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Tsurumaki M, Sato A, Saito M, Kanai A. Comprehensive analysis of insertion sequences within rRNA genes of CPR bacteria and biochemical characterization of a homing endonuclease encoded by these sequences. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0007424. [PMID: 38856219 PMCID: PMC11270868 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00074-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) represents an extensive bacterial clade comprising primarily uncultured lineages and is distinguished from other bacteria by a significant prevalence of insertion sequences (ISs) within their rRNA genes. However, our understanding of the taxonomic distribution and characteristics of these ISs remains limited. In this study, we used a comprehensive approach to systematically determine the nature of the rRNA ISs in CPR bacteria. The analysis of hundreds of rRNA gene sequences across 65 CPR phyla revealed that ISs are present in 48% of 16S rRNA genes and 82% of 23S rRNA genes, indicating a broad distribution across the CPR clade, with exceptions in the 16S and 23S rRNA genes of Candidatus (Ca.) Saccharibacteria and the 16S rRNA genes of Ca. Peregrinibacteria. Over half the ISs display a group-I-intron-like structure, whereas specific 16S rRNA gene ISs display features reminiscent of group II introns. The ISs frequently encode proteins with homing endonuclease (HE) domains, centered around the LAGLIDADG motif. The LAGLIDADG HE (LHE) proteins encoded by the rRNA ISs of CPR bacteria predominantly have a single-domain structure, deviating from the usual single- or double-domain configuration observed in typical prokaryotic LHEs. Experimental analysis of one LHE protein, I-ShaI from Ca. Shapirobacteria, confirmed that its endonuclease activity targets the DNA sequence of its insertion site, and chemical cross-linking experiments demonstrated its capacity to form homodimers. These results provide robust evidence supporting the hypothesis that the explosive proliferation of rRNA ISs in CPR bacteria was facilitated by mechanisms involving LHEs. IMPORTANCE Insertion sequences (ISs) in rRNA genes are relatively limited and infrequent in most bacterial phyla. With a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, we show that in CPR bacteria, these ISs occur in 48% of 16S rRNA genes and 82% of 23S rRNA genes. We also report the systematic and biochemical characterization of the LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) encoded by these ISs in the first such analysis of the CPR bacteria. This study significantly extends our understanding of the phylogenetic positions of rRNA ISs within CPR bacteria and the biochemical features of their LHEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Tsurumaki
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Asako Sato
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Motofumi Saito
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Akio Kanai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
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2
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Nawimanage R, Yuan Z, Casares M, Joshi R, Lohman JR, Gimble FS. Structure-function studies of two yeast homing endonucleases that evolved to cleave identical targets with dissimilar rates and specificities. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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3
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Kropocheva EV, Lisitskaya LA, Agapov AA, Musabirov AA, Kulbachinskiy AV, Esyunina DM. Prokaryotic Argonaute Proteins as a Tool for Biotechnology. Mol Biol 2022; 56:854-873. [PMID: 36060308 PMCID: PMC9427165 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322060103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Programmable nucleases are the most important tool for manipulating the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Since the end of the 20th century, many approaches were developed for specific modification of the genome. The review briefly considers the advantages and disadvantages of the main genetic editors known to date. The main attention is paid to programmable nucleases from the family of prokaryotic Argonaute proteins. Argonaute proteins can recognize and cleave DNA sequences using small complementary guide molecules and play an important role in protecting prokaryotic cells from invading DNA. Argonaute proteins have already found applications in biotechnology for targeted cleavage and detection of nucleic acids and can potentially be used for genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. V. Kropocheva
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - L. A. Lisitskaya
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Agapov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Musabirov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - D. M. Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
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Chuang CK, Lin WM. Points of View on the Tools for Genome/Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9872. [PMID: 34576035 PMCID: PMC8470269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretically, a DNA sequence-specific recognition protein that can distinguish a DNA sequence equal to or more than 16 bp could be unique to mammalian genomes. Long-sequence-specific nucleases, such as naturally occurring Homing Endonucleases and artificially engineered ZFN, TALEN, and Cas9-sgRNA, have been developed and widely applied in genome editing. In contrast to other counterparts, which recognize DNA target sites by the protein moieties themselves, Cas9 uses a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) as a template for DNA target recognition. Due to the simplicity in designing and synthesizing a sgRNA for a target site, Cas9-sgRNA has become the most current tool for genome editing. Moreover, the RNA-guided DNA recognition activity of Cas9-sgRNA is independent of both of the nuclease activities of it on the complementary strand by the HNH domain and the non-complementary strand by the RuvC domain, and HNH nuclease activity null mutant (H840A) and RuvC nuclease activity null mutant (D10A) were identified. In accompaniment with the sgRNA, Cas9, Cas9(D10A), Cas9(H840A), and Cas9(D10A, H840A) can be used to achieve double strand breakage, complementary strand breakage, non-complementary strand breakage, and no breakage on-target site, respectively. Based on such unique characteristics, many engineered enzyme activities, such as DNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, cytidine deamination, adenine deamination, and primer-directed mutation, could be introduced within or around the target site. In order to prevent off-targeting by the lasting expression of Cas9 derivatives, a lot of transient expression methods, including the direct delivery of Cas9-sgRNA riboprotein, were developed. The issue of biosafety is indispensable in in vivo applications; Cas9-sgRNA packaged into virus-like particles or extracellular vesicles have been designed and some in vivo therapeutic trials have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Kai Chuang
- Animal Technology Research Center, Division of Animal Technology, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, No. 52, Kedong 2nd Rd., Zhunan Township, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan;
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5
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Highlighting of a LAGLIDADG and a Zing Finger Motifs Located in the pUL56 Sequence Crucial for HCMV Replication. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121093. [PMID: 31779110 PMCID: PMC6950143 DOI: 10.3390/v11121093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) terminase complex is part of DNA-packaging machinery that delivers a unit-length genome into a procapsid. Sequence comparison of herpesvirus homologs allowed us to identify a potential LATLNDIERFL and zinc finger pattern in N-terminal part of pUL56. Recombinant viruses were generated with specific serine or alanine substitutions in these putative patterns. We identified a LATLNDIERFL pattern characteristic of LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases and a metal-binding pattern involving the cysteine and histidine residues C191-X2-C194-X22-C217-X-H219 (CCCH) close to the region conferring letermovir resistance. These patterns are crucial for viral replication, suggesting that they are essential for pUL56 structure and function. Thus, these patterns represent potential targets for the development of new antivirals such as small molecules or peptides and may allow to better understand the letermovir mechanism of action.
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Pellenz S, Phelps M, Tang W, Hovde BT, Sinit RB, Fu W, Li H, Chen E, Monnat RJ. New Human Chromosomal Sites with "Safe Harbor" Potential for Targeted Transgene Insertion. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:814-828. [PMID: 30793977 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This study identified 35 new sites for targeted transgene insertion that have the potential to serve as new human genomic "safe harbor" sites (SHS). SHS potential for these 35 sites, located on 16 chromosomes, including both arms of the human X chromosome, and for the existing human SHS AAVS1, hROSA26, and CCR5 was assessed using eight different desirable, widely accepted criteria for SHS verifiable with human genomic data. Three representative newly identified sites on human chromosomes 2 and 4 were then experimentally validated by in vitro and in vivo cleavage-sensitivity tests, and analyzed for population-level and cell line-specific sequence variants that might confound site targeting. The highly ranked site on chromosome 4 (SHS231) was further characterized by targeted homology-dependent and -independent transgene insertion and expression in different human cell lines. The structure and fidelity of transgene insertions at this site were confirmed, together with analyses that demonstrated stable expression and function of transgene-encoded proteins, including fluorescent protein markers, selectable marker cassettes, and Cas9 protein variants. SHS-integrated transgene-encoded Cas9 proteins were shown to be capable of introducing a large (17 kb) gRNA-specified deletion in the PAX3/FOXO1 fusion oncogene in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells and as a Cas9-VPR fusion protein to upregulate expression of the muscle-specific transcription factor MYF5 in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. An engineering "toolkit" was developed to enable easy use of the most extensively characterized of these new human sites, SHS231, located on the proximal long arm of chromosome 4. The target sites identified here have the potential to serve as additional human SHS to enable basic and clinical gene editing and genome-engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pellenz
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael Phelps
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Weiliang Tang
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Blake T Hovde
- 2Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ryan B Sinit
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Wenqing Fu
- 2Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hui Li
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eleanor Chen
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Raymond J Monnat
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,2Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Bogdanove AJ, Bohm A, Miller JC, Morgan RD, Stoddard BL. Engineering altered protein-DNA recognition specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:4845-4871. [PMID: 29718463 PMCID: PMC6007267 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein engineering is used to generate novel protein folds and assemblages, to impart new properties and functions onto existing proteins, and to enhance our understanding of principles that govern protein structure. While such approaches can be employed to reprogram protein-protein interactions, modifying protein-DNA interactions is more difficult. This may be related to the structural features of protein-DNA interfaces, which display more charged groups, directional hydrogen bonds, ordered solvent molecules and counterions than comparable protein interfaces. Nevertheless, progress has been made in the redesign of protein-DNA specificity, much of it driven by the development of engineered enzymes for genome modification. Here, we summarize the creation of novel DNA specificities for zinc finger proteins, meganucleases, TAL effectors, recombinases and restriction endonucleases. The ease of re-engineering each system is related both to the modularity of the protein and the extent to which the proteins have evolved to be capable of readily modifying their recognition specificities in response to natural selection. The development of engineered DNA binding proteins that display an ideal combination of activity, specificity, deliverability, and outcomes is not a fully solved problem, however each of the current platforms offers unique advantages, offset by behaviors and properties requiring further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Bogdanove
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew Bohm
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Miller
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. 501 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Richard D Morgan
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98019, USA
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Shen BW, Lambert A, Walker BC, Stoddard BL, Kaiser BK. The Structural Basis of Asymmetry in DNA Binding and Cleavage as Exhibited by the I-SmaMI LAGLIDADG Meganuclease. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:206-220. [PMID: 26705195 PMCID: PMC4749321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases ("meganucleases") are highly specific DNA cleaving enzymes that are used for genome engineering. Like other enzymes that act on DNA targets, meganucleases often display binding affinities and cleavage activities that are dominated by one protein domain. To decipher the underlying mechanism of asymmetric DNA recognition and catalysis, we identified and characterized a new monomeric meganuclease (I-SmaMI), which belongs to a superfamily of homologous enzymes that recognize divergent DNA sequences. We solved a series of crystal structures of the enzyme-DNA complex representing a progression of sequential reaction states, and we compared the structural rearrangements and surface potential distributions within each protein domain against their relative contribution to binding affinity. We then determined the effects of equivalent point mutations in each of the two enzyme active sites to determine whether asymmetry in DNA recognition is translated into corresponding asymmetry in DNA cleavage activity. These experiments demonstrate the structural basis for "dominance" by one protein domain over the other and provide insights into this enzyme's conformational switch from a nonspecific search mode to a more specific recognition mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty W. Shen
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Abigail Lambert
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bradley C. Walker
- Department of Biology, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Barry L. Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brett K. Kaiser
- Department of Biology, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
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9
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Homing endonuclease target site specificity defined by sequential enrichment and next-generation sequencing of highly complex target site libraries. Methods Mol Biol 2014. [PMID: 24510267 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-968-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Homing endonucleases (HEs) are DNA sequence-specific enzymes that recognize and cleave long target sites (14-40 bp) to generate double-strand breaks (DSBs). Their high site recognition specificity and tight coupling of binding and cleavage make HEs attractive reagents for targeted genome manipulation. In order to delineate the target site specificity of HEs and facilitate HE engineering, we have developed a method for comprehensive target site profiling of HEs cleavage specificity using partially randomized target site libraries and high-throughput DNA sequencing.
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10
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Stoddard BL. Homing endonucleases from mobile group I introns: discovery to genome engineering. Mob DNA 2014; 5:7. [PMID: 24589358 PMCID: PMC3943268 DOI: 10.1186/1759-8753-5-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Homing endonucleases are highly specific DNA cleaving enzymes that are encoded within genomes of all forms of microbial life including phage and eukaryotic organelles. These proteins drive the mobility and persistence of their own reading frames. The genes that encode homing endonucleases are often embedded within self-splicing elements such as group I introns, group II introns and inteins. This combination of molecular functions is mutually advantageous: the endonuclease activity allows surrounding introns and inteins to act as invasive DNA elements, while the splicing activity allows the endonuclease gene to invade a coding sequence without disrupting its product. Crystallographic analyses of representatives from all known homing endonuclease families have illustrated both their mechanisms of action and their evolutionary relationships to a wide range of host proteins. Several homing endonucleases have been completely redesigned and used for a variety of genome engineering applications. Recent efforts to augment homing endonucleases with auxiliary DNA recognition elements and/or nucleic acid processing factors has further accelerated their use for applications that demand exceptionally high specificity and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave, N, A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Homing endonucleases (HEs) are highly site-specific enzymes that enable genome engineering by introducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in genomic target sites. DSB repair from an HE-induced DSB can promote target site gene deletion, mutation, or gene addition, depending on the experimental protocol. In this chapter we outline how to identify potential genomic target sites for HEs with known target site specificities and the different experimental strategies that can be used to assess site cleavage in living cells. As an example of this approach, we identify potential human genomic target sites for the LAGLIDADG HE I-CreI that, by nine different selection criteria, may be new "safe harbor" sites for gene insertion.
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Sun N, Zhao H. A single-chain TALEN architecture for genome engineering. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2013; 10:446-53. [PMID: 24336919 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70412b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs) are tailor-made DNA endonucleases and serve as a powerful tool for genome engineering. Site-specific DNA cleavage can be made by the dimerization of FokI nuclease domains at custom-targeted genomic loci, where a pair of TALENs must be positioned in close proximity with an appropriate orientation. However, the simultaneous delivery and coordinated expression of two bulky TALEN monomers (>100 kDa) in cells may be problematic to implement for certain applications. Here, we report the development of a single-chain TALEN (scTALEN) architecture, in which two FokI nuclease domains are fused on a single polypeptide. The scTALEN was created by connecting two FokI nuclease domains with a 95 amino acid polypeptide linker, which was isolated from a linker library by high-throughput screening. We demonstrated that scTALENs were catalytically active as monomers in yeast and human cells. The use of this novel scTALEN architecture should reduce protein payload, simplify design and decrease production cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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13
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Abstract
Buried within the genomes of many microorganisms are genetic elements that encode rare-cutting homing endonucleases that assist in the mobility of the elements that encode them, such as the self-splicing group I and II introns and in some cases inteins. There are several different families of homing endonucleases and their ability to initiate and target specific sequences for lateral transfers makes them attractive reagents for gene targeting. Homing endonucleases have been applied in promoting DNA modification or genome editing such as gene repair or "gene knockouts". This review examines the categories of homing endonucleases that have been described so far and their possible applications to biotechnology. Strategies to engineer homing endonucleases to alter target site specificities will also be addressed. Alternatives to homing endonucleases such as zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, triplex forming oligonucleotide nucleases, and targetrons are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hafez
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Sun N, Abil Z, Zhao H. Recent advances in targeted genome engineering in mammalian systems. Biotechnol J 2012; 7:1074-87. [PMID: 22777886 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted genome engineering enables researchers to disrupt, insert, or replace a genomic sequence precisely at a predetermined locus. One well-established technology to edit a mammalian genome is known as gene targeting, which is based on the homologous recombination (HR) mechanism. However, the low HR frequency in mammalian cells (except for mice) prevents its wide application. To address this limitation, a custom-designed nuclease is used to introduce a site-specific DNA double-strand break (DSB) on the chromosome and the subsequent repair of the DSB by the HR mechanism or the non-homologous end joining mechanism results in efficient targeted genome modifications. Engineered homing endonucleases (also called meganucleases), zinc finger nucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nucleases represent the three major classes of custom-designed nucleases that have been successfully applied in many different organisms for targeted genome engineering. This article reviews the recent developments of these genome engineering tools and highlights a few representative applications in mammalian systems. Recent advances in gene delivery strategies of these custom-designed nucleases are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 61801, USA
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Baxter S, Lambert AR, Kuhar R, Jarjour J, Kulshina N, Parmeggiani F, Danaher P, Gano J, Baker D, Stoddard BL, Scharenberg AM. Engineering domain fusion chimeras from I-OnuI family LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:7985-8000. [PMID: 22684507 PMCID: PMC3439895 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although engineered LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) are finding increasing applications in biotechnology, their generation remains a challenging, industrial-scale process. As new single-chain LAGLIDADG nuclease scaffolds are identified, however, an alternative paradigm is emerging: identification of an LHE scaffold whose native cleavage site is a close match to a desired target sequence, followed by small-scale engineering to modestly refine recognition specificity. The application of this paradigm could be accelerated if methods were available for fusing N- and C-terminal domains from newly identified LHEs into chimeric enzymes with hybrid cleavage sites. Here we have analyzed the structural requirements for fusion of domains extracted from six single-chain I-OnuI family LHEs, spanning 40–70% amino acid identity. Our analyses demonstrate that both the LAGLIDADG helical interface residues and the linker peptide composition have important effects on the stability and activity of chimeric enzymes. Using a simple domain fusion method in which linker peptide residues predicted to contact their respective domains are retained, and in which limited variation is introduced into the LAGLIDADG helix and nearby interface residues, catalytically active enzymes were recoverable for ∼70% of domain chimeras. This method will be useful for creating large numbers of chimeric LHEs for genome engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baxter
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Jacoby K, Metzger M, Shen BW, Certo MT, Jarjour J, Stoddard BL, Scharenberg AM. Expanding LAGLIDADG endonuclease scaffold diversity by rapidly surveying evolutionary sequence space. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:4954-64. [PMID: 22334611 PMCID: PMC3367166 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) are a family of highly specific DNA endonucleases capable of recognizing target sequences ≈ 20 bp in length, thus drawing intense interest for their potential academic, biotechnological and clinical applications. Methods for rational design of LHEs to cleave desired target sites are presently limited by a small number of high-quality native LHEs to serve as scaffolds for protein engineering-many are unsatisfactory for gene targeting applications. One strategy to address such limitations is to identify close homologs of existing LHEs possessing superior biophysical or catalytic properties. To test this concept, we searched public sequence databases to identify putative LHE open reading frames homologous to the LHE I-AniI and used a DNA binding and cleavage assay using yeast surface display to rapidly survey a subset of the predicted proteins. These proteins exhibited a range of capacities for surface expression and also displayed locally altered binding and cleavage specificities with a range of in vivo cleavage activities. Of these enzymes, I-HjeMI demonstrated the greatest activity in vivo and was readily crystallizable, allowing a comparative structural analysis. Taken together, our results suggest that even highly homologous LHEs offer a readily accessible resource of related scaffolds that display diverse biochemical properties for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Jacoby
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Michael Metzger
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Betty W. Shen
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Michael T. Certo
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Jordan Jarjour
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Barry L. Stoddard
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Andrew M. Scharenberg
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Box 357275, Seattle, WA 98195 Center of Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. A3-025, Seattle, WA 98109 and Pregenen, 454 N.34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA,*To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 206 987 7314; Fax: +1 206 987 7310;
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17
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Taylor GK, Petrucci LH, Lambert AR, Baxter SK, Jarjour J, Stoddard BL. LAHEDES: the LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease database and engineering server. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:W110-6. [PMID: 22570419 PMCID: PMC3394308 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) are DNA cleaving enzymes, also termed ‘meganucleases’ that are employed as gene-targeting reagents. This use of LHEs requires that their DNA specificity be altered to match sequences in genomic targets. The choice of the most appropriate LHE to target a particular gene is facilitated by the growing number of such enzymes with well-characterized activities and structures. ‘LAHEDES’ (The LAGLIDADG Homing Endonuclease Database and Engineering Server) provides both an online archive of LHEs with validated DNA cleavage specificities and DNA-binding interactions, as well as a tool for the identification of DNA sequences that might be targeted by various LHEs. Searches can be performed using four separate scoring algorithms and user-defined choices of LHE scaffolds. The webserver subsequently provides information regarding clusters of amino acids that should be interrogated during engineering and selection experiments. The webserver is fully open access and can be found at http://homingendonuclease.net.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory K Taylor
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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18
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Katada H, Harumoto T, Shigi N, Komiyama M. Chemical and biological approaches to improve the efficiency of homologous recombination in human cells mediated by artificial restriction DNA cutter. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:e81. [PMID: 22362741 PMCID: PMC3367209 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A chemistry-based artificial restriction DNA cutter (ARCUT) was recently prepared from Ce(IV)/EDTA complex and a pair of pseudo-complementary peptide nucleic acids. This cutter has freely tunable scission-site and site specificity. In this article, homologous recombination (HR) in human cells was promoted by cutting a substrate DNA with ARCUT, and the efficiency of this bioprocess was optimized by various chemical and biological approaches. Of two kinds of terminal structure formed by ARCUT, 3′-overhang termini provided by 1.7-fold higher efficiency than 5′-overhang termini. A longer homology length (e.g. 698 bp) was about 2-fold more favorable than shorter one (e.g. 100 bp). When the cell cycle was synchronized to G2/M phase with nocodazole, the HR was promoted by about 2-fold. Repression of the NHEJ-relevant proteins Ku70 and Ku80 by siRNA increased the efficiency by 2- to 3-fold. It was indicated that appropriate combination of all these chemical and biological approaches should be very effective to promote ARCUT-mediated HR in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Katada
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Prieto
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fdez Almagro, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Li H, Ulge UY, Hovde BT, Doyle LA, Monnat RJ. Comprehensive homing endonuclease target site specificity profiling reveals evolutionary constraints and enables genome engineering applications. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:2587-98. [PMID: 22121229 PMCID: PMC3315327 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Homing endonucleases (HEs) promote the evolutionary persistence of selfish DNA elements by catalyzing element lateral transfer into new host organisms. The high site specificity of this lateral transfer reaction, termed homing, reflects both the length (14-40 bp) and the limited tolerance of target or homing sites for base pair changes. In order to better understand molecular determinants of homing, we systematically determined the binding and cleavage properties of all single base pair variant target sites of the canonical LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases I-CreI and I-MsoI. These Chlorophyta algal HEs have very similar three-dimensional folds and recognize nearly identical 22 bp target sites, but use substantially different sets of DNA-protein contacts to mediate site-specific recognition and cleavage. The site specificity differences between I-CreI and I-MsoI suggest different evolutionary strategies for HE persistence. These differences also provide practical guidance in target site finding, and in the generation of HE variants with high site specificity and cleavage activity, to enable genome engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357705, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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21
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Towards artificial metallonucleases for gene therapy: recent advances and new perspectives. Future Med Chem 2011; 3:1935-66. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of DNA targeting or repair of mutated genes within the cell, induced by specifically positioned double-strand cleavage of DNA near the mutated sequence, can be applied for gene therapy of monogenic diseases. For this purpose, highly specific artificial metallonucleases are developed. They are expected to be important future tools of modern genetics. The present state of art and strategies of research are summarized, including protein engineering and artificial ‘chemical’ nucleases. From the results, we learn about the basic role of the metal ions and the various ligands, and about the DNA binding and cleavage mechanism. The results collected provide useful guidance for engineering highly controlled enzymes for use in gene therapy.
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22
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Davis L, Maizels N. DNA nicks promote efficient and safe targeted gene correction. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23981. [PMID: 21912657 PMCID: PMC3164693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted gene correction employs a site-specific DNA lesion to promote homologous recombination that eliminates mutation in a disease gene of interest. The double-strand break typically used to initiate correction can also result in genomic instability if deleterious repair occurs rather than gene correction, possibly compromising the safety of targeted gene correction. Here we show that single-strand breaks (nicks) and double-strand breaks both promote efficient gene correction. However, breaks promote high levels of inadvertent but heritable genomic alterations both locally and elsewhere in the genome, while nicks are accompanied by essentially no collateral local mutagenesis, and thus provide a safer approach to gene correction. Defining efficacy as the ratio of gene correction to local deletion, nicks initiate gene correction with 70-fold greater efficacy than do double-strand breaks (29.0±6.0% and 0.42±0.03%, respectively). Thus nicks initiate efficient gene correction, with limited local mutagenesis. These results have clear therapeutic implications, and should inform future design of meganucleases for targeted gene correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luther Davis
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Northwest Genome Engineering Consortium, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nancy Maizels
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Northwest Genome Engineering Consortium, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Aiba Y, Sumaoka J, Komiyama M. Artificial DNA cutters for DNA manipulation and genome engineering. Chem Soc Rev 2011; 40:5657-68. [PMID: 21566825 DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15039a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This tutorial review provides recent developments in artificial cutters for site-selective scission of DNA with the focus on chemistry-based DNA cutters. They are useful tools for molecular biology and biotechnology, since their site-selectivity of scission is much higher than that of naturally occurring restriction enzymes and also their scission site is freely chosen. In order to prepare these cutters, a DNA-cutting molecule is combined with a sequence-recognizing molecule in a covalent or non-covalent way. At targeted sites in single-stranded and double-stranded DNAs, the scission occurs via either oxidative cleavage of nucleotides or hydrolysis of phosphodiester linkages. Among many successful examples, an artificial restriction DNA cutter, prepared from Ce(iv)/EDTA and pseudo-complementary peptide nucleic acid, hydrolyzed double-stranded DNA at the target site. The scission site and scission specificity are determined simply in terms of the Watson-Crick rule so that even the whole genome of human beings was selectively cut at one predetermined site. Consistently, homologous recombination in human cells was successfully promoted by this tool. For the purpose of comparison, protein-based DNA cutters (e.g., zinc finger nucleases) are also briefly described. The potential applications of these cutters and their future aspects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Aiba
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
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24
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A synthetic homing endonuclease-based gene drive system in the human malaria mosquito. Nature 2011; 473:212-5. [PMID: 21508956 PMCID: PMC3093433 DOI: 10.1038/nature09937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic methods of manipulating or eradicating disease vector populations have long been discussed as an attractive alternative to existing control measures because of their potential advantages in terms of effectiveness and species specificity1–3. The development of genetically engineered malaria-resistant mosquitoes has shown, as a proof-of-principle, the possibility of targeting the mosquito’s ability to serve as a disease vector4–7. The translation of these achievements into control measures requires an effective technology to spread a genetic modification from laboratory mosquitoes to field populations8. We have previously suggested that homing endonuclease genes (HEGs), a class of simple selfish genetic elements, could be exploited for this purpose9. Here we demonstrate that a synthetic genetic element, consisting of mosquito regulatory regions10 and the homing endonuclease gene I-SceI11–13, can substantially increase its transmission to the progeny in transgenic mosquitoes of the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. We show that the I-SceI element is able to rapidly invade receptive mosquito cage populations, validating mathematical models for the transmission dynamics of HEGs. Molecular analyses confirm that expression of I-SceI in the male germline induces high rates of site-specific chromosomal cleavage and gene conversion, which results in the gain of the I-SceI gene, and underlies the observed genetic drive. These findings demonstrate a new mechanism by which genetic control measures can be implemented. Our results also show in principle how sequence-specific genetic drive elements like HEGs could be used to take the step from the genetic engineering of individuals to the genetic engineering of populations.
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25
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Ulge UY, Baker DA, Monnat RJ. Comprehensive computational design of mCreI homing endonuclease cleavage specificity for genome engineering. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:4330-9. [PMID: 21288879 PMCID: PMC3105429 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homing endonucleases (HEs) cleave long (∼ 20 bp) DNA target sites with high site specificity to catalyze the lateral transfer of parasitic DNA elements. In order to determine whether comprehensive computational design could be used as a general strategy to engineer new HE target site specificities, we used RosettaDesign (RD) to generate 3200 different variants of the mCreI LAGLIDADG HE towards 16 different base pair positions in the 22 bp mCreI target site. Experimental verification of a range of these designs demonstrated that over 2/3 (24 of 35 designs, 69%) had the intended new site specificity, and that 14 of the 15 attempted specificity shifts (93%) were achieved. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using structure-based computational design to engineer HE variants with novel target site specificities to facilitate genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Y Ulge
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteUniversity of Washington, Box 357705, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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26
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Silva G, Poirot L, Galetto R, Smith J, Montoya G, Duchateau P, Pâques F. Meganucleases and other tools for targeted genome engineering: perspectives and challenges for gene therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2011; 11:11-27. [PMID: 21182466 PMCID: PMC3267165 DOI: 10.2174/156652311794520111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The importance of safer approaches for gene therapy has been underscored by a series of severe adverse events (SAEs) observed in patients involved in clinical trials for Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Disease (SCID) and Chromic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). While a new generation of viral vectors is in the process of replacing the classical gamma-retrovirus-based approach, a number of strategies have emerged based on non-viral vectorization and/or targeted insertion aimed at achieving safer gene transfer. Currently, these methods display lower efficacies than viral transduction although many of them can yield more than 1% of engineered cells in vitro. Nuclease-based approaches, wherein an endonuclease is used to trigger site-specific genome editing, can significantly increase the percentage of targeted cells. These methods therefore provide a real alternative to classical gene transfer as well as gene editing. However, the first endonuclease to be in clinic today is not used for gene transfer, but to inactivate a gene (CCR5) required for HIV infection. Here, we review these alternative approaches, with a special emphasis on meganucleases, a family of naturally occurring rare-cutting endonucleases, and speculate on their current and future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Silva
- Cellectis, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
| | - Laurent Poirot
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
| | - Roman Galetto
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
| | - Julianne Smith
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
| | - Guillermo Montoya
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fdez. Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Frédéric Pâques
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
- Cellectis, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville, Cedex, France
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27
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Allen MJ, Lanzén A, Bratbak G. Characterisation of the coccolithovirus intein. Mar Genomics 2010; 4:1-7. [PMID: 21429459 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The identification of inteins in viral genomes is becoming increasingly common. Inteins are selfish DNA elements found within coding regions of host proteins. Following translation, they catalyse their own excision and the formation of a peptide bond between the flanking protein regions. Many inteins also display homing endonuclease function. Here, the newly identified coccolithovirus intein is described and is predicted to have both self-splicing and homing endonuclease activity. The biochemical mechanism of its protein splicing activity is hypothesised, and the prevalence of the intein among natural coccolithovirus isolates is tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Allen
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
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Arnould S, Delenda C, Grizot S, Desseaux C, Pâques F, Silva GH, Smith J. The I-CreI meganuclease and its engineered derivatives: applications from cell modification to gene therapy. Protein Eng Des Sel 2010; 24:27-31. [PMID: 21047873 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzq083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meganucleases (MNs) are highly specific enzymes that can induce homologous recombination in different types of cells, including mammalian cells. Consequently, these enzymes are used as scaffolds for the development of custom gene-targeting tools for gene therapy or cell-line development. Over the past 15 years, the high resolution X-ray structures of several MNs from the LAGLIDADG family have improved our understanding of their protein-DNA interaction and mechanism of DNA cleavage. By developing and utilizing high-throughput screening methods to test a large number of variant-target combinations, we have been able to re-engineer scores of I-CreI derivatives into custom enzymes that target a specific DNA sequence of interest. Such customized MNs, along with wild-type ones, have allowed for exploring a large range of biotechnological applications, including protein-expression cell-line development, genetically modified plants and animals and therapeutic applications such as targeted gene therapy as well as a novel class of antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arnould
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 235 Romainville Cedex, France.
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29
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Muñoz IG, Prieto J, Subramanian S, Coloma J, Redondo P, Villate M, Merino N, Marenchino M, D'Abramo M, Gervasio FL, Grizot S, Daboussi F, Smith J, Chion-Sotinel I, Pâques F, Duchateau P, Alibés A, Stricher F, Serrano L, Blanco FJ, Montoya G. Molecular basis of engineered meganuclease targeting of the endogenous human RAG1 locus. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 39:729-43. [PMID: 20846960 PMCID: PMC3025557 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Homing endonucleases recognize long target DNA sequences generating an accurate double-strand break that promotes gene targeting through homologous recombination. We have modified the homodimeric I-CreI endonuclease through protein engineering to target a specific DNA sequence within the human RAG1 gene. Mutations in RAG1 produce severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a monogenic disease leading to defective immune response in the individuals, leaving them vulnerable to infectious diseases. The structures of two engineered heterodimeric variants and one single-chain variant of I-CreI, in complex with a 24-bp oligonucleotide of the human RAG1 gene sequence, show how the DNA binding is achieved through interactions in the major groove. In addition, the introduction of the G19S mutation in the neighborhood of the catalytic site lowers the reaction energy barrier for DNA cleavage without compromising DNA recognition. Gene-targeting experiments in human cell lines show that the designed single-chain molecule preserves its in vivo activity with higher specificity, further enhanced by the G19S mutation. This is the first time that an engineered meganuclease variant targets the human RAG1 locus by stimulating homologous recombination in human cell lines up to 265 bp away from the cleavage site. Our analysis illustrates the key features for à la carte procedure in protein–DNA recognition design, opening new possibilities for SCID patients whose illness can be treated ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés G Muñoz
- Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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Ashworth J, Taylor GK, Havranek JJ, Quadri SA, Stoddard BL, Baker D. Computational reprogramming of homing endonuclease specificity at multiple adjacent base pairs. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:5601-8. [PMID: 20435674 PMCID: PMC2938204 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Site-specific homing endonucleases are capable of inducing gene conversion via homologous recombination. Reprogramming their cleavage specificities allows the targeting of specific biological sites for gene correction or conversion. We used computational protein design to alter the cleavage specificity of I-MsoI for three contiguous base pair substitutions, resulting in an endonuclease whose activity and specificity for its new site rival that of wild-type I-MsoI for the original site. Concerted design for all simultaneous substitutions was more successful than a modular approach against individual substitutions, highlighting the importance of context-dependent redesign and optimization of protein–DNA interactions. We then used computational design based on the crystal structure of the designed complex, which revealed significant unanticipated shifts in DNA conformation, to create an endonuclease that specifically cleaves a site with four contiguous base pair substitutions. Our results demonstrate that specificity switches for multiple concerted base pair substitutions can be computationally designed, and that iteration between design and structure determination provides a route to large scale reprogramming of specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ashworth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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31
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Marcaida MJ, Muñoz IG, Blanco FJ, Prieto J, Montoya G. Homing endonucleases: from basics to therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:727-48. [PMID: 19915993 PMCID: PMC11115532 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0188-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Homing endonucleases (HE) are double-stranded DNAses that target large recognition sites (12-40 bp). HE-encoding sequences are usually embedded in either introns or inteins. Their recognition sites are extremely rare, with none or only a few of these sites present in a mammalian-sized genome. However, these enzymes, unlike standard restriction endonucleases, tolerate some sequence degeneracy within their recognition sequence. Several members of this enzyme family have been used as templates to engineer tools to cleave DNA sequences that differ from their original wild-type targets. These custom HEs can be used to stimulate double-strand break homologous recombination in cells, to induce the repair of defective genes with very low toxicity levels. The use of tailored HEs opens up new possibilities for gene therapy in patients with monogenic diseases that can be treated ex vivo. This review provides an overview of recent advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Marcaida
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), c/Melchor Fdez. Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés G. Muñoz
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), c/Melchor Fdez. Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Blanco
- Ikerbasque Professor Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Jesús Prieto
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), c/Melchor Fdez. Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Montoya
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), c/Melchor Fdez. Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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33
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Galetto R, Duchateau P, Pâques F. Targeted approaches for gene therapy and the emergence of engineered meganucleases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1289-303. [PMID: 19689185 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903213669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of significant advances in gene transfer strategies in the field of gene therapy, there is a strong emphasis on the development of alternative methods, providing better control of transgene expression and insertion patterns. OBJECTIVE Several new approaches consist of targeting a desired transgene or gene modification in a well defined locus, and we collectively refer to them as 'targeted approaches'. The use of redesigned meganucleases is one of these emerging technologies. Here we try to define the potential of this method, in the larger scope of targeted strategies. METHODS We survey the different types of targeted strategies, presenting the achievements and the potential applications, with a special emphasis on the use of redesigned endonucleases. CONCLUSION redesigned endonucleases represent one of the most promising tools for targeted approaches, and the opening of a clinical trial for AIDS patients has recently shown the maturity of these strategies. However, there is still a 'quest' for the best reagents, that is the endonucleases providing the best efficacy:toxicity ratio. New advances in protein design have allowed the engineering of new scaffolds, such as meganucleases, and the landscape of existing methods is likely to change over the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Galetto
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 340 Romainville Cedex, France
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34
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Katada H, Chen HJ, Shigi N, Komiyama M. Homologous recombination in human cells using artificial restriction DNA cutter. Chem Commun (Camb) 2009:6545-7. [PMID: 19865644 DOI: 10.1039/b912030k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The double strand break induced by an artificial restriction DNA cutter (ARCUT) was successfully repaired in human cells with high frequencies through homologous recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Katada
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, 153-8904 Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Abstract
The final cut. Two types of artificial tools (artificial restriction DNA cutter and zinc finger nuclease) that cut double-stranded DNA through hydrolysis of target phosphodiester linkages, have been recently developed. The chemical structures, preparation, properties, and typical applications of these two man-made tools are reviewed.Two types of artificial tools that cut double-stranded DNA through hydrolysis of target phosphodiester linkages have been recently developed. One is the chemistry-based artificial restriction DNA cutter (ARCUT) that is composed of a Ce(IV)-EDTA complex, which catalyses DNA hydrolysis, and a pair of pseudo-complementary peptide nucleic acid fragments for sequence recognition. Another type of DNA cutter, zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), is composed of the nuclease domain of naturally occurring FokI restriction endonuclease and a designed zinc finger DNA-binding domain. For both of these artificial tools, the scission site and specificity can be freely chosen according to our needs, so that even huge genomic DNA sequences can be selectively cut at the target site. In this article, the chemical structures, preparation, properties, and typical applications of these two man-made tools are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Katada
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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Grizot S, Smith J, Daboussi F, Prieto J, Redondo P, Merino N, Villate M, Thomas S, Lemaire L, Montoya G, Blanco FJ, Pâques F, Duchateau P. Efficient targeting of a SCID gene by an engineered single-chain homing endonuclease. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:5405-19. [PMID: 19584299 PMCID: PMC2760784 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence-specific endonucleases recognizing long target sequences are emerging as powerful tools for genome engineering. These endonucleases could be used to correct deleterious mutations or to inactivate viruses, in a new approach to molecular medicine. However, such applications are highly demanding in terms of safety. Mutations in the human RAG1 gene cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Using the I-CreI dimeric LAGLIDADG meganuclease as a scaffold, we describe here the engineering of a series of endonucleases cleaving the human RAG1 gene, including obligate heterodimers and single-chain molecules. We show that a novel single-chain design, in which two different monomers are linked to form a single molecule, can induce high levels of recombination while safeguarding more effectively against potential genotoxicity. We provide here the first demonstration that an engineered meganuclease can induce targeted recombination at an endogenous locus in up to 6% of transfected human cells. These properties rank this new generation of endonucleases among the best molecular scissors available for genome surgery strategies, potentially avoiding the deleterious effects of previous gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvestre Grizot
- Cellectis SA, Cellectis Genome Surgery, 93235 Romainville, France
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