1
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Madugula SS, Pujar P, Nammi B, Wang S, Jayasinghe-Arachchige VM, Pham T, Mashburn D, Artiles M, Liu J. Identification of Family-Specific Features in Cas9 and Cas12 Proteins: A Machine Learning Approach Using Complete Protein Feature Spectrum. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4897-4911. [PMID: 38838358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The recent development of CRISPR-Cas technology holds promise to correct gene-level defects for genetic diseases. The key element of the CRISPR-Cas system is the Cas protein, a nuclease that can edit the gene of interest assisted by guide RNA. However, these Cas proteins suffer from inherent limitations such as large size, low cleavage efficiency, and off-target effects, hindering their widespread application as a gene editing tool. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel Cas proteins with improved editing properties, for which it is necessary to understand the underlying features governing the Cas families. In this study, we aim to elucidate the unique protein features associated with Cas9 and Cas12 families and identify the features distinguishing each family from non-Cas proteins. Here, we built Random Forest (RF) binary classifiers to distinguish Cas12 and Cas9 proteins from non-Cas proteins, respectively, using the complete protein feature spectrum (13,494 features) encoding various physiochemical, topological, constitutional, and coevolutionary information on Cas proteins. Furthermore, we built multiclass RF classifiers differentiating Cas9, Cas12, and non-Cas proteins. All the models were evaluated rigorously on the test and independent data sets. The Cas12 and Cas9 binary models achieved a high overall accuracy of 92% and 95% on their respective independent data sets, while the multiclass classifier achieved an F1 score of close to 0.98. We observed that Quasi-Sequence-Order (QSO) descriptors like Schneider.lag and Composition descriptors like charge, volume, and polarizability are predominant in the Cas12 family. Conversely Amino Acid Composition descriptors, especially Tripeptide Composition (TPC), predominate the Cas9 family. Four of the top 10 descriptors identified in Cas9 classification are tripeptides PWN, PYY, HHA, and DHI, which are seen to be conserved across all Cas9 proteins and located within different catalytically important domains of the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) structure. Among these, DHI and HHA are well-known to be involved in the DNA cleavage activity of the SpCas9 protein. Mutation studies have highlighted the significance of the PWN tripeptide in PAM recognition and DNA cleavage activity of SpCas9, while Y450 from the PYY tripeptide plays a crucial role in reducing off-target effects and improving the specificity in SpCas9. Leveraging our machine learning (ML) pipeline, we identified numerous Cas9 and Cas12 family-specific features. These features offer valuable insights for future experimental and computational studies aiming at designing Cas systems with enhanced gene-editing properties. These features suggest plausible structural modifications that can effectively guide the development of Cas proteins with improved editing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sirisha Madugula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Pranav Pujar
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Bharani Nammi
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Shouyi Wang
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Vindi M Jayasinghe-Arachchige
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Tyler Pham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Dominic Mashburn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Maria Artiles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
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2
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Hussen BM, Najmadden ZB, Abdullah SR, Rasul MF, Mustafa SA, Ghafouri-Fard S, Taheri M. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a novel strategy for fighting drug resistance in respiratory disorders. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:329. [PMID: 38877530 PMCID: PMC11179281 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01713-8] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disorders are among the conditions that affect the respiratory system. The healthcare sector faces challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance to prescribed medications for these illnesses. However, there is a technology called CRISPR/Cas9, which uses RNA to guide DNA targeting. This technology has revolutionized our ability to manipulate and visualize the genome, leading to advancements in research and treatment development. It can effectively reverse epigenetic alterations that contribute to drug resistance. Some studies focused on health have shown that targeting genes using CRISPR/Cas9 can be challenging when it comes to reducing drug resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this technology, such as off-target effects, immune system reactions to Cas9, and challenges associated with delivery methods. Despite these limitations, this review aims to provide knowledge about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools and explore how they can help overcome resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Additionally, this study discusses concerns related to applications of CRISPR and provides an overview of successful clinical trial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Zana Baqi Najmadden
- Research Center, University of Halabja, Halabja, 46018, Kurdistan region, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Tishk International University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Suhad A Mustafa
- General Directorate of Scientific Research Center, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
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3
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Fuentenebro Navas D, Steens JA, de Lannoy C, Noordijk B, Pfeffer M, de Ridder D, H J Staals R, Schmid S. Nanopores Reveal the Stoichiometry of Single Oligoadenylates Produced by Type III CRISPR-Cas. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38875527 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic oligoadenylates (cOAs) are small second messenger molecules produced by the type III CRISPR-Cas system as part of the prokaryotic immune response. The role of cOAs is to allosterically activate downstream effector proteins that induce dormancy or cell death, and thus abort viral spread through the population. Interestingly, different type III systems have been reported to utilize different cOA stoichiometries (with 3 to 6 adenylate monophosphates). However, so far, their characterization has only been possible in bulk and with sophisticated equipment, while a portable assay with single-molecule resolution has been lacking. Here, we demonstrate the label-free detection of single cOA molecules using a simple protein nanopore assay. It sensitively identifies the stoichiometry of individual cOA molecules and their mixtures from synthetic and enzymatic origin. To achieve this, we trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) and validated it with a series of experiments on mono- and polydisperse cOA samples. Ultimately, we determined the stoichiometric composition of cOAs produced enzymatically by the CRISPR type III-A and III-B variants of Thermus thermophilus and confirmed the results by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Interestingly, both variants produce cOAs of nearly identical composition (within experimental uncertainties), and we discuss the biological implications of this finding. The presented nanopore-CNN workflow with single cOA resolution can be adapted to many other signaling molecules (including eukaryotic ones), and it may be integrated into portable handheld devices with potential point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fuentenebro Navas
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurre A Steens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos de Lannoy
- Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Noordijk
- Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Pfeffer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dick de Ridder
- Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond H J Staals
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Schmid
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Alex K, Winkler EC. Comparative ethical evaluation of epigenome editing and genome editing in medicine: first steps and future directions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:398-406. [PMID: 37527926 PMCID: PMC11137457 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted modifications of the human epigenome, epigenome editing (EE), are around the corner. For EE, techniques similar to genome editing (GE) techniques are used. While in GE the genetic information is changed by directly modifying DNA, intervening in the epigenome requires modifying the configuration of DNA, for example, how it is folded. This does not come with alterations in the base sequence ('genetic code'). To date, there is almost no ethical debate about EE, whereas the discussions about GE are voluminous. Our article introduces EE into bioethics by translating knowledge from science to ethics and by comparing the risks of EE with those of GE. We, first (I), make the case that a broader ethical debate on EE is due, provide scientific background on EE, compile potential use-cases and recap previous debates. We then (II) compare EE and GE and suggest that the severity of risks of novel gene technologies depends on three factors: (i) the choice of an ex vivo versus an in vivo editing approach, (ii) the time of intervention and intervention windows and (iii) the targeted diseases. Moreover, we show why germline EE is not effective and reject the position of strong epigenetic determinism. We conclude that EE is not always ethically preferable to GE in terms of risks, and end with suggestions for next steps in the current ethical debate on EE by briefly introducing ethical challenges of new areas of preventive applications of EE (III).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Alex
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Hub T, Cornean A, Round K, Fleming T, Freichel M, Medert R. Streamlined Generation of CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Single-Cell Knockout Clones in Murine Cell Lines. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1291-1301. [PMID: 38751646 PMCID: PMC11091971 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Clonal cell lines harboring loss-of-function mutations in genes of interest are crucial for studying the cellular functions of the encoded proteins. Recent advances in genome engineering have converged on the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to quickly and reliably generate frameshift mutations in the target genes across various cell lines and species. Although high on-target cleavage efficiencies can be obtained reproducibly, screening and identifying clones with loss-of-function alleles remains a major bottleneck. Here, we describe a single sgRNA strategy to generate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated frameshift mutations in target genes of mammalian cell lines that can be easily and cost-effectively identified. Given the proliferation of workhorse cell lines such as N2a cells and the resulting clonal expansion of the cell type, our protocol can facilitate the isolation of knockout clonal cell lines and their genetic validation within a period of down to 6-8 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hub
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Alex Cornean
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Partner
Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, DZHK (German Centre
for Cardiovascular Research), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kellen Round
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Thomas Fleming
- Department
of Internal Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German
Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Marc Freichel
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Partner
Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, DZHK (German Centre
for Cardiovascular Research), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Medert
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Partner
Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, DZHK (German Centre
for Cardiovascular Research), Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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7
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Upreti C, Kumar P, Durso L, Palmer K. CRISPR-Cas inhibits plasmid transfer and immunizes bacteria against antibiotic resistance acquisition in manure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.26.559507. [PMID: 37808752 PMCID: PMC10557689 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria is a pressing global issue. The bacterial defense system CRISPR-Cas acts as a barrier to the spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids, and CRISPR-Cas-based antimicrobials can be effective to selectively deplete antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While significant surveillance efforts monitor the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the clinical context, a major, often overlooked aspect of the issue is resistance emergence in agriculture. Farm animals are commonly treated with antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance in agriculture is on the rise. Yet, CRISPR-Cas efficacy has not been investigated in this setting. Here, we evaluate the prevalence of CRISPR-Cas in agricultural Enterococcus faecalis strains and its anti-plasmid efficacy in an agricultural niche - manure. Analyzing 1,986 E. faecalis genomes from human and animal hosts, we show that the prevalence of CRISPR-Cas subtypes is similar between clinical and agricultural E. faecalis strains. Using plasmid conjugation assays, we found that CRISPR-Cas is a significant barrier against resistance plasmid transfer in manure. Finally, we used a CRISPR-based antimicrobial approach to cure resistant E. faecalis of erythromycin resistance, but this was limited by delivery efficiency of the CRISPR antimicrobial in manure. However, immunization of bacteria against resistance gene acquisition in manure was highly effective. Together, our results show that E. faecalis CRISPR-Cas is prevalent and effective in an agricultural setting and has the potential to be utilized for depleting antibiotic-resistant populations. Our work has broad implications for tackling antibiotic resistance in the increasingly relevant agricultural setting, in line with a One Health approach.
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8
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Yuan YG, Liu SZ, Farhab M, Lv MY, Zhang T, Cao SX. Genome editing: An insight into disease resistance, production efficiency, and biomedical applications in livestock. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:81. [PMID: 38709433 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01364-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
One of the primary concerns for the survival of the human species is the growing demand for food brought on by an increasing global population. New developments in genome-editing technology present promising opportunities for the growth of wholesome and prolific farm animals. Genome editing in large animals is used for a variety of purposes, including biotechnology to improve food production, animal health, and pest management, as well as the development of animal models for fundamental research and biomedicine. Genome editing entails modifying genetic material by removing, adding, or manipulating particular DNA sequences from a particular locus in a way that does not happen naturally. The three primary genome editors are CRISPR/Cas 9, TALENs, and ZFNs. Each of these enzymes is capable of precisely severing nuclear DNA at a predetermined location. One of the most effective inventions is base editing, which enables single base conversions without the requirement for a DNA double-strand break (DSB). As reliable methods for precise genome editing in studies involving animals, cytosine and adenine base editing are now well-established. Effective zygote editing with both cytosine and adenine base editors (ABE) has resulted in the production of animal models. Both base editors produced comparable outcomes for the precise editing of point mutations in somatic cells, advancing the field of gene therapy. This review focused on the principles, methods, recent developments, outstanding applications, the advantages and disadvantages of ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9 base editors, and prime editing in diverse lab and farm animals. Additionally, we address the methodologies that can be used for gene regulation, base editing, and epigenetic alterations, as well as the significance of genome editing in animal models to better reflect real disease. We also look at methods designed to increase the effectiveness and precision of gene editing tools. Genome editing in large animals is used for a variety of purposes, including biotechnology to improve food production, animal health, and pest management, as well as the development of animal models for fundamental research and biomedicine. This review is an overview of the existing knowledge of the principles, methods, recent developments, outstanding applications, the advantages and disadvantages of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription-activator-like endonucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas 9), base editors and prime editing in diverse lab and farm animals, which will offer better and healthier products for the entire human race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Song-Zi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muhammad Farhab
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei-Yun Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, 212499, China
| | - Shao-Xiao Cao
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Precision animal Breeding, Nanjing, 210014, China
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9
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Pandey P, Vavilala SL. From Gene Editing to Biofilm Busting: CRISPR-CAS9 Against Antibiotic Resistance-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01276-y. [PMID: 38702575 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the development of novel antimicrobials has significantly slowed due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), intensifying the global struggle against infectious diseases. Microbial populations worldwide rapidly develop resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics, primarily targeting drug-resistant germs. A prominent manifestation of this resistance is the formation of biofilms, where bacteria create protective layers using signaling pathways such as quorum sensing. In response to this challenge, the CRISPR-Cas9 method has emerged as a ground-breaking strategy to counter biofilms. Initially identified as the "adaptive immune system" of bacteria, CRISPR-Cas9 has evolved into a state-of-the-art genetic engineering tool. Its exceptional precision in altering specific genes across diverse microorganisms positions it as a promising alternative for addressing antibiotic resistance by selectively modifying genes in diverse microorganisms. This comprehensive review concentrates on the historical background, discovery, developmental stages, and distinct components of CRISPR Cas9 technology. Emphasizing its role as a widely used genome engineering tool, the review explores how CRISPR Cas9 can significantly contribute to the targeted disruption of genes responsible for biofilm formation, highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and mitigate the challenges posed by biofilm-associated infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Pandey
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India
| | - Sirisha L Vavilala
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India.
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10
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Li M, Chen F, Yang Q, Tang Q, Xiao Z, Tong X, Zhang Y, Lei L, Li S. Biomaterial-Based CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery Systems for Tumor Treatment. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0023. [PMID: 38694229 PMCID: PMC11062511 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0023] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology is characterized by high specificity and efficiency, and has been applied to the treatment of human diseases, especially tumors involving multiple genetic modifications. However, the clinical application of CRISPR/Cas9 still faces some major challenges, the most urgent of which is the development of optimized delivery vectors. Biomaterials are currently the best choice for use in CRISPR/Cas9 delivery vectors owing to their tunability, biocompatibility, and efficiency. As research on biomaterial vectors continues to progress, hope for the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for clinical oncology therapy builds. In this review, we first detail the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its potential applications in tumor therapy. Then, we introduce the different delivery forms and compare the physical, viral, and non-viral vectors. In addition, we analyze the characteristics of different types of biomaterial vectors. We further review recent research progress in the use of biomaterials as vectors for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery to treat specific tumors. Finally, we summarize the shortcomings and prospects of biomaterial-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Fenglei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses,
Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Qinglai Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Zian Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xinying Tong
- Department of Hemodialysis, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lanjie Lei
- Institute of Translational Medicine,
Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
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11
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Sale JE, Stoddard BL. CRISPR in Nucleic Acids Research: the sequel. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3489-3492. [PMID: 38532709 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julian E Sale
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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12
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Ganguly C, Rostami S, Long K, Aribam SD, Rajan R. Unity among the diverse RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas interference mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107295. [PMID: 38641067 PMCID: PMC11127173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated) systems are adaptive immune systems that protect bacteria and archaea from invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The Cas protein-CRISPR RNA (crRNA) complex uses complementarity of the crRNA "guide" region to specifically recognize the invader genome. CRISPR effectors that perform targeted destruction of the foreign genome have emerged independently as multi-subunit protein complexes (Class 1 systems) and as single multi-domain proteins (Class 2). These different CRISPR-Cas systems can cleave RNA, DNA, and protein in an RNA-guided manner to eliminate the invader, and in some cases, they initiate programmed cell death/dormancy. The versatile mechanisms of the different CRISPR-Cas systems to target and destroy nucleic acids have been adapted to develop various programmable-RNA-guided tools and have revolutionized the development of fast, accurate, and accessible genomic applications. In this review, we present the structure and interference mechanisms of different CRISPR-Cas systems and an analysis of their unified features. The three types of Class 1 systems (I, III, and IV) have a conserved right-handed helical filamentous structure that provides a backbone for sequence-specific targeting while using unique proteins with distinct mechanisms to destroy the invader. Similarly, all three Class 2 types (II, V, and VI) have a bilobed architecture that binds the RNA-DNA/RNA hybrid and uses different nuclease domains to cleave invading MGEs. Additionally, we highlight the mechanistic similarities of CRISPR-Cas enzymes with other RNA-cleaving enzymes and briefly present the evolutionary routes of the different CRISPR-Cas systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhandosee Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Saadi Rostami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kole Long
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Swarmistha Devi Aribam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Rakhi Rajan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
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13
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Zheng C, Liang H, Dai L, Yu J, Long C. Dissecting the CRISPR Cas1-Cas2 Protospacer Binding and Selection Mechanism by Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3563-3574. [PMID: 38573978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cas1 and Cas2 are highly conserved proteins among the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat Cas (CRISPR-Cas) systems and play a crucial role in protospacer selection and integration. According to the double-forked CRISPR Cas1-Cas2 complex, we conducted extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the protospacer DNA binding and recognition. Our findings revealed that single-point amino acid mutations in Cas1 or in Cas2 had little impact on the binding of the protospacer, both in the binding and precatalytic states. In contrast, multiple-point amino acid mutations, particularly G74A, P80L, and V89A mutations on Cas2 and Cas2' proteins (m-multiple1 system), significantly affected the protospacer binding and selection. Notably, mutations on Cas2 and Cas2' led to an increased number of hydrogen bonds (#HBs) between Cas2&Cas2' and the dsDNA in the m-multiple1 system compared with the wild-type system. And the strong electrostatic interactions between Cas1-Cas2 and the protospacer DNA (psDNA) in the m-multiple1 system again suggested the increase in the binding affinity of protospacer acquisition. Specifically, mutations in Cas2 and Cas2' can remotely make the protospacer adjacent motif complementary (PAMc) sequences better in recognition by the two active sites, while multiple mutations K211E, P202Q, P212L, R138L, V134A, A286T, P282H, and P294H on Cas1a/Cas1b&Cas1a'/Cas1b' (m-multiple2 system) decrease the #HBs and the electrostatic interactions and make the PAMc worse in recognition compared with the wild-type system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbo Zheng
- School of Science, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Hongqiong Liang
- School of Science, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Liqiang Dai
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry, NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Chunhong Long
- School of Science, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
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14
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Xiao Z, Ying W, Xing Z, Zhihui L, Qiuyu Z, Caijiao H, Changlong L, Shi H, Deng L, Zhenwen C, Jianquan N, Xueyun H, Xiaoyan D. Unexpected mutations occurred in CRISPR/Cas9 edited Drosophila analyzed by deeply whole genomic sequencing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29061. [PMID: 38596060 PMCID: PMC11002691 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 possesses the most promising prospects as a gene-editing tool in post-genomic researches. It becomes an epoch-marking technique for the features of speed and convenience of genomic modification. However, it is still unclear whether CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can cause irreversible damage to the genome. In this study, we successfully knocked out the WHITE gene in Drosophila, which governs eye color, utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Subsequently, we conducted high-throughput sequencing to assess the impact of this editing process on the stability of the entire genomic profile. The results revealed the presence of numerous unexpected mutations in the Drosophila genome, including 630 SNVs (Single Nucleotide Variants), 525 Indels (Insertion and Deletion) and 425 MSIs (microsatellite instability). Although the KO (knockout) specifically occurred on chromosome X, the majority of mutations were observed on chromosome 3, indicating that this effect is genome-wide and associated with the spatial structure between chromosomes, rather than being solely limited to the location of the KO gene. It is worth noting that most of the mutations occurred in the intergenic and intron regions, without exerting any significant on the function or healthy of the animal. In addition, the mutations downstream of the knockout gene well beyond the upstream. This study has found that gene editing can lead to unexpected mutations in the genome, but most of these mutations are harmless. This research has deepened our understanding of CRISPR/Cas9 and broadened its application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wu Ying
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhihui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Qiuyu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Caijiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Changlong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanping Shi
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Deng
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhenwen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ni Jianquan
- Gene Regulatory Laboratory, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huo Xueyun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Du Xiaoyan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion & Metastasis Research, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Mariano CG, de Oliveira VC, Ambrósio CE. Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230089. [PMID: 38628493 PMCID: PMC11019828 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clésio Gomes Mariano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Cristina de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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16
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Gallego Villarejo L, Gerding WM, Bachmann L, Hardt LHI, Bormann S, Nguyen HP, Müller T. Optical Genome Mapping Reveals Genomic Alterations upon Gene Editing in hiPSCs: Implications for Neural Tissue Differentiation and Brain Organoid Research. Cells 2024; 13:507. [PMID: 38534351 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing, notably CRISPR (cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), has revolutionized genetic engineering allowing for precise targeted modifications. This technique's combination with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a particularly valuable tool in cerebral organoid (CO) research. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9-generated fluorescently labeled hiPSCs exhibited no significant morphological or growth rate differences compared with unedited controls. However, genomic aberrations during gene editing necessitate efficient genome integrity assessment methods. Optical genome mapping, a high-resolution genome-wide technique, revealed genomic alterations, including chromosomal copy number gain and losses affecting numerous genes. Despite these genomic alterations, hiPSCs retain their pluripotency and capacity to generate COs without major phenotypic changes but one edited cell line showed potential neuroectodermal differentiation impairment. Thus, this study highlights optical genome mapping in assessing genome integrity in CRISPR/Cas9-edited hiPSCs emphasizing the need for comprehensive integration of genomic and morphological analysis to ensure the robustness of hiPSC-based models in cerebral organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Gallego Villarejo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wanda M Gerding
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Luzie H I Hardt
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Bormann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thorsten Müller
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
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17
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Sun S, Yang H, Wu Z, Zhang S, Xu J, Shi P. CRISPR/Cas systems combined with DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:3098-3117. [PMID: 38406926 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc00290c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures are easy to design and construct, have good biocompatibility, and show great potential in biosensing and drug delivery. Numerous distinctive and versatile DNA nanostructures have been developed and explored for biomedical applications. In addition to DNA nanostructures that are completely assembled from DNA, composite DNA nanostructures obtained by combining DNA with other organic or inorganic materials are also widely used in related research. The CRISPR/Cas system has attracted great attention as a powerful gene editing technology and is also widely used in biomedical diagnosis. Many researchers are committed to exploring new possibilities by combining DNA nanostructures with CRISPR/Cas systems. These explorations provide support for the development of new detection methods and cargo delivery pathways, provide inspiration for improving relevant gene editing platforms, and further expand the application scope of DNA nanostructures and CRISPR/Cas systems. This paper mainly reviews the design principles and biomedical applications of CRISPR/Cas combined with DNA nanostructures based on the types of DNA nanostructures. Finally, the application status, challenges and development prospects of CRISPR/Cas combined with DNA nanostructures in detection and delivery are summarized. It is expected that this review will enable researchers to better understand the current state of the field and provide insights into the application of CRISPR/Cas systems and the development of DNA nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
| | - Haoqi Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
| | - Ziyong Wu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
| | - Jingjuan Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Pengfei Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
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18
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Waldo JJ, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. Epigenetic editing for autosomal dominant neurological disorders. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1304110. [PMID: 38510848 PMCID: PMC10950933 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1304110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the molecules and mechanisms that modify gene expression states without changing the nucleotide context. These modifications are what encode the cell state during differentiation or epigenetic memory in mitosis. Epigenetic modifications can alter gene expression by changing the chromatin architecture by altering the affinity for DNA to wrap around histone octamers, forming nucleosomes. The higher affinity the DNA has for the histones, the tighter it will wrap and therefore induce a heterochromatin state, silencing gene expression. Several groups have shown the ability to harness the cell's natural epigenetic modification pathways to engineer proteins that can induce changes in epigenetics and consequently regulate gene expression. Therefore, epigenetic modification can be used to target and treat disorders through the modification of endogenous gene expression. The use of epigenetic modifications may prove an effective path towards regulating gene expression to potentially correct or cure genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle D. Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, United States
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19
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Aviram N, Shilton AK, Lyn NG, Reis BS, Brivanlou A, Marraffini LA. The Cas10 nuclease activity relieves host dormancy to facilitate spacer acquisition and retention during type III-A CRISPR immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.11.579731. [PMID: 38405743 PMCID: PMC10888962 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.11.579731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of CRISPR immunity is the acquisition of short viral DNA sequences, known as spacers, that are transcribed into guide RNAs to recognize complementary sequences. The staphylococcal type III-A CRISPR-Cas system uses guide RNAs to locate viral transcripts and start a response that displays two mechanisms of immunity. When immunity is triggered by an early-expressed phage RNA, degradation of viral ssDNA can cure the host from infection. In contrast, when the RNA guide targets a late-expressed transcript, defense requires the activity of Csm6, a non-specific RNase. Here we show that Csm6 triggers a growth arrest of the host that provides immunity at the population level which hinders viral propagation to allow the replication of non-infected cells. We demonstrate that this mechanism leads to defense against not only the target phage but also other viruses present in the population that fail to replicate in the arrested cells. On the other hand, dormancy limits the acquisition and retention of spacers that trigger it. We found that the ssDNase activity of type III-A systems is required for the re-growth of a subset of the arrested cells, presumably through the degradation of the phage DNA, ending target transcription and inactivating the immune response. Altogether, our work reveals a built-in mechanism within type III-A CRISPR-Cas systems that allows the exit from dormancy needed for the subsistence of spacers that provide broad-spectrum immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Aviram
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda K Shilton
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nia G Lyn
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bernardo S Reis
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amir Brivanlou
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Luciano A Marraffini
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, the Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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20
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Li B, Zhai G, Dong Y, Wang L, Ma P. Recent progress on the CRISPR/Cas system in optical biosensors. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:798-816. [PMID: 38259224 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay02147e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein systems are adaptive immune systems unique to archaea and bacteria, with the characteristics of targeted recognition and gene editing to resist the invasion of foreign nucleic acids. Biosensors combined with the CRISPR/Cas system and optical detection technology have attracted much attention in medical diagnoses, food safety, agricultural progress, and environmental monitoring owing to their good sensitivity, high selectivity, and fast detection efficiency. In this review, we introduce the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas systems and developments in this area, followed by summarizing recent progress on CRISPR/Cas system-based optical biosensors combined with colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemiluminescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering optical techniques in various fields. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of CRISPR/Cas systems in optical biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Li
- School of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Guangyu Zhai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yaru Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Peng Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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21
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Liu S, Liu H, Wang X, Shi L. The immune system of prokaryotes: potential applications and implications for gene editing. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300352. [PMID: 38403433 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300352] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy has revolutionized the treatment of genetic diseases. Spearheading this revolution are sophisticated genome editing methods such as TALENs, ZFNs, and CRISPR-Cas, which trace their origins back to prokaryotic immune systems. Prokaryotes have developed various antiviral defense systems to combat viral attacks and the invasion of genetic elements. The comprehension of these defense mechanisms has paved the way for the development of indispensable tools in molecular biology. Among them, restriction endonuclease originates from the innate immune system of bacteria. The CRISPR-Cas system, a widely applied genome editing technology, is derived from the prokaryotic adaptive immune system. Single-base editing is a precise editing tool based on CRISPR-Cas system that involves deamination of target base. It is worth noting that prokaryotes possess deamination enzymes as part of their defense arsenal over foreign genetic material. Furthermore, prokaryotic Argonauts (pAgo) proteins, also function in anti-phage defense, play an important role in complementing the CRISPR-Cas system by addressing certain limitations it may have. Recent studies have also shed light on the significance of Retron, a reverse transcription transposon previously showed potential in genome editing, has also come to light in the realm of prokaryotic immunity. These noteworthy findings highlight the importance of studying prokaryotic immune system for advancing genome editing techniques. Here, both the origin of prokaryotic immunity underlying aforementioned genome editing tools, and potential applications of deaminase, pAgo protein and reverse transcriptase in genome editing among prokaryotes were introduced, thus emphasizing the fundamental mechanism and significance of prokaryotic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongling Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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23
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Muzyukina P, Soutourina O. CRISPR genotyping methods: Tracing the evolution from spoligotyping to machine learning. Biochimie 2024; 217:66-73. [PMID: 37506757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immunity defenses against foreign genetic invaders. The identification of CRISPR-Cas function is among the most impactful discoveries of recent decades that have shaped the development of genome editing in various organisms paving the way for a plethora of promising applications in biotechnology and health. Even before the discovery of CRISPR-Cas biological role, the particular structure of CRISPR loci has been explored for epidemiological genotyping of bacterial pathogens. CRISPR-Cas loci are arranged in CRISPR arrays of mostly identical direct repeats intercalated with invader-derived spacers and an operon of cas genes encoding the Cas protein components. Each small CRISPR RNA (crRNA) encoded within the CRISPR array constitutes a key functional unit of this RNA-based CRISPR-Cas defense system guiding the Cas effector proteins toward the foreign nucleic acids for their destruction. The information acquired from prior invader encounters and stored within CRISPR arrays turns out to be extremely valuable in tracing the microevolution and epidemiology of major bacterial pathogens. We review here the history of CRISPR-based typing strategies highlighting the first PCR-based methods that have set the stage for recent developments of high-throughput sequencing and machine learning-based approaches. A great amount of whole genome sequencing and metagenomic data accumulated in recent years opens up new avenues for combining experimental and computational approaches of high-resolution CRISPR-based typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Muzyukina
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - O Soutourina
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
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24
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Mohammadian Farsani A, Mokhtari N, Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Akbari A, Farsani ZM, Khatami S, Ebadi MS, Ahmadian G. Lipid nanoparticles: The game-changer in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24606. [PMID: 38288017 PMCID: PMC10823087 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The steady progress in genome editing, especially genome editing based on the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and programmable nucleases to make precise modifications to genetic material, has provided enormous opportunities to advance biomedical research and promote human health. However, limited transfection efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 poses a substantial challenge, hindering its wide adoption for genetic modification. Recent advancements in nanoparticle technology, specifically lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), offer promising opportunities for targeted drug delivery. LNPs are becoming popular as a means of delivering therapeutics, including those based on nucleic acids and mRNA. Notably, certain LNPs, such as Polyethylene glycol-phospholipid-modified cationic lipid nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles, exhibit remarkable potential for efficient CRISPR-Cas9 delivery as a gene editing instrument. This review will introduce the molecular mechanisms and diverse applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, current strategies for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, the advantage of LNPs for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, an overview of strategies for overcoming off-target genome editing, and approaches for improving genome targeting and tissue targeting. We will also highlight current developments and recent clinical trials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, future directions for overcoming the limitations and adaptation of this technology for clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Mohammadian Farsani
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Mokhtari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi Univesity, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zoheir Mohammadian Farsani
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedmoein Khatami
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh sadat Ebadi
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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25
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Madugula SS, Pujar P, Bharani N, Wang S, Jayasinghe-Arachchige VM, Pham T, Mashburn D, Artilis M, Liu J. Identification of Family-Specific Features in Cas9 and Cas12 Proteins: A Machine Learning Approach Using Complete Protein Feature Spectrum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576286. [PMID: 38328240 PMCID: PMC10849529 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The recent development of CRISPR-Cas technology holds promise to correct gene-level defects for genetic diseases. The key element of the CRISPR-Cas system is the Cas protein, a nuclease that can edit the gene of interest assisted by guide RNA. However, these Cas proteins suffer from inherent limitations like large size, low cleavage efficiency, and off-target effects, hindering their widespread application as a gene editing tool. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel Cas proteins with improved editing properties, for which it is necessary to understand the underlying features governing the Cas families. In the current study, we aim to elucidate the unique protein attributes associated with Cas9 and Cas12 families and identify the features that distinguish each family from the other. Here, we built Random Forest (RF) binary classifiers to distinguish Cas12 and Cas9 proteins from non-Cas proteins, respectively, using the complete protein feature spectrum (13,495 features) encoding various physiochemical, topological, constitutional, and coevolutionary information of Cas proteins. Furthermore, we built multiclass RF classifiers differentiating Cas9, Cas12, and Non-Cas proteins. All the models were evaluated rigorously on the test and independent datasets. The Cas12 and Cas9 binary models achieved a high overall accuracy of 95% and 97% on their respective independent datasets, while the multiclass classifier achieved a high F1 score of 0.97. We observed that Quasi-sequence-order descriptors like Schneider-lag descriptors and Composition descriptors like charge, volume, and polarizability are essential for the Cas12 family. More interestingly, we discovered that Amino Acid Composition descriptors, especially the Tripeptide Composition (TPC) descriptors, are important for the Cas9 family. Four of the identified important descriptors of Cas9 classification are tripeptides PWN, PYY, HHA, and DHI, which are seen to be conserved across all the Cas9 proteins and were located within different catalytically important domains of the Cas9 protein structure. Among these four tripeptides, tripeptides DHI and HHA are well-known to be involved in the DNA cleavage activity of the Cas9 protein. We therefore propose the the other two tripeptides, PWN and PYY, may also be essential for the Cas9 family. Our identified important descriptors enhanced the understanding of the catalytic mechanisms of Cas9 and Cas12 proteins and provide valuable insights into design of novel Cas systems to achieve enhanced gene-editing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sirisha Madugula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Pranav Pujar
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States
| | - Nammi Bharani
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States
| | - Shouyi Wang
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States
| | - Vindi M. Jayasinghe-Arachchige
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Tyler Pham
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Dominic Mashburn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Maria Artilis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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Li J, Wu S, Zhang K, Sun X, Lin W, Wang C, Lin S. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/CRISPR-Associated Protein and Its Utility All at Sea: Status, Challenges, and Prospects. Microorganisms 2024; 12:118. [PMID: 38257946 PMCID: PMC10820777 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Initially discovered over 35 years ago in the bacterium Escherichia coli as a defense system against invasion of viral (or other exogenous) DNA into the genome, CRISPR/Cas has ushered in a new era of functional genetics and served as a versatile genetic tool in all branches of life science. CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized the methodology of gene knockout with simplicity and rapidity, but it is also powerful for gene knock-in and gene modification. In the field of marine biology and ecology, this tool has been instrumental in the functional characterization of 'dark' genes and the documentation of the functional differentiation of gene paralogs. Powerful as it is, challenges exist that have hindered the advances in functional genetics in some important lineages. This review examines the status of applications of CRISPR/Cas in marine research and assesses the prospect of quickly expanding the deployment of this powerful tool to address the myriad fundamental marine biology and biological oceanography questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Shuaishuai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Kaidian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570203, China
| | - Xueqiong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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27
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Zhang Y, Yu W, Wang M, Zhang L, Li P. Nanozyme-assisted amplification-free CRISPR/Cas system realizes visual detection. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1327498. [PMID: 38249803 PMCID: PMC10796770 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1327498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas (CRISPR associated) system has proven to be a powerful tool for nucleic acid detection due to its inherent advantages of effective nucleic acid identification and editing capabilities, and is therefore known as the next-generation of molecular diagnostic technology. However, the detection technologies based on CRISPR/Cas systems require preamplification of target analytes; that is, target gene amplification steps through isothermal amplification or PCR before detection to increase target analyte concentrations. This creates a number of testing limitations, such as extended testing time and the need for more sophisticated testing instruments. To overcome the above limitations, various amplification-free assay strategies based on CRISPR/Cas systems have been explored as alternatives, which omit the preamplification step to increase the concentrations of the target analytes. Nanozymes play a pivotal role in enhancing the sensitivity of CRISPR-based detection, enabling visual and rapid CRISPR assays. The utilization of nanozyme exceptional enzyme-like catalytic activity holds great promise for signal amplification in both electrochemical and optical domains, encompassing strategies for electrochemical signal sensors and colorimetric signal sensors. Rather than relying on converting a single detection target analyte into multiple analytes, these methods focus on signal amplification, the main mechanism of which involves the ability to form a large number of reporter molecules or to improve the performance of the sensor. This exploitation of nanozymes for signal amplification results in the heightened sensitivity and accuracy of detection outcomes. In addition to the strategies that improve sensor performance through the application of nanozymes, additional methods are needed to achieve visual signal amplification strategies without preamplification processes. Herein, we review the strategies for improving CRISPR/Cas systems that do not require preamplification, providing a simple, intuitive and preamplification-free CRISPR/Cas system detection platform by improving in-system one-step amplification programs, or enhancing nanozyme-mediated signal amplification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- Medical Collage, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Man Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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28
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Baca CF, Yu Y, Rostøl JT, Majumder P, Patel DJ, Marraffini LA. The CRISPR effector Cam1 mediates membrane depolarization for phage defence. Nature 2024; 625:797-804. [PMID: 38200316 PMCID: PMC10808066 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06902-y] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Prokaryotic type III CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity against viruses and plasmids using CRISPR-associated Rossman fold (CARF) protein effectors1-5. Recognition of transcripts of these invaders with sequences that are complementary to CRISPR RNA guides leads to the production of cyclic oligoadenylate second messengers, which bind CARF domains and trigger the activity of an effector domain6,7. Whereas most effectors degrade host and invader nucleic acids, some are predicted to contain transmembrane helices without an enzymatic function. Whether and how these CARF-transmembrane helix fusion proteins facilitate the type III CRISPR-Cas immune response remains unknown. Here we investigate the role of cyclic oligoadenylate-activated membrane protein 1 (Cam1) during type III CRISPR immunity. Structural and biochemical analyses reveal that the CARF domains of a Cam1 dimer bind cyclic tetra-adenylate second messengers. In vivo, Cam1 localizes to the membrane, is predicted to form a tetrameric transmembrane pore, and provides defence against viral infection through the induction of membrane depolarization and growth arrest. These results reveal that CRISPR immunity does not always operate through the degradation of nucleic acids, but is instead mediated via a wider range of cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian F Baca
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - You Yu
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jakob T Rostøl
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Puja Majumder
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Luciano A Marraffini
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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29
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Bartosh UI, Dome AS, Zhukova NV, Karitskaya PE, Stepanov GA. CRISPR/Cas9 as a New Antiviral Strategy for Treating Hepatitis Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:334. [PMID: 38203503 PMCID: PMC10779197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010334] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease primarily caused by hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV), and E (HEV) viruses. The chronic forms of hepatitis resulting from HBV and HCV infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while acute hepatitis can lead to acute liver failure, sometimes resulting in fatality. Viral hepatitis was responsible for over 1 million reported deaths annually. The treatment of hepatitis caused by viral infections currently involves the use of interferon-α (IFN-α), nucleoside inhibitors, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (for HBV). However, these methods do not always lead to a complete cure for viral infections, and chronic forms of the disease pose significant treatment challenges. These facts underscore the urgent need to explore novel drug developments for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the subsequent development of various modifications of this system have represented a groundbreaking advance in the quest for innovative strategies in the treatment of viral infections. This technology enables the targeted disruption of specific regions of the genome of infectious agents or the direct manipulation of cellular factors involved in viral replication by introducing a double-strand DNA break, which is targeted by guide RNA (spacer). This review provides a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge regarding the application of the CRISPR/Cas system in the regulation of viral infections caused by HAV, HBV, and HCV. It also highlights new strategies for drug development aimed at addressing both acute and chronic forms of viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Grigory A. Stepanov
- The Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (U.I.B.); (A.S.D.); (N.V.Z.); (P.E.K.)
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30
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Koonin EV, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Discovery of Diverse CRISPR-Cas Systems and Expansion of the Genome Engineering Toolbox. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3465-3487. [PMID: 37192099 PMCID: PMC10734277 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR systems mediate adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea through diverse effector mechanisms and have been repurposed for versatile applications in therapeutics and diagnostics thanks to their facile reprogramming with RNA guides. RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas targeting and interference are mediated by effectors that are either components of multisubunit complexes in class 1 systems or multidomain single-effector proteins in class 2. The compact class 2 CRISPR systems have been broadly adopted for multiple applications, especially genome editing, leading to a transformation of the molecular biology and biotechnology toolkit. The diversity of class 2 effector enzymes, initially limited to the Cas9 nuclease, was substantially expanded via computational genome and metagenome mining to include numerous variants of Cas12 and Cas13, providing substrates for the development of versatile, orthogonal molecular tools. Characterization of these diverse CRISPR effectors uncovered many new features, including distinct protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) that expand the targeting space, improved editing specificity, RNA rather than DNA targeting, smaller crRNAs, staggered and blunt end cuts, miniature enzymes, promiscuous RNA and DNA cleavage, etc. These unique properties enabled multiple applications, such as harnessing the promiscuous RNase activity of the type VI effector, Cas13, for supersensitive nucleic acid detection. class 1 CRISPR systems have been adopted for genome editing, as well, despite the challenge of expressing and delivering the multiprotein class 1 effectors. The rich diversity of CRISPR enzymes led to rapid maturation of the genome editing toolbox, with capabilities such as gene knockout, base editing, prime editing, gene insertion, DNA imaging, epigenetic modulation, transcriptional modulation, and RNA editing. Combined with rational design and engineering of the effector proteins and associated RNAs, the natural diversity of CRISPR and related bacterial RNA-guided systems provides a vast resource for expanding the repertoire of tools for molecular biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V. Koonin
- National
Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- McGovern
Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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31
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Li YR, Lyu Z, Tian Y, Fang Y, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Yang L. Advancements in CRISPR screens for the development of cancer immunotherapy strategies. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100733. [PMID: 37876793 PMCID: PMC10591018 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR screen technology enables systematic and scalable interrogation of gene function by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to perturb gene expression. In the field of cancer immunotherapy, this technology has empowered the discovery of genes, biomarkers, and pathways that regulate tumor development and progression, immune reactivity, and the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions. By conducting large-scale genetic screens, researchers have successfully identified novel targets to impede tumor growth, enhance anti-tumor immune responses, and surmount immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we present an overview of CRISPR screens conducted in tumor cells for the purpose of identifying novel therapeutic targets. We also explore the application of CRISPR screens in immune cells to propel the advancement of cell-based therapies, encompassing T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Furthermore, we outline the crucial components necessary for the successful implementation of immune-specific CRISPR screens and explore potential directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yanxin Tian
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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32
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Pastuszka A, Rousseau GM, Somerville V, Levesque S, Fiset JP, Goulet A, Doyon Y, Moineau S. Dairy phages escape CRISPR defence of Streptococcus thermophilus via the anti-CRISPR AcrIIA3. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 407:110414. [PMID: 37778080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial community collapse due to phage infection is a major risk in cheese making processes. As virulent phages are ubiquitous and diverse in milk fermentation factories, the use of phage-resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is essential to obtain high-quality fermented dairy products. The LAB species Streptococcus thermophilus contains two type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems (CRISPR1 and CRISPR3) that can effectively protect against phage infection. However, virulent streptococcal phages carrying anti-CRISPR proteins (ACR) that block the activity of CRISPR-Cas systems have emerged in yogurt and cheese environments. For example, phages carrying AcrIIA5 can impede both CRISPR1 and CRISPR3 systems, while AcrIIA6 stops only CRISPR1. Here, we explore the activity and diversity of a third streptococcal phage anti-CRISPR protein, namely AcrIIA3. We were able to demonstrate that AcrIIA3 is efficiently active against the CRISPR3-Cas system of S. thermophilus. We used AlphaFold2 to infer the structure of AcrIIA3 and we predicted that this new family of functional ACR in virulent streptococcal phages has a new α-helical fold, with no previously identified structural homologs. Because ACR proteins are being explored as modulators in genome editing applications, we also tested AcrIIA3 against SpCas9. We found that AcrIIA3 could block SpCas9 in bacteria but not in human cells. Understanding the diversity and functioning of anti-defence mechanisms will be of importance in the design of long-term stable starter cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Pastuszka
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève M Rousseau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Somerville
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Levesque
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Fiset
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Adeline Goulet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologies, CNRS UMR7255, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Yannick Doyon
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Bora J, Dey A, Lyngdoh AR, Dhasmana A, Ranjan A, Kishore S, Rustagi S, Tuli HS, Chauhan A, Rath P, Malik S. A critical review on therapeutic approaches of CRISPR-Cas9 in diabetes mellitus. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3459-3481. [PMID: 37522916 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02631-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is a common metabolic disorder caused mainly by combining two primary factors, which are (1) defects in insulin production by the pancreatic β-cells and (2) responsiveness of insulin-sensitive tissues towards insulin. Despite the rapid advancement in medicine to suppress elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and insulin resistance associated with this hazard, a demand has undoubtedly emerged to find more effective and curative dimensions in therapeutic approaches against D.M. The administration of diabetes treatment that emphasizes insulin production and sensitivity may result in unfavorable side effects, reduced adherence, and potential treatment ineffectiveness. Recent progressions in genome editing technologies, for instance, in zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR-Cas)-associated nucleases, have greatly influenced the gene editing technology from concepts to clinical practices. Improvements in genome editing technologies have also opened up the possibility to target and modify specific genome sequences in a cell directly. CRISPR/Cas9 has proven effective in utilizing ex vivo gene editing in embryonic stem cells and stem cells derived from patients. This application has facilitated the exploration of pancreatic beta-cell development and function. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 enables the creation of innovative animal models for diabetes and assesses the effectiveness of different therapeutic strategies in treating the condition. We, therefore, present a critical review of the therapeutic approaches of the genome editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 in treating D.M., discussing the challenges and limitations of implementing this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India
| | - Ankita Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India
| | - Antonia R Lyngdoh
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India
| | - Archna Dhasmana
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Stachki 194/1, Rostov-On-Don, 344090, Russia
| | - Shristi Kishore
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, 22 Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India.
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, 22 Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
- Guru Nanak College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
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Anand V, Prabhakaran HS, Prakash A, Hussain MS, Kumar M. Differential processing of CRISPR RNA by LinCas5c and LinCas6 of Leptospira. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130469. [PMID: 37797871 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni's genome harbors two CRISPR-Cas systems belonging to subtypes I-B and I-C. However, in L. interrogans, the subtype I-C locus lacks an array component essential for assembling an interference complex. Thus, the reason for sustaining the expense of a cluster of cas genes (I-C) is obscure. Type I-C (previously Dvulg) is the only CRISPR subtype that engages Cas5c, a Cas5 variant, to process precursor CRISPR-RNA (pre-crRNA). In this study, thus, the recombinant Cas5c (rLinCas5c) of L.interrogans and its mutant variants were cloned, expressed, and purified. The purified rLinCas5c is illustrated as metal-independent, sequence, and size-specific cleavage on repeat RNA and pre-crRNA of subtype I-B or orphan CRISPR array. However, the Cas6-bound mature crRNA of subtype I-B fends off from the rLinCas5c activity. In addition, rLinCas5c holds metal and size-dependent DNase activity. The bioinformatics analysis of LinCas5c inferred that it belongs to the subgroup Cas5c-B. Substitution of Phe141 with a more conserved His residue and deletion of unique (β1'-β2') insertions usher a gain of rLinCas5c activity over nucleic acid. Overall, our results uncover the functional diversity of Cas5c ribonucleases and infer an incognito auxiliary role in the absence of a cognate CRISPR array.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Anand
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Harshini Sheeja Prabhakaran
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Aman Prakash
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Md Saddam Hussain
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
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Newsom SN, Wang DS, Rostami S, Schuster I, Parameshwaran HP, Joseph YG, Qin PZ, Liu J, Rajan R. Differential Divalent Metal Binding by SpyCas9's RuvC Active Site Contributes to Nonspecific DNA Cleavage. CRISPR J 2023; 6:527-542. [PMID: 38108519 PMCID: PMC10753984 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0022] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To protect against mobile genetic elements (MGEs), some bacteria and archaea have clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) adaptive immune systems. CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) bound to Cas nucleases hybridize to MGEs based on sequence complementarity to guide the nucleases to cleave the MGEs. This programmable DNA cleavage has been harnessed for gene editing. Safety concerns include off-target and guide RNA (gRNA)-free DNA cleavages, both of which are observed in the Cas nuclease commonly used for gene editing, Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9). We developed a SpyCas9 variant (SpyCas9H982A) devoid of gRNA-free DNA cleavage activity that is more selective for on-target cleavage. The H982A substitution in the metal-dependent RuvC active site reduces Mn2+-dependent gRNA-free DNA cleavage by ∼167-fold. Mechanistic molecular dynamics analysis shows that Mn2+, but not Mg2+, produces a gRNA-free DNA cleavage competent state that is disrupted by the H982A substitution. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of modulating cation:protein interactions to engineer safer gene editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney N. Newsom
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Duen-Shian Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Saadi Rostami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Isabelle Schuster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hari Priya Parameshwaran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yadin G. Joseph
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Peter Z. Qin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Rakhi Rajan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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Aslan C, Zolbanin NM, Faraji F, Jafari R. Exosomes for CRISPR-Cas9 Delivery: The Cutting Edge in Genome Editing. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00932-7. [PMID: 38012525 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00932-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene mutation correction was challenging until the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas). CRISPR is a new era for genome modification, and this technology has bypassed the limitations of previous methods such as zinc-finger nuclease and transcription activator-like effector nuclease. Currently, this method is becoming the method of choice for gene-editing purposes, especially therapeutic gene editing in diseases such as cardiovascular, neurological, renal, genetic, optical, and stem cell, as well as blood disorders and muscular degeneration. However, finding the optimum delivery system capable of carrying this large complex persists as the main challenge of this technology. Therefore, it would be ideal if the delivery vehicle could direct the introduction of editing functions to specific cells in a multicellular organism. Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles with high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity; they offer the best and most reliable way to fill the CRISPR/Cas9 system delivery gap. This review presents the current evidence on the molecular mechanisms and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome modification. Also, the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in the development of treatment and diagnosis of numerous disorders, from malignancies to viral infections, has been discussed. Lastly, the focus is on new advances in exosome-delivery technologies that may play a role in CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for future clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Aslan
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Naime Majidi Zolbanin
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Floor 3, Building No. 3, Niyayesh St, Sattar Khan St, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Shafa St., Ershad Blvd., P.O. Box: 1138, Urmia, 57147, Iran.
- Department of Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Hu Y, Liu L, Jiang Q, Fang W, Chen Y, Hong Y, Zhai X. CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful tool in colorectal cancer research. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:308. [PMID: 37993945 PMCID: PMC10664500 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide and seriously threatens human health. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associate nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is an adaptive immune system of bacteria or archaea. Since its introduction, research into various aspects of treatment approaches for CRC has been accelerated, including investigation of the oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), drug resistance genes, target genes, mouse model construction, and especially in genome-wide library screening. Furthermore, the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be utilized for gene therapy for CRC, specifically involving in the molecular targeted drug delivery or targeted knockout in vivo. In this review, we elucidate the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its comprehensive applications in CRC. Additionally, we discussed the issue of off-target effects associated with CRISPR/Cas9, which serves to restrict its practical application. Future research on CRC should in-depth and systematically utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 system thereby achieving clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Jiande, Hangzhou, 311600, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Weiping Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Jiande, Hangzhou, 311600, China
| | - Yazhu Chen
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, China.
| | - Yuntian Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xiang Zhai
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Maghsoud Y, Jayasinghe-Arachchige VM, Kumari P, Cisneros GA, Liu J. Leveraging QM/MM and Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Decipher the Reaction Mechanism of the Cas9 HNH Domain to Investigate Off-Target Effects. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6834-6850. [PMID: 37877218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01284] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology is an RNA-guided targeted genome-editing tool using Cas family proteins. Two magnesium-dependent nuclease domains of the Cas9 enzyme, termed HNH and RuvC, are responsible for cleaving the target DNA (t-DNA) and nontarget DNA strands, respectively. The HNH domain is believed to determine the DNA cleavage activity of both endonuclease domains and is sensitive to complementary RNA-DNA base pairing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9, by which it rebukes or accepts mismatches, are poorly understood. Thus, investigation of the structure and dynamics of the catalytic state of Cas9 with either matched or mismatched t-DNA can provide insights into improving its specificity by reducing off-target cleavages. Here, we focus on a recently discovered catalytic-active form of the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and employ classical molecular dynamics and coupled quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations to study two possible mechanisms of t-DNA cleavage reaction catalyzed by the HNH domain. Moreover, by designing a mismatched t-DNA structure called MM5 (C to G at the fifth position from the protospacer adjacent motif region), the impact of single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and t-DNA complementarity on the catalysis process was investigated. Based on these simulations, our calculated binding affinities, minimum energy paths, and analysis of catalytically important residues provide atomic-level details of the differences between matched and mismatched cleavage reactions. In addition, several residues exhibit significant differences in their catalytic roles for the two studied systems, including K253, K263, R820, K896, and K913.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazdan Maghsoud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Vindi M Jayasinghe-Arachchige
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Pratibha Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - G Andrés Cisneros
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
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Zhang S, Wang Y, Mao D, Wang Y, Zhang H, Pan Y, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. Current trends of clinical trials involving CRISPR/Cas systems. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1292452. [PMID: 38020120 PMCID: PMC10666174 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1292452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful genome editing tool that has made enormous impacts on next-generation molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, especially for genetic disorders that traditional therapies cannot cure. Currently, CRISPR-based gene editing is widely applied in basic, preclinical, and clinical studies. In this review, we attempt to identify trends in clinical studies involving CRISPR techniques to gain insights into the improvement and contribution of CRISPR/Cas technologies compared to traditional modified modalities. The review of clinical trials is focused on the applications of the CRISPR/Cas systems in the treatment of cancer, hematological, endocrine, and immune system diseases, as well as in diagnostics. The scientific basis underlined is analyzed. In addition, the challenges of CRISPR application in disease therapies and recent advances that expand and improve CRISPR applications in precision medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dezhi Mao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yihan Pan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuezeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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40
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Misra V, Mall AK, Pandey H, Srivastava S, Sharma A. Advancements and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet. Front Genet 2023; 14:1235855. [PMID: 38028586 PMCID: PMC10665535 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1235855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugar beet is a crop with high sucrose content, known for sugar production and recently being considered as an emerging raw material for bioethanol production. This crop is also utilized as cattle feed, mainly when animal green fodder is scarce. Bioethanol and hydrogen gas production from this crop is an essential source of clean energy. Environmental stresses (abiotic/biotic) severely affect the productivity of this crop. Over the past few decades, the molecular mechanisms of biotic and abiotic stress responses in sugar beet have been investigated using next-generation sequencing, gene editing/silencing, and over-expression approaches. This information can be efficiently utilized through CRISPR/Cas 9 technology to mitigate the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet cultivation. This review highlights the potential use of CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for abiotic and biotic stress management in sugar beet. Beet genes known to be involved in response to alkaline, cold, and heavy metal stresses can be precisely modified via CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for enhancing sugar beet's resilience to abiotic stresses with minimal off-target effects. Similarly, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology can help generate insect-resistant sugar beet varieties by targeting susceptibility-related genes, whereas incorporating Cry1Ab and Cry1C genes may provide defense against lepidopteron insects. Overall, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology may help enhance sugar beet's adaptability to challenging environments, ensuring sustainable, high-yield production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varucha Misra
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - A. K. Mall
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Himanshu Pandey
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
- Khalsa College, Amritsar, India
| | | | - Avinash Sharma
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, India
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Kevadiya BD, Islam F, Deol P, Zaman LA, Mosselhy DA, Ashaduzzaman M, Bajwa N, Routhu NK, Singh PA, Dawre S, Vora LK, Nahid S, Mathur D, Nayan MU, Baldi A, Kothari R, Patel TA, Madan J, Gounani Z, Bariwal J, Hettie KS, Gendelman HE. Delivery of gene editing therapeutics. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102711. [PMID: 37813236 PMCID: PMC10843524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
For the past decades, gene editing demonstrated the potential to attenuate each of the root causes of genetic, infectious, immune, cancerous, and degenerative disorders. More recently, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) editing proved effective for editing genomic, cancerous, or microbial DNA to limit disease onset or spread. However, the strategies to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 cargos and elicit protective immune responses requires safe delivery to disease targeted cells and tissues. While viral vector-based systems and viral particles demonstrate high efficiency and stable transgene expression, each are limited in their packaging capacities and secondary untoward immune responses. In contrast, the nonviral vector lipid nanoparticles were successfully used for as vaccine and therapeutic deliverables. Herein, we highlight each available gene delivery systems for treating and preventing a broad range of infectious, inflammatory, genetic, and degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for disease treatment and prevention is an emerging field that can change the outcome of many chronic debilitating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavesh D Kevadiya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Farhana Islam
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Pallavi Deol
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Institute of Modeling Collaboration and Innovation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
| | - Lubaba A Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Dina A Mosselhy
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Microbiological Unit, Fish Diseases Department, Animal Health Research Institute, ARC, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt.
| | - Md Ashaduzzaman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Neha Bajwa
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Nanda Kishore Routhu
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Preet Amol Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Shilpa Dawre
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs, NMIMS, Babulde Banks of Tapi River, MPTP Park, Mumbai-Agra Road, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India.
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sumaiya Nahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | | | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Ashish Baldi
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Ramesh Kothari
- Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005, Gujarat, India.
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jitender Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-NIPER, Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India.
| | - Zahra Gounani
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jitender Bariwal
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430-6551, USA.
| | - Kenneth S Hettie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Allemailem KS, Alsahli MA, Almatroudi A, Alrumaihi F, Al Abdulmonem W, Moawad AA, Alwanian WM, Almansour NM, Rahmani AH, Khan AA. Innovative Strategies of Reprogramming Immune System Cells by Targeting CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome-Editing Tools: A New Era of Cancer Management. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5531-5559. [PMID: 37795042 PMCID: PMC10547015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s424872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent developments in the study of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system have revolutionized the art of genome-editing and its applications for cellular differentiation and immune response behavior. This technology has further helped in understanding the mysteries of cancer progression and possible designing of novel antitumor immunotherapies. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing is now often used to engineer universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In addition, this technology is used in cytokine stimulation, antibody designing, natural killer (NK) cell transfer, and to overcome immune checkpoints. The innovative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in preparing the building blocks of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy has opened a new window of antitumor immunotherapy and some of them have gained FDA approval. The manipulation of immunogenetic regulators has opened a new interface for designing, implementation and interpretation of CRISPR/Cas9-based screening in immuno-oncology. Several cancers like lymphoma, melanoma, lung, and liver malignancies have been treated with this strategy, once thought to be impossible. The safe and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system within the immune cells for the genome-editing strategy is a challenging task which needs to be sorted out for efficient immunotherapy. Several targeting approaches like virus-mediated, electroporation, microinjection and nanoformulation-based methods have been used, but each procedure offers some limitations. Here, we elaborate the recent updates of cancer management through immunotherapy in partnership with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Further, some innovative methods of targeting this genome-editing system within the immune system cells for reprogramming them, as a novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy is elaborated. In addition, future prospects and clinical trials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A Moawad
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Wanian M Alwanian
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahlah Makki Almansour
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Benjakob O, Guley O, Sevin JM, Blondel L, Augustoni A, Collet M, Jouveshomme L, Amit R, Linder A, Aviram R. Wikipedia as a tool for contemporary history of science: A case study on CRISPR. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290827. [PMID: 37703244 PMCID: PMC10499201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290827] [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: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid developments and methodological divides hinder the study of how scientific knowledge accumulates, consolidates and transfers to the public sphere. Our work proposes using Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, as a historiographical source for contemporary science. We chose the high-profile field of gene editing as our test case, performing a historical analysis of the English-language Wikipedia articles on CRISPR. Using a mixed-method approach, we qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the CRISPR article's text, sections and references, alongside 50 affiliated articles. These, we found, documented the CRISPR field's maturation from a fundamental scientific discovery to a biotechnological revolution with vast social and cultural implications. We developed automated tools to support such research and demonstrated its applicability to two other scientific fields-coronavirus and circadian clocks. Our method utilizes Wikipedia as a digital and free archive, showing it can document the incremental growth of knowledge and the manner scientific research accumulates and translates into public discourse. Using Wikipedia in this manner compliments and overcomes some issues with contemporary histories and can also augment existing bibliometric research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Benjakob
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Olha Guley
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sevin
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Leo Blondel
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Ariane Augustoni
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Collet
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Louise Jouveshomme
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Roy Amit
- Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ariel Linder
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
| | - Rona Aviram
- System Engineering and Evolution Dynamics, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Learning Planet Institute, Paris, France
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Wang C, Yang Y, Tang S, Liu Y, Wei Y, Wan X, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Sunkang Y. Comparison of Structural Features of CRISPR-Cas Systems in Thermophilic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2275. [PMID: 37764119 PMCID: PMC10536717 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) is an adaptive immune system that defends most archaea and many bacteria from foreign DNA, such as phages, viruses, and plasmids. The link between the CRISPR-Cas system and the optimum growth temperature of thermophilic bacteria remains unclear. To investigate the relationship between the structural characteristics, diversity, and distribution properties of the CRISPR-Cas system and the optimum growth temperature in thermophilic bacteria, genomes of 61 species of thermophilic bacteria with complete genome sequences were downloaded from GenBank in this study. We used CRISPRFinder to extensively study CRISPR structures and CRISPR-associated genes (cas) from thermophilic bacteria. We statistically analyzed the association between the CRISPR-Cas system and the optimum growth temperature of thermophilic bacteria. The results revealed that 59 strains of 61 thermophilic bacteria had at least one CRISPR locus, accounting for 96.72% of the total. Additionally, a total of 362 CRISPR loci, 209 entirely distinct repetitive sequences, 131 cas genes, and 7744 spacer sequences were discovered. The average number of CRISPR loci and the average minimum free energy (MFE) of the RNA secondary structure of repeat sequences were positively correlated with temperature whereas the average length of CRISPR loci and the average number of spacers were negatively correlated. The temperature did not affect the average number of CRISPR loci, the average length of repeats, or the guanine-cytosine (GC) content of repeats. The average number of CRISPR loci, the average length of the repeats, and the GC content of the repeats did not reflect temperature dependence. This study may provide a new basis for the study of the thermophilic bacterial adaptation mechanisms of thermophilic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yuze Yang
- Beijing Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing 100070, China; (Y.Y.); (S.T.)
| | - Shaoqing Tang
- Beijing Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing 100070, China; (Y.Y.); (S.T.)
| | - Yuanzi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yaqin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation and Application of Gansu Province, Center for Anaerobic Microbes, Institute of Biology, Gansu Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Xuerui Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yajuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yongjie Sunkang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
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45
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Brockman QR, Scherer A, McGivney GR, Gutierrez WR, Rytlewski J, Sheehan A, Warrier A, Laverty EA, Roughton G, Carnevale NC, Knepper-Adrian V, Dodd RD. Discrepancies in indel software resolution with somatic CRISPR/Cas9 tumorigenesis models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14798. [PMID: 37684258 PMCID: PMC10491828 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41109-1] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has evolved from a simple laboratory tool to a powerful method of in vivo genomic engineering. As the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology have grown, the need to characterize the breadth and depth of indels generated by editing has expanded. Traditionally, investigators use one of several publicly-available platforms to determine CRISPR/Cas9-induced indels in an edited sample. However, to our knowledge, there has not been a cross-platform comparison of available indel analysis software in samples generated from somatic in vivo mouse models. Our group has pioneered using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate somatic primary mouse models of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) through genetic editing of Nf1. Here, we used sequencing data from the in vivo editing of the Nf1 gene in our CRISPR/Cas9 tumorigenesis model to directly compare results across four different software platforms. By analyzing the same genetic target across a wide panel of cell lines with the same sequence file, we are able to draw systematic conclusions about the differences in these software programs for analysis of in vivo-generated indels. Surprisingly, we report high variability in the reported number, size, and frequency of indels across each software platform. These data highlight the importance of selecting indel analysis platforms specific to the context that the gene editing approach is being applied. Taken together, this analysis shows that different software platforms can report widely divergent indel data from the same sample, particularly if larger indels are present, which are common in somatic, in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qierra R Brockman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Amanda Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Gavin R McGivney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Cancer Biology Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Wade R Gutierrez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Cancer Biology Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rytlewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Alexa Sheehan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Akshaya Warrier
- Cancer Biology Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Emily A Laverty
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Grace Roughton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Nina C Carnevale
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Vickie Knepper-Adrian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, 5206 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Cancer Biology Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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46
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Whitley JA, Cai H. Engineering extracellular vesicles to deliver CRISPR ribonucleoprotein for gene editing. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12343. [PMID: 37723839 PMCID: PMC10507228 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12343] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a gene editing tool with tremendous therapeutic potential. Recently, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex-based CRISPR systems have gained momentum due to their reduction of off-target editing. This has coincided with the emergence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic delivery vehicle due to its low immunogenicity and high capacity for manipulation. EVs are cell-derived membranous nanoparticles which mediate the intercellular transfer of molecular components. Current technologies achieve CRISPR RNP encapsulation into EVs through EVs biogenesis, thereby avoiding unnecessary physical, chemical or biological manipulations to the vesicles directly. Herein, we identify sixteen EVs-based CRISPR RNP encapsulation strategies, each with distinct genetic features to encapsulate CRISPR RNP. According to the molecular mechanism facilitating the encapsulation process, there are six strategies of encapsulating Cas9 RNP into virus-like particles based on genetic fusion, seven into EVs based on protein tethering, and three based on sgRNA-coupled encapsulation. Additionally, the incorporation of a targeting moiety to the EVs membrane surface through EVs biogenesis confers tropism and increases delivery efficiency to specific cell types. The targeting moieties include viral envelope proteins, recombinant proteins containing a ligand peptide, single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies, and integrins. However, current strategies still have a number of limitations which prevent their use in clinical trials. Among those, the incorporation of viral proteins for encapsulation of Cas9 RNP have raised issues of biocompatibility due to host immune response. Future studies should focus on genetically engineering the EVs without viral proteins, enhancing EVs delivery specificity, and promoting EVs-based homology directed repair. Nevertheless, the integration of CRISPR RNP encapsulation and tropism technologies will provide strategies for the EVs-based delivery of CRISPR RNP in gene therapy and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Andrew Whitley
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Houjian Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
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47
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Ryu J, Adashi EY, Hennebold JD. The history, use, and challenges of therapeutic somatic cell and germline gene editing. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:528-538. [PMID: 36878350 PMCID: PMC10477338 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.040] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The advent of directed gene-editing technologies now over 10 years ago ushered in a new era of precision medicine wherein specific disease-causing mutations can be corrected. In parallel with developing new gene-editing platforms, optimizing their efficiency and delivery has been remarkable. With their development, there has been interest in using gene-editing systems for correcting disease mutations in differentiated somatic cells ex vivo or in vivo or for germline gene editing in gametes or 1-cell embryos to potentially limit genetic diseases in the offspring and in future generations. This review details the development and history of the current gene-editing systems and the advantages and challenges in their use for somatic cell and germline gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
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48
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Liu Y, Jing P, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Shi J, Zhang M, Yang H, Fei J. The effects of length and sequence of gRNA on Cas13b and Cas13d activity in vitro and in vivo. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300002. [PMID: 37148478 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cas13 are the only CRISPR/Cas systems found so far, which target RNA strand while preserving chromosomal integrity. Cas13b or Cas13d cleaves RNA by the crRNA guidance. However, the effect of the characteristics of the spacer sequences, such as the length and sequence preference, on the activity of Cas13b and Cas13d remains unclear. Our study shows that neither Cas13b nor Cas13d has a particular preference for the sequence composition of gRNA, including the sequence of crRNA and its flanking sites on target RNA. However, the crRNA, complementary to the middle part of the target RNA, seems to show higher cleavage efficiency for both Cas13b and Cas13d. As for the length of crRNAs, the most appropriate crRNA length for Cas13b is 22-25 nt and crRNA as short as 15 nt is still functional. Whereas, Cas13d requires longer crRNA, and 22-30 nt crRNA can achieve good effect. Both Cas13b and Cas13d show the ability to process precursor crRNAs. Our study suggests that Cas13b may have a stronger precursor processing ability than Cas13d. There are few in vivo studies on the application of Cas13b or Cas13d in mammals. With the methods of transgenic mice and hydrodynamic injection via tail vein, our study showed that both of them had high knock-down efficiency against target RNA in vivo. These results indicate that Cas13b and Cas13d have great potential for in vivo RNA operation and disease treatment without damaging genomic DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Fei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Model Organisms, SMOC, Shanghai, China
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49
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Alinejad T, Modarressi S, Sadri Z, Hao Z, Chen CS. Diagnostic applications and therapeutic option of Cascade CRISPR/Cas in the modulation of miRNA in diverse cancers: promises and obstacles. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9557-9575. [PMID: 37222810 PMCID: PMC10423114 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas technology is a molecular tool specific to sequences for engineering genomes. Among diverse clusters of Cas proteins, the class 2/type II CRISPR/Cas9 system, despite several challenges, such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and efficient delivery, has shown great promise for driver gene mutation discovery, high-throughput gene screening, epigenetic modulation, nucleic acid detection, disease modeling, and more importantly for therapeutic purposes. CRISPR-based clinical and experimental methods have applications across a wide range of areas, especially for cancer research and, possibly, anticancer therapy. On the other hand, given the influential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulations of cellular division, carcinogenicity, tumorigenesis, migration/invasion, and angiogenesis in diverse normal and pathogenic cellular processes, in different stages of cancer, miRNAs are either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, according to what type of cancer they are involved in. Hence, these noncoding RNA molecules are conceivable biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Moreover, they are suggested to be adequate predictors for cancer prediction. Conclusive evidence proves that CRISPR/Cas system can be applied to target small non-coding RNAs. However, the majority of studies have highlighted the application of the CRISPR/Cas system for targeting protein-coding regions. In this review, we specifically discuss diverse applications of CRISPR-based tools for probing miRNA gene function and miRNA-based therapeutic involvement in different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Alinejad
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Shabnam Modarressi
- Department of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C. Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zahra Sadri
- The Department of Biological Science, Molecular and Cell Biology, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, TX USA
| | - Zuo Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Shui Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325015 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
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50
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Kenney CT, Marraffini LA. Rarely acquired type II-A CRISPR-Cas spacers mediate anti-viral immunity through the targeting of a non-canonical PAM sequence. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7438-7450. [PMID: 37293964 PMCID: PMC10415147 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad501] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Streptococcus pyogenes type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems provides adaptive immunity through the acquisition of short DNA sequences from invading viral genomes, called spacers. Spacers are transcribed into short RNA guides that match regions of the viral genome followed by a conserved NGG DNA motif, known as the PAM. These RNA guides, in turn, are used by the Cas9 nuclease to find and destroy complementary DNA targets within the viral genome. While most of the spacers present in bacterial populations that survive phage infection target protospacers flanked by NGG sequences, there is a small fraction that target non-canonical PAMs. Whether these spacers originate through accidental acquisition of phage sequences and/or provide efficient defense is unknown. Here we found that many of them match phage target regions flanked by an NAGG PAM. Despite being scarcely present in bacterial populations, NAGG spacers provide substantial immunity in vivo and generate RNA guides that support robust DNA cleavage by Cas9 in vitro; with both activities comparable to spacers that target sequences followed by the canonical AGG PAM. In contrast, acquisition experiments showed that NAGG spacers are acquired at very low frequencies. We therefore conclude that discrimination against these sequences occurs during immunization of the host. Our results reveal unexpected differences in PAM recognition during the spacer acquisition and targeting stages of the type II-A CRISPR-Cas immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire T Kenney
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Luciano A Marraffini
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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