1
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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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2
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Nemudraia A, Nemudryi A, Wiedenheft B. Repair of CRISPR-guided RNA breaks enables site-specific RNA excision in human cells. Science 2024; 384:808-814. [PMID: 38662916 PMCID: PMC11175973 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk5518] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing with CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases generates DNA breaks that are resolved by cellular DNA repair machinery. However, analogous methods to manipulate RNA remain unavailable. We show that site-specific RNA breaks generated with type-III CRISPR complexes are repaired in human cells and that this repair can be used for programmable deletions in human transcripts to restore gene function. Collectively, this work establishes a technology for precise RNA manipulation with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nemudraia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Artem Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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3
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Lampe GD, King RT, Halpin-Healy TS, Klompe SE, Hogan MI, Vo PLH, Tang S, Chavez A, Sternberg SH. Targeted DNA integration in human cells without double-strand breaks using CRISPR-associated transposases. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:87-98. [PMID: 36991112 PMCID: PMC10620015 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Conventional genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9 creates double-strand breaks (DSBs) that lead to undesirable byproducts and reduce product purity. Here we report an approach for programmable integration of large DNA sequences in human cells that avoids the generation of DSBs by using Type I-F CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). We optimized DNA targeting by the QCascade complex through protein design and developed potent transcriptional activators by exploiting the multi-valent recruitment of the AAA+ ATPase TnsC to genomic sites targeted by QCascade. After initial detection of plasmid-based integration, we screened 15 additional CAST systems from a wide range of bacterial hosts, identified a homolog from Pseudoalteromonas that exhibits improved activity and further increased integration efficiencies. Finally, we discovered that bacterial ClpX enhances genomic integration by multiple orders of magnitude, likely by promoting active disassembly of the post-integration CAST complex, akin to its known role in Mu transposition. Our work highlights the ability to reconstitute complex, multi-component machineries in human cells and establishes a strong foundation to exploit CRISPR-associated transposases for eukaryotic genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Lampe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebeca T King
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tyler S Halpin-Healy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Sanne E Klompe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genomes and Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marcus I Hogan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Phuc Leo H Vo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel H Sternberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Rosero J, Monzani PS, Pessoa GP, Coelho GCZ, Carvalho GB, López LS, Senhorini JA, Dos Santos SCA, Yasui GS. Traceability of primordial germ cells in three neotropical fish species aiming genetic conservation actions. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023:10.1007/s10695-023-01279-1. [PMID: 38060079 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are embryonic pluripotent cells that can differentiate into spermatogonia and oogonia, and therefore, PGCs are a genetic source for germplasm conservation through cryobanking and the generation of germline chimeras. The knowledge of PGC migration routes is essential for transplantation studies. In this work, the mRNA synthesized from the ddx4 3'UTR sequence of Pseudopimelodus mangurus, in fusion with gfp or dsred, was microinjected into zygotes of three neotropical species (P. mangurus, Astyanax altiparanae, and Prochilodus lineatus) for PGC labeling. Visualization of labeled PGCs was achieved by fluorescence microscopy during embryonic development. In addition, ddx4 and dnd1 expressions were evaluated during embryonic development, larvae, and adult tissues of P. mangurus, to validate their use as a PGC marker. As a result, the effective identification of presumptive PGCs was obtained. DsRed-positive PGC of P. mangurus was observed in the hatching stage, GFP-positive PGC of A. altiparanae in the gastrula stage, and GFP-positive PGCs from P. lineatus were identified at the segmentation stage, with representative labeling percentages of 29% and 16% in A. altiparanae and P. lineatus, respectively. The expression of ddx4 and dnd1 of P. mangurus confirmed the specificity of these genes in germ cells. These results point to the functionality of the P. mangurus ddx4 3'UTR sequence as a PGC marker, demonstrating that PGC labeling was more efficient in A. altiparanae and P. lineatus. The procedures used to identify PGCs in P. mangurus consolidate the first step for generating germinal chimeras as a conservation action of P. mangurus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenyffer Rosero
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Sérgio Monzani
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giselle Pessanha Pessoa
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geovanna Carla Zacheo Coelho
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Braga Carvalho
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Suárez López
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Augusto Senhorini
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - George Shigueki Yasui
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology, National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Mogila I, Tamulaitiene G, Keda K, Timinskas A, Ruksenaite A, Sasnauskas G, Venclovas Č, Siksnys V, Tamulaitis G. Ribosomal stalk-captured CARF-RelE ribonuclease inhibits translation following CRISPR signaling. Science 2023; 382:1036-1041. [PMID: 38033086 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj2107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Prokaryotic type III CRISPR-Cas antiviral systems employ cyclic oligoadenylate (cAn) signaling to activate a diverse range of auxiliary proteins that reinforce the CRISPR-Cas defense. Here we characterize a class of cAn-dependent effector proteins named CRISPR-Cas-associated messenger RNA (mRNA) interferase 1 (Cami1) consisting of a CRISPR-associated Rossmann fold sensor domain fused to winged helix-turn-helix and a RelE-family mRNA interferase domain. Upon activation by cyclic tetra-adenylate (cA4), Cami1 cleaves mRNA exposed at the ribosomal A-site thereby depleting mRNA and leading to cell growth arrest. The structures of apo-Cami1 and the ribosome-bound Cami1-cA4 complex delineate the conformational changes that lead to Cami1 activation and the mechanism of Cami1 binding to a bacterial ribosome, revealing unexpected parallels with eukaryotic ribosome-inactivating proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmantas Mogila
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedre Tamulaitiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Konstanty Keda
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Albertas Timinskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Audrone Ruksenaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Sasnauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Česlovas Venclovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gintautas Tamulaitis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
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6
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Nemudryi A, Nemudraia A, Nichols JE, Scherffius AM, Zahl T, Wiedenheft B. CRISPR-based engineering of RNA viruses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj8277. [PMID: 37703376 PMCID: PMC10499312 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj8277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases have enabled precise editing of DNA. However, options for editing RNA remain limited. Here, we combine sequence-specific RNA cleavage by CRISPR ribonucleases with programmable RNA repair to make precise deletions and insertions in RNA. This work establishes a recombinant RNA technology with immediate applications for the facile engineering of RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew M. Scherffius
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Trevor Zahl
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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7
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Colognori D, Trinidad M, Doudna JA. Precise transcript targeting by CRISPR-Csm complexes. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1256-1264. [PMID: 36690762 PMCID: PMC10497410 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Robust and precise transcript targeting in mammalian cells remains a difficult challenge using existing approaches due to inefficiency, imprecision and subcellular compartmentalization. Here we show that the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Csm complex, a multiprotein effector from type III CRISPR immune systems in prokaryotes, provides surgical RNA ablation of both nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts. As part of the most widely occurring CRISPR adaptive immune pathway, CRISPR-Csm uses a programmable RNA-guided mechanism to find and degrade target RNA molecules without inducing indiscriminate trans-cleavage of cellular RNAs, giving it an important advantage over the CRISPR-Cas13 family of enzymes. Using single-vector delivery of the Streptococcus thermophilus Csm complex, we observe high-efficiency RNA knockdown (90-99%) and minimal off-target effects in human cells, outperforming existing technologies including short hairpin RNA- and Cas13-mediated knockdown. We also find that catalytically inactivated Csm achieves specific and durable RNA binding, a property we harness for live-cell RNA imaging. These results establish the feasibility and efficacy of multiprotein CRISPR-Cas effector complexes as RNA-targeting tools in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Colognori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Nemudraia A, Nemudryi A, Wiedenheft B. Repair of CRISPR-guided RNA breaks enables site-specific RNA editing in human cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555404. [PMID: 37693568 PMCID: PMC10491232 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing with CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases generates DNA breaks that are resolved by cellular DNA repair machinery. However, analogous methods to manipulate RNA remain unavailable. Here, we show that site-specific RNA breaks generated with RNA-targeting CRISPR complexes are repaired in human cells, and this repair can be used for programmable deletions in human transcripts that restore gene function. Collectively, this work establishes a technology for precise RNA manipulation with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nemudraia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Artem Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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9
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Nemudryi A, Nemudraia A, Nichols JE, Scherffius AM, Zahl T, Wiedenheft B. CRISPR-based engineering of RNA viruses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.19.541219. [PMID: 37292641 PMCID: PMC10245796 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.19.541219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases have enabled precise editing of DNA. However, options for editing RNA remain limited. Here, we combine sequence-specific RNA cleavage by CRISPR ribonucleases with programmable RNA repair to make precise deletions and insertions in RNA. This work establishes a new recombinant RNA technology with immediate applications for the facile engineering of RNA viruses. One-Sentence Summary Programmable CRISPR RNA-guided ribonucleases enable recombinant RNA technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Anna Nemudraia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Joseph E Nichols
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Andrew M Scherffius
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Trevor Zahl
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University; Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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10
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Gunitseva N, Evteeva M, Borisova A, Patrushev M, Subach F. RNA-Dependent RNA Targeting by CRISPR-Cas Systems: Characterizations and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086894. [PMID: 37108063 PMCID: PMC10138764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies that are currently available and described have a fundamental impact on the development of molecular biology and medicine, industrial and agricultural biotechnology and other fields. However, genome editing based on detection and manipulation of the targeted RNA is a promising alternative to control the gene expression at the spatiotemporal transcriptomic level without complete elimination. The innovative CRISPR-Cas RNA-targeting systems changed the conception of biosensing systems and also allowed the RNA effectors to be used in various applications; for example, genomic editing, effective virus diagnostic tools, biomarkers, transcription regulations. In this review, we discussed the current state-of-the-art of specific CRISPR-Cas systems known to bind and cleave RNA substrates and summarized potential applications of the versatile RNA-targeting systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Gunitseva
- Complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marta Evteeva
- Complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Borisova
- Complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim Patrushev
- Complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor Subach
- Complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Lampe GD, King RT, Halpin-Healy TS, Klompe SE, Hogan MI, Vo PLH, Tang S, Chavez A, Sternberg SH. Targeted DNA integration in human cells without double-strand breaks using CRISPR RNA-guided transposases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533036. [PMID: 36993517 PMCID: PMC10055298 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Traditional genome-editing reagents such as CRISPR-Cas9 achieve targeted DNA modification by introducing double-strand breaks (DSBs), thereby stimulating localized DNA repair by endogenous cellular repair factors. While highly effective at generating heterogenous knockout mutations, this approach suffers from undesirable byproducts and an inability to control product purity. Here we develop a system in human cells for programmable, DSB-free DNA integration using Type I CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs). To adapt our previously described CAST systems, we optimized DNA targeting by the QCascade complex through a comprehensive assessment of protein design, and we developed potent transcriptional activators by exploiting the multi-valent recruitment of the AAA+ ATPase, TnsC, to genomic sites targeted by QCascade. After initial detection of plasmid-based transposition, we screened 15 homologous CAST systems from a wide range of bacterial hosts, identified a CAST homolog from Pseudoalteromonas that exhibited improved activity, and increased integration efficiencies through parameter optimization. We further discovered that bacterial ClpX enhances genomic integration by multiple orders of magnitude, and we propose that this critical accessory factor functions to drive active disassembly of the post-transposition CAST complex, akin to its demonstrated role in Mu transposition. Our work highlights the ability to functionally reconstitute complex, multi-component machineries in human cells, and establishes a strong foundation to realize the full potential of CRISPR-associated transposons for human genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Lampe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebeca T King
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tyler S Halpin-Healy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanne E Klompe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcus I Hogan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Phuc Leo H Vo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel H Sternberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Barragán-Álvarez CP, Flores-Fernandez JM, Hernández-Pérez OR, Ávila-Gónzalez D, Díaz NF, Padilla-Camberos E, Dublan-García O, Gómez-Oliván LM, Diaz-Martinez NE. Recent advances in the use of CRISPR/Cas for understanding the early development of molecular gaps in glial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:947769. [PMID: 36120556 PMCID: PMC9479146 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.947769] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are non-neuronal elements of the nervous system (NS) and play a central role in its development, maturation, and homeostasis. Glial cell interest has increased, leading to the discovery of novel study fields. The CRISPR/Cas system has been widely employed for NS understanding. Its use to study glial cells gives crucial information about their mechanisms and role in the central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the increasingly accelerated discovery of genes associated with the multiple implications of glial cells could be studied and complemented with the novel screening methods of high-content and single-cell screens at the genome-scale as Perturb-Seq, CRISP-seq, and CROPseq. Besides, the emerging methods, GESTALT, and LINNAEUS, employed to generate large-scale cell lineage maps have yielded invaluable information about processes involved in neurogenesis. These advances offer new therapeutic approaches to finding critical unanswered questions about glial cells and their fundamental role in the nervous system. Furthermore, they help to better understanding the significance of glial cells and their role in developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Patricia Barragán-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - José Miguel Flores-Fernandez
- Departamento de Investigación e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica de Oriental, Oriental, Mexico
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Daniela Ávila-Gónzalez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, México City, Mexico
| | - Nestor Fabian Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, México City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Padilla-Camberos
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Octavio Dublan-García
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México, Toluca, México
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Alimentos y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México, Toluca, México
| | - Nestor Emmanuel Diaz-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño Del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Nestor Emmanuel Diaz-Martinez,
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13
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Woodside WT, Vantsev N, Catchpole RJ, Garrett SC, Olson S, Graveley BR, Terns MP. Type III-A CRISPR systems as a versatile gene knockdown technology. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1074-1088. [PMID: 35618430 PMCID: PMC9297841 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079206.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are functionally diverse prokaryotic antiviral defense systems, which encompass six distinct types (I-VI) that each encode different effector Cas nucleases with distinct nucleic acid cleavage specificities. By harnessing the unique attributes of the various CRISPR-Cas systems, a range of innovative CRISPR-based DNA and RNA targeting tools and technologies have been developed. Here, we exploit the ability of type III-A CRISPR-Cas systems to carry out RNA-guided and sequence-specific target RNA cleavage for establishment of research tools for post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Type III-A systems from three bacterial species (L. lactis, S. epidermidis, and S. thermophilus) were each expressed on a single plasmid in E. coli, and the efficiency and specificity of gene knockdown was assessed by northern blot and transcriptomic analysis. We show that engineered type III-A modules can be programmed using tailored CRISPR RNAs to efficiently knock down gene expression of both coding and noncoding RNAs in vivo. Moreover, simultaneous degradation of multiple cellular mRNA transcripts can be directed by utilizing a CRISPR array expressing corresponding gene-targeting crRNAs. Our results demonstrate the utility of distinct type III-A modules to serve as specific and effective gene knockdown platforms in heterologous cells. This transcriptome engineering technology has the potential to be further refined and exploited for key applications including gene discovery and gene pathway analyses in additional prokaryotic and perhaps eukaryotic cells and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter T Woodside
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Nikita Vantsev
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Ryan J Catchpole
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Sandra C Garrett
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Sara Olson
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Brenton R Graveley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Michael P Terns
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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14
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Lin P, Shen G, Guo K, Qin S, Pu Q, Wang Z, Gao P, Xia Z, Khan N, Jiang J, Xia Q, Wu M. Type III CRISPR-based RNA editing for programmable control of SARS-CoV-2 and human coronaviruses. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e47. [PMID: 35166837 PMCID: PMC9071467 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-editing technologies, including the widespread usage of CRISPR endonucleases, have the potential for clinical treatments of various human diseases. Due to the rapid mutations of SARS-CoV-2, specific and effective prevention and treatment by CRISPR toolkits for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are urgently needed to control the current pandemic spread. Here, we designed Type III CRISPR endonuclease antivirals for coronaviruses (TEAR-CoV) as a therapeutic to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. We provided a proof of principle demonstration that TEAR-CoV-based RNA engineering approach leads to RNA-guided transcript degradation both in vitro and in eukaryotic cells, which could be used to broadly target RNA viruses. We report that TEAR-CoV not only cleaves SARS-CoV-2 genome and mRNA transcripts, but also degrades live influenza A virus (IAV), impeding viral replication in cells and in mice. Moreover, bioinformatics screening of gRNAs along RNA sequences reveals that a group of five gRNAs (hCoV-gRNAs) could potentially target 99.98% of human coronaviruses. TEAR-CoV also exerted specific targeting and cleavage of common human coronaviruses. The fast design and broad targeting of TEAR-CoV may represent a versatile antiviral approach for SARS-CoV-2 or potentially other emerging human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lin
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Wound Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shugang Qin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Qinqin Pu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Zhihan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Zhenwei Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nadeem Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- Wound Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
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Wimmer E, Zink IA, Schleper C. Reprogramming CRISPR-Mediated RNA Interference for Silencing of Essential Genes in Sulfolobales. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2522:177-201. [PMID: 36125750 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2445-6_11] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The manipulation of gene expression levels in vivo is often key to elucidating gene function and regulatory network interactions, especially when it comes to the investigation of essential genes that cannot be deleted from the model organism's genome. Several techniques have been developed for prokaryotes that allow to interfere with transcription initiation of specific genes by blocking or modifying promoter regions. However, a tool functionally similar to RNAi used in eukaryotes to efficiently degrade mRNA posttranscriptionally did not exist until recently. Type III CRISPR-Cas systems use small RNAs (crRNAs) that guide effector complexes (encoded by cas genes) which act as site-specific RNA endonuclease and can thus be harnessed for targeted posttranscriptional gene silencing. Guide RNAs complementary to the desired target mRNA that, in addition, exhibit complementarity to repeat sequences found in the CRISPR arrays, effectively suppress unspecific DNA and RNA activities of the CRISPR-Cas complexes. Here we describe the use of endogenous type III CRISPR-Cas systems in two model organisms of Crenarchaeota, Saccharolobus solfataricus and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Wimmer
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Unit, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabelle Anna Zink
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christa Schleper
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Unit, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Senthilkumaran B, Kar S. Advances in Reproductive Endocrinology and Neuroendocrine Research Using Catfish Models. Cells 2021; 10:2807. [PMID: 34831032 PMCID: PMC8616529 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Catfishes, belonging to the order siluriformes, represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes with more than 4000 species and almost 12% of teleostean population. Due to their worldwide distribution and diversity, catfishes are interesting models for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Incidentally, catfish emerged as an excellent animal model for aquaculture research because of economic importance, availability, disease resistance, adaptability to artificial spawning, handling, culture, high fecundity, hatchability, hypoxia tolerance and their ability to acclimate to laboratory conditions. Reproductive system in catfish is orchestrated by complex network of nervous, endocrine system and environmental factors during gonadal growth as well as recrudescence. Lot of new information on the molecular mechanism of gonadal development have been obtained over several decades which are evident from significant number of scientific publications pertaining to reproductive biology and neuroendocrine research in catfish. This review aims to synthesize key findings and compile highly relevant aspects on how catfish can offer insight into fundamental mechanisms of all the areas of reproduction and its neuroendocrine regulation, from gametogenesis to spawning including seasonal reproductive cycle. In addition, the state-of-knowledge surrounding gonadal development and neuroendocrine control of gonadal sex differentiation in catfish are comprehensively summarized in comparison with other fish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India;
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Palaz F, Kalkan AK, Can Ö, Demir AN, Tozluyurt A, Özcan A, Ozsoz M. CRISPR-Cas13 System as a Promising and Versatile Tool for Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy, and Research. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1245-1267. [PMID: 34037380 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in targeted cancer therapy. In precision oncology, molecular profiling of cancer patients enables the use of targeted cancer therapeutics. However, current diagnostic methods for molecular analysis of cancer are costly and require sophisticated equipment. Moreover, targeted cancer therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs may cause off-target effects and they are available for only a minority of cancer driver proteins. Therefore, there is still a need for versatile, efficient, and precise tools for cancer diagnostics and targeted cancer treatment. In recent years, the CRISPR-based genome and transcriptome engineering toolbox has expanded rapidly. Particularly, the RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 system has unique biochemical properties, making Cas13 a promising tool for cancer diagnosis, therapy, and research. Cas13-based diagnostic methods allow early detection and monitoring of cancer markers from liquid biopsy samples without the need for complex instrumentation. In addition, Cas13 can be used for targeted cancer therapy through degrading and manipulating cancer-associated transcripts with high efficiency and specificity. Moreover, Cas13-mediated programmable RNA manipulation tools offer invaluable opportunities for cancer research, identification of drug-resistance mechanisms, and discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we review and discuss the current use and potential applications of the CRISPR-Cas13 system in cancer diagnosis, therapy, and research. Thus, researchers will gain a deep understanding of CRISPR-Cas13 technologies, which have the potential to be used as next-generation cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahreddin Palaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | | | - Özgür Can
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ayça Nur Demir
- Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar 03100, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Tozluyurt
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Özcan
- Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozsoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Near East University, 10 Mersin, Nicosia, Turkey
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Ranjan G, Sehgal P, Sharma D, Scaria V, Sivasubbu S. Functional long non-coding and circular RNAs in zebrafish. Brief Funct Genomics 2021:elab014. [PMID: 33755040 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The utility of model organisms to understand the function of a novel transcript/genes has allowed us to delineate their molecular mechanisms in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Organisms such as zebrafish have contributed a lot in the field of developmental and disease biology. Attributable to advancement and deep transcriptomics, many new transcript isoforms and non-coding RNAs such as long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified and cataloged in multiple databases and many more are yet to be identified. Various methods and tools have been utilized to identify lncRNAs/circRNAs in zebrafish using deep sequencing of transcriptomes as templates. Functional analysis of a few candidates such as tie1-AS, ECAL1 and CDR1as in zebrafish provides a prospective outline to approach other known or novel lncRNA/circRNA. New genetic alteration tools like TALENS and CRISPRs have helped in probing for the molecular function of lncRNA/circRNA in zebrafish. Further latest improvements in experimental and computational techniques offer the identification of lncRNA/circRNA counterparts in humans and zebrafish thereby allowing easy modeling and analysis of function at cellular level.
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Zhang Y, Wang F, Wu F, Wang Y, Wang X, Gui Y, Li Q. Tnni1b-ECR183-d2, an 87 bp cardiac enhancer of zebrafish. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10289. [PMID: 33194440 PMCID: PMC7648457 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several heart malformations are associated with mutations in the regulatory regions of cardiac genes. Troponin I type 1b (tnni1b) is important for the formation of the atrioventricular canal in zebrafish hearts; however, the regulation of tnni1b is poorly understand. We aimed to identify a small but functional enhancer that is distal to tnni1b. Methods Evolutionary Conserved Region (ECR) Browser was used to analyze the 219 kb zebrafish and human genomes covering the tnni1b gene as well as the 100 kb regions upstream and downstream of tnni1b. Putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) were analyzed using JASPAR and PROMO, and the enhancer activity was identified using zebrafish embryos and the luciferase reporter assay. A correlation analysis between the enhancer and transcription factors (TFs) was performed via TF overexpression and TFBS mutation experiments and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). To analyze the conservation between zebrafish and human enhancers, human DNA fragments were functionally verified. Images were captured and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy or confocal microscopy. Results Combined with comparative analysis and functional validation, we identified a 183 bp ECR (termed tnni1b-ECR183) that was located approximately 84 kb upstream of tnni1b that had the heart-specific enhancer activity in zebrafish. TFBS analysis and the enhancer activity detection assay data showed that the 87 bp core region (termed tnni1b-ECR183-d2) was capable of driving specific GFP expression near the atrioventricular junction and increased luciferase expression in HEK293 and HL1 cell lines. The GFP pattern in zebrafish embryos was similar to the expression profiles of tnni1b. A correlation analysis showed that the enhancer activity of tnni1b-ECR183-d2 was increased when NKX2.5 (p = 0.0006) or JUN (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed and was decreased when the TFBSs of NKX2.5 (p < 0.0001) or JUN (p = 0.0018) were mutated. In addition, DNA-protein interactions were not observed between these TFs and tnni1b-ECR183-d2 in the EMSA experiment. The conservation analysis showed that tnni1b-ECR183-h179 (aligned from tnni1b-ECR183) drove GFP expression in the heart and skeletal muscles and increased the luciferase expression after NKX2.5 (p < 0.0001), JUN (p < 0.0001) or ETS1 (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed. Interestingly, the truncated fragment tnni1b-ECR183-h84 mainly drove GFP expression in the skeletal muscles of zebrafish and the enhancer activity decreased when NKX2.5 (p = 0.0028), ETS1 (p = 0.0001) or GATA4 (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed. Conclusions An 87 bp cardiac-specific enhancer located 84 kb upstream of tnni1b in zebrafish was positively correlated with NKX2.5 or JUN. The zebrafish and human enhancers in this study target different tissues. The GFP expression mediated by tnni1b-ECR183-d2 is a valuable tool for marking the domain around the atrioventricular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghao Gui
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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