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Liu Y, Kong J, Liu G, Li Z, Xiao Y. Precise Gene Knock-In Tools with Minimized Risk of DSBs: A Trend for Gene Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401797. [PMID: 38728624 PMCID: PMC11267366 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401797] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene knock-in refers to the insertion of exogenous functional genes into a target genome to achieve continuous expression. Currently, most knock-in tools are based on site-directed nucleases, which can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target, following which the designed donors carrying functional genes can be inserted via the endogenous gene repair pathway. The size of donor genes is limited by the characteristics of gene repair, and the DSBs induce risks like genotoxicity. New generation tools, such as prime editing, transposase, and integrase, can insert larger gene fragments while minimizing or eliminating the risk of DSBs, opening new avenues in the development of animal models and gene therapy. However, the elimination of off-target events and the production of delivery carriers with precise requirements remain challenging, restricting the application of the current knock-in treatments to mainly in vitro settings. Here, a comprehensive review of the knock-in tools that do not/minimally rely on DSBs and use other mechanisms is provided. Moreover, the challenges and recent advances of in vivo knock-in treatments in terms of the therapeutic process is discussed. Collectively, the new generation of DSBs-minimizing and large-fragment knock-in tools has revolutionized the field of gene editing, from basic research to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Mudi Meng Honors CollegeChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Jianping Kong
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Gongyu Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical UniversityChongqing401135China
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2
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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3
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Zulfiqar M, Singh V, Steinbeck C, Sorokina M. Review on computer-assisted biosynthetic capacities elucidation to assess metabolic interactions and communication within microbial communities. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-40. [PMID: 38270170 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2306465] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Microbial communities thrive through interactions and communication, which are challenging to study as most microorganisms are not cultivable. To address this challenge, researchers focus on the extracellular space where communication events occur. Exometabolomics and interactome analysis provide insights into the molecules involved in communication and the dynamics of their interactions. Advances in sequencing technologies and computational methods enable the reconstruction of taxonomic and functional profiles of microbial communities using high-throughput multi-omics data. Network-based approaches, including community flux balance analysis, aim to model molecular interactions within and between communities. Despite these advances, challenges remain in computer-assisted biosynthetic capacities elucidation, requiring continued innovation and collaboration among diverse scientists. This review provides insights into the current state and future directions of computer-assisted biosynthetic capacities elucidation in studying microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoor Zulfiqar
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Vinay Singh
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Steinbeck
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Sorokina
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Zhang X, Wang X, Lv J, Huang H, Wang J, Zhuo M, Tan Z, Huang G, Liu J, Liu Y, Li M, Lin Q, Li L, Ma S, Huang T, Lin Y, Zhao X, Rong Z. Engineered circular guide RNAs boost CRISPR/Cas12a- and CRISPR/Cas13d-based DNA and RNA editing. Genome Biol 2023; 24:145. [PMID: 37353840 PMCID: PMC10288759 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CRISPR/Cas12a and CRISPR/Cas13d systems are widely used for fundamental research and hold great potential for future clinical applications. However, the short half-life of guide RNAs (gRNAs), particularly free gRNAs without Cas nuclease binding, limits their editing efficiency and durability. RESULTS Here, we engineer circular free gRNAs (cgRNAs) to increase their stability, and thus availability for Cas12a and Cas13d processing and loading, to boost editing. cgRNAs increases the efficiency of Cas12a-based transcription activators and genomic DNA cleavage by approximately 2.1- to 40.2-fold for single gene editing and 1.7- to 2.1-fold for multiplexed gene editing than their linear counterparts, without compromising specificity, across multiple sites and cell lines. Similarly, the RNA interference efficiency of Cas13d is increased by around 1.8-fold. In in vivo mouse liver, cgRNAs are more potent in activating gene expression and cleaving genomic DNA. CONCLUSIONS CgRNAs enable more efficient programmable DNA and RNA editing for Cas12a and Cas13d with broad applicability for fundamental research and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523058, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ma Zhuo
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhihong Tan
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guanjie Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mengrao Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qixiao Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lian Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shufeng Ma
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhao
- Department of Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523058, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
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5
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Ma S, Liao K, Li M, Wang X, Lv J, Zhang X, Huang H, Li L, Huang T, Guo X, Lin Y, Rong Z. Phase-separated DropCRISPRa platform for efficient gene activation in mammalian cells and mice. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5271-5284. [PMID: 37094074 PMCID: PMC10250237 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a critical role in regulating gene transcription via the formation of transcriptional condensates. However, LLPS has not been reported to be engineered as a tool to activate endogenous gene expression in mammalian cells or in vivo. Here, we developed a droplet-forming CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene activation system (DropCRISPRa) to activate transcription with high efficiency via combining the CRISPR-SunTag system with FETIDR-AD fusion proteins, which contain an N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of a FET protein (FUS or TAF15) and a transcription activation domain (AD, VP64/P65/VPR). In this system, the FETIDR-AD fusion protein formed phase separation condensates at the target sites, which could recruit endogenous BRD4 and RNA polymerase II with an S2 phosphorylated C-terminal domain (CTD) to enhance transcription elongation. IDR-FUS9Y>S and IDR-FUSG156E, two mutants with deficient and aberrant phase separation respectively, confirmed that appropriate phase separation was required for efficient gene activation. Further, the DropCRISPRa system was compatible with a broad set of CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins and ADs, including dLbCas12a, dAsCas12a, dSpCas9 and the miniature dUnCas12f1, and VP64, P65 and VPR. Finally, the DropCRISPRa system could activate target genes in mice. Therefore, this study provides a robust tool to activate gene expression for foundational research and potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kaitong Liao
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mengrao Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523058, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Lian Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xiaohua Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Experimental Education/Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
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6
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Mikkelsen NS, Hernandez SS, Jensen TI, Schneller JL, Bak RO. Enrichment of transgene integrations by transient CRISPR activation of a silent reporter gene. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:1-16. [PMID: 36922985 PMCID: PMC10009645 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.02.010] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas-mediated site-specific integration of transgenes by homology-directed repair (HDR) is challenging, especially in primary cells, where inferior editing efficiency may impede the development of gene- and cellular therapies. Various strategies for enrichment of cells with transgene integrations have been developed, but most strategies either generate unwanted genomic scars or rely on permanent integration and expression of a reporter gene used for selection. However, stable expression of a reporter gene may perturb cell homeostasis and function. Here we develop a broadly applicable and versatile enrichment strategy by harnessing the capability of CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) to transiently induce expression of a therapeutically relevant reporter gene used for immunomagnetic enrichment. This strategy is readily adaptable to primary human T cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), where enrichment of 1.8- to 3.3-fold and 3.2- to 3.6-fold was achieved, respectively. Furthermore, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells were enriched 2.5-fold and demonstrated improved cytotoxicity over non-enriched CAR T cells. Analysis of HDR integrations showed a proportion of cells harboring deletions of the transgene cassette arising either from impartial HDR or truncated adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector genomes. Nonetheless, this novel enrichment strategy expands the possibility to enrich for transgene integrations in research settings and in gene and cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Trine I Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jessica L Schneller
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,RNA and Gene Therapies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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7
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Yarnall MTN, Ioannidi EI, Schmitt-Ulms C, Krajeski RN, Lim J, Villiger L, Zhou W, Jiang K, Garushyants SK, Roberts N, Zhang L, Vakulskas CA, Walker JA, Kadina AP, Zepeda AE, Holden K, Ma H, Xie J, Gao G, Foquet L, Bial G, Donnelly SK, Miyata Y, Radiloff DR, Henderson JM, Ujita A, Abudayyeh OO, Gootenberg JS. Drag-and-drop genome insertion of large sequences without double-strand DNA cleavage using CRISPR-directed integrases. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:500-512. [PMID: 36424489 PMCID: PMC10257351 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Programmable genome integration of large, diverse DNA cargo without DNA repair of exposed DNA double-strand breaks remains an unsolved challenge in genome editing. We present programmable addition via site-specific targeting elements (PASTE), which uses a CRISPR-Cas9 nickase fused to both a reverse transcriptase and serine integrase for targeted genomic recruitment and integration of desired payloads. We demonstrate integration of sequences as large as ~36 kilobases at multiple genomic loci across three human cell lines, primary T cells and non-dividing primary human hepatocytes. To augment PASTE, we discovered 25,614 serine integrases and cognate attachment sites from metagenomes and engineered orthologs with higher activity and shorter recognition sequences for efficient programmable integration. PASTE has editing efficiencies similar to or exceeding those of homology-directed repair and non-homologous end joining-based methods, with activity in non-dividing cells and in vivo with fewer detectable off-target events. PASTE expands the capabilities of genome editing by allowing large, multiplexed gene insertion without reliance on DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T N Yarnall
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eleonora I Ioannidi
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cian Schmitt-Ulms
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rohan N Krajeski
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Justin Lim
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lukas Villiger
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wenyuan Zhou
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kaiyi Jiang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sofya K Garushyants
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Liyang Zhang
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Ma
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Greg Bial
- Yecuris Corporation, Tualatin, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Omar O Abudayyeh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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8
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Ye H, Jiang C, Li L, Li H, Rong Z, Lin Y. Live-cell imaging of genomic loci with Cas9 variants. Biotechnol J 2022; 17:e2100381. [PMID: 36058644 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100381] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endonuclease-deactivated clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease (dCas9) has been repurposed for live-cell imaging of genomic loci. Engineered or evolved dCas9 variants have been developed to increase the applicability of the CRISPR/dCas9 system. However, there have been no systematic comparisons of these dCas9 variants in terms of their performance in the visualization of genomic loci. MAIN METHODS AND MAJOR RESULTS Here we demonstrate that dSpCas9 and its variants deSpCas9(1.1), dSpCas9-HF1, devoCas9, and dxCas9(3.7) can be used for CRISPR-based live-cell genomic imaging. dSpCas9 had the greatest utility, with a high labeling efficiency of repetitive sequences-including those with a low number of repeats-and good compatibility with target RNA sequences at the MUC4 locus that varied in length from 13 to 23 nucleotides. We combined CRISPR-Tag with the dSpCas9 imaging system to observe the dynamics of the Tet promoter and found that its movement was restricted when it was active. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These novel Cas9 variants provide a new set of tools for investigating the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression through live imaging of genomic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Ye
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Experimental Education/Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Experimental Education/Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Huang J, Liang Z, Liu Y, Zhou J, He F. Development of an MSPQC Nucleic Acid Sensor Based on CRISPR/Cas9 for the Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anal Chem 2022; 94:11409-11415. [PMID: 35930710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Accurate and rapid detection of nucleic acid plays a vital role in the clinical treatment of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB). However, false-negative and false-positive results caused by base mismatches could affect the detection accuracy. Inspired by the unique property of CRISPR/Cas9, we proposed a new MSPQC M.TB sensor based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which can distinguish single-base mismatches in 10 bases from the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) region. In the proposed sensor, single-stranded DNA on Au interdigital electrodes was used as a capture probe for the target and an initiator for hybridization chain reaction (HCR). HCR was used to generate long double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which could span the Au interdigital electrodes. CRISPR/Cas9 was used as recognition components to recognize capture/target dsDNA. When the target existed, the capture probe hybridized with the target to form dsDNA, which could be recognized and cut by CRISPR/Cas9. Thus, the DNA connection between electrodes was cut off and resulted in the MSPQC response. When no target existed, the capture probe remained single-stranded and could not be recognized and cut by CRISPR/Cas9. Therefore, DNA connection between electrodes was reserved. Moreover, silver staining technology was utilized to improve the sensitivity of detection. M.TB was detected by the proposed sensor using specific sequence fragments of 16S rRNA of M.TB as the target. The detection time was down to 2.3 h. The limit of detection (LOD) was 30 CFU/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jiandang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha 410208, P. R. China
| | - Fengjiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
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10
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Finney M, Romanowski J, Adelman ZN. Strategies to improve homology-based repair outcomes following CRISPR-based gene editing in mosquitoes: lessons in how to keep any repair disruptions local. Virol J 2022; 19:128. [PMID: 35908059 PMCID: PMC9338592 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01859-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmable gene editing systems such as CRISPR-Cas have made mosquito genome engineering more practical and accessible, catalyzing the development of cutting-edge genetic methods of disease vector control. This progress, however, has been limited by the low efficiency of homology-directed repair (HDR)-based sequence integration at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and a lack of understanding about DSB repair in mosquitoes. Innovative efforts to optimize HDR sequence integration by inhibiting non-homologous end joining or promoting HDR have been performed in mammalian systems, however many of these approaches have not been applied to mosquitoes. Here, we review some of the most relevant steps of DNA DSB repair choice and highlight promising approaches that influence this choice to enhance HDR in the context of mosquito gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Finney
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 329A Minnie Belle Heep Center, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Joseph Romanowski
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 329A Minnie Belle Heep Center, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 329A Minnie Belle Heep Center, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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11
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Identification of the CKM Gene as a Potential Muscle-Specific Safe Harbor Locus in Pig Genome. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050921. [PMID: 35627307 PMCID: PMC9140944 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified pigs have shown considerable application potential in the fields of life science research and livestock breeding. Nevertheless, a barrier impedes the production of genetically modified pigs. There are too few safe harbor loci for the insertion of foreign genes into the pig genome. Only a few loci (pRosa26, pH11 and Pifs501) have been successfully identified to achieve the ectopic expression of foreign genes and produce gene-edited pigs. Here, we use CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous directed repair (HDR) to accurately knock the exogenous gene-of-interest fragments into an endogenous CKM gene in the porcine satellite cells. After porcine satellite cells are induced to differentiate, the CKM gene promoter simultaneously initiates the expression of the CKM gene and the exogenous gene. We infer preliminarily that the CKM gene can be identified as a potential muscle-specific safe harbor locus in pigs for the integration of exogenous gene-of-interest fragments.
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12
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Transposase-CRISPR mediated targeted integration (TransCRISTI) in the human genome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3390. [PMID: 35232993 PMCID: PMC8888626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Various methods have been used in targeted gene knock-in applications. CRISPR-based knock-in strategies based on homology-independent repair pathways such as CRISPR HITI have been shown to possess the best efficiency for gene knock-in in mammalian cells. However, these methods suffer from the probability of plasmid backbone insertion at the target site. On the other hand, studies trying to combine the targeting ability of the Cas9 molecule and the excision/integration capacity of the PB transposase have shown random integrations. In this study, we introduce a new homology-independent knock-in strategy, Transposase-CRISPR mediated Targeted Integration (TransCRISTI), that exploits a fusion of Cas9 nuclease and a double mutant piggyBac transposase. In isogenic mammalian cell lines, we show that the TransCRISTI method demonstrates higher efficiency (72%) for site-specific insertions than the CRISPR HITI (44%) strategy. Application of the TransCRISTI method resulted in site-directed integration in 4.13% and 3.69% of the initially transfected population in the human AAVS1and PML loci, respectively, while the CRISPR HITI strategy resulted in site-directed integration in the PML locus in only 0.6% of cells. We also observed lower off-target and random insertions in the TransCRISTI group than the CRISPR HITI group. The TransCRISTI technology represents a great potential for the accurate and high-efficiency knock-in of the desired transposable elements into the predetermined genomic locations.
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13
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Find and cut-and-transfer (FiCAT) mammalian genome engineering. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7071. [PMID: 34862378 PMCID: PMC8642419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While multiple technologies for small allele genome editing exist, robust technologies for targeted integration of large DNA fragments in mammalian genomes are still missing. Here we develop a gene delivery tool (FiCAT) combining the precision of a CRISPR-Cas9 (find module), and the payload transfer efficiency of an engineered piggyBac transposase (cut-and-transfer module). FiCAT combines the functionality of Cas9 DNA scanning and targeting DNA, with piggyBac donor DNA processing and transfer capacity. PiggyBac functional domains are engineered providing increased on-target integration while reducing off-target events. We demonstrate efficient delivery and programmable insertion of small and large payloads in cellulo (human (Hek293T, K-562) and mouse (C2C12)) and in vivo in mouse liver. Finally, we evolve more efficient versions of FiCAT by generating a targeted diversity of 394,000 variants and undergoing 4 rounds of evolution. In this work, we develop a precise and efficient targeted insertion of multi kilobase DNA fragments in mammalian genomes. Mammalian genome engineering has advanced tremendously over the last decade, however there is still a need for robust gene writing with size scaling capacity. Here the authors present Find Cut-and-Transfer (FiCAT) technology to delivery large targeted payload insertion in cell lines and in vivo in mouse models.
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14
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Wang J, Teng Y, Zhang R, Wu Y, Lou L, Zou Y, Li M, Xie ZR, Yan Y. Engineering a PAM-flexible SpdCas9 variant as a universal gene repressor. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6916. [PMID: 34824292 PMCID: PMC8617050 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-guided CRISPR-associated Cas9 proteins have been widely applied in programmable genome recombination, base editing or gene regulation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. SpCas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes is the most extensively engineered Cas9 with robust and manifold functionalities. However, one inherent limitation of SpCas9 is its stringent 5'-NGG-3' PAM requirement that significantly restricts its DNA target range. Here, to repurpose SpCas9 as a universal gene repressor, we generate and screen variants of the deactivated SpCas9 (SpdCas9) with relaxed 5'-CAT-3' PAM compatibility that can bind to the start codon ATG of almost any gene. Stepwise structure-guided mutations of the PAM-interacting residues and auxiliary PAM-proximal residues of the SpdNG (5'-NG-3' PAM) create a PAM-flexible variant SpdNG-LWQT that preferentially accommodates 5'-NRN-3' PAMs. SpdNG-LWQT is demonstrated to be effective in gene repression with the advantage of customizable sgRNA design in both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This work validates the feasibility of purposeful PAM expansion of Cas9 towards signature PAMs and establishes a universal SpdCas9-based gene repressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Yuxi Teng
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Yifei Wu
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lei Lou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Yusong Zou
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michelle Li
- North Oconee High School, Bogart, GA, 30622, USA
| | - Zhong-Ru Xie
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Yajun Yan
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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15
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Ma S, Lv J, Feng Z, Rong Z, Lin Y. Get ready for the CRISPR/Cas system: A beginner's guide to the engineering and design of guide RNAs. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3377. [PMID: 34270141 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a state-of-the-art tool for versatile genome editing that has advanced basic research dramatically, with great potential for clinic applications. The system consists of two key molecules: a CRISPR-associated (Cas) effector nuclease and a single guide RNA. The simplicity of the system has enabled the development of a wide spectrum of derivative methods. Almost any laboratory can utilize these methods, although new users may initially be confused when faced with the potentially overwhelming abundance of choices. Cas nucleases and their engineering have been systematically reviewed previously. In the present review, we discuss single guide RNA engineering and design strategies that facilitate more efficient, more specific and safer gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Ma
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zinan Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Sandoval-Villegas N, Nurieva W, Amberger M, Ivics Z. Contemporary Transposon Tools: A Review and Guide through Mechanisms and Applications of Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac and Tol2 for Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105084. [PMID: 34064900 PMCID: PMC8151067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements evolved to execute highly efficient integration of their genes into the genomes of their host cells. These natural DNA transfer vehicles have been harnessed as experimental tools for stably introducing a wide variety of foreign DNA sequences, including selectable marker genes, reporters, shRNA expression cassettes, mutagenic gene trap cassettes, and therapeutic gene constructs into the genomes of target cells in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Given that transposon components are typically supplied as naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or recombinant protein, their use is simple, safe, and economically competitive. Thus, transposons enable several avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture comprising the generation of pluripotent stem cells, the production of germline-transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. This review describes the molecular mechanisms involved in transposition reactions of the three most widely used transposon systems currently available (Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac, and Tol2), and discusses the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, highlighting the state-of-the-art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6103-77-6000; Fax: +49-6103-77-1280
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17
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Zhang X, Lv S, Luo Z, Hu Y, Peng X, Lv J, Zhao S, Feng J, Huang G, Wan QL, Liu J, Huang H, Luan B, Wang D, Zhao X, Lin Y, Zhou Q, Zhang ZN, Rong Z. MiniCAFE, a CRISPR/Cas9-based compact and potent transcriptional activator, elicits gene expression in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4171-4185. [PMID: 33751124 PMCID: PMC8053112 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) is a promising therapeutic gene editing strategy without inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, in vivo implementation of these CRISPRa systems remains a challenge. Here, we report a compact and robust miniCas9 activator (termed miniCAFE) for in vivo activation of endogenous target genes. The system relies on recruitment of an engineered minimal nuclease-null Cas9 from Campylobacter jejuni and potent transcriptional activators to a target locus by a single guide RNA. It enables robust gene activation in human cells even with a single DNA copy and is able to promote lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through activation of longevity-regulating genes. As proof-of-concept, delivered within an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV), miniCAFE can activate Fgf21 expression in the liver and regulate energy metabolism in adult mice. Thus, miniCAFE holds great therapeutic potential against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sihan Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhenhuan Luo
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongfei Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianqi Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanjie Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qin-Li Wan
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Bing Luan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhao
- Department of Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
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18
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Ma W, Xu YS, Sun XM, Huang H. Transposon-Associated CRISPR-Cas System: A Powerful DNA Insertion Tool. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:565-568. [PMID: 33612399 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The transposon-associated CRISPR-Cas system is emerging as a powerful tool for targeted genetic manipulation. Using this system, targeted genomic knockins and knockouts can be achieved, independently of the host-cell repair machinery, thereby significantly improving our ability to perform genome editing in a wider variety of cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ma
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Shuang Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Man Sun
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - He Huang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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