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Stukenberg D, Hoff J, Faber A, Becker A. Protocol for NT-CRISPR: A Method for Efficient Genome Engineering in Vibrio natriegens. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2850:365-375. [PMID: 39363082 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4220-7_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Vibrio natriegens is a gram-negative bacterium, which has received increasing attention due to its very fast growth with a doubling time of under 10 min under optimal conditions. To enable a wide range of projects spanning from basic research to biotechnological applications, we developed NT-CRISPR as a new method for genome engineering. This book chapter provides a step-by-step protocol for the use of this previously published tool. NT-CRISPR combines natural transformation with counterselection through CRISPR-Cas9. Thereby, genomic regions can be deleted, foreign sequences can be integrated, and point mutations can be introduced. Furthermore, up to three simultaneous modifications are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stukenberg
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Josef Hoff
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Microbial Biotechnology, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, Germany
| | - Anna Faber
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Anke Becker
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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2
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Badwal AK, Singh S. A comprehensive review on the current status of CRISPR based clinical trials for rare diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134097. [PMID: 39059527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134097] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
A considerable fraction of population in the world suffers from rare diseases. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its related Cas proteins offer a modern form of curative gene therapy for treating the rare diseases. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, hereditary angioedema, duchenne muscular dystrophy and Rett syndrome are a few examples of such rare diseases. CRISPR/Cas9, for example, has been used in the treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (Frangoul et al., 2021; Pavani et al., 2021) [1,2]. Neurological diseases such as Huntington's have also been focused in some studies involving CRISPR/Cas (Yang et al., 2017; Yan et al., 2023) [3,4]. Delivery of these biologicals via vector and non vector mediated methods depends on the type of target cells, characteristics of expression, time duration of expression, size of foreign genetic material etc. For instance, retroviruses find their applicability in case of ex vivo delivery in somatic cells due to their ability to integrate in the host genome. These have been successfully used in gene therapy involving X-SCID patients although, incidence of inappropriate activation has been reported. On the other hand, ex vivo gene therapy for β-thalassemia involved use of BB305 lentiviral vector for high level expression of CRISPR biological in HSCs. The efficacy and safety of these biologicals will decide their future application as efficient genome editing tools as they go forward in further stages of human clinical trials. This review focuses on CRISPR/Cas based therapies which are at various stages of clinical trials for treatment of rare diseases and the constraints and ethical issues associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amneet Kaur Badwal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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3
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Wachholz Junior D, Kubota LT. CRISPR-based electrochemical biosensors: an alternative for point-of-care diagnostics? Talanta 2024; 278:126467. [PMID: 38968657 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126467] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The combination of CRISPR technology and electrochemical sensors has sparked a paradigm shift in the landscape of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. This review explores the dynamic convergence between CRISPR and electrochemical sensing, elucidating their roles in rapid and precise biosensing platforms. CRISPR, renowned for its remarkable precision in genome editing and programmability capability, has found a novel application in conjunction with electrochemical sensors, promising highly sensitive and specific detection of nucleic acids and biomarkers associated with diverse diseases. This article navigates through fundamental principles, research developments, and applications of CRISPR-based electrochemical sensors, highlighting their potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. In addition, some key points and challenges regarding applying CRISPR-powered electrochemical sensors in real POC settings are presented. By discussing recent advancements and challenges in this interdisciplinary field, this review evaluates the potential of these innovative sensors as an alternative for decentralized, rapid, and accurate POC testing, offering some insights into their applications across clinical scenarios and their impact on the future of diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagwin Wachholz Junior
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytic (INCTBio), Brazil
| | - Lauro Tatsuo Kubota
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytic (INCTBio), Brazil.
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4
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Wan Y, Li S, Xu W, Wang K, Guo W, Yang C, Li X, Zhou J, Wang J. Terminal Chemical Modifications of crRNAs Enable Improvement in the Performance of CRISPR-Cas for Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Detection. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 39348463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems, harnessing their precise nucleic acid recognition via CRISPR RNA (crRNA), offer promise for the accurate testing of nucleic acids in the field. However, the inherent susceptibility of crRNA to degradation poses challenges for accurate detection in low-resource settings. Here, we utilized the chemically modified crRNA for the CRISPR-Cas-based assay (CM-CRISPR). We found that the extension and chemical modification to crRNA significantly enhanced the trans-cleavage activity of LbCas12a. The chemically modified crRNA was resistant to degradation, and CM-CRISPR showed superior detection capability in complex environments. CM-CRISPR could be combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and applied in a droplet digital platform, enabling attomolar-level sensitivity. We also developed a portable and automated device for a digital CRISPR assay, which is amenable to point-of-care testing (POCT). The extraction-free procedure was integrated with this assay to streamline the workflow, and clinical samples were successfully detected. This work finds a simple and efficient way to improve the performance of CRISPR-Cas and develops a portable platform for POCT, representing a significant advance toward practical applications of CRISPR-based diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhu Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenfei Xu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Multiomics and Molecular Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang 314006, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenlong Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chongguang Yang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuhui Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Multiomics and Molecular Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang 314006, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiasi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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5
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Jain S, Xun G, Zhao H. Impact of Chromatin Organization and Epigenetics on CRISPR-Cas and TALEN Genome Editing. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 39315937 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
DNA lies at the heart of the central dogma of life. Altering DNA can modify the flow of information in fundamental cellular processes such as transcription and translation. The ability to precisely manipulate DNA has led to remarkable advances in treating incurable human genetic ailments and has changed the landscape of biological research. Genome editors such as CRISPR-Cas nucleases and TALENs have become ubiquitous tools in basic and applied biological research and have been translated to the clinic to treat patients. The specificity and modularity of these genome editors have made it possible to efficiently engineer genomic DNA; however, underlying principles governing editing outcomes in eukaryotes are still being uncovered. Editing efficiency can vary from cell type to cell type for the same DNA target sequence, necessitating de novo design and validation efforts. Chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications have been shown to affect the activity of genome editors because of the role they play in hierarchical organization of the underlying DNA. Understanding the nuclear search mechanism of genome editors and their molecular interactions with higher order chromatin will lead to improved models for predicting precise genome editing outcomes. Insights from such studies will unlock the entire genome to be engineered for the creation of novel therapies to treat critical illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Guanhua Xun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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6
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Kim H, Marraffini LA. Cas9 interaction with the tracrRNA nexus modulates the repression of type II-A CRISPR-cas genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:10595-10606. [PMID: 38994567 PMCID: PMC11417352 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae597] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses need to be regulated to prevent autoimmunity. CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive immunity in prokaryotes through the acquisition of short DNA sequences from invading viruses (bacteriophages), known as spacers. Spacers are inserted into the CRISPR locus and serve as templates for the transcription of guides used by RNA-guided nucleases to recognize complementary nucleic acids of the invaders and start the CRISPR immune response. In type II-A CRISPR systems, Cas9 uses the guide RNA to cleave target DNA sequences in the genome of infecting phages, and the tracrRNA to bind the promoter of cas genes and repress their transcription. We previously isolated a Cas9 mutant carrying the I473F substitution that increased the frequency of spacer acquisition by 2-3 orders of magnitude, leading to a fitness cost due to higher levels of autoimmunity. Here, we investigated the molecular basis underlying these findings. We found that the I473F mutation decreases the association of Cas9 to tracrRNA, limiting its repressor function, leading to high levels of expression of cas genes, which in turn increase the strength of the type II-A CRISPR-Cas immune response. We obtained similar results for a related type II-A system, and therefore our findings highlight the importance of the interaction between Cas9 and its tracrRNA cofactor in tuning the immune response to balanced levels that enable phage defense but avoid autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Kim
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY, 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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7
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Eren AM, Banfield JF. Modern microbiology: Embracing complexity through integration across scales. Cell 2024; 187:5151-5170. [PMID: 39303684 PMCID: PMC11450119 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Microbes were the only form of life on Earth for most of its history, and they still account for the vast majority of life's diversity. They convert rocks to soil, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, remediate our sewage, and sustain agriculture. Microbes are vital to planetary health as they maintain biogeochemical cycles that produce and consume major greenhouse gases and support large food webs. Modern microbiologists analyze nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites; leverage sophisticated genetic tools, software, and bioinformatic algorithms; and process and integrate complex and heterogeneous datasets so that microbial systems may be harnessed to address contemporary challenges in health, the environment, and basic science. Here, we consider an inevitably incomplete list of emergent themes in our discipline and highlight those that we recognize as the archetypes of its modern era that aim to address the most pressing problems of the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Murat Eren
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany; Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA; Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Jillian F Banfield
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Environmental Science Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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8
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Upreti C, Kumar P, Durso LM, Palmer KL. CRISPR-Cas inhibits plasmid transfer and immunizes bacteria against antibiotic resistance acquisition in manure. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0087624. [PMID: 39158272 PMCID: PMC11409644 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00876-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria is a pressing global issue. The bacterial defense system clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (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 antiplasmid 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.IMPORTANCEAntibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis in human and veterinary medicine. Previous work has shown technologies based on CRISPR-Cas-a bacterial defense system-to be effective in tackling antibiotic resistance. Here we test if CRISPR-Cas is present and effective in agricultural niches, specifically in the ubiquitously present bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis. We show that CRISPR-Cas is both prevalent and functional in manure and has the potential to be used to specifically kill bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. This study demonstrates the utility of CRISPR-Cas-based strategies for control of antibiotic resistance in agricultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahat Upreti
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Pranav Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa M. Durso
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Agroecosystem Management Unit, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kelli L. Palmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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9
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Nguyen GT, Schelling MA, Sashital DG. CRISPR-Cas9 target-strand nicking provides phage resistance by inhibiting replication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.05.611540. [PMID: 39282300 PMCID: PMC11398490 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.05.611540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Cas endonucleases, like Cas9 and Cas12a, are RNA-guided immune effectors that provide bacterial defense against bacteriophages. Cas endonucleases rely on divalent metal ions for their enzymatic activities and to facilitate conformational changes that are required for specific recognition and cleavage of target DNA. While Cas endonucleases typically produce double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA targets, reduced, physiologically relevant Mg2+ concentrations and target mismatches can result in incomplete second-strand cleavage, resulting in the production of a nicked DNA. It remains poorly understood whether nicking by Cas endonucleases is sufficient to provide protection against phage. To address this, we tested phage protection by Cas9 nickases, in which only one of two nuclease domains is catalytically active. By testing a large panel of guide RNAs, we find that target strand nicking can be sufficient to provide immunity, while non-target nicking does not provide any additional protection beyond Cas9 binding. Target-strand nicking inhibits phage replication and can reduce the susceptibility of Cas9 to viral escape when targeting non-essential regions of the genome. Cleavage of the non-target strand by the RuvC domain is strongly impaired at low Mg2+ concentrations. As a result, fluctuations in the concentration of other biomolecules that can compete for binding of free Mg2+ strongly influences the ability of Cas9 to form a DSB at targeted sites. Overall, our results suggest that Cas9 may only nick DNA during CRISPR-mediated immunity, especially under conditions of low Mg2+ availability in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang T Nguyen
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Michael A Schelling
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Dipali G Sashital
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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10
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Jaybhaye SG, Chavhan RL, Hinge VR, Deshmukh AS, Kadam US. CRISPR-Cas assisted diagnostics of plant viruses and challenges. Virology 2024; 597:110160. [PMID: 38955083 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110160] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Plant viruses threaten global food security by infecting commercial crops, highlighting the critical need for efficient virus detection to enable timely preventive measures. Current techniques rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral genome amplification and require laboratory conditions. This review explores the applications of CRISPR-Cas assisted diagnostic tools, specifically CRISPR-Cas12a and CRISPR-Cas13a/d systems for plant virus detection and analysis. The CRISPR-Cas12a system can detect viral DNA/RNA amplicons and can be coupled with PCR or isothermal amplification, allowing multiplexed detection in plants with mixed infections. Recent studies have eliminated the need for expensive RNA purification, streamlining the process by providing a visible readout through lateral flow strips. The CRISPR-Cas13a/d system can directly detect viral RNA with minimal preamplification, offering a proportional readout to the viral load. These approaches enable rapid viral diagnostics within 30 min of leaf harvest, making them valuable for onsite field applications. Timely identification of diseases associated with pathogens is crucial for effective treatment; yet developing rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic technologies remains challenging. The current gold standard, PCR technology, has drawbacks such as lengthy operational cycles, high costs, and demanding requirements. Here we update the technical advancements of CRISPR-Cas in viral detection, providing insights into future developments, versatile applications, and potential clinical translation. There is a need for approaches enabling field plant viral nucleic acid detection with high sensitivity, specificity, affordability, and portability. Despite challenges, CRISPR-Cas-mediated pathogen diagnostic solutions hold robust capabilities, paving the way for ideal diagnostic tools. Alternative applications in virus research are also explored, acknowledging the technology's limitations and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant G Jaybhaye
- Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nanded Road, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul L Chavhan
- Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nanded Road, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vidya R Hinge
- Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nanded Road, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhijit S Deshmukh
- Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nanded Road, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ulhas S Kadam
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.
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11
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Ng BW, Kaukonen MK, McClements ME, Shamsnajafabadi H, MacLaren RE, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. Genetic therapies and potential therapeutic applications of CRISPR activators in the eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101289. [PMID: 39127142 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101289] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Conventional gene therapy involving supplementation only treats loss-of-function diseases and is limited by viral packaging sizes, precluding therapy of large genes. The discovery of CRISPR/Cas has led to a paradigm shift in the field of genetic therapy, with the promise of precise gene editing, thus broadening the range of diseases that can be treated. The initial uses of CRISPR/Cas have focused mainly on gene editing or silencing of abnormal variants via utilising Cas endonuclease to trigger the target cell endogenous non-homologous end joining. Subsequently, the technology has evolved to modify the Cas enzyme and even its guide RNA, leading to more efficient editing tools in the form of base and prime editing. Further advancements of this CRISPR/Cas technology itself have expanded its functional repertoire from targeted editing to programmable transactivation, shifting the therapeutic focus to precise endogenous gene activation or upregulation with the potential for epigenetic modifications. In vivo experiments using this platform have demonstrated the potential of CRISPR-activators (CRISPRa) to treat various loss-of-function diseases, as well as in regenerative medicine, highlighting their versatility to overcome limitations associated with conventional strategies. This review summarises the molecular mechanisms of CRISPRa platforms, the current applications of this technology in vivo, and discusses potential solutions to translational hurdles for this therapy, with a focus on ophthalmic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wj Ng
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria K Kaukonen
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Hoda Shamsnajafabadi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
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12
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Domingues W, Folgosi VÂ, Sanabani SS, Leite Junior PD, Assone T, Casseb J. Novel approaches for HTLV-1 therapy: innovative applications of CRISPR-Cas9. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2024; 66:e48. [PMID: 39194140 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202466048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to the Retroviridae family, genus Deltaretro, and infects approximately five to 10 million people worldwide. Although a significant number of individuals living with HTLV-1 remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, some develop one or more severe clinical conditions, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a progressive and debilitating disease, and/or a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a more threatening course known as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Moreover, current therapeutic options are limited and focus primarily on treating symptoms and controlling viral latency. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is proposed as a promising tool to address the intricate links associated with HTLV-1. By targeting or silencing key genes during initial infection and dysregulating immune signaling pathways, CRISPR-Cas9 offers potential intervention opportunities. In this review, we address the therapeutic potential of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, as well as examine the primary mechanisms involved in editing potential target genes and discuss the existing evidence in the current scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Domingues
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Ângelo Folgosi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabri Saeed Sanabani
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Domingos Leite Junior
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Assone
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Casseb
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Dermatologia, Laboratório de Investigação Médica LIM-56, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Murjani K, Tripathi R, Singh V. An overview and potential of CRISPR-Cas systems for genome editing. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 208:1-17. [PMID: 39266179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing involves altering of the DNA in organisms including bacteria, plants, and animals using molecular scissors that helps in treatment and diagnosis of various diseases. Genome editing technology is exponentially growing and have been developed for enabling precise genomic alterations and the addition, removal, and correction of genes. These modifications begin with the creation of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) that is generated by nucleases and can be joined through homology-directed repair (HDR) or non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). NHEJ is quick but increases mutation chances due to deletions and insertions of nucleotides at the break site, while HDR uses homologous templates for precise repair and targeted DNA specific to the gene or sequence. Other methods such as zinc-finger protein is a transcription factor that binds with DNA and binds specific to that sequence, which uniquely recognise 3-base pairs of DNA. TALENs consists of two domains: TALE domain, a transcription activator and FokI that is a restriction endonuclease that cuts the DNA at specific sites. CRISPR-Cas systems are clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats present in various bacterial species. These sequences activate RNA-guided DNA cleavage, aiding in the development of an adaptive immune defence against foreign DNA. CRISPR-Cas9 is widely used for genome editing, regulation, diagnostic and many.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Murjani
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Renu Tripathi
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
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14
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Li T, Li S, Kang Y, Zhou J, Yi M. Harnessing the evolving CRISPR/Cas9 for precision oncology. J Transl Med 2024; 22:749. [PMID: 39118151 PMCID: PMC11312220 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05570-4] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, a groundbreaking innovation in genetic engineering, has revolutionized our approach to surmounting complex diseases, culminating in CASGEVY™ approved for sickle cell anemia. Derived from a microbial immune defense mechanism, CRISPR/Cas9, characterized as precision, maneuverability and universality in gene editing, has been harnessed as a versatile tool for precisely manipulating DNA in mammals. In the process of applying it to practice, the consecutive exploitation of novel orthologs and variants never ceases. It's conducive to understanding the essentialities of diseases, particularly cancer, which is crucial for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 is used not only to investigate tumorous genes functioning but also to model disparate cancers, providing valuable insights into tumor biology, resistance, and immune evasion. Upon cancer therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 is instrumental in developing individual and precise cancer therapies that can selectively activate or deactivate genes within tumor cells, aiming to cripple tumor growth and invasion and sensitize cancer cells to treatments. Furthermore, it facilitates the development of innovative treatments, enhancing the targeting efficiency of reprogrammed immune cells, exemplified by advancements in CAR-T regimen. Beyond therapy, it is a potent tool for screening susceptible genes, offering the possibility of intervening before the tumor initiative or progresses. However, despite its vast potential, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer research and therapy is accompanied by significant efficacy, efficiency, technical, and safety considerations. Escalating technology innovations are warranted to address these issues. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is revolutionizing cancer research and treatment, opening up new avenues for advancements in our understanding and management of cancers. The integration of this evolving technology into clinical practice promises a new era of precision oncology, with targeted, personalized, and potentially curative therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuiquan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hu K, Chou CW, Wilke CO, Finkelstein IJ. Distinct horizontal transfer mechanisms for type I and type V CRISPR-associated transposons. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6653. [PMID: 39103341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50816-w] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
CASTs use both CRISPR-associated proteins and Tn7-family transposons for RNA-guided vertical and horizontal transmission. CASTs encode minimal CRISPR arrays but can't acquire new spacers. Here, we report that CASTs can co-opt defense-associated CRISPR arrays for horizontal transmission. A bioinformatic analysis shows that CASTs co-occur with defense-associated CRISPR systems, with the highest prevalence for type I-B and type V CAST sub-types. Using an E. coli quantitative transposition assay and in vitro reconstitution, we show that CASTs can use CRISPR RNAs from these defense systems. A high-resolution structure of the type I-F CAST-Cascade in complex with a type III-B CRISPR RNA reveals that Cas6 recognizes direct repeats via sequence-independent π - π interactions. In addition to using heterologous CRISPR arrays, type V CASTs can also transpose via an unguided mechanism, even when the S15 co-factor is over-expressed. Over-expressing S15 and the trans-activating CRISPR RNA or a single guide RNA reduces, but does not abrogate, off-target integration for type V CASTs. Our findings suggest that some CASTs may exploit defense-associated CRISPR arrays and that this fact must be considered when porting CASTs to heterologous bacterial hosts. More broadly, this work will guide further efforts to engineer the activity and specificity of CASTs for gene editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang Hu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Chia-Wei Chou
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Claus O Wilke
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ilya J Finkelstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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16
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Yang X, Zhu P, Gui J. Advancements of CRISPR-Mediated Base Editing in Crops and Potential Applications in Populus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8314. [PMID: 39125884 PMCID: PMC11313136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158314] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Base editing represents a cutting-edge genome editing technique that utilizes the CRISPR system to guide base deaminases with high precision to specific genomic sites, facilitating the targeted alteration of individual nucleotides. Unlike traditional gene editing approaches, base editing does not require DNA double-strand breaks or donor templates. It functions independently of the cellular DNA repair machinery, offering significant advantages in terms of both efficiency and accuracy. In this review, we summarize the core design principles of various DNA base editors, their distinctive editing characteristics, and tactics to refine their efficacy. We also summarize their applications in crop genetic improvement and explore their potential contributions to forest genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jinshan Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (X.Y.); (P.Z.)
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17
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Molaei Z, Jabbarpour Z, Omidkhoda A, Ahmadbeigi N. Exploring non-viral methods for the delivery of CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein to hematopoietic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:233. [PMID: 39075609 PMCID: PMC11288096 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03848-4] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene manipulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using the CRISPR/Cas system as a potent genome editing tool holds immense promise for addressing hematologic disorders. An essential hurdle in advancing this treatment lies in effectively delivering CRISPR/Cas to HSCs. While various delivery formats exist, Ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) emerges as a particularly efficient option. RNP complexes offer enhanced gene editing capabilities, devoid of viral vectors, with rapid activity and minimized off-target effects. Nevertheless, novel delivery methods such as microfluidic-based techniques, filtroporation, nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides are continually evolving. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of these methods and the recent research on delivery approaches of RNP complexes to HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Molaei
- Hematology and blood transfusion science department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Jabbarpour
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Guy Hilton Research Centre (GHRC), Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Azadeh Omidkhoda
- Hematology and blood transfusion science department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Zhang L, Wang H, Zeng J, Cao X, Gao Z, Liu Z, Li F, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yang M, Feng Y. Cas1 mediates the interference stage in a phage-encoded CRISPR-Cas system. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01659-5. [PMID: 38977786 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01659-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems are prokaryotic adaptive immune systems against invading phages and other mobile genetic elements. Notably, some phages, including the Vibrio cholerae-infecting ICP1 (International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh cholera phage 1), harbor CRISPR-Cas systems to counteract host defenses. Nevertheless, ICP1 Cas8f lacks the helical bundle domain essential for recruitment of helicase-nuclease Cas2/3 during target DNA cleavage and how this system accomplishes the interference stage remains unknown. Here, we found that Cas1, a highly conserved component known to exclusively work in the adaptation stage, also mediates the interference stage through connecting Cas2/3 to the DNA-bound CRISPR-associated complex for antiviral defense (Cascade; CRISPR system yersinia, Csy) of the ICP1 CRISPR-Cas system. A series of structures of Csy, Csy-dsDNA (double-stranded DNA), Cas1-Cas2/3 and Csy-dsDNA-Cas1-Cas2/3 complexes reveal the whole process of Cas1-mediated target DNA cleavage by the ICP1 CRISPR-Cas system. Together, these data support an unprecedented model in which Cas1 mediates the interference stage in a phage-encoded CRISPR-Cas system and the study also sheds light on a unique model of primed adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laixing Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Zeng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueli Cao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyu Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zihe Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feixue Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- SUSTech Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yue Feng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
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19
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Binder AK, Bremm F, Dörrie J, Schaft N. Non-Coding RNA in Tumor Cells and Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells-Function and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7275. [PMID: 39000381 PMCID: PMC11242727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA world is wide, and besides mRNA, there is a variety of other RNA types, such as non-coding (nc)RNAs, which harbor various intracellular regulatory functions. This review focuses on small interfering (si)RNA and micro (mi)RNA, which form a complex network regulating mRNA translation and, consequently, gene expression. In fact, these RNAs are critically involved in the function and phenotype of all cells in the human body, including malignant cells. In cancer, the two main targets for therapy are dysregulated cancer cells and dysfunctional immune cells. To exploit the potential of mi- or siRNA therapeutics in cancer therapy, a profound understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of RNAs and following targeted intervention is needed to re-program cancer cells and immune cell functions in vivo. The first part focuses on the function of less well-known RNAs, including siRNA and miRNA, and presents RNA-based technologies. In the second part, the therapeutic potential of these technologies in treating cancer is discussed, with particular attention on manipulating tumor-associated immune cells, especially tumor-associated myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Katharina Binder
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Bremm
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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20
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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; 18:16505-16515. [PMID: 38875527 PMCID: PMC11223493 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11769] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [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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21
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Wu X, Yang J, Zhang J, Song Y. Gene editing therapy for cardiovascular diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e639. [PMID: 38974714 PMCID: PMC11224995 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.639] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of gene editing tools has been a significant area of research in the life sciences for nearly 30 years. These tools have been widely utilized in disease detection and mechanism research. In the new century, they have shown potential in addressing various scientific challenges and saving lives through gene editing therapies, particularly in combating cardiovascular disease (CVD). The rapid advancement of gene editing therapies has provided optimism for CVD patients. The progress of gene editing therapy for CVDs is a comprehensive reflection of the practical implementation of gene editing technology in both clinical and basic research settings, as well as the steady advancement of research and treatment of CVDs. This article provides an overview of the commonly utilized DNA-targeted gene editing tools developed thus far, with a specific focus on the application of these tools, particularly the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated genes (Cas) (CRISPR/Cas) system, in CVD gene editing therapy. It also delves into the challenges and limitations of current gene editing therapies, while summarizing ongoing research and clinical trials related to CVD. The aim is to facilitate further exploration by relevant researchers by summarizing the successful applications of gene editing tools in the field of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yuning Song
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious DiseasesKey Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Educationand College of Veterinary MedicineJilin UniversityChangchunChina
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22
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Balasubramanian A, Veluswami K, Rao S, Aggarwal S, Mani S. Exploring Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-Associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) as a Therapeutic Modality for Cancer: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e64324. [PMID: 39130943 PMCID: PMC11316854 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64324] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer and the limitations of conventional therapies highlight the potential of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) in reshaping cancer treatment paradigms. In this review, we have investigated the mechanism of CRISPR, an adaptive immune system in bacteria that enables highly precise gene editing at the molecular level. This versatile tool demonstrates its efficacy in human cancer therapy through gene knockout, metabolic disruption, base editing, screening, and immunotherapy enhancement without affecting normal bodily domains. Despite its superiority over other nucleases like zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, hurdles such as off-target effects, inefficient delivery of the system to target cells, the emergence of escapers, and the ethical debate surrounding genome editing are discussed. In this article, we have reviewed the promising approaches of CRISPR-Cas9 in cancer treatment while exploring the underlying mechanism, advantages, and associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudipta Rao
- Internal Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, Mysore, IND
| | - Shailesh Aggarwal
- Internal Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, Mysore, IND
| | - Sweatha Mani
- Internal Medicine, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirappalli , IND
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23
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Kansal R. The CRISPR-Cas System and Clinical Applications of CRISPR-Based Gene Editing in Hematology with a Focus on Inherited Germline Predisposition to Hematologic Malignancies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:863. [PMID: 39062641 PMCID: PMC11276294 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070863] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing has begun to transform the treatment landscape of genetic diseases. The history of the discovery of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins/single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-based gene editing since the first report of repetitive sequences of unknown significance in 1987 is fascinating, highly instructive, and inspiring for future advances in medicine. The recent approval of CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy to treat patients with severe sickle cell anemia and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia has renewed hope for treating other hematologic diseases, including patients with a germline predisposition to hematologic malignancies, who would benefit greatly from the development of CRISPR-inspired gene therapies. The purpose of this paper is three-fold: first, a chronological description of the history of CRISPR-Cas9-sgRNA-based gene editing; second, a brief description of the current state of clinical research in hematologic diseases, including selected applications in treating hematologic diseases with CRISPR-based gene therapy, preceded by a brief description of the current tools being used in clinical genome editing; and third, a presentation of the current progress in gene therapies in inherited hematologic diseases and bone marrow failure syndromes, to hopefully stimulate efforts towards developing these therapies for patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and other inherited conditions with a germline predisposition to hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Kansal
- Molecular Oncology and Genetics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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24
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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] [Grants] [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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25
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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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26
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Banda A, Impomeni O, Singh A, Baloch AR, Hu W, Jaijyan DK. Precision in Action: The Role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas in Gene Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:636. [PMID: 38932365 PMCID: PMC11209408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060636] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme-CAS holds great promise for treating many uncured human diseases and illnesses by precisely correcting harmful point mutations and disrupting disease-causing genes. The recent Food and Drug Association (FDA) approval of the first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell anemia marks the beginning of a new era in gene editing. However, delivering CRISPR specifically into diseased cells in vivo is a significant challenge and an area of intense research. The identification of new CRISPR/Cas variants, particularly ultra-compact CAS systems with robust gene editing activities, paves the way for the low-capacity delivery vectors to be used in gene therapies. CRISPR/Cas technology has evolved beyond editing DNA to cover a wide spectrum of functionalities, including RNA targeting, disease diagnosis, transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, high-throughput screening, and new disease modeling. CRISPR/Cas can be used to engineer B-cells to produce potent antibodies for more effective vaccines and enhance CAR T-cells for the more precise and efficient targeting of tumor cells. However, CRISPR/Cas technology has challenges, including off-target effects, toxicity, immune responses, and inadequate tissue-specific delivery. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the development of a more effective and specific CRISPR/Cas delivery system. This entails strategically utilizing specific gRNAs in conjunction with robust CRISPR/Cas variants to mitigate off-target effects. This review seeks to delve into the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas mechanism, explore progress in gene therapies, evaluate gene delivery systems, highlight limitations, outline necessary precautions, and scrutinize the ethical considerations associated with its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Banda
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Olivia Impomeni
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Aparana Singh
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala 799046, India;
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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27
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Severi AA, Akbari B. CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies and applications: Review and update. Genesis 2024; 62:e23598. [PMID: 38727638 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23598] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, a significant part of the investigations carried out in the medical field belong to cancer treatment. Generally, conventional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, which have been used for a long time, are not sufficient, especially in malignant cancers. Because genetic mutations cause cancers, researchers are trying to treat these diseases using genetic engineering tools. One of them is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), a powerful tool in genetic engineering in the last decade. CRISPR, which forms the CRISPR-Cas structure with its endonuclease protein, Cas, is known as a part of the immune system (adaptive immunity) in bacteria and archaea. Among the types of Cas proteins, Cas9 endonuclease has been used in many scientific studies due to its high accuracy and efficiency. This review reviews the CRISPR system, focusing on the history, classification, delivery methods, applications, new generations, and challenges of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alizadeh Severi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bahman Akbari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
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28
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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; 82:549-560. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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29
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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30
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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31
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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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32
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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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33
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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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34
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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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35
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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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36
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Sale JE, Stoddard BL. CRISPR in Nucleic Acids Research: the sequel. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3489-3492. [PMID: 38532709 PMCID: PMC11040143 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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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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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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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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40
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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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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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42
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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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43
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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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44
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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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45
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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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46
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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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47
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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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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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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