1
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Zhang YR, Yin TL, Zhou LQ. CRISPR/Cas9 technology: applications in oocytes and early embryos. J Transl Med 2023; 21:746. [PMID: 37875936 PMCID: PMC10594749 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04610-9] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9, a highly versatile genome-editing tool, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Despite the unique characteristics of oocytes and early embryos compared to other cell types, this technology has been increasing used in mammalian reproduction. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the fundamental principles of CRISPR/Cas9-related methodologies and explore their wide-ranging applications in deciphering molecular intricacies during oocyte and early embryo development as well as in addressing associated diseases. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations inherent to these technologies, including the potential for off-target effects, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of human embryos. Thus, a judicious and thoughtful approach is warranted. Regardless of these challenges, CRISPR/Cas9 technology undeniably represents a formidable tool for genome and epigenome manipulation within oocytes and early embryos. Continuous refinements in this field are poised to fortify its future prospects and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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2
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Goldner AN, Fessehaye SM, Rodriguez N, Mapes KA, Osterfield M, Doubrovinski K. Evidence that tissue recoil in the early Drosophila embryo is a passive not active process. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:br16. [PMID: 37405768 PMCID: PMC10551697 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-09-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding tissue morphogenesis is impossible without knowing the mechanical properties of the tissue being shaped. Although techniques for measuring tissue material properties are continually being developed, methods for determining how individual proteins contribute to mechanical properties are very limited. Here, we developed two complementary techniques for the acute inactivation of spaghetti squash (the Drosophila myosin regulatory light chain), one based on the recently introduced (auxin-inducible degron 2 (AID2) system, and the other based on a novel method for conditional protein aggregation that results in nearly instantaneous protein inactivation. Combining these techniques with rheological measurements, we show that passive material properties of the cellularization-stage Drosophila embryo are essentially unaffected by myosin activity. These results suggest that this tissue is elastic, not predominantly viscous, on the developmentally relevant timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Nicole Goldner
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Salena M. Fessehaye
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Nataly Rodriguez
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Kelly Ann Mapes
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Miriam Osterfield
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Konstantin Doubrovinski
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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3
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Phanindhar K, Mishra RK. Auxin-inducible degron system: an efficient protein degradation tool to study protein function. Biotechniques 2023; 74:186-198. [PMID: 37191015 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2022-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation, with its rapid protein depletion kinetics, allows the measurement of acute changes in the cell. The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system, rapidly degrades AID-tagged proteins only in the presence of auxin. The AID system being inducible makes the study of essential genes and dynamic processes like cell differentiation, cell cycle and genome organization feasible. The AID degradation system has been adapted to yeast, protozoans, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and mammalian cell lines. Using the AID system, researchers have unveiled novel functions for essential proteins at developmental stages that were previously difficult to investigate due to early lethality. This comprehensive review discusses the development, advancements, applications and drawbacks of the AID system and compares it with other available protein degradation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundurthi Phanindhar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Tata Institute for Genetics & Society (TIGS), Bangalore, 560065, India
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4
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Hakes AC, Gavis ER. Plasticity of Drosophila germ granules during germ cell development. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002069. [PMID: 37053289 PMCID: PMC10128949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization of RNAs and proteins into membraneless structures called granules is a ubiquitous mechanism for organizing and regulating cohorts of RNAs. Germ granules are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assemblies required for germline development across the animal kingdom, but their regulatory roles in germ cells are not fully understood. We show that after germ cell specification, Drosophila germ granules enlarge through fusion and this growth is accompanied by a shift in function. Whereas germ granules initially protect their constituent mRNAs from degradation, they subsequently target a subset of these mRNAs for degradation while maintaining protection of others. This functional shift occurs through the recruitment of decapping and degradation factors to the germ granules, which is promoted by decapping activators and renders these structures P body-like. Disrupting either the mRNA protection or degradation function results in germ cell migration defects. Our findings reveal plasticity in germ granule function that allows them to be repurposed at different stages of development to ensure population of the gonad by germ cells. Additionally, these results reveal an unexpected level of functional complexity whereby constituent RNAs within the same granule type can be differentially regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Hakes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R Gavis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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5
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Jedličková V, Ebrahimi Naghani S, Robert HS. On the trail of auxin: Reporters and sensors. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:3200-3213. [PMID: 35708654 PMCID: PMC9421466 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The phytohormone auxin is a master regulator of plant growth and development in response to many endogenous and environmental signals. The underlying coordination of growth is mediated by the formation of auxin maxima and concentration gradients. The visualization of auxin dynamics and distribution can therefore provide essential information to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which auxin orchestrates these growth and developmental processes. Several auxin reporters have been developed to better perceive the auxin distribution and signaling machinery in vivo. This review focuses on different types of auxin reporters and biosensors used to monitor auxin distribution and its dynamics, as well as auxin signaling, at the cellular and tissue levels in different plant species. We provide a brief history of each reporter and biosensor group and explain their principles and utilities.
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6
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Li J, Dai C, Xie W, Zhang H, Huang X, Chronis C, Ye Y, Zhang W. A One-step strategy to target essential factors with auxin-inducible degron system in mouse embryonic stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:964119. [PMID: 36003152 PMCID: PMC9393215 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.964119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are conferred by networks including transcription factors and histone modifiers. The Auxin-inducible degron (AID) system can rapidly and reversibly degrade its target proteins and is becoming a powerful tool to explore novel function of key pluripotent and histone modifier genes in ESCs. However, the low biallelic tagging efficiency and a basal degradation level of the current AID systems deem it unsuitable to target key pluripotent genes with tightly controlled expression levels. Here, we develop a one-step strategy to successfully target and repress the endogenous pluripotent genes in mouse ESCs and replace their expression with AID fused transgenes. Therefore, this work provides an efficient way for employing the AID system to uncover novel function of essential pluripotent and chromatin modifier genes in ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsheng Li
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunhong Dai
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Xie
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Heyao Zhang
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Computational Biology St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Constantinos Chronis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ying Ye
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Ye, ; Wensheng Zhang,
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Physiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Ye, ; Wensheng Zhang,
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7
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Kanemaki MT. Ligand-induced degrons for studying nuclear functions. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 74:29-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
Auxin biology as a field has been at the forefront of advances in delineating the structures, dynamics, and control of plant growth networks. Advances have been enabled by combining the complementary fields of top-down, holistic systems biology and bottom-up, build-to-understand synthetic biology. Continued collaboration between these approaches will facilitate our understanding of and ability to engineer auxin's control of plant growth, development, and physiology. There is a need for the application of similar complementary approaches to improving equity and justice through analysis and redesign of the human systems in which this research is undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Clay Wright
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Britney L Moss
- Department of Biology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington 99362, USA
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Aksenova V, Arnaoutov A, Dasso M. Analysis of Nucleoporin Function Using Inducible Degron Techniques. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2502:129-150. [PMID: 35412236 PMCID: PMC11098028 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2337-4_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, the use of auxin-inducible degrons (AID) to control the stability of target proteins has revolutionized the field of cell biology. AID-mediated degradation helps to overcome multiple hurdles that have been encountered in studying multisubunit protein complexes, like the nuclear pore complex (NPC), using classical biochemical and genetic methods. We have used the AID system for acute depletion of individual members of the NPC, called nucleoporins, in order to distinguish their roles both within established NPCs and during NPC assembly.Here, we describe a protocol for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting of genes with the AID tag. As an example, we describe a step-by-step protocol for targeting of the NUP153 gene. We also provide recommendations for screening strategies and integration of the sequence encoding the Transport Inhibitor Response 1 (TIR1) protein, a E3-Ubiquitin ligase subunit necessary for AID-dependent protein degradation. In addition, we discuss applications of the NUP-AID system and functional assays for analysis of NUP-AID tagged cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilisa Aksenova
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Alexei Arnaoutov
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary Dasso
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Fabry MH, Falconio FA, Joud F, Lythgoe EK, Czech B, Hannon GJ. Maternally inherited piRNAs direct transient heterochromatin formation at active transposons during early Drosophila embryogenesis. eLife 2021; 10:e68573. [PMID: 34236313 PMCID: PMC8352587 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway controls transposon expression in animal germ cells, thereby ensuring genome stability over generations. In Drosophila, piRNAs are intergenerationally inherited through the maternal lineage, and this has demonstrated importance in the specification of piRNA source loci and in silencing of I- and P-elements in the germ cells of daughters. Maternally inherited Piwi protein enters somatic nuclei in early embryos prior to zygotic genome activation and persists therein for roughly half of the time required to complete embryonic development. To investigate the role of the piRNA pathway in the embryonic soma, we created a conditionally unstable Piwi protein. This enabled maternally deposited Piwi to be cleared from newly laid embryos within 30 min and well ahead of the activation of zygotic transcription. Examination of RNA and protein profiles over time, and correlation with patterns of H3K9me3 deposition, suggests a role for maternally deposited Piwi in attenuating zygotic transposon expression in somatic cells of the developing embryo. In particular, robust deposition of piRNAs targeting roo, an element whose expression is mainly restricted to embryonic development, results in the deposition of transient heterochromatic marks at active roo insertions. We hypothesize that roo, an extremely successful mobile element, may have adopted a lifestyle of expression in the embryonic soma to evade silencing in germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Fabry
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Federica A Falconio
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Fadwa Joud
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Emily K Lythgoe
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Czech
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Watson AT, Hassell-Hart S, Spencer J, Carr AM. Rice ( Oryza sativa) TIR1 and 5'adamantyl-IAA Significantly Improve the Auxin-Inducible Degron System in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060882. [PMID: 34201031 PMCID: PMC8229956 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system is a powerful tool to induce targeted degradation of proteins in eukaryotic model organisms. The efficiency of the existing Schizosaccharomyces pombe AID system is limited due to the fusion of the F-box protein TIR1 protein to the SCF component, Skp1 (Skp1-TIR1). Here, we report an improved AID system for S. pombe that uses the TIR1 from Oryza sativa (OsTIR1) not fused to Skp1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that degradation efficiency can be improved by pairing an OsTIR1 auxin-binding site mutant, OsTIR1F74A, with an auxin analogue, 5'adamantyl-IAA (AID2). We provide evidence for the enhanced functionality of the OsTIR1 AID and AID2 systems by application to the essential DNA replication factor Mcm4 and to a non-essential recombination protein, Rad52. Unlike AID, no detectable auxin-independent depletion of AID-tagged proteins was observed using AID2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Watson
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK;
| | - Storm Hassell-Hart
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK; (S.H.-H.); (J.S.)
| | - John Spencer
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK; (S.H.-H.); (J.S.)
| | - Antony M. Carr
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Johnson B, Leatherman J. Merlin and expanded integrate cell signaling that regulates cyst stem cell proliferation in the Drosophila testis niche. Dev Biol 2021; 477:133-144. [PMID: 34044021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.012] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila testis is a model organism stem cell niche in which two stem cell populations coordinate together to produce sperm; thus, these stem cells must be balanced in the niche. Merlin, a tumor-suppressor and human disease gene required for contact inhibition of proliferation, is known to limit the proliferation of the somatic cyst stem cells in the testis niche. Expanded encodes a protein that is structurally similar to Merlin in Drosophila, and is semi-redundant with Merlin in multiple tissues. We found that expanded depletion caused similar cyst lineage cell over-proliferation as observed with Merlin, and double mutants showed more severe phenotypes than either gene individually. Thus, these genes have partially redundant functions in the cyst lineage cells of this niche. We also expressed non-phosphorylatable constitutively "tumor suppressing" alleles of Merlin in cyst lineage cells, and surprisingly, we observed a similar cyst lineage over-proliferation phenotype. Merlin is known to impact multiple different signaling pathways to exert its effect on proliferation. We found that the Merlin loss of function phenotype was associated with an increase in MAPK/ERK signaling, consistent with Merlin's established role in transmembrane receptor inhibition. Constitutive Merlin displayed a reduction in both MAPK/ERK signaling and PI3K/Tor signaling. PI3K/Tor signaling is required for cyst cell differentiation, and inhibition of this pathway by Merlin activation phenocopied the Tor cyst lineage loss of function phenotype. Thus, Merlin impacts and integrates the activity of multiple signaling pathways in the testis niche. The ability of Merlin to dynamically change its activity via phosphorylation in response to local contact cues provides an intriguing mechanism whereby the signaling pathways that control these stem cells might be dynamically regulated in response to the division of a neighboring germ cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Judith Leatherman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA.
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13
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Derry WB. CRISPR: development of a technology and its applications. FEBS J 2021; 288:358-359. [PMID: 33300275 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a prokaryotic immune surveillance system that is used by bacteria to recognize genetic material of infectious organisms, such as phage viruses. Using CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, this system cleaves foreign nucleic acid into fragments, thus defending the bacterium against the attacker. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to CRISPR-Cas pioneers Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, who developed the CRISPR-Cas system to precisely edit genomic DNA. This technology has exploded at a breathtaking pace and is now used by almost every molecular biology laboratory around the world in a myriad of organisms. In this Virtual Issue, the FEBS Journal features articles reviewing the development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its applications to understand the functions of proteins in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Brent Derry
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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The auxin-inducible degron 2 technology provides sharp degradation control in yeast, mammalian cells, and mice. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5701. [PMID: 33177522 PMCID: PMC7659001 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein knockdown using the auxin-inducible degron (AID) technology is useful to study protein function in living cells because it induces rapid depletion, which makes it possible to observe an immediate phenotype. However, the current AID system has two major drawbacks: leaky degradation and the requirement for a high dose of auxin. These negative features make it difficult to control precisely the expression level of a protein of interest in living cells and to apply this method to mice. Here, we overcome these problems by taking advantage of a bump-and-hole approach to establish the AID version 2 (AID2) system. AID2, which employs an OsTIR1(F74G) mutant and a ligand, 5-Ph-IAA, shows no detectable leaky degradation, requires a 670-times lower ligand concentration, and achieves even quicker degradation than the conventional AID. We demonstrate successful generation of human cell mutants for genes that were previously difficult to deal with, and show that AID2 achieves rapid target depletion not only in yeast and mammalian cells, but also in mice.
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15
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Pryzhkova MV, Xu MJ, Jordan PW. Adaptation of the AID system for stem cell and transgenic mouse research. Stem Cell Res 2020; 49:102078. [PMID: 33202307 PMCID: PMC7784532 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.102078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system is becoming a widely used method for rapid and reversible degradation of target proteins. This system has been successfully used to study gene and protein functions in eukaryotic cells and common model organisms, such as nematode and fruit fly. To date, applications of the AID system in mammalian stem cell research are limited. Furthermore, standard mouse models harboring the AID system have not been established. Here we have explored the utility of the H11 safe-harbor locus for integration of the TIR1 transgene, an essential component of auxin-based protein degradation system. We have shown that the H11 locus can support constitutive and conditional TIR1 expression in mouse and human embryonic stem cells, as well as in mice. We demonstrate that the AID system can be successfully employed for rapid degradation of stable proteins in embryonic stem cells, which is crucial for investigation of protein functions in quickly changing environments, such as stem cell proliferation and differentiation. As embryonic stem cells possess unlimited proliferative capacity, differentiation potential, and can mimic organ development, we believe that these research tools will be an applicable resource to a broad scientific audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Pryzhkova
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michelle J Xu
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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16
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Dong Z, Long J, Huang L, Hu Z, Chen P, Hu N, Zheng N, Huang X, Lu C, Pan M. Construction and application of an HSP70 promoter-inducible genome editing system in transgenic silkworm to induce resistance to Nosema bombycis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:9583-9592. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Li S, Prasanna X, Salo VT, Vattulainen I, Ikonen E. An efficient auxin-inducible degron system with low basal degradation in human cells. Nat Methods 2019. [PMID: 31451765 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-019–0512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Auxin-inducible degron technology allows rapid and controlled protein depletion. However, basal degradation without auxin and inefficient auxin-inducible depletion have limited its utility. We have identified a potent auxin-inducible degron system composed of auxin receptor F-box protein AtAFB2 and short degron miniIAA7. The system showed minimal basal degradation and enabled rapid auxin-inducible depletion of endogenous human transmembrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins in 1 h with robust functional phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqian Li
- Department of Anatomy and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xavier Prasanna
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veijo T Salo
- Department of Anatomy and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Computational Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elina Ikonen
- Department of Anatomy and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland.
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18
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An efficient auxin-inducible degron system with low basal degradation in human cells. Nat Methods 2019; 16:866-869. [DOI: 10.1038/s41592-019-0512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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19
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Ng LY, Ma HT, Liu JCY, Huang X, Lee N, Poon RYC. Conditional gene inactivation by combining tetracycline-mediated transcriptional repression and auxin-inducible degron-mediated degradation. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:238-248. [PMID: 30582405 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1563395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the functions of essential cell cycle control genes requires tight and rapid inducible gene inactivation. Drawbacks of current conditional depletion approaches include slow responses and incomplete depletion. We demonstrated that by integrating the tetracycline-controlled promoter system and the auxin-inducible degron (AID) system together, AID-tagged proteins can be downregulated more efficiently than the individual technology alone. When used in conjunction with CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of the endogenous locus, this system facilitates the analysis of essential genes by allowing rapid and tight conditional depletion, as we have demonstrated using several cell cycle-regulatory genes including cyclin A, CDK2, and TRIP13. The vectors constructed in this study allow expression of AID-fusion proteins under the control of tetracycline-controlled promoters and should be useful in studies requiring rapid and tight suppression of gene expression in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lau Yan Ng
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Hoi Tang Ma
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Julio C Y Liu
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xiner Huang
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Nelson Lee
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Randy Y C Poon
- a Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Kowloon , Hong Kong
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20
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Chen W, Werdann M, Zhang Y. The auxin-inducible degradation system enables conditional PERIOD protein depletion in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. FEBS J 2018; 285:4378-4393. [PMID: 30321477 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tools that allow inducible and reversible depletion of target proteins are critical for biological studies. The plant-derived auxin-inducible degradation system (AID) enables the degradation of target proteins tagged with the AID motif. This system has been recently employed in mammalian cells as well as in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. To test the utility of the AID approach in the nervous system, we used circadian locomotor rhythms as a model and applied the AID method to temporally and spatially degrade PERIOD (PER), a critical pacemaker protein in Drosophila. We found that the period locus can be efficiently tagged with the AID motif by CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing without disrupting PER function. Moreover, we demonstrated that the AID system could be used to induce rapid and efficient protein degradation in the nervous system as shown by effects on circadian and sleep behaviors. Furthermore, the protein degradation by AID was rapidly reversible after auxin removal. Together, our results show that the AID system provides a powerful tool for behavior studies in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, NV, USA
| | | | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, NV, USA
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21
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Yamada R, Murai K, Uchida N, Takahashi K, Iwasaki R, Tada Y, Kinoshita T, Itami K, Torii KU, Hagihara S. A Super Strong Engineered Auxin-TIR1 Pair. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 59:1538-1544. [PMID: 29986114 PMCID: PMC6084576 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Auxin regulates diverse aspects of plant growth and development through induction of the interaction between TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX proteins (TIR1/AFBs) and AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) co-receptor proteins and the subsequent transcriptional regulation. The artificial control of endogenous auxin signaling should enable the precise delineation of auxin-mediated biological events as well as the agricultural application of auxin. To this end, we previously developed a synthetic auxin-receptor pair that consists of 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-IAA (convexIAA, cvxIAA) and the engineered TIR1 whose phenylalanine at position 79 in the auxin-binding pocket is substituted to glycine (TIR1F79G) (concaveTIR1, ccvTIR1). This synthetic auxin-receptor pair works orthogonally to natural auxin signaling in transgenic plants harboring the engineered TIR1 by exogenous application of 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-IAA, and has potential to be utilized as novel agricultural/horticultural tools. In the present study, we report an improved version of the synthetic cvxIAA-ccvTIR1 pair such that synthetic IAA can act at lower concentrations. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we screened various 5-substituted IAAs and identified 5-adamantyl-IAA, named pico_cvxIAA, which mediates interaction of TIR1F79G and IAA3 proteins at a 1,000-fold lower concentration than the original version, 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-IAA. Furthermore, we found that TIR1F79A interacts with IAA3 protein in the presence of picomolar concentrations of 5-adamantyl-IAA, 10,000-fold lower than our prototype version of the cvxIAA-ccvTIR1 pair. In addition, pull-down assays confirmed that 5-adamantyl-IAA mediates in vitro interaction of TIR1F79A and IAA7-DII peptides at lower concentrations. The improved synthetic IAA-TIR1 pair with high affinity would be beneficial for basic science as well as for practical use in agriculture/horticulture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryotaro Yamada
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Murai
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Uchida
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Takahashi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rie Iwasaki
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuomi Tada
- Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshinori Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Itami
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiko U Torii
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Corresponding authors: Keiko U. Torii, E-mail, ; Fax, +1-206-685-1728; Shinya Hagihara, E-mail,
| | - Shinya Hagihara
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
- Corresponding authors: Keiko U. Torii, E-mail, ; Fax, +1-206-685-1728; Shinya Hagihara, E-mail,
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22
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Chenette EJ, Martin SJ. 50 years of The FEBS Journal: looking back as well as ahead. FEBS J 2018; 284:4162-4171. [PMID: 29251437 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this last issue of 2017, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of The FEBS Journal. This Editorial considers how the journal has grown and changed from volume 1, issue 1 and outlines our exciting plans for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seamus J Martin
- The FEBS Journal Editorial Office, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Humanized Flies and Resources for Cross-Species Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:277-288. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Jankovics F, Bence M, Sinka R, Faragó A, Bodai L, Pettkó-Szandtner A, Ibrahim K, Takács Z, Szarka-Kovács AB, Erdélyi M. Drosophila small ovary gene is required for transposon silencing and heterochromatin organisation and ensures germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Development 2018; 145:dev.170639. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.170639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells is one of the fundamental biological phenomena relying on proper chromatin organisation. In our study, we describe a novel chromatin regulator encoded by the Drosophila small ovary (sov) gene. We demonstrate that sov is required in both the germline stem cells (GSCs) and the surrounding somatic niche cells to ensure GSC survival and differentiation. Sov maintains niche integrity and function by repressing transposon mobility, not only in the germline, but also in the soma. Protein interactome analysis of Sov revealed an interaction between Sov and HP1a. In the germ cell nuclei, Sov co-localises with HP1a, suggesting that Sov affects transposon repression as a component of the heterochromatin. In a position effect variegation assay, we found a dominant genetic interaction between sov and HP1a, indicating their functional cooperation in promoting the spread of heterochromatin. An in vivo tethering assay and FRAP analysis revealed that Sov enhances heterochromatin formation by supporting the recruitment of HP1a to the chromatin. We propose a model in which sov maintains GSC niche integrity by regulating transposon silencing and heterochromatin formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Jankovics
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Melinda Bence
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anikó Faragó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Bodai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Aladár Pettkó-Szandtner
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Karam Ibrahim
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsanett Takács
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Miklós Erdélyi
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
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25
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Kanca O, Bellen HJ, Schnorrer F. Gene Tagging Strategies To Assess Protein Expression, Localization, and Function in Drosophila. Genetics 2017; 207:389-412. [PMID: 28978772 PMCID: PMC5629313 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.199968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of gene function in complex organisms relies extensively on tools to detect the cellular and subcellular localization of gene products, especially proteins. Typically, immunostaining with antibodies provides these data. However, due to cost, time, and labor limitations, generating specific antibodies against all proteins of a complex organism is not feasible. Furthermore, antibodies do not enable live imaging studies of protein dynamics. Hence, tagging genes with standardized immunoepitopes or fluorescent tags that permit live imaging has become popular. Importantly, tagging genes present in large genomic clones or at their endogenous locus often reports proper expression, subcellular localization, and dynamics of the encoded protein. Moreover, these tagging approaches allow the generation of elegant protein removal strategies, standardization of visualization protocols, and permit protein interaction studies using mass spectrometry. Here, we summarize available genomic resources and techniques to tag genes and discuss relevant applications that are rarely, if at all, possible with antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Frank Schnorrer
- Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR 7288, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288, France
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26
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Zhang X, Schnorrer F. AIDing-targeted protein degradation in Drosophila. FEBS J 2017; 284:1178-1181. [PMID: 28382696 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conditional protein depletion is highly desirable for investigating protein functions in complex organisms. In this issue, Bence and colleagues combined auxin-inducible degradation with CRISPR, establishing an elegant tool to control protein levels. They achieve precise spatio-temporal control of protein degradation during Drosophila oogenesis and early embryogenesis by combining suitable GAL4 drivers (spatial control) with auxin feeding protocols (temporal control).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Muscle Dynamics Group, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Frank Schnorrer
- Muscle Dynamics Group, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.,Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), CNRS, UMR 7288, Aix-Marseille Université, France
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