fusion protein enhances prime editing efficiency of base substitutions, deletions, and insertions at several genomic sites by 1.7- to 2.9-fold in plant cells compared to PE2 (v1). The improved editing efficiency of PE2 (v2) is further confirmed by generating increased heritable prime edits in stable transgenic plants compared to the previously established PE-P1, PE-P2, and PPE systems. Using PE2 (v2), we generate herbicide-resistant rice by simultaneously introducing mutations causing amino acid substitutions at two target sites. The PE efficiency is further improved by combining PE2 (v2) and dual-pegRNAs. Taken together, the increased genome editing efficiency of PE2 (v2) developed in this study may enhance the applications of PE in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
| | - Yuqing Wu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Yingjie Guo
- Research Institute of Big Data Science and Industry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Sha Wei
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
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33
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Testa LC, Musunuru K. Base Editing and Prime Editing: Potential Therapeutic Options for Rare and Common Diseases. BioDrugs 2023:10.1007/s40259-023-00610-9. [PMID: 37314680 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Collectively, genetic disorders affect approximately 350 million individuals worldwide and are a major global health burden. Despite substantial progress in identification of new disease-causing genes, variants, and molecular etiologies, nearly all rare diseases have no targeted therapeutics that can address their underlying molecular causes. Base editing (BE) and prime editing (PE), two newly described iterations of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, represent potential therapeutic strategies that could be used to precisely, efficiently, permanently, and safely correct patients' pathogenic variants and ameliorate disease sequelae. Unlike "standard" CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, these technologies do not rely on double-strand break (DSB) formation, thus improving safety by decreasing the likelihood of undesired insertions and deletions (indels) at the target site. Here, we provide an overview of BE and PE, including their structures, mechanisms, and differences from standard CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. We describe several examples of the use of BE and PE to improve rare and common disease phenotypes in preclinical models and human patients, with an emphasis on in vivo editing efficacy, safety, and delivery method. We also discuss recently developed delivery methods for these technologies that may be used in future clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Testa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kiran Musunuru
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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34
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Fichter KM, Setayesh T, Malik P. Strategies for precise gene edits in mammalian cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:536-552. [PMID: 37215153 PMCID: PMC10192336 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.012] [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: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technologies have the potential to revolutionize genetic medicine. However, work is still needed to make this technology clinically efficient for gene correction. A barrier to making precise genetic edits in the human genome is controlling how CRISPR-Cas-induced DNA breaks are repaired by the cell. Since error-prone non-homologous end-joining is often the preferred cellular repair pathway, CRISPR-Cas-induced breaks often result in gene disruption. Homology-directed repair (HDR) makes precise genetic changes and is the clinically desired pathway, but this repair pathway requires a homology donor template and cycling cells. Newer editing strategies, such as base and prime editing, can affect precise repair for relatively small edits without requiring HDR and circumvent cell cycle dependence. However, these technologies have limitations in the extent of genetic editing and require the delivery of bulky cargo. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of precise gene correction using CRISPR-Cas-induced HDR, as well as base and prime editing for repairing small mutations. Finally, we consider emerging new technologies, such as recombination and transposases, which can circumvent both cell cycle and cellular DNA repair dependence for editing the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katye M. Fichter
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Tahereh Setayesh
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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35
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Liang Y, Chen F, Wang K, Lai L. Base editors: development and applications in biomedicine. Front Med 2023; 17:359-387. [PMID: 37434066 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Base editor (BE) is a gene-editing tool developed by combining the CRISPR/Cas system with an individual deaminase, enabling precise single-base substitution in DNA or RNA without generating a DNA double-strand break (DSB) or requiring donor DNA templates in living cells. Base editors offer more precise and secure genome-editing effects than other conventional artificial nuclease systems, such as CRISPR/Cas9, as the DSB induced by Cas9 will cause severe damage to the genome. Thus, base editors have important applications in the field of biomedicine, including gene function investigation, directed protein evolution, genetic lineage tracing, disease modeling, and gene therapy. Since the development of the two main base editors, cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs), scientists have developed more than 100 optimized base editors with improved editing efficiency, precision, specificity, targeting scope, and capacity to be delivered in vivo, greatly enhancing their application potential in biomedicine. Here, we review the recent development of base editors, summarize their applications in the biomedical field, and discuss future perspectives and challenges for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
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Jiao Y, Li M, He X, Wang Y, Song J, Hu Y, Li L, Zhou L, Jiang L, Qu J, Xie L, Chen Q, Yao S. Targeted, programmable, and precise tandem duplication in the mammalian genome. Genome Res 2023; 33:779-786. [PMID: 37295844 PMCID: PMC10317127 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277261.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tandem duplications are frequent structural variations of the genome and play important roles in genetic disease and cancer. However, interpreting the phenotypic consequences of tandem duplications remains challenging, in part owing to the lack of genetic tools to model such variations. Here, we developed a strategy, tandem duplication via prime editing (TD-PE), to create targeted, programmable, and precise tandem duplication in the mammalian genome. In this strategy, we design a pair of in trans prime editing guide RNAs (pegRNAs) for each targeted tandem duplication, which encode the same edits but prime the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) extension in opposite directions. The reverse transcriptase (RT) template of each extension is designed homologous to the target region of the other single guide RNA (sgRNA) to promote the reannealing of the edited DNA strands and the duplication of the fragment in between. We showed that TD-PE produced robust and precise in situ tandem duplications of genomic fragments ranging from ∼50 bp to ∼10 kb, with a maximal efficiency up to 28.33%. By fine-tuning the pegRNAs, we achieved simultaneous targeted duplication and fragment insertion. Finally, we successfully produced multiple disease-relevant tandem duplications, showing the general utility of TD-PE in genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoge Jiao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingyu He
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junwei Song
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yun Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lifang Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lurong Jiang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junyan Qu
- Center of Infectious Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lifang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shaohua Yao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China;
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Yu G, Kim HK, Park J, Kwak H, Cheong Y, Kim D, Kim J, Kim J, Kim HH. Prediction of efficiencies for diverse prime editing systems in multiple cell types. Cell 2023; 186:2256-2272.e23. [PMID: 37119812 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Applications of prime editing are often limited due to insufficient efficiencies, and it can require substantial time and resources to determine the most efficient pegRNAs and prime editors (PEs) to generate a desired edit under various experimental conditions. Here, we evaluated prime editing efficiencies for a total of 338,996 pairs of pegRNAs including 3,979 epegRNAs and target sequences in an error-free manner. These datasets enabled a systematic determination of factors affecting prime editing efficiencies. Then, we developed computational models, named DeepPrime and DeepPrime-FT, that can predict prime editing efficiencies for eight prime editing systems in seven cell types for all possible types of editing of up to 3 base pairs. We also extensively profiled the prime editing efficiencies at mismatched targets and developed a computational model predicting editing efficiencies at such targets. These computational models, together with our improved knowledge about prime editing efficiency determinants, will greatly facilitate prime editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goosang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Kwon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinman Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjong Kwak
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yumin Cheong
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyoung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisung Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Yonsei-IBS Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
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Major L, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. A Review of CRISPR Tools for Treating Usher Syndrome: Applicability, Safety, Efficiency, and In Vivo Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087603. [PMID: 37108761 PMCID: PMC10146473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review considers research into the treatment of Usher syndrome, a deaf-blindness syndrome inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Usher syndrome mutations are markedly heterogeneous, involving many different genes, and research grants are limited due to minimal patient populations. Furthermore, gene augmentation therapies are impossible in all but three Usher syndromes as the cDNA sequence exceeds the 4.7 kb AAV packaging limit. It is, therefore, vital to focus research efforts on alternative tools with the broadest applicability. The CRISPR field took off in recent years following the discovery of the DNA editing activity of Cas9 in 2012. New generations of CRISPR tools have succeeded the original CRISPR/Cas9 model to enable more sophisticated genomic amendments such as epigenetic modification and precise sequence alterations. This review will evaluate the most popular CRISPR tools to date: CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing. It will consider these tools in terms of applicability (in relation to the ten most prevalent USH2A mutations), safety, efficiency, and in vivo delivery potential with the intention of guiding future research investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Major
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Zhou L, Yao S. Recent advances in therapeutic CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing: mechanisms and applications. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:10. [PMID: 37027099 PMCID: PMC10080534 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 derived editing tools had significantly improved our ability to make desired changes in the genome. Wild-type Cas9 protein recognizes the target genomic loci and induced local double strand breaks (DSBs) in the guidance of small RNA molecule. In mammalian cells, the DSBs are mainly repaired by endogenous non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, which is error prone and results in the formation of indels. The indels can be harnessed to interrupt gene coding sequences or regulation elements. The DSBs can also be fixed by homology directed repair (HDR) pathway to introduce desired changes, such as base substitution and fragment insertion, when proper donor templates are provided, albeit in a less efficient manner. Besides making DSBs, Cas9 protein can be mutated to serve as a DNA binding platform to recruit functional modulators to the target loci, performing local transcriptional regulation, epigenetic remolding, base editing or prime editing. These Cas9 derived editing tools, especially base editors and prime editors, can introduce precise changes into the target loci at a single-base resolution and in an efficient and irreversible manner. Such features make these editing tools very promising for therapeutic applications. This review focuses on the evolution and mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 derived editing tools and their applications in the field of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zhou
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Nanlu 17, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaohua Yao
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Nanlu 17, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Tasca F, Brescia M, Liu J, Janssen JM, Mamchaoui K, Gonçalves MA. High-capacity adenovector delivery of forced CRISPR-Cas9 heterodimers fosters precise chromosomal deletions in human cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:746-762. [PMID: 36937620 PMCID: PMC10020486 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing based on dual CRISPR-Cas9 complexes (multiplexes) permits removing specific genomic sequences in living cells leveraging research on functional genomics and genetic therapies. Delivering the required large and multicomponent reagents in a synchronous and stoichiometric manner remains, however, challenging. Moreover, uncoordinated activity of independently acting CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexes increases the complexity of genome editing outcomes. Here, we investigate the potential of fostering precise multiplexing genome editing using high-capacity adenovector particles (AdVPs) for the delivery of Cas9 ortholog fusion constructs alone (forced Cas9 heterodimers) or together with their cognate guide RNAs (forced CRISPR-Cas9 heterodimers). We demonstrate that the efficiency and accuracy of targeted chromosomal DNA deletions achieved by single AdVPs encoding forced CRISPR-Cas9 heterodimers is superior to that obtained when the various components are delivered separately. Finally, all-in-one AdVP delivery of forced CRISPR-Cas9 heterodimers triggers robust DMD exon 51 splice site excision resulting in reading frame restoration and selection-free detection of dystrophin in muscle cells derived from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. In conclusion, AdVPs promote precise multiplexing genome editing through the integrated delivery of forced CRISPR-Cas9 heterodimer components, which, in comparison with split conventional CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexes, engage target sequences in a more coordinated fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tasca
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marcella Brescia
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Josephine M. Janssen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author: Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Wolff JH, Mikkelsen JG. Prime editing in hematopoietic stem cells—From ex vivo to in vivo CRISPR-based treatment of blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1148650. [PMID: 36969373 PMCID: PMC10036844 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1148650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing of human hematopoietic stem cells has the potential to become a safe and efficient way of treating diseases of the blood directly in patients. By allowing site-targeted gene intervention without homology-directed repair donor templates and DNA double-stranded breaks, the invention of prime editing fuels the exploration of alternatives to conventional recombination-based ex vivo genome editing of hematopoietic stem cells. Prime editing is as close as we get today to a true genome editing drug that does not require a separate DNA donor. However, to adapt the technology to perform in vivo gene correction, key challenges remain to be solved, such as identifying effective prime editing guide RNAs for clinical targets as well as developing efficient vehicles to deliver prime editors to stem cells in vivo. In this review, we summarize the current progress in delivery of prime editors both in vitro and in vivo and discuss future challenges that need to be adressed to allow in vivo prime editing as a cure for blood disorders.
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Li ZH, Wang J, Xu JP, Wang J, Yang X. Recent advances in CRISPR-based genome editing technology and its applications in cardiovascular research. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:12. [PMID: 36895064 PMCID: PMC9999643 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of genome editing technology has brought major breakthroughs in the fields of life science and medicine. In recent years, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing toolbox has been greatly expanded, not only with emerging CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) nucleases, but also novel applications through combination with diverse effectors. Recently, transposon-associated programmable RNA-guided genome editing systems have been uncovered, adding myriads of potential new tools to the genome editing toolbox. CRISPR-based genome editing technology has also revolutionized cardiovascular research. Here we first summarize the advances involving newly identified Cas orthologs, engineered variants and novel genome editing systems, and then discuss the applications of the CRISPR-Cas systems in precise genome editing, such as base editing and prime editing. We also highlight recent progress in cardiovascular research using CRISPR-based genome editing technologies, including the generation of genetically modified in vitro and animal models of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as well as the applications in treating different types of CVD. Finally, the current limitations and future prospects of genome editing technologies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jing-Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.,Yaneng BIOScience (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.
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43
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Jin S, Lin Q, Gao Q, Gao C. Optimized prime editing in monocot plants using PlantPegDesigner and engineered plant prime editors (ePPEs). Nat Protoc 2023; 18:831-853. [PMID: 36434096 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prime editors (PEs), which can install desired base edits without donor DNA or double-strand breaks, have been used in plants and can, in principle, accelerate crop improvement and breeding. However, their editing efficiency in plants is generally low. Optimizing the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) by designing the sequence on the basis of melting temperature, using dual-pegRNAs and engineering PEs have all been shown to enhance PE efficiency. In addition, an automated pegRNA design platform, PlantPegDesigner, has been developed on the basis of rice prime editing experimental data. In this protocol, we present detailed protocols for designing and optimizing pegRNAs using PlantPegDesigner, constructing engineered plant PE vectors with enhanced editing efficiency for prime editing, evaluating prime editing efficiencies using a reporter system and comparing the effectiveness and byproducts of PEs by deep amplicon sequencing. Using this protocol, researchers can construct optimized pegRNAs for prime editing in 4-7 d and obtain prime-edited rice or wheat plants within 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiupeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Qi Biodesign, Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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44
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Chen PJ, Liu DR. Prime editing for precise and highly versatile genome manipulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:161-177. [PMID: 36344749 PMCID: PMC10989687 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Programmable gene-editing tools have transformed the life sciences and have shown potential for the treatment of genetic disease. Among the CRISPR-Cas technologies that can currently make targeted DNA changes in mammalian cells, prime editors offer an unusual combination of versatility, specificity and precision. Prime editors do not require double-strand DNA breaks and can make virtually any substitution, small insertion and small deletion within the DNA of living cells. Prime editing minimally requires a programmable nickase fused to a polymerase enzyme, and an extended guide RNA that both specifies the target site and templates the desired genome edit. In this Review, we summarize prime editing strategies to generate programmed genomic changes, highlight their limitations and recent developments that circumvent some of these bottlenecks, and discuss applications and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Chen
- 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
| | - 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.
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45
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Counteracting the Common Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome-Causing SBDS c.258+2T>C Mutation by RNA Therapeutics and Base/Prime Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044024. [PMID: 36835434 PMCID: PMC9962285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044024] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) represents one of the most common inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and is mainly caused by SBDS gene mutations. Only supportive treatments are available, with hematopoietic cell transplantation required when marrow failure occurs. Among all causative mutations, the SBDS c.258+2T>C variant at the 5' splice site (ss) of exon 2 is one of the most frequent. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant SBDS splicing and showed that SBDS exon 2 is dense in splicing regulatory elements and cryptic splice sites, complicating proper 5'ss selection. Studies ex vivo and in vitro demonstrated that the mutation alters splicing, but it is also compatible with tiny amounts of correct transcripts, which would explain the survival of SDS patients. Moreover, for the first time for SDS, we explored a panel of correction approaches at the RNA and DNA levels and provided experimental evidence that the mutation effect can be partially counteracted by engineered U1snRNA, trans-splicing, and base/prime editors, ultimately leading to correctly spliced transcripts (from barely detectable to 2.5-5.5%). Among them, we propose DNA editors that, by stably reverting the mutation and potentially conferring positive selection to bone-marrow cells, could lead to the development of an innovative SDS therapy.
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Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Mingarro G, Del Olmo ML. Improvements in the genetic editing technologies: CRISPR-Cas and beyond. Gene 2023; 852:147064. [PMID: 36435506 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gene editing is a great hope not only for the scientific community, but also for society in general. This is due to its potential therapeutic applications that would allow curing diseases of genetic origin. The first realistic approach to achieve this goal was the development of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) tools. This review deals with some of the improvements that have been designed to obtain more efficient and safer genome editing. Initial CRISPR-Cas (CRISPR associated) editing systems yield low efficiency and undesired editing products. To solve these problems, new approaches emerged, such as the creation of base editors. Recent discoveries have led to the development of many interesting alternatives, such as the CRISPR-associated transposable systems, which open the range by generating guided insertions, or the discovery of other programmable nucleases like the IscB family, which greatly increase the range of proteins available for editing uses. Also, to address the limitations of base editors, prime editors were created; this novel system, despite having some disadvantages compared to base editor systems, has the potential to generate all the possible point mutations. On the other hand, dual prime editing systems (like twin and homologous 3' extension-mediated prime editors) have been developed to create targeted insertions and enhance the editing outcomes, respectively. Furthermore, advances in gene editing do not reside solely in CRISPR-dependent systems, as we will discuss when treating the Replication Interrupted Template-Driven DNA Modification technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Mingarro
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València. Burjassot (València), Spain
| | - Marcel Lí Del Olmo
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València. Burjassot (València), Spain.
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Lv X, Zheng Z, Zhi X, Zhou Y, Lv J, Zhou Y, Wu B, Liu S, Shi W, Song Z, Xu J, Qu J, Xu D, Gu F. Identification of RPGR ORF15 mutation for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in a large Chinese family and in vitro correction with prime editor. Gene Ther 2023; 30:160-166. [PMID: 35794468 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is the most severe form of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Currently, there is no effective treatment for RP. In the present study, we recruited a XLRP family and identified a 4 bp deletion mutation (c. 2234_2237del) in RPGR ORF15 with Sanger sequencing, which was located in the exact same region as the missing XES (X chromosome exome sequencing) coverage. Then, we generated cell lines harboring the identified mutation and corrected it via enhanced prime editing system (ePE). Collectively, Sanger sequencing identified a pathogenic mutation in RPGR ORF15 for XLRP which was corrected with ePE. This study provides a valuable insight for genetic counseling of the afflicted family members and prenatal diagnosis, also paves a way for applying prime editing based gene therapy in those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Lv
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yilin Zhou
- College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jineng Lv
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Binrong Wu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Sixiu Liu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital and People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University and People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinling Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Dan Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Feng Gu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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Future Perspectives of Prime Editing for the Treatment of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030440. [PMID: 36766782 PMCID: PMC9913839 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030440] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of diseases and a leading cause of blindness in the working-age population. Even though gene augmentation therapies have shown promising results, they are only feasible to treat a small number of autosomal recessive IRDs, because the size of the gene is limited by the vector used. DNA editing however could potentially correct errors regardless of the overall size of the gene and might also be used to correct dominant mutations. Prime editing is a novel CRISPR/Cas9 based gene editing tool that enables precise correction of point mutations, insertions, and deletions without causing double strand DNA breaks. Due to its versatility and precision this technology may be a potential treatment option for virtually all genetic causes of IRD. Since its initial description, the prime editing technology has been further improved, resulting in higher efficacy and a larger target scope. Additionally, progress has been achieved concerning the size-related delivery issue of the prime editor components. This review aims to give an overview of these recent advancements and discusses prime editing as a potential treatment for IRDs.
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Ma Z, Ma L, Zhou J. Applications of CRISPR/Cas genome editing in economically important fruit crops: recent advances and future directions. MOLECULAR HORTICULTURE 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 37789479 PMCID: PMC10515014 DOI: 10.1186/s43897-023-00049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fruit crops, consist of climacteric and non-climacteric fruits, are the major sources of nutrients and fiber for human diet. Since 2013, CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-Associated Protein) genome editing system has been widely employed in different plants, leading to unprecedented progress in the genetic improvement of many agronomically important fruit crops. Here, we summarize latest advancements in CRISPR/Cas genome editing of fruit crops, including efforts to decipher the mechanisms behind plant development and plant immunity, We also highlight the potential challenges and improvements in the application of genome editing tools to fruit crops, including optimizing the expression of CRISPR/Cas cassette, improving the delivery efficiency of CRISPR/Cas reagents, increasing the specificity of genome editing, and optimizing the transformation and regeneration system. In addition, we propose the perspectives on the application of genome editing in crop breeding especially in fruit crops and highlight the potential challenges. It is worth noting that efforts to manipulate fruit crops with genome editing systems are urgently needed for fruit crops breeding and demonstration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Ma
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China
| | - Lijing Ma
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China
| | - Junhui Zhou
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
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