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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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2
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Li T, Li S, Kang Y, Zhou J, Yi M. Harnessing the evolving CRISPR/Cas9 for precision oncology. J Transl Med 2024; 22:749. [PMID: 39118151 PMCID: PMC11312220 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05570-4] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, a groundbreaking innovation in genetic engineering, has revolutionized our approach to surmounting complex diseases, culminating in CASGEVY™ approved for sickle cell anemia. Derived from a microbial immune defense mechanism, CRISPR/Cas9, characterized as precision, maneuverability and universality in gene editing, has been harnessed as a versatile tool for precisely manipulating DNA in mammals. In the process of applying it to practice, the consecutive exploitation of novel orthologs and variants never ceases. It's conducive to understanding the essentialities of diseases, particularly cancer, which is crucial for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 is used not only to investigate tumorous genes functioning but also to model disparate cancers, providing valuable insights into tumor biology, resistance, and immune evasion. Upon cancer therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 is instrumental in developing individual and precise cancer therapies that can selectively activate or deactivate genes within tumor cells, aiming to cripple tumor growth and invasion and sensitize cancer cells to treatments. Furthermore, it facilitates the development of innovative treatments, enhancing the targeting efficiency of reprogrammed immune cells, exemplified by advancements in CAR-T regimen. Beyond therapy, it is a potent tool for screening susceptible genes, offering the possibility of intervening before the tumor initiative or progresses. However, despite its vast potential, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer research and therapy is accompanied by significant efficacy, efficiency, technical, and safety considerations. Escalating technology innovations are warranted to address these issues. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is revolutionizing cancer research and treatment, opening up new avenues for advancements in our understanding and management of cancers. The integration of this evolving technology into clinical practice promises a new era of precision oncology, with targeted, personalized, and potentially curative therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuiquan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Liu Z, Liu H, Huang C, Zhou Q, Luo Y. Hybrid Cas12a Variants with Relaxed PAM Requirements Expand Genome Editing Compatibility. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1809-1819. [PMID: 38819403 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00103] [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: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cas12a is a widely used programmable nuclease for genome editing across a variety of organisms, but its application is limited by its PAM recognition restriction. To alleviate these PAM constraints, protein engineering efforts have been applied to expand the PAM recognition range. In this study, we designed and constructed 990 synthetic hybrid Cas12a chimeras through domain shuffling and screened an efficient hybrid Cas12a (ehCas12a) that could recognize a broad range PAM of 5'-TYYN-3' (Y is T or C and N is A, T, C, or G). Furthermore, we constructed an ehCas12a variant, ehCas12a RRVR (T167R/N572R/K578V/N582R), with expanded PAM preference to 5'-TNYN, TWRV-3' (W is A or T, R is A or G, and V is A, C, or G), which can efficiently recognize -2* A/G PAMs that are barely recognized by Cas12a-type proteins and their mutants. Finally, we demonstrated that the DNase-inactivated ehCas12a RRVR base editor (dehCas12a RRVR-BE) was capable of targeting noncanonical PAMs in vivo and disease-related loci for potential therapeutic applications. Overall, our findings highlight the modular design and reconfiguration of Cas proteins for enhanced functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Huayi Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yunzi Luo
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University, Tangxing Road 133, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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4
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Falo-Sanjuan J, Diaz-Tirado Y, Turner MA, Davis J, Medrano C, Haines J, McKenna J, Eisen MB, Garcia HG. Targeted mutagenesis of specific genomic DNA sequences in animals for the in vivo generation of variant libraries. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598328. [PMID: 38915503 PMCID: PMC11195090 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how the number, placement and affinity of transcription factor binding sites dictates gene regulatory programs remains a major unsolved challenge in biology, particularly in the context of multicellular organisms. To uncover these rules, it is first necessary to find the binding sites within a regulatory region with high precision, and then to systematically modulate this binding site arrangement while simultaneously measuring the effect of this modulation on output gene expression. Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs), where the gene expression stemming from 10,000s of in vitro-generated regulatory sequences is measured, have made this feat possible in high-throughput in single cells in culture. However, because of lack of technologies to incorporate DNA libraries, MPRAs are limited in whole organisms. To enable MPRAs in multicellular organisms, we generated tools to create a high degree of mutagenesis in specific genomic loci in vivo using base editing. Targeting GFP integrated in genome of Drosophila cell culture and whole animals as a case study, we show that the base editor AIDevoCDA1 stemming from sea lamprey fused to nCas9 is highly mutagenic. Surprisingly, longer gRNAs increase mutation efficiency and expand the mutating window, which can allow the introduction of mutations in previously untargetable sequences. Finally, we demonstrate arrays of >20 gRNAs that can efficiently introduce mutations along a 200bp sequence, making it a promising tool to test enhancer function in vivo in a high throughput manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Falo-Sanjuan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yuliana Diaz-Tirado
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Meghan A. Turner
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Julian Davis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Medrano
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jenna Haines
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joey McKenna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael B. Eisen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hernan G. Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences-QB3, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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5
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Wu Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Xiu X, Liu J, Zhang L, Li J, Du G, Lv X, Chen J, Ledesma-Amaro R, Liu L. Multiplexed in-situ mutagenesis driven by a dCas12a-based dual-function base editor. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4739-4755. [PMID: 38567723 PMCID: PMC11077070 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae228] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutagenesis driving genetic diversity is vital for understanding and engineering biological systems. However, the lack of effective methods to generate in-situ mutagenesis in multiple genomic loci combinatorially limits the study of complex biological functions. Here, we design and construct MultiduBE, a dCas12a-based multiplexed dual-function base editor, in an all-in-one plasmid for performing combinatorial in-situ mutagenesis. Two synthetic effectors, duBE-1a and duBE-2b, are created by amalgamating the functionalities of cytosine deaminase (from hAPOBEC3A or hAID*Δ ), adenine deaminase (from TadA9), and crRNA array processing (from dCas12a). Furthermore, introducing the synthetic separator Sp4 minimizes interference in the crRNA array, thereby facilitating multiplexed in-situ mutagenesis in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Guided by the corresponding crRNA arrays, MultiduBE is successfully employed for cell physiology reprogramming and metabolic regulation. A novel mutation conferring streptomycin resistance has been identified in B. subtilis and incorporated into the mutant strains with multiple antibiotic resistance. Moreover, surfactin and riboflavin titers of the combinatorially mutant strains improved by 42% and 15-fold, respectively, compared with the control strains with single gene mutation. Overall, MultiduBE provides a convenient and efficient way to perform multiplexed in-situ mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaokang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiang Xiu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiaheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Linpei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
- Department of Bioengineering and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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6
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Badon IW, Oh Y, Kim HJ, Lee SH. Recent application of CRISPR-Cas12 and OMEGA system for genome editing. Mol Ther 2024; 32:32-43. [PMID: 37952084 PMCID: PMC10787141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2012, it was discovered that precise gene editing could be induced in target DNA using the reprogrammable characteristics of the CRISPR system. Since then, several studies have investigated the potential of the CRISPR system to edit various biological organisms. For the typical CRISPR system obtained from bacteria and archaea, many application studies have been conducted and have spread to various fields. To date, orthologs with various characteristics other than CRISPR-Cas9 have been discovered and are being intensively studied in the field of gene editing. CRISPR-Cas12 and its varied orthologs are representative examples of genome editing tools and have superior properties in terms of in vivo target gene editing compared with Cas9. Recently, TnpB and Fanzor of the OMEGA (obligate mobile element guided activity) system were identified to be the ancestor of CRISPR-Cas12 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis. Notably, the compact sizes of Cas12 and OMEGA endonucleases allow adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery; hence, they are set to challenge Cas9 for in vivo gene therapy. This review is focused on these RNA-guided reprogrammable endonucleases: their structure, biochemistry, off-target effects, and applications in therapeutic gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wen Badon
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeounsun Oh
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Hwan Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Wu J, Gao P, Shi Y, Zhang C, Tong X, Fan H, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Yin H. Characterization of a thermostable Cas12a ortholog. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100126. [PMID: 38047138 PMCID: PMC10692460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a has been used for genome editing and molecular diagnosis. The well-studied Cas12a orthologs have a T-rich PAM and are usually categorized as non-thermally stable enzymes. Here, we identified a new Cas12a ortholog from Clostridium thermobutyricum, which survives at 60 °C. This Cas12a ortholog is named as CtCas12a and exhibits low sequence similarity to the known Cas12a family members. CtCas12a is active in a wide temperature range from 17 to 77 °C. Moreover, this ortholog has a relaxed PAM of YYV (Y=C or T, V = A or C or G). We optimized the conditions for trans-cleavage and enabled its detection of nucleic acids. CtCas12a executed genome editing in human cells and generated up to 26% indel formation in the EGFP locus. With the ability to be active at high temperatures as well as having a relaxed PAM sequence, CtCas12a holds potential to be further engineered for pathogen detection and editing a wide range of genomic sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Centre for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yajing Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Caixiang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaohan Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Centre for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Huidi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Centre for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Urology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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8
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Lue NZ, Liau BB. Base editor screens for in situ mutational scanning at scale. Mol Cell 2023; 83:2167-2187. [PMID: 37390819 PMCID: PMC10330937 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in biology is understanding the molecular details of protein function. How mutations alter protein activity, regulation, and response to drugs is of critical importance to human health. Recent years have seen the emergence of pooled base editor screens for in situ mutational scanning: the interrogation of protein sequence-function relationships by directly perturbing endogenous proteins in live cells. These studies have revealed the effects of disease-associated mutations, discovered novel drug resistance mechanisms, and generated biochemical insights into protein function. Here, we discuss how this "base editor scanning" approach has been applied to diverse biological questions, compare it with alternative techniques, and describe the emerging challenges that must be addressed to maximize its utility. Given its broad applicability toward profiling mutations across the proteome, base editor scanning promises to revolutionize the investigation of proteins in their native contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Z Lue
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brian B Liau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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9
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Li K, Qin LY, Zhang ZX, Yan CX, Gu Y, Sun XM, Huang H. Powerful Microbial Base-Editing Toolbox: From Optimization Strategies to Versatile Applications. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1586-1598. [PMID: 37224027 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00141] [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: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Base editors (BE) based on CRISPR systems are practical gene-editing tools which continue to drive frontier advances of life sciences. BEs are able to efficiently induce point mutations at target sites without double-stranded DNA cleavage. Hence, they are widely employed in the fields of microbial genome engineering. As applications of BEs continue to expand, the demands for base-editing efficiency, fidelity, and versatility are also on the rise. In recent years, a series of optimization strategies for BEs have been developed. By engineering the core components of BEs or adopting different assembly methods, the performance of BEs has been well optimized. Moreover, series of newly established BEs have significantly expanded the base-editing toolsets. In this Review, we will summarize the current efforts for BE optimization, introduce several novel BEs with versatility, and look forward to the broadened applications for industrial microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yun Qin
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Xu Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Xiao Yan
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Gu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Man Sun
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
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10
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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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Jing Q, Liu W, Jiang H, Liao Y, Yang Q, Xing Y. Highly Efficient A-to-G Editing in PFFs via Multiple ABEs. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040908. [PMID: 37107666 PMCID: PMC10137487 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) are recently developed CRISPR-mediated genome-editing tools that do not introduce double-strand breaks. In this study, five ABEs, ABE7.10, ABEmax, NG-ABEmax, ABE8e and NG-ABE8e, were used to generate A-to-G (T-to-C) conversions in five genome loci in porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs). Variable yet appreciable editing efficiencies and variable activity windows were observed in these targeting regions via these five editors. The strategy of two sgRNAs in one vector exhibited superior editing efficiency to that of using two separate sgRNA expression vectors. ABE-mediated start-codon mutation in APOE silenced its expression of protein and, unexpectedly, eliminated the vast majority of its mRNA. No off-target DNA site was detected for these editors. Substantial off-target RNA events were present in the ABE-edited cells, but no KEGG pathway was found to be significantly enriched. Our study supports that ABEs are powerful tools for A-to-G (T-to-C) point-mutation modification in porcine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Haoyun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yaya Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yuyun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
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