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Levitskaya Z, Ser Z, Koh H, Mei WS, Chee S, Sobota RM, Ghadessy JF. Engineering cell-free systems by chemoproteomic-assisted phenotypic screening. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:372-385. [PMID: 38576719 PMCID: PMC10989505 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00004h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic screening is a valuable tool to both understand and engineer complex biological systems. We demonstrate the functionality of this approach in the development of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) technology. Phenotypic screening identified numerous compounds that enhanced protein production in yeast lysate CFPS reactions. Notably, many of these were competitive ATP kinase inhibitors, with the exploitation of their inherent substrate promiscuity redirecting ATP flux towards heterologous protein expression. Chemoproteomic-guided strain engineering partially phenocopied drug effects, with a 30% increase in protein yield observed upon deletion of the ATP-consuming SSA1 component of the HSP70 chaperone. Moreover, drug-mediated metabolic rewiring coupled with template optimization generated the highest protein yields in yeast CFPS to date using a hitherto less efficient, but more cost-effective glucose energy regeneration system. Our approach highlights the utility of target-agnostic phenotypic screening and target identification to deconvolute cell-lysate complexity, adding to the expanding repertoire of strategies for improving CFPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarina Levitskaya
- Protein and Peptide Engineering and Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - Zheng Ser
- Function Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - Hiromi Koh
- Function Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - Wang Shi Mei
- Function Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - Sharon Chee
- Protein and Peptide Engineering and Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - Radoslaw Mikolaj Sobota
- Function Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
| | - John F Ghadessy
- Protein and Peptide Engineering and Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove Singapore 138648
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2
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Dramé-Maigné A, Espada R, McCallum G, Sieskind R, Gines G, Rondelez Y. In Vitro Enzyme Self-Selection Using Molecular Programs. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:474-484. [PMID: 38206581 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Directed evolution provides a powerful route for in vitro enzyme engineering. State-of-the-art techniques functionally screen up to millions of enzyme variants using high throughput microfluidic sorters, whose operation remains technically challenging. Alternatively, in vitro self-selection methods, analogous to in vivo complementation strategies, open the way to even higher throughputs, but have been demonstrated only for a few specific activities. Here, we leverage synthetic molecular networks to generalize in vitro compartmentalized self-selection processes. We introduce a programmable circuit architecture that can link an arbitrary target enzymatic activity to the replication of its encoding gene. Microencapsulation of a bacterial expression library with this autonomous selection circuit results in the single-step and screening-free enrichment of genetic sequences coding for programmed enzymatic phenotypes. We demonstrate the potential of this approach for the nicking enzyme Nt.BstNBI (NBI). We applied autonomous selection conditions to enrich for thermostability or catalytic efficiency, manipulating up to 107 microcompartments and 5 × 105 variants at once. Full gene reads of the libraries using nanopore sequencing revealed detailed mutational activity landscapes, suggesting a key role of electrostatic interactions with DNA in the enzyme's turnover. The most beneficial mutations, identified after a single round of self-selection, provided variants with, respectively, 20 times and 3 °C increased activity and thermostability. Based on a modular molecular programming architecture, this approach does not require complex instrumentation and can be repurposed for other enzymes, including those that are not related to DNA chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Dramé-Maigné
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rocío Espada
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Giselle McCallum
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Sieskind
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Gines
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yannick Rondelez
- Gulliver UMR CNRS 7083, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
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3
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Siau JW, Siddiqui AA, Lau SY, Kannan S, Peter S, Zeng Y, Verma C, Droge P, Ghadessy JF. Expanding the DNA editing toolbox: Novel lambda integrase variants targeting microalgal and human genome sequences. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292479. [PMID: 38349923 PMCID: PMC10863862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinase enzymes are extremely efficient at integrating very large DNA fragments into target genomes. However, intrinsic sequence specificities curtail their use to DNA sequences with sufficient homology to endogenous target motifs. Extensive engineering is therefore required to broaden applicability and robustness. Here, we describe the directed evolution of novel lambda integrase variants capable of editing exogenous target sequences identified in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the algae Nannochloropsis oceanica. These microorganisms hold great promise as conduits for green biomanufacturing and carbon sequestration. The evolved enzyme variants show >1000-fold switch in specificity towards the non-natural target sites when assayed in vitro. A single-copy target motif in the human genome with homology to the Nannochloropsis oceanica site can also be efficiently targeted using an engineered integrase, both in vitro and in human cells. The developed integrase variants represent useful additions to the DNA editing toolbox, with particular application for targeted genomic insertion of large DNA cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wei Siau
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Asim Azhar Siddiqui
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze Yi Lau
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Sabrina Peter
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yingying Zeng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Droge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- LambdaGen Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | - John F. Ghadessy
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Iqbal Z, Sadaf S. Forty Years of Directed Evolution and its Continuously Evolving Technology Toolbox - A Review of the Patent Landscape. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 119:693-724. [PMID: 34923625 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Generating functional protein variants with novel or improved characteristics has been a goal of the biotechnology industry and life sciences, for decades. Rational design and directed evolution are two major pathways to achieve the desired ends. Whilst rational protein design approach has made substantial progress, the idea of using a method based on cycles of mutagenesis and natural selection to develop novel binding proteins, enzymes and structures has attracted great attention. Laboratory evolution of proteins/enzymes requires new tools and analytical approaches to create genetic diversity and identifying variants with desired traits. In this pursuit, construction of sufficiently large libraries of target molecules to search for improved variants and the need for new protocols to alter the properties of target molecules has been a continuing challenge in the directed evolution experiments. This review will discuss the in vivo and in vitro gene diversification tools, library screening or selection approaches, and artificial intelligence/machine-learning-based strategies to mutagenesis developed in the last forty years to accelerate the natural process of evolution in creating new functional protein variants, optimization of microbial strains and transformation of enzymes into industrial machines. Analyzing patent position over these techniques and mechanisms also constitutes an integral and distinctive part of this review. The aim is to provide an up-to-date resource/technology toolbox for research-based and pharmaceutical companies to discover the boundaries of competitor's intellectual property (IP) portfolio, their freedom-to-operate in the relevant IP landscape, and the need for patent due diligence analysis to rule out whether use of a particular patented mutagenesis method, library screening/selection technique falls outside the safe harbor of experimental use exemption. While so doing, we have referred to some recent cases that emphasize the significance of selecting a suitable gene diversification strategy in directed evolution experiments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarina Iqbal
- PakPat World Intellectual Property Protection Services, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Saima Sadaf
- School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
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5
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Liu Y, Zheng K, Liu B, Liang Y, You S, Zhang W, Zhang X, Jie Y, Shao H, Jiang Y, Guo C, He H, Wang H, Sung YY, Mok WJ, Wong LL, McMinn A, Wang M. Characterization and Genomic Analysis of Marinobacter Phage vB_MalS-PS3, Representing a New Lambda-Like Temperate Siphoviral Genus Infecting Algae-Associated Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:726074. [PMID: 34512604 PMCID: PMC8424206 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.726074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Marinobacter is the abundant and important algal-associated and hydrocarbon biodegradation bacteria in the ocean. However, little knowledge about their phages has been reported. Here, a novel siphovirus, vB_MalS-PS3, infecting Marinobacter algicola DG893(T), was isolated from the surface waters of the western Pacific Ocean. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that vB_MalS-PS3 has the morphology of siphoviruses. VB_MalS-PS3 was stable from −20 to 55°C, and with the latent and rise periods of about 80 and 10 min, respectively. The genome sequence of VB_MalS-PS3 contains a linear, double-strand 42,168-bp DNA molecule with a G + C content of 56.23% and 54 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Nineteen conserved domains were predicted by BLASTp in NCBI. We found that vB_MalS-PS3 represent an understudied viral group with only one known isolate. The phylogenetic tree based on the amino acid sequences of whole genomes revealed that vB_MalS-PS3 has a distant evolutionary relationship with other siphoviruses, and can be grouped into a novel viral genus cluster with six uncultured assembled viral genomes from metagenomics, named here as Marinovirus. This study of the Marinobacter phage vB_MalS-PS3 genome enriched the genetic database of marine bacteriophages, in addition, will provide useful information for further research on the interaction between Marinobacter phages and their hosts, and their relationship with algal blooms and hydrocarbon biodegradation in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yundan Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Kaiyang Zheng
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Baohong Liu
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yantao Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Siyuan You
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaqi Jie
- College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hongbing Shao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Guo
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui He
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Hualong Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Yeong Yik Sung
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wen Jye Mok
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Li Lian Wong
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Andrew McMinn
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Min Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China.,The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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6
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Elias A, Kassis H, Elkader SA, Gritsenko N, Nahmad A, Shir H, Younis L, Shannan A, Aihara H, Prag G, Yagil E, Kolot M. HK022 bacteriophage Integrase mediated RMCE as a potential tool for human gene therapy. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12804-12816. [PMID: 33270859 PMCID: PMC7736782 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
HK022 coliphage site-specific recombinase Integrase (Int) can catalyze integrative site-specific recombination and recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) reactions in mammalian cell cultures. Owing to the promiscuity of the 7 bp overlap sequence in its att sites, active ‘attB’ sites flanking human deleterious mutations were previously identified that may serve as substrates for RMCE reactions for future potential gene therapy. However, the wild type Int proved inefficient in catalyzing such RMCE reactions. To address this low efficiency, variants of Int were constructed and examined by integrative site-specific recombination and RMCE assays in human cells using native ‘attB’ sites. As a proof of concept, various Int derivatives have demonstrated successful RMCE reactions using a pair of native ‘attB’ sites that were inserted as a substrate into the human genome. Moreover, successful RMCE reactions were demonstrated in native locations of the human CTNS and DMD genes whose mutations are responsible for Cystinosis and Duchene Muscular Dystrophy diseases, respectively. This work provides a steppingstone for potential downstream therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Elias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hala Kassis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Suha Abd Elkader
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Natasha Gritsenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Alessio Nahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hodaya Shir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liana Younis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Atheer Shannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota TwinCities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Gali Prag
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ezra Yagil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Mikhail Kolot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry &Biophysics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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7
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Voziyanova E, Li F, Shah R, Voziyanov Y. Genome targeting by hybrid Flp-TAL recombinases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17479. [PMID: 33060660 PMCID: PMC7562724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74474-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome engineering is a rapidly evolving field that benefits from the availability of different tools that can be used to perform genome manipulation tasks. We describe here the development of the Flp-TAL recombinases that can target genomic FRT-like sequences in their native chromosomal locations. Flp-TAL recombinases are hybrid enzymes that are composed of two functional modules: a variant of site-specific tyrosine recombinase Flp, which can have either narrow or broad target specificity, and the DNA-binding domain of the transcription activator-like effector, TAL. In Flp-TAL, the TAL module is responsible for delivering and stabilizing the Flp module onto the desired genomic FRT-like sequence where the Flp module mediates recombination. We demonstrate the functionality of the Flp-TAL recombinases by performing integration and deletion experiments in human HEK-293 cells. In the integration experiments we targeted a vector to three genomic FRT-like sequences located in the β-globin locus. In the deletion experiments we excised ~ 15 kilobases of DNA that contained a fragment of the integrated vector sequence and the neighboring genome sequence. On average, the efficiency of the integration and deletion reactions was about 0.1% and 20%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Voziyanova
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
| | - Feng Li
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
| | - Riddhi Shah
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yuri Voziyanov
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
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8
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Makhija H, Roy S, Hoon S, Ghadessy FJ, Wong D, Jaiswal R, Campana D, Dröge P. A novel λ integrase-mediated seamless vector transgenesis platform for therapeutic protein expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:e99. [PMID: 29893931 PMCID: PMC6144826 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in stem cell engineering, gene therapy and molecular medicine often involve genome engineering at a cellular level. However, functionally large or multi transgene cassette insertion into the human genome still remains a challenge. Current practices such as random transgene integration or targeted endonuclease-based genome editing are suboptimal and might pose safety concerns. Taking this into consideration, we previously developed a transgenesis tool derived from phage λ integrase (Int) that precisely recombines large plasmid DNA into an endogenous sequence found in human Long INterspersed Elements-1 (LINE-1). Despite this advancement, biosafety concerns associated with bacterial components of plasmids, enhanced uptake and efficient transgene expression remained problematic. We therefore further improved and herein report a more superior Int-based transgenesis tool. This novel Int platform allows efficient and easy derivation of sufficient amounts of seamless supercoiled transgene vectors from conventional plasmids via intramolecular recombination as well as subsequent intermolecular site-specific genome integration into LINE-1. Furthermore, we identified certain LINE-1 as preferred insertion sites for Int-mediated seamless vector transgenesis, and showed that targeted anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor gene integration achieves high-level sustained transgene expression in human embryonic stem cell clones for potential downstream therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshyaa Makhija
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Suki Roy
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Shawn Hoon
- Molecular Engineering Lab, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673
| | | | - Desmond Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599
| | - Rahul Jaiswal
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Dario Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599
| | - Peter Dröge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551.,Nanyang Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building (EMB), 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
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9
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Contreras-Llano LE, Tan C. High-throughput screening of biomolecules using cell-free gene expression systems. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2018; 3:ysy012. [PMID: 32995520 PMCID: PMC7445777 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of cell-free transcription and translation systems into high-throughput screening applications enables the in situ and on-demand expression of peptides and proteins. Coupled with modern microfluidic technology, the cell-free methods allow the screening, directed evolution and selection of desired biomolecules in minimal volumes within a short timescale. Cell-free high-throughput screening applications are classified broadly into in vitro display and on-chip technologies. In this review, we outline the development of cell-free high-throughput screening methods. We further discuss operating principles and representative applications of each screening method. The cell-free high-throughput screening methods may be advanced by the future development of new cell-free systems, miniaturization approaches, and automation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheemeng Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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10
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Meinke G, Bohm A, Hauber J, Pisabarro MT, Buchholz F. Cre Recombinase and Other Tyrosine Recombinases. Chem Rev 2016; 116:12785-12820. [PMID: 27163859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine-type site-specific recombinases (T-SSRs) have opened new avenues for the predictable modification of genomes as they enable precise genome editing in heterologous hosts. These enzymes are ubiquitous in eubacteria, prevalent in archaea and temperate phages, present in certain yeast strains, but barely found in higher eukaryotes. As tools they find increasing use for the generation and systematic modification of genomes in a plethora of organisms. If applied in host organisms, they enable precise DNA cleavage and ligation without the gain or loss of nucleotides. Criteria directing the choice of the most appropriate T-SSR system for genetic engineering include that, whenever possible, the recombinase should act independent of cofactors and that the target sequences should be long enough to be unique in a given genome. This review is focused on recent advancements in our mechanistic understanding of simple T-SSRs and their application in developmental and synthetic biology, as well as in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Meinke
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Andrew Bohm
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology , 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Frank Buchholz
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus TU Dresden , 01307 Dresden, Germany
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11
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Abstract
Tyrosine site-specific recombinases (YRs) are widely distributed among prokaryotes and their viruses, and were thought to be confined to the budding yeast lineage among eukaryotes. However, YR-harboring retrotransposons (the DIRS and PAT families) and DNA transposons (Cryptons) have been identified in a variety of eukaryotes. The YRs utilize a common chemical mechanism, analogous to that of type IB topoisomerases, to bring about a plethora of genetic rearrangements with important physiological consequences in their respective biological contexts. A subset of the tyrosine recombinases has provided model systems for analyzing the chemical mechanisms and conformational features of the recombination reaction using chemical, biochemical, topological, structural, and single molecule-biophysical approaches. YRs with simple reaction requirements have been utilized to bring about programmed DNA rearrangements for addressing fundamental questions in developmental biology. They have also been employed to trace the topological features of DNA within high-order DNA interactions established by protein machines. The directed evolution of altered specificity YRs, combined with their spatially and temporally regulated expression, heralds their emergence as vital tools in genome engineering projects with wide-ranging biotechnological and medical applications.
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12
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Abstract
The fields of molecular genetics, biotechnology and synthetic biology are demanding ever more sophisticated molecular tools for programmed precise modification of cell genomic DNA and other DNA sequences. This review presents the current state of knowledge and development of one important group of DNA-modifying enzymes, the site-specific recombinases (SSRs). SSRs are Nature's 'molecular machines' for cut-and-paste editing of DNA molecules by inserting, deleting or inverting precisely defined DNA segments. We survey the SSRs that have been put to use, and the types of applications for which they are suitable. We also discuss problems associated with uses of SSRs, how these problems can be minimized, and how recombinases are being re-engineered for improved performance and novel applications.
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13
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Siau JW, Chee S, Makhija H, Wai CMM, Chandra SHV, Peter S, Dröge P, Ghadessy FJ. Directed evolution of λ integrase activity and specificity by genetic derepression. Protein Eng Des Sel 2015; 28:211-20. [DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzv015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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14
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Xiao H, Bao Z, Zhao H. High Throughput Screening and Selection Methods for Directed Enzyme Evolution. Ind Eng Chem Res 2014; 54:4011-4020. [PMID: 26074668 PMCID: PMC4461044 DOI: 10.1021/ie503060a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Successful
evolutionary enzyme engineering requires a high throughput
screening or selection method, which considerably increases the chance
of obtaining desired properties and reduces the time and cost. In
this review, a series of high throughput screening and selection methods
are illustrated with significant and recent examples. These high throughput
strategies are also discussed with an emphasis on compatibility with
phenotypic analysis during directed enzyme evolution. Lastly, certain
limitations of current methods, as well as future developments, are
briefly summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, and Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zehua Bao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, and Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, and Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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15
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Grandchamp N, Altémir D, Philippe S, Ursulet S, Pilet H, Serre MC, Lenain A, Serguera C, Mallet J, Sarkis C. Hybrid lentivirus-phiC31-int-NLS vector allows site-specific recombination in murine and human cells but induces DNA damage. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99649. [PMID: 24956106 PMCID: PMC4067480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer allows transient or permanent genetic modifications of cells for experimental or therapeutic purposes. Gene delivery by HIV-derived lentiviral vector (LV) is highly effective but the risk of insertional mutagenesis is important and the random/uncontrollable integration of the DNA vector can deregulate the cell transcriptional activity. Non Integrative Lentiviral Vectors (NILVs) solve this issue in non-dividing cells, but they do not allow long term expression in dividing cells. In this context, obtaining stable expression while avoiding the problems inherent to unpredictable DNA vector integration requires the ability to control the integration site. One possibility is to use the integrase of phage phiC31 (phiC31-int) which catalyzes efficient site-specific recombination between the attP site in the phage genome and the chromosomal attB site of its Streptomyces host. Previous studies showed that phiC31-int is active in many eukaryotic cells, such as murine or human cells, and directs the integration of a DNA substrate into pseudo attP sites (pattP) which are homologous to the native attP site. In this study, we combined the efficiency of NILV for gene delivery and the specificity of phiC31-int for DNA substrate integration to engineer a hybrid tool for gene transfer with the aim of allowing long term expression in dividing and non-dividing cells preventing genotoxicity. We demonstrated the feasibility to target NILV integration in human and murine pattP sites with a dual NILV vectors system: one which delivers phiC31-int, the other which constitute the substrate containing an attB site in its DNA sequence. These promising results are however alleviated by the occurrence of significant DNA damages. Further improvements are thus required to prevent chromosomal rearrangements for a therapeutic use of the system. However, its use as a tool for experimental applications such as transgenesis is already applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Grandchamp
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
- Biosource, Paris, France
| | - Dorothée Altémir
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stéphanie Philippe
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
- Biosource, Paris, France
| | - Suzanna Ursulet
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
- Biosource, Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Pilet
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
- Biosource, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Serre
- Laboratoire de Virologie Moléculaire et Structurale, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Aude Lenain
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Laboratoire de Radiobiologie et Oncologie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Che Serguera
- Molecular Imaging Research Center - Modélisation des biothérapies, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Jacques Mallet
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Chamsy Sarkis
- Unit of Biotechnology and Biotherapy, Centre de recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- NewVectys, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
- * E-mail:
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16
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Gaj T, Sirk SJ, Barbas CF. Expanding the scope of site-specific recombinases for genetic and metabolic engineering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 111:1-15. [PMID: 23982993 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific recombinases are tremendously valuable tools for basic research and genetic engineering. By promoting high-fidelity DNA modifications, site-specific recombination systems have empowered researchers with unprecedented control over diverse biological functions, enabling countless insights into cellular structure and function. The rigid target specificities of many sites-specific recombinases, however, have limited their adoption in fields that require highly flexible recognition abilities. As a result, intense effort has been directed toward altering the properties of site-specific recombination systems by protein engineering. Here, we review key developments in the rational design and directed molecular evolution of site-specific recombinases, highlighting the numerous applications of these enzymes across diverse fields of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gaj
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and the Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037
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17
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Goldsmith M, Tawfik DS. Directed enzyme evolution: beyond the low-hanging fruit. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2012; 22:406-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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A Concept for Selection of Codon-Suppressor tRNAs Based on Read-Through Ribosome Display in an In Vitro Compartmentalized Cell-Free Translation System. J Nucleic Acids 2012; 2012:538129. [PMID: 22928090 PMCID: PMC3425794 DOI: 10.1155/2012/538129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Here is presented a concept for in vitro selection of suppressor tRNAs. It uses a pool of dsDNA templates in compartmentalized water-in-oil micelles. The template contains a transcription/translation trigger, an amber stop codon, and another transcription trigger for the anticodon- or anticodon loop-randomized gene for tRNASer. Upon transcription are generated two types of RNAs, a tRNA and a translatable mRNA (mRNA-tRNA). When the tRNA suppresses the stop codon (UAG) of the mRNA, the full-length protein obtained upon translation remains attached to the mRNA (read-through ribosome display) that contains the sequence of the tRNA. In this way, the active suppressor tRNAs can be selected (amplified) and their sequences read out. The enriched anticodon (CUA) was complementary to the UAG stop codon and the enriched anticodon-loop was the same as that in the natural tRNASer.
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Ong HJ, Siau JW, Zhang JB, Hong M, Flotow H, Ghadessy F. Analysis of p53 binding to DNA by fluorescence imaging microscopy. Micron 2012; 43:996-1000. [PMID: 22537717 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2012.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors play a central role in cell biology through binding to target DNA elements and regulating gene expression. In this study, we used the p53 tumour suppressor as a model transcription factor to develop an imaging based assay to measure DNA binding. The assay utilizes fluorescence imaging microscopy to detect labelled p53 bound to DNA coated on microbeads. We demonstrate the ability to multiplex the assay by interrogating simultaneous binding to variant DNA sequences present on tractable beads. Additionally, the assay measures activation of p53 for increased DNA binding by a known peptide in addition to reactivation of mutant p53 by a small molecule. It may therefore be adaptable to a high-content imaging screen for compounds capable of restoring the function of mutant p53 associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwee Jing Ong
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science and Technology and Research, Singapore 138669, Singapore
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20
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Abstract
Bacteriophage λ, rediscovered in the early 1950s, has served as a model in molecular biology studies for decades. Although currently more complex organisms and more complicated biological systems can be studied, this phage is still an excellent model to investigate principles of biological processes occurring at the molecular level. In fact, very few other biological models provide possibilities to examine regulations of biological mechanisms as detailed as performed with λ. In this chapter, recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms of bacteriophage λ development are summarized and discussed. Particularly, studies on (i) phage DNA injection, (ii) molecular bases of the lysis-versus-lysogenization decision and the lysogenization process itself, (iii) prophage maintenance and induction, (iv), λ DNA replication, (v) phage-encoded recombination systems, (vi) transcription antitermination, (vii) formation of the virion structure, and (viii) lysis of the host cell, as published during several past years, will be presented.
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21
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A genome-wide analysis of FRT-like sequences in the human genome. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18077. [PMID: 21448289 PMCID: PMC3063242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient and precise genome manipulations can be achieved by the
Flp/FRT system of site-specific DNA recombination.
Applications of this system are limited, however, to cases when target sites for
Flp recombinase, FRT sites, are pre-introduced into a genome
locale of interest. To expand use of the Flp/FRT system in
genome engineering, variants of Flp recombinase can be evolved to recognize
pre-existing genomic sequences that resemble FRT and thus can
serve as recombination sites. To understand the distribution and sequence
properties of genomic FRT-like sites, we performed a
genome-wide analysis of FRT-like sites in the human genome
using the experimentally-derived parameters. Out of 642,151 identified
FRT-like sequences, 581,157 sequences were unique and
12,452 sequences had at least one exact duplicate. Duplicated
FRT-like sequences are located mostly within LINE1, but
also within LTRs of endogenous retroviruses, Alu repeats and other repetitive
DNA sequences. The unique FRT-like sequences were classified
based on the number of matches to FRT within the first four
proximal bases pairs of the Flp binding elements of FRT and the
nature of mismatched base pairs in the same region. The data obtained will be
useful for the emerging field of genome engineering.
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