1
|
Xin C, Qiao D, Wang J, Sun W, Cao Z, Lu Y, Jiang Y, Chai Y, Wang XC, Chen QJ. Enhanced editing efficiency in Arabidopsis with a LbCas12a variant harboring D156R and E795L mutations. ABIOTECH 2024; 5:117-126. [PMID: 38978783 PMCID: PMC11229449 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-024-00144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cas12a (Cpf1), a Class 2 Type V CRISPR/Cas nuclease, has several unique attributes for genome editing and may provide a valuable alternative to Cas9. However, a low editing efficiency due to temperature sensitivity and insufficient cleavage activity of the Cas12a nuclease are major obstacles to its broad application. In this report, we generated two variants, ttAsCas12 Ultra and ttLbCas12a Ultra harboring three (E174R, M537R, and F870L) or two (D156R and E795L) mutations, respectively, by combining the mutations from the temperature-tolerant variants ttAsCas12a (E174R) and ttLbCas12a (D156R), and those from the highly active variants AsCas12a Ultra (M537R and F870L) and LbCas12a Ultra (E795L). We compared editing efficiencies of the five resulting Cas12a variants (LbCas12a, ttLbCas12a, ttLbCas12a Ultra, AsCas12a Ultra, and ttAsCas12 Ultra) at six target sites of four genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The variant ttLbCas12a Ultra, harboring the D156R and E795L mutations, exhibited the highest editing efficiency of all variants tested in Arabidopsis and can be used to generate homozygous or biallelic mutants in a single generation in Arabidopsis plants grown at 22 °C. In addition, optimization of ttLbCas12a Ultra, by varying nuclear localization signal sequences and codon usage, further greatly improved editing efficiency. Collectively, our results indicate that ttLbCas12a Ultra is a valuable alternative to Cas9 for editing genes or promoters in Arabidopsis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-024-00144-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dexin Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenghong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue-Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi-jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valentine M, Butruille D, Achard F, Beach S, Brower-Toland B, Cargill E, Hassebrock M, Rinehart J, Ream T, Chen Y. Simultaneous genetic transformation and genome editing of mixed lines in soybean ( Glycine max) and maize ( Zea mays). ABIOTECH 2024; 5:169-183. [PMID: 38974857 PMCID: PMC11224177 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-024-00173-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Robust genome editing technologies are becoming part of the crop breeding toolbox. Currently, genome editing is usually conducted either at a single locus, or multiple loci, in a variety at one time. Massively parallel genomics platforms, multifaceted genome editing capabilities, and flexible transformation systems enable targeted variation at nearly any locus, across the spectrum of genotypes within a species. We demonstrate here the simultaneous transformation and editing of many genotypes, by targeting mixed seed embryo explants with genome editing machinery, followed by re-identification through genotyping after plant regeneration. Transformation and Editing of Mixed Lines (TREDMIL) produced transformed individuals representing 101 of 104 (97%) mixed elite genotypes in soybean; and 22 of 40 (55%) and 9 of 36 (25%) mixed maize female and male elite inbred genotypes, respectively. Characterization of edited genotypes for the regenerated individuals identified over 800 distinct edits at the Determinate1 (Dt1) locus in samples from 101 soybean genotypes and 95 distinct Brown midrib3 (Bm3) edits in samples from 17 maize genotypes. These results illustrate how TREDMIL can help accelerate the development and deployment of customized crop varieties for future precision breeding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-024-00173-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Valentine
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - David Butruille
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Frederic Achard
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Steven Beach
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | | | - Edward Cargill
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Megan Hassebrock
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Jennifer Rinehart
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Thomas Ream
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| | - Yurong Chen
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO 63017 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Slaman E, Kottenhagen L, de Martines W, Angenent GC, de Maagd RA. Comparison of Cas12a and Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in tomato cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4508. [PMID: 38402312 PMCID: PMC10894265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55088-4] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cas12a is a promising addition to the CRISPR toolbox, offering versatility due to its TTTV-protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and the fact that it induces double-stranded breaks (DSBs) with single-stranded overhangs. We characterized Cas12a-mediated genome editing in tomato using high-throughput amplicon sequencing on protoplasts. Of the three tested variants, Lachnospiraceae (Lb) Cas12a was the most efficient. Additionally, we developed an easy and effective Golden-Gate-based system for crRNA cloning. We compared LbCas12a to SpCas9 by investigating on-target efficacy and specificity at 35 overlapping target sites and 57 (LbCas12a) or 100 (SpCas9) predicted off-target sites. We found LbCas12a an efficient, robust addition to SpCas9, with similar overall though target-dependent efficiencies. LbCas12a induced more and larger deletions than SpCas9, which can be advantageous for specific genome editing applications. Off-target activity for LbCas12a was found at 10 out of 57 investigated sites. One or two mismatches were present distal from the PAM in all cases. We conclude that Cas12a-mediated genome editing is generally precise as long as such off-target sites can be avoided. In conclusion, we have determined the mutation pattern and efficacy of Cas12a-mediated CRISPR mutagenesis in tomato and developed a cloning system for the routine application of Cas12a for tomato genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Slaman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Bioscience, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Kottenhagen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - William de Martines
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerco C Angenent
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Bioscience, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud A de Maagd
- Bioscience, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Larriba E, Yaroshko O, Pérez-Pérez JM. Recent Advances in Tomato Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2606. [PMID: 38473859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052606] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of gene-editing tools, such as zinc finger nucleases, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas, allows for the modification of physiological, morphological, and other characteristics in a wide range of crops to mitigate the negative effects of stress caused by anthropogenic climate change or biotic stresses. Importantly, these tools have the potential to improve crop resilience and increase yields in response to challenging environmental conditions. This review provides an overview of gene-editing techniques used in plants, focusing on the cultivated tomatoes. Several dozen genes that have been successfully edited with the CRISPR/Cas system were selected for inclusion to illustrate the possibilities of this technology in improving fruit yield and quality, tolerance to pathogens, or responses to drought and soil salinity, among other factors. Examples are also given of how the domestication of wild species can be accelerated using CRISPR/Cas to generate new crops that are better adapted to the new climatic situation or suited to use in indoor agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Larriba
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Olha Yaroshko
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nomura T, Kim J, Ishikawa M, Suzuki K, Mochida K. High-efficiency genome editing by Cas12a ribonucleoprotein complex in Euglena gracilis. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14393. [PMID: 38332568 PMCID: PMC10884871 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14393] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgene-free genome editing based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology is key to achieving genetic engineering in microalgae for basic research and industrial applications. Euglena gracilis, a unicellular phytoflagellate microalga, is a promising biomaterial for foods, feeds, cosmetics and biofuels. However, methods for the genetic manipulation of E. gracilis are still limited. Here, we developed a high-efficiency, transgene-free genome editing method for E. gracilis using Lachnospiraceae bacterium CRISPR-associated protein 12a (LbCas12a) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, which complements the previously established Cas9 RNP-based method. Through the direct delivery of LbCas12a-containing RNPs, our method reached mutagenesis rates of approximately 77.2-94.5% at two different E. gracilis target genes, Glucan synthase-like 2 (EgGSL2) and a phytoene synthase gene (EgcrtB). Moreover, in addition to targeted mutagenesis, we demonstrated efficient knock-in and base editing at the target site using LbCas12a-based RNPs with a single-stranded DNA donor template in E. gracilis. This study extends the genetic engineering capabilities of Euglena to accelerate its basic use for research and engineering for bioproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihisa Nomura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceYokohamaJapan
- RIKEN Baton Zone ProgramYokohamaJapan
- Faculty of AgricultureYamagata UniversityTsuruokaJapan
| | - June‐Silk Kim
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceYokohamaJapan
- Institute of Plant Science and ResourcesOkayama UniversityOkayamaJapan
| | - Marumi Ishikawa
- RIKEN Baton Zone ProgramYokohamaJapan
- Euglena Co., Ltd.TokyoJapan
| | - Kengo Suzuki
- RIKEN Baton Zone ProgramYokohamaJapan
- Euglena Co., Ltd.TokyoJapan
| | - Keiichi Mochida
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceYokohamaJapan
- RIKEN Baton Zone ProgramYokohamaJapan
- Kihara Institute for Biological ResearchYokohama City UniversityYokohamaKanagawaJapan
- Graduate School of NanobioscienceYokohama City UniversityYokohamaKanagawaJapan
- School of Information and Data SciencesNagasaki UniversityNagasakiJapan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pietralla J, Capdeville N, Schindele P, Puchta H. Optimizing ErCas12a for efficient gene editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:401-412. [PMID: 37864303 PMCID: PMC10826985 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The ErCas12a nuclease, also known as MAD7, is part of a CRISPR/Cas system from Eubacterium rectale and distantly related to Cas12a nucleases. As it shares only 31% sequence homology with the commonly used AsCas12a, its intellectual property may not be covered by the granted patent rights for Cas12a nucleases. Thus, ErCas12a became an attractive alternative for practical applications. However, the editing efficiency of ErCas12a is strongly target sequence- and temperature-dependent. Therefore, optimization of the enzyme activity through protein engineering is especially attractive for its application in plants, as they are cultivated at lower temperatures. Based on the knowledge obtained from the optimization of Cas12a nucleases, we opted to improve the gene editing efficiency of ErCas12a by introducing analogous amino acid exchanges. Interestingly, neither of these mutations analogous to those in the enhanced or Ultra versions of AsCas12a resulted in significant editing enhancement of ErCas12a in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, two different mutations, V156R and K172R, in putative alpha helical structures of the enzyme showed a detectable improvement in editing. By combining these two mutations, we obtained an improved ErCas12a (imErCas12a) variant, showing several-fold increase in activity in comparison to the wild-type enzyme in Arabidopsis. This variant yields strong editing efficiencies at 22 °C which could be further increased by raising the cultivation temperature to 28 °C and even enabled editing of formerly inaccessible targets. Additionally, no enhanced off-site activity was detected. Thus, imErCas12a is an economically attractive and efficient alternative to other CRISPR/Cas systems for plant genome engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Pietralla
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Niklas Capdeville
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Patrick Schindele
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| | - Holger Puchta
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institute for Plant Sciences (JKIP)Department of Molecular BiologyKarlrsruheGermany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prado GS, Rocha DC, dos Santos LN, Contiliani DF, Nobile PM, Martinati-Schenk JC, Padilha L, Maluf MP, Lubini G, Pereira TC, Monteiro-Vitorello CB, Creste S, Boscariol-Camargo RL, Takita MA, Cristofani-Yaly M, de Souza AA. CRISPR technology towards genome editing of the perennial and semi-perennial crops citrus, coffee and sugarcane. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1331258. [PMID: 38259920 PMCID: PMC10801916 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1331258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Souza Prado
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
| | - Dhiôvanna Corrêia Rocha
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nascimento dos Santos
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Danyel Fernandes Contiliani
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paula Macedo Nobile
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Padilha
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Mirian Perez Maluf
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Greice Lubini
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tiago Campos Pereira
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Creste
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Aurélio Takita
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
O’Brien A, Bauer DC, Burgio G. Predicting CRISPR-Cas12a guide efficiency for targeting using machine learning. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292924. [PMID: 37847697 PMCID: PMC10581463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292924] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing through the development of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat)-Cas technology has revolutionized many fields in biology. Beyond Cas9 nucleases, Cas12a (formerly Cpf1) has emerged as a promising alternative to Cas9 for editing AT-rich genomes. Despite the promises, guide RNA efficiency prediction through computational tools search still lacks accuracy. Through a computational meta-analysis, here we report that Cas12a target and off-target cleavage behavior are a factor of nucleotide bias combined with nucleotide mismatches relative to the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site. These features helped to train a Random Forest machine learning model to improve the accuracy by at least 15% over existing algorithms to predict guide RNA efficiency for the Cas12a enzyme. Despite the progresses, our report underscores the need for more representative datasets and further benchmarking to reliably and accurately predict guide RNA efficiency and off-target effects for Cas12a enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan O’Brien
- Division of Genome Science and Cancer and The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Denis C. Bauer
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Division of Genome Science and Cancer and The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ashraf S, Ahmad A, Khan SH, Jamil A, Sadia B, Brown JK. LbCas12a mediated suppression of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1233295. [PMID: 37636103 PMCID: PMC10456881 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1233295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Begomoviruses are contagious and severely affect commercially important fiber and food crops. Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is one of the most dominant specie of Begomovirus and a major constraint on cotton yield in Pakistan. Currently, the field of plant genome editing is being revolutionized by the CRISPR/Cas system applications such as base editing, prime editing and CRISPR based gene drives. CRISPR/Cas9 system has successfully been used against biotic and abiotic plant stresses with proof-of-concept studies in both model and crop plants. CRISPR/Cas12 and CRISPR/Cas13 have recently been applied in plant sciences for basic and applied research. In this study, we used a novel approach, multiplexed crRNA-based Cas12a toolbox to target the different ORFs of the CLCuMuV genome at multiple sites simultaneously. This method successfully eliminated the symptoms of CLCuMuV in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum. Three individual crRNAs were designed from the CLCuMuV genome, targeting the specific sites of four different ORFs (C1, V1 and overlapping region of C2 and C3). The Cas12a-based construct Cas12a-MV was designed through Golden Gate three-way cloning for precise editing of CLCuMuV genome. Cas12a-MV construct was confirmed through whole genome sequencing using the primers Ubi-intron-F1 and M13-R1. Transient assays were performed in 4 weeks old Nicotiana benthamiana plants, through the agroinfiltration method. Sanger sequencing indicated that the Cas12a-MV constructs made a considerable mutations at the target sites of the viral genome. In addition, TIDE analysis of Sanger sequencing results showed the editing efficiency of crRNA1 (21.7%), crRNA2 (24.9%) and crRNA3 (55.6%). Furthermore, the Cas12a-MV construct was stably transformed into Nicotiana tabacum through the leaf disc method to evaluate the potential of transgenic plants against CLCuMuV. For transgene analysis, the DNA of transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum was subjected to PCR to amplify Cas12a genes with specific primers. Infectious clones were agro-inoculated in transgenic and non-transgenic plants (control) for the infectivity assay. The transgenic plants containing Cas12a-MV showed rare symptoms and remained healthy compared to control plants with severe symptoms. The transgenic plants containing Cas12a-MV showed a significant reduction in virus accumulation (0.05) as compared to control plants (1.0). The results demonstrated the potential use of the multiplex LbCas12a system to develop virus resistance in model and crop plants against begomoviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Cotton Biotechnology Lab, Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Cotton Biotechnology Lab, Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sultan Habibullah Khan
- Cotton Biotechnology Lab, Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Amer Jamil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Sadia
- Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Judith K. Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Choudhary N, Tandi D, Verma RK, Yadav VK, Dhingra N, Ghosh T, Choudhary M, Gaur RK, Abdellatif MH, Gacem A, Eltayeb LB, Alqahtani MS, Yadav KK, Jeon BH. A comprehensive appraisal of mechanism of anti-CRISPR proteins: an advanced genome editor to amend the CRISPR gene editing. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1164461. [PMID: 37426982 PMCID: PMC10328345 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1164461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of precise and controlled CRISPR-Cas tools has been made possible by the discovery of protein inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas systems, called anti-CRISPRs (Acrs). The Acr protein has the ability to control off-targeted mutations and impede Cas protein-editing operations. Acr can help with selective breeding, which could help plants and animals improve their valuable features. In this review, the Acr protein-based inhibitory mechanisms that have been adopted by several Acrs, such as (a) the interruption of CRISPR-Cas complex assembly, (b) interference with target DNA binding, (c) blocking of target DNA/RNA cleavage, and (d) enzymatic modification or degradation of signalling molecules, were discussed. In addition, this review emphasizes the applications of Acr proteins in the plant research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Choudhary
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Dipty Tandi
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Verma
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Virendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Naveen Dhingra
- Department of Agriculture, Medi-Caps University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Tathagata Ghosh
- Department of Arts, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mahima Choudhary
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rajarshi K. Gaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (D.D.U.) Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Magda H. Abdellatif
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amel Gacem
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University 20 Août 1955, Skikda, Algeria
| | - Lienda Bashier Eltayeb
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University-Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Sciences (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Madhyanchal Professional University, Ratibad, India
- Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences Research Group, Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guzmán-Benito I, Achkar NP, Bologna N, Ursache R. CRISPR/Cas-mediated inplanta gene targeting: current advances and challenges. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023:erad072. [PMID: 36861321 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We can use gene targeting (GT) to make modifications at a specific region in a plant's genome and create high-precision tools for plant biotechnology and breeding. However, its low efficiency is a major barrier to its use in plants. The discovery of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-Cas-based site-specific nucleases capable of inducing double-strand breaks in desired loci resulted in the development of novel approaches for plant GT. Several studies have recently demonstrated improvements in GT efficiency through cell-type-specific expression of Cas nucleases, the use of self-amplified GT-vector DNA, or manipulation of RNA silencing and DNA repair pathways. In this review, we summarize recent advances in CRISPR/Cas-mediated GT in plants and discuss potential efficiency improvements. Increasing the efficiency of GT technology will help us pave the way for increased crop yields and food safety in environmentally friendly agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Guzmán-Benito
- The Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Patricia Achkar
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Nicolas Bologna
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Robertas Ursache
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
May D, Paldi K, Altpeter F. Targeted mutagenesis with sequence-specific nucleases for accelerated improvement of polyploid crops: Progress, challenges, and prospects. THE PLANT GENOME 2023:e20298. [PMID: 36692095 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Many of the world's most important crops are polyploid. The presence of more than two sets of chromosomes within their nuclei and frequently aberrant reproductive biology in polyploids present obstacles to conventional breeding. The presence of a larger number of homoeologous copies of each gene makes random mutation breeding a daunting task for polyploids. Genome editing has revolutionized improvement of polyploid crops as multiple gene copies and/or alleles can be edited simultaneously while preserving the key attributes of elite cultivars. Most genome-editing platforms employ sequence-specific nucleases (SSNs) to generate DNA double-stranded breaks at their target gene. Such DNA breaks are typically repaired via the error-prone nonhomologous end-joining process, which often leads to frame shift mutations, causing loss of gene function. Genome editing has enhanced the disease resistance, yield components, and end-use quality of polyploid crops. However, identification of candidate targets, genotyping, and requirement of high mutagenesis efficiency remain bottlenecks for targeted mutagenesis in polyploids. In this review, we will survey the tremendous progress of SSN-mediated targeted mutagenesis in polyploid crop improvement, discuss its challenges, and identify optimizations needed to sustain further progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David May
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Katalin Paldi
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fredy Altpeter
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Khan S, Sallard E. Current and Prospective Applications of CRISPR-Cas12a in Pluricellular Organisms. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:196-205. [PMID: 35939208 PMCID: PMC9841005 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00538-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems play a critical role in the prokaryotic adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements, such as phages and foreign plasmids. In the last decade, Cas9 has been established as a powerful and versatile gene editing tool. In its wake, the novel RNA-guided endonuclease system CRISPR-Cas12a is transforming biological research due to its unique properties, such as its high specificity or its ability to target T-rich motifs, to induce staggered double-strand breaks and to process RNA arrays. Meanwhile, there is an increasing need for efficient and safe gene activation, repression or editing in pluricellular organisms for crop improvement, gene therapy, research model development, and other goals. In this article, we review CRISPR-Cas12a applications in pluricellular organisms and discuss how the challenges characteristic of these complex models, such as vectorization or temperature variations in ectothermic species, can be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Khan
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy ,Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tuncel A, Qi Y. CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing in potato: Past achievements and future directions. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 325:111474. [PMID: 36174801 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering has been re-shaping plant biotechnology and agriculture. Crop improvement using the recently developed gene editing techniques is now easier, faster, and more precise than ever. Although considered to be a global food security crop, potato has not benefitted enough from diverse collection of these techniques. Unique genetic features of cultivated potatoes such as tetrasomic inheritance, high genomic heterozygosity, and inbreeding depression hamper conventional breeding of this important crop. Therefore, genome editing provides an excellent arsenal of tools for trait improvement in potato. Moreover, using specific transformation protocols, it is possible to engineer transgene free commercial varieties. In this review we first describe the past achievements in potato genome editing and highlight some of the missing aspects of these efforts. Then, we discuss about technical challenges of genome editing in potato and present approaches to overcome these difficulties. Finally, we talk about genome editing applications that have not been explored in potato and point out some of the missing venues in literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aytug Tuncel
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guo G, Li MJ, Lai JL, Du ZY, Liao QS. Development of tobacco rattle virus-based platform for dual heterologous gene expression and CRISPR/Cas reagent delivery. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 325:111491. [PMID: 36216296 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A large number of viral delivery systems have been developed for characterizing functional genes and producing heterologous recombinant proteins in plants, and but most of them are unable to co-express two fusion-free foreign proteins in the whole plant for extended periods of time. In this study, we modified tobacco rattle virus (TRV) as a TRVe dual delivery vector, using the strategy of gene substitution. The reconstructed TRVe had the capability to simultaneously produce two fusion-free foreign proteins at the whole level of Nicotiana benthamiana, and maintained the genetic stability for the insert of double foreign genes. Moreover, TRVe allowed systemic expression of two foreign proteins with the total lengths up to ∼900 aa residues. In addition, Cas12a protein and crRNA were delivered by the TRVe expression system for site-directed editing of genomic DNA in N. benthamiana 16c line constitutively expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Taker together, the TRV-based delivery system will be a simple and powerful means to rapidly co-express two non-fused foreign proteins at the whole level and facilitate functional genomics studies in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Meng-Jiao Li
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Jia-Liang Lai
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Zhi-You Du
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Qian-Sheng Liao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rahman MU, Zulfiqar S, Raza MA, Ahmad N, Zhang B. Engineering Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants through CRISPR Genome Editing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223590. [PMID: 36429019 PMCID: PMC9688763 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental abiotic stresses challenge food security by depressing crop yields often exceeding 50% of their annual production. Different methods, including conventional as well as genomic-assisted breeding, mutagenesis, and genetic engineering have been utilized to enhance stress resilience in several crop species. Plant breeding has been partly successful in developing crop varieties against abiotic stresses owning to the complex genetics of the traits as well as the narrow genetic base in the germplasm. Irrespective of the fact that genetic engineering can transfer gene(s) from any organism(s), transgenic crops have become controversial mainly due to the potential risk of transgene-outcrossing. Consequently, the cultivation of transgenic crops is banned in certain countries, particularly in European countries. In this scenario, the discovery of the CRISPR tool provides a platform for producing transgene-free genetically edited plants-similar to the mutagenized crops that are not extensively regulated such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Thus, the genome-edited plants without a transgene would likely go into the field without any restriction. Here, we focused on the deployment of CRISPR for the successful development of abiotic stress-tolerant crop plants for sustaining crop productivity under changing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehboob-ur Rahman
- Plant Genomics and Molecular Breeding Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.-u.R.); (B.Z.)
| | - Sana Zulfiqar
- Plant Genomics and Molecular Breeding Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ahmad Raza
- Plant Genomics and Molecular Breeding Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Niaz Ahmad
- Plant Genomics and Molecular Breeding Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-u.R.); (B.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Singh AK, Mishra P, Kashyap SP, Karkute SG, Singh PM, Rai N, Bahadur A, Behera TK. Molecular insights into mechanisms underlying thermo-tolerance in tomato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1040532. [PMID: 36388532 PMCID: PMC9645296 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1040532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant productivity is being seriously compromised by climate-change-induced temperature extremities. Agriculture and food safety are threatened due to global warming, and in many cases the negative impacts have already begun. Heat stress leads to significant losses in yield due to changes in growth pattern, plant phonologies, sensitivity to pests, flowering, grain filling, maturity period shrinkage, and senescence. Tomato is the second most important vegetable crop. It is very sensitive to heat stress and thus, yield losses in tomato due to heat stress could affect food and nutritional security. Tomato plants respond to heat stress with a variety of cellular, physiological, and molecular responses, beginning with the early heat sensing, followed by signal transduction, antioxidant defense, osmolyte synthesis and regulated gene expression. Recent findings suggest that specific plant organs are extremely sensitive to heat compared to the entire plant, redirecting the research more towards generative tissues. This is because, during sexual reproduction, developing pollens are the most sensitive to heat. Often, just a few degrees of temperature elevation during pollen development can have a negative effect on crop production. Furthermore, recent research has discovered certain genetic and epigenetic mechanisms playing key role in thermo-tolerance and have defined new directions for tomato heat stress response (HSR). Present challenges are to increase the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying HS, and to identify superior genotypes with more tolerance to extreme temperatures. Several metabolites, genes, heat shock factors (HSFs) and microRNAs work together to regulate the plant HSR. The present review provides an insight into molecular mechanisms of heat tolerance and current knowledge of genetic and epigenetic control of heat-tolerance in tomato for sustainable agriculture in the future. The information will significantly contribute to improve breeding programs for development of heat tolerant cultivars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Achuit K. Singh
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pallavi Mishra
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvesh Pratap Kashyap
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Suhas G. Karkute
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prabhakar Mohan Singh
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nagendra Rai
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anant Bahadur
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tusar K. Behera
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Luk K, Liu P, Zeng J, Wang Y, Maitland SA, Idrizi F, Ponnienselvan K, Iyer S, Zhu LJ, Luban J, Bauer DE, Wolfe SA. Optimization of Nuclear Localization Signal Composition Improves CRISPR-Cas12a Editing Rates in Human Primary Cells. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 1:271-284. [PMID: 38405215 PMCID: PMC10887433 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2022.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Type V CRISPR-Cas12a systems are an attractive Cas9-alternative nuclease platform for specific genome editing applications. However, previous studies demonstrate that there is a gap in overall activity between Cas12a and Cas9 in primary cells.1 Here we describe optimization to the NLS composition and architecture of Cas12a to facilitate highly efficient targeted mutagenesis in human transformed cell lines (HEK293T, Jurkat, and K562 cells) and primary cells (NK cells and CD34+ HSPCs), regardless of Cas12a ortholog. Our 3xNLS Cas12a architecture resulted in the most robust editing platform. The improved editing activity of Cas12a in both NK cells and CD34+ HSPCs resulted in pronounced phenotypic changes associated with target gene editing. Lastly, we demonstrated that optimization of the NLS composition and architecture of Cas12a did not increase editing at potential off-target sites in HEK293T or CD34+ HSPCs. Our new Cas12a NLS variant provides an improved nuclease platform for therapeutic genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jing Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yetao Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Beijing, Beijing, CN
| | - Stacy A. Maitland
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Feston Idrizi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Ponnienselvan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sukanya Iyer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mattiello L, Rütgers M, Sua-Rojas MF, Tavares R, Soares JS, Begcy K, Menossi M. Molecular and Computational Strategies to Increase the Efficiency of CRISPR-Based Techniques. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:868027. [PMID: 35712599 PMCID: PMC9194676 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.868027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The prokaryote-derived Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas mediated gene editing tools have revolutionized our ability to precisely manipulate specific genome sequences in plants and animals. The simplicity, precision, affordability, and robustness of this technology have allowed a myriad of genomes from a diverse group of plant species to be successfully edited. Even though CRISPR/Cas, base editing, and prime editing technologies have been rapidly adopted and implemented in plants, their editing efficiency rate and specificity varies greatly. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-derived technologies and their implications on enhancing editing efficiency. We highlight the major efforts of engineering Cas9, Cas12a, Cas12b, and Cas12f proteins aiming to improve their efficiencies. We also provide a perspective on the global future of agriculturally based products using DNA-free CRISPR/Cas techniques. The improvement of CRISPR-based technologies efficiency will enable the implementation of genome editing tools in a variety of crop plants, as well as accelerate progress in basic research and molecular breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Mattiello
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mark Rütgers
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Sua-Rojas
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Tavares
- Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - José Sérgio Soares
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Kevin Begcy
- Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Marcelo Menossi
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Green Revolution to Gene Revolution: Technological Advances in Agriculture to Feed the World. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11101297. [PMID: 35631721 PMCID: PMC9146367 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Technological applications in agriculture have evolved substantially to increase crop yields and quality to meet global food demand. Conventional techniques, such as seed saving, selective breeding, and mutation breeding (variation breeding), have dramatically increased crop production, especially during the ‘Green Revolution’ in the 1990s. However, newer issues, such as limited arable lands, climate change, and ever-increasing food demand, pose challenges to agricultural production and threaten food security. In the following ‘Gene Revolution’ era, rapid innovations in the biotechnology field provide alternative strategies to further improve crop yield, quality, and resilience towards biotic and abiotic stresses. These innovations include the introduction of DNA recombinant technology and applications of genome editing techniques, such as transcription activator-like effector (TALEN), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated (CRISPR/Cas) systems. However, the acceptance and future of these modern tools rely on the regulatory frameworks governing their development and production in various countries. Herein, we examine the evolution of technological applications in agriculture, focusing on the motivations for their introduction, technical challenges, possible benefits and concerns, and regulatory frameworks governing genetically engineered product development and production.
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen H, Neubauer M, Wang JP. Enhancing HR Frequency for Precise Genome Editing in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:883421. [PMID: 35592579 PMCID: PMC9113527 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.883421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene-editing tools, such as Zinc-fingers, TALENs, and CRISPR-Cas, have fostered a new frontier in the genetic improvement of plants across the tree of life. In eukaryotes, genome editing occurs primarily through two DNA repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). NHEJ is the primary mechanism in higher plants, but it is unpredictable and often results in undesired mutations, frameshift insertions, and deletions. Homology-directed repair (HDR), which proceeds through HR, is typically the preferred editing method by genetic engineers. HR-mediated gene editing can enable error-free editing by incorporating a sequence provided by a donor template. However, the low frequency of native HR in plants is a barrier to attaining efficient plant genome engineering. This review summarizes various strategies implemented to increase the frequency of HDR in plant cells. Such strategies include methods for targeting double-strand DNA breaks, optimizing donor sequences, altering plant DNA repair machinery, and environmental factors shown to influence HR frequency in plants. Through the use and further refinement of these methods, HR-based gene editing may one day be commonplace in plants, as it is in other systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- College of Forestry, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Matthew Neubauer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jack P. Wang
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Forest Biotechnology Group, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lin CS, Hsu CT, Yuan YH, Zheng PX, Wu FH, Cheng QW, Wu YL, Wu TL, Lin S, Yue JJ, Cheng YH, Lin SI, Shih MC, Sheen J, Lin YC. DNA-free CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of wild tetraploid tomato Solanum peruvianum using protoplast regeneration. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1917-1930. [PMID: 35088855 PMCID: PMC8968427 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Wild tomatoes (Solanum peruvianum) are important genomic resources for tomato research and breeding. Development of a foreign DNA-free clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas delivery system has potential to mitigate public concern about genetically modified organisms. Here, we established a DNA-free CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system based on an optimized protoplast regeneration protocol of S. peruvianum, an important resource for tomato introgression breeding. We generated mutants for genes involved in small interfering RNAs biogenesis, RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 6 (SpRDR6), and SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING 3 (SpSGS3); pathogen-related peptide precursors, PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEIN-1 (SpPR-1) and PROSYSTEMIN (SpProSys); and fungal resistance (MILDEW RESISTANT LOCUS O, SpMlo1) using diploid or tetraploid protoplasts derived from in vitro-grown shoots. The ploidy level of these regenerants was not affected by PEG-Ca2+-mediated transfection, CRISPR reagents, or the target genes. By karyotyping and whole genome sequencing analysis, we confirmed that CRISPR-Cas9 editing did not introduce chromosomal changes or unintended genome editing sites. All mutated genes in both diploid and tetraploid regenerants were heritable in the next generation. spsgs3 null T0 regenerants and sprdr6 null T1 progeny had wiry, sterile phenotypes in both diploid and tetraploid lines. The sterility of the spsgs3 null mutant was partially rescued, and fruits were obtained by grafting to wild-type (WT) stock and pollination with WT pollen. The resulting seeds contained the mutated alleles. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus proliferated at higher levels in spsgs3 and sprdr6 mutants than in the WT. Therefore, this protoplast regeneration technique should greatly facilitate tomato polyploidization and enable the use of CRISPR-Cas for S. peruvianum domestication and tomato breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen-Tran Hsu
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Yuan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Po-Xing Zheng
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Research Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Hui Wu
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Qiao-Wei Cheng
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Wu
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Research Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Li Wu
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Research Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711, Taiwan
| | - Steven Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Jun Yue
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311, China
| | - Ying-Huey Cheng
- Plant Pathology Division, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Shu-I Lin
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen J, Li S, He Y, Li J, Xia L. An update on precision genome editing by homology-directed repair in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1780-1794. [PMID: 35238390 PMCID: PMC8968426 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Beneficial alleles derived from local landraces or related species, or even orthologs from other plant species, are often caused by differences of one or several single-nucleotide polymorphisms or indels in either the promoter region or the encoding region of a gene and often account for major differences in agriculturally important traits. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated endonuclease Cas9 system (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated precision genome editing enables targeted allele replacement or insertion of flag or foreign genes at specific loci via homology-directed repair (HDR); however, HDR efficiency is low due to the intrinsic rare occurrence of HDR and insufficient DNA repair template in the proximity of a double-stranded break (DSB). Precise replacement of the targeted gene with elite alleles from landraces or relatives into a commercial variety through genome editing has been a holy grail in the crop genome editing field. In this update, we briefly summarize CRISPR/Cas-mediated HDR in plants. We describe diverse strategies to improve HDR efficiency by manipulating the DNA repair pathway, timing DSB induction, and donor delivery, and so on. Lastly, we outline open questions and challenges in HDR-mediated precision genome editing in both plant biological research and crop improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yubing He
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingying Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572024, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chennakesavulu K, Singh H, Trivedi PK, Jain M, Yadav SR. State-of-the-Art in CRISPR Technology and Engineering Drought, Salinity, and Thermo-tolerant crop plants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:815-831. [PMID: 33742256 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Our review has described principles and functional importance of CRISPR-Cas9 with emphasis on the recent advancements, such as CRISPR-Cpf1, base editing (BE), prime editing (PE), epigenome editing, tissue-specific (CRISPR-TSKO), and inducible genome editing and their potential applications in generating stress-tolerant plants. Improved agricultural practices and enhanced food crop production using innovative crop breeding technology is essential for increasing access to nutritious foods across the planet. The crop plants play a pivotal role in energy and nutrient supply to humans. The abiotic stress factors, such as drought, heat, and salinity cause a substantial yield loss in crop plants and threaten food security. The most sustainable and eco-friendly way to overcome these challenges are the breeding of crop cultivars with improved tolerance against abiotic stress factors. The conventional plant breeding methods have been highly successful in developing abiotic stress-tolerant crop varieties, but usually cumbersome and time-consuming. Alternatively, the CRISPR/Cas genome editing has emerged as a revolutionary tool for making efficient and precise genetic manipulations in plant genomes. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the CRISPR/Cas genome editing (GE) technology with an emphasis on recent advances in the plant genome editing, including base editing (BE), prime editing (PE), epigenome editing, tissue-specific (CRISPR-TSKO), and inducible genome editing (CRISPR-IGE), which can be used for obtaining cultivars with enhanced tolerance to various abiotic stress factors. We also describe tissue culture-free, DNA-free GE technology, and some of the CRISPR-based tools that can be modified for their use in crop plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunchapu Chennakesavulu
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Harshita Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Prabodh Kumar Trivedi
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Mukesh Jain
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shri Ram Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Calvache C, Vazquez‐Vilar M, Selma S, Uranga M, Fernández‐del‐Carmen A, Daròs J, Orzáez D. Strong and tunable anti-CRISPR/Cas activities in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:399-408. [PMID: 34632687 PMCID: PMC8753356 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized genome engineering in plants. However, the use of anti-CRISPR proteins as tools to prevent CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing and gene activation in plants has not been explored yet. This study describes the characterization of two anti-CRISPR proteins, AcrIIA4 and AcrVA1, in Nicotiana benthamiana. Our results demonstrate that AcrIIA4 prevents site-directed mutagenesis in leaves when transiently co-expressed with CRISPR/Cas9. In a similar way, AcrVA1 is able to prevent CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated gene editing. Moreover, using a N. benthamiana line constitutively expressing Cas9, we show that the viral delivery of AcrIIA4 using Tobacco etch virus is able to completely abolish the high editing levels obtained when the guide RNA is delivered with a virus, in this case Potato virus X. We also show that AcrIIA4 and AcrVA1 repress CRISPR/dCas-based transcriptional activation of reporter genes. In the case of AcrIIA4, this repression occurs in a highly efficient, dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the fusion of an auxin degron to AcrIIA4 results in auxin-regulated activation of a downstream reporter gene. The strong anti-Cas activity of AcrIIA4 and AcrVA1 reported here opens new possibilities for customized control of gene editing and gene expression in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Calvache
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Marta Vazquez‐Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Sara Selma
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Mireia Uranga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Asun Fernández‐del‐Carmen
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - José‐Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Fang H, Roberts N, Zhang L, Vakulskas CA, Niedz RP, Culver JN, Qi Y. Highly Efficient Genome Editing in Plant Protoplasts by Ribonucleoprotein Delivery of CRISPR-Cas12a Nucleases. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:780238. [PMID: 35174354 PMCID: PMC8842731 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.780238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) mediated genome editing is a powerful approach for crop improvement. Traditional transformation methods based on plasmid delivery pose concerns associated with transgene integration and off-target effects. CRISPR delivered as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) can prevent exogenous DNA integration, minimize off-target effects, and reduce cellular toxicity. Although RNP delivered CRISPR genome editing has been demonstrated in many plant species, optimization strategies that yield high editing efficiencies have not been thoroughly investigated. Using rice and citrus protoplast systems we demonstrated highly efficient genome editing using Cas12a delivered as RNPs. Four Cas12a variants, including LbCas12a, LbCas12a-E795L, AsCas12a, and AsCas12a Ultra, were investigated. Nearly 100% editing efficiency was observed for three out of four target sites by LbCas12a, LbCas12a-E795L, and AsCas12a Ultra, as measured by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and verified by next generation sequencing of PCR amplicons. RNP delivery resulted in higher editing efficiencies than plasmid delivery at 32°C and 25°C. LbCas12a and LbCas12a-E795L demonstrated increased editing efficiencies in comparison to AsCas12a and AsCas12a Ultra, especially when used at lower RNP concentrations. In addition, we discovered that a 1:1 Cas12a:crRNA molar ratio is sufficient to achieve efficient genome editing. Nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are essential for efficient RNP-based genome editing. However, the different crRNA modifications tested did not significantly improve genome editing efficiency. Finally, we applied the Cas12a RNP system in citrus protoplasts and obtained similarly high editing efficiencies at the target site. Our study provides a comprehensive guideline for Cas12a-mediated genome editing using RNP delivery in plant cells, setting the foundation for the generation of transgene-free genome edited plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Yanhao Cheng
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Fang
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | | | - Liyang Zhang
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, United States
| | | | - Randall P. Niedz
- U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL, United States
| | - James N. Culver
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Yiping Qi,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jia H, Wang Y, Su H, Huang X, Wang N. LbCas12a-D156R Efficiently Edits LOB1 Effector Binding Elements to Generate Canker-Resistant Citrus Plants. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030315. [PMID: 35159125 PMCID: PMC8834406 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is an economically important disease in most citrus production regions worldwide. Xcc secretes a transcriptional activator like effector (TALE) PthA4 to bind to the effector binding elements (EBEs) in the promoter region of canker susceptibility gene LOB1 to activate its expression, which in turn causes canker symptoms. Editing the EBE region with Cas9/gRNA has been used to generate canker resistant citrus plants. However, most of the EBE-edited lines generated contain indels of 1–2 bp, which has higher possibility to be overcome by PthA4 adaptation. The adaptation capacity of TALEs inversely correlates with the number of mismatches with the EBE. LbCas12a/crRNA is known to generate longer deletion than Cas9. In this study, we used a temperature-tolerant and more efficient LbCas12a variant (ttLbCas12a), harboring the single substitution D156R, to modify the EBE region of LOB1. We first constructed GFP-p1380N-ttLbCas12a:LOBP, which was shown to be functional via Xcc-facilitated agroinfiltration in Pummelo (Citrus maxima) leaves. Subsequently, we stably expressed ttLbCas12a:LOBP in Pummelo. Eight transgenic lines were generated, with seven lines showing 100% mutations of the EBE, among which one line is homozygous. The EBE-edited lines had the ttLbCas12a-mediated deletions of up to 10 bp. Importantly, the seven lines were canker resistant and no off-targets were detected. In summary, ttLbCas12a can be used to efficiently generate biallelic/homozygous citrus mutant lines with short deletions, thus providing a useful tool for the functional study and breeding of citrus.
Collapse
|
28
|
Cao HX, Vu GTH, Gailing O. From Genome Sequencing to CRISPR-Based Genome Editing for Climate-Resilient Forest Trees. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:966. [PMID: 35055150 PMCID: PMC8780650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the economic and ecological importance of forest trees, modern breeding and genetic manipulation of forest trees have become increasingly prevalent. The CRISPR-based technology provides a versatile, powerful, and widely accepted tool for analyzing gene function and precise genetic modification in virtually any species but remains largely unexplored in forest species. Rapidly accumulating genetic and genomic resources for forest trees enabled the identification of numerous genes and biological processes that are associated with important traits such as wood quality, drought, or pest resistance, facilitating the selection of suitable gene editing targets. Here, we introduce and discuss the latest progress, opportunities, and challenges of genome sequencing and editing for improving forest sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hieu Xuan Cao
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Gottingen, Germany;
| | - Giang Thi Ha Vu
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Gottingen, Germany;
| | - Oliver Gailing
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Gottingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37073 Gottingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Schröpfer S, Lempe J, Emeriewen OF, Flachowsky H. Recent Developments and Strategies for the Application of Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Apple Malus × domestica Borkh. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:928292. [PMID: 35845652 PMCID: PMC9280197 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.928292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Genetic transformation has become an important tool in plant genome research over the last three decades. This applies not only to model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana but also increasingly to cultivated plants, where the establishment of transformation methods could still pose many problems. One of such plants is the apple (Malus spp.), the most important fruit of the temperate climate zone. Although the genetic transformation of apple using Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been possible since 1989, only a few research groups worldwide have successfully applied this technology, and efficiency remains poor. Nevertheless, there have been some developments, especially in recent years, which allowed for the expansion of the toolbox of breeders and breeding researchers. This review article attempts to summarize recent developments in the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation strategies of apple. In addition to the use of different tissues and media for transformation, agroinfiltration, as well as pre-transformation with a Baby boom transcription factor are notable successes that have improved transformation efficiency in apple. Further, we highlight targeted gene silencing applications. Besides the classical strategies of RNAi-based silencing by stable transformation with hairpin gene constructs, optimized protocols for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and artificial micro RNAs (amiRNAs) have emerged as powerful technologies for silencing genes of interest. Success has also been achieved in establishing methods for targeted genome editing (GE). For example, it was recently possible for the first time to generate a homohistont GE line into which a biallelic mutation was specifically inserted in a target gene. In addition to these methods, which are primarily aimed at increasing transformation efficiency, improving the precision of genetic modification and reducing the time required, methods are also discussed in which genetically modified plants are used for breeding purposes. In particular, the current state of the rapid crop cycle breeding system and its applications will be presented.
Collapse
|
30
|
González B, Vazquez-Vilar M, Sánchez-Vicente J, Orzáez D. Optimization of Vectors and Targeting Strategies Including GoldenBraid and Genome Editing Tools: GoldenBraid Assembly of Multiplex CRISPR /Cas12a Guide RNAs for Gene Editing in Nicotiana benthamiana. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2480:193-214. [PMID: 35616865 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2241-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
New breeding techniques, especially CRISPR/Cas, could facilitate the expansion and diversification of molecular farming crops by speeding up the introduction of new traits that improve their value as biofactories. One of the main advantages of CRISPR/Cas is its ability to target multiple loci simultaneously, a key feature known as multiplexing. This characteristic is especially relevant for polyploid species, as it is the case of Nicotiana benthamiana and other species of the same genus widely used in molecular farming. Here, we describe in detail the making of a multiplex DNA construct for genome editing in N. benthamiana using the GoldenBraid modular cloning platform. In this case, the procedure is adapted for the requirements of LbCas12a (Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a), a nuclease whose cloning strategy differs from that of the more often used SpCas9 (Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9) enzyme. LbCas12a-mediated edition has several advantages, as its high editing efficiency, described for different plant species, and its T/A-rich PAM sequence, which expands the range of genomic loci that can be targeted by site-specific nucleases. The protocol also includes recommendations for the selection of protospacer sequences and indications for the analysis of editing results.
Collapse
|
31
|
Eini O, Schumann N, Niessen M, Varrelmann M. Targeted mutagenesis in plants using Beet curly top virus for efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas12a components. N Biotechnol 2021; 67:1-11. [PMID: 34896246 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas is rapidly being developed for gene targeting in eukaryotes including plants. However, gene targeting by homology-directed DNA recombination (HDR) is an infrequent event compared to the dominant DNA repair by non-homologous end-joining. Another bottleneck is the ineffective delivery of CRISPR/Cas components into plant cells. To overcome these constraints, here a geminiviral replicon from Beet curly top virus (BCTV) has been produced with a wide host range and high DNA accumulation capacity for efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas12a components into plant cells. Initially, a BCTV replicon was prepared after removing the virion sense genes from an infectious full-length clone for agrobacterium mediated infection. This replicon expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene at a high level compared to T-DNA binary vector. In transient assay, the BCTV replicon produced a higher rate of mutagenesis and HDR in the GFP transgene in Nicotiana benthamiana through efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas12a components compared to the cognate T-DNA control. This was through a range of complete or partial HDR for conversion of GFP into YFP after exchange of a single amino acid (Thr224Tyr) in the target gene. In addition, induced mutagenesis and HDR in the target gene were heritable. Thus, the BCTV replicon provides a new tool for efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas12a components that could be used in a wide range of dicotyledonous plants. The established GFP to YFP system and the GFP mutant line produced also enable further optimization and understanding of HDR in plants via CRISPR/Cas12a system using geminiviral replicons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Eini
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Zanjan, 313, Zanjan, Iran; Department of Phytopathology, Institute for Sugar Beet Research, 37079, Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | | | - Mark Varrelmann
- Department of Phytopathology, Institute for Sugar Beet Research, 37079, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang W, Tian B, Pan Q, Chen Y, He F, Bai G, Akhunova A, Trick HN, Akhunov E. Expanding the range of editable targets in the wheat genome using the variants of the Cas12a and Cas9 nucleases. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:2428-2441. [PMID: 34270168 PMCID: PMC8633491 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of CRISPR-based editors recognizing distinct protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs), or having different spacer length/structure requirements broadens the range of possible genomic applications. We evaluated the natural and engineered variants of Cas12a (FnCas12a and LbCas12a) and Cas9 for their ability to induce mutations in endogenous genes controlling important agronomic traits in wheat. Unlike FnCas12a, LbCas12a-induced mutations in the wheat genome, even though with a lower rate than that reported for SpCas9. The eight-fold improvement in the gene editing efficiency was achieved for LbCas12a by using the guides flanked by ribozymes and driven by the RNA polymerase II promoter from switchgrass. The efficiency of multiplexed genome editing (MGE) using LbCas12a was mostly similar to that obtained using the simplex RNA guides and showed substantial increase after subjecting transgenic plants to high-temperature treatment. We successfully applied LbCas12a-MGE for generating heritable mutations in a gene controlling grain size and weight in wheat. We showed that the range of editable loci in the wheat genome could be further expanded by using the engineered variants of Cas12a (LbCas12a-RVR) and Cas9 (Cas9-NG and xCas9) that recognize the TATV and NG PAMs, respectively, with the Cas9-NG showing higher editing efficiency on the targets with atypical PAMs compared to xCas9. In conclusion, our study reports a set of validated natural and engineered variants of Cas12a and Cas9 editors for targeting loci in the wheat genome not amenable to modification using the original SpCas9 nuclease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Bin Tian
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Qianli Pan
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Yueying Chen
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Fei He
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Guihua Bai
- Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research UnitUSDA‐ARSManhattanKSUSA
| | - Alina Akhunova
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
- Integrated Genomics FacilityKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Harold N. Trick
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| | - Eduard Akhunov
- Department of Plant PathologyKansas State UniversityManhattanKSUSA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schröpfer S, Flachowsky H. Tracing CRISPR/Cas12a Mediated Genome Editing Events in Apple Using High-Throughput Genotyping by PCR Capillary Gel Electrophoresis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212611. [PMID: 34830492 PMCID: PMC8619667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of the novel CRISPR/Cas12a system is advantageous, as it expands the possibilities for genome editing (GE) applications due to its different features compared to the commonly used CRISPR/Cas9 system. In this work, the CRISPR/Cas12a system was applied for the first time to apple to investigate its general usability for GE applications. Efficient guide RNAs targeting different exons of the endogenous reporter gene MdPDS, whose disruption leads to the albino phenotype, were pre-selected by in vitro cleavage assays. A construct was transferred to apple encoding for a CRISPR/Cas12a system that simultaneously targets two loci in MdPDS. Using fluorescent PCR capillary electrophoresis and amplicon deep sequencing, all identified GE events of regenerated albino shoots were characterized as deletions. Large deletions between the two neighboring target sites were not observed. Furthermore, a chimeric composition of regenerates and shoots that exhibited multiple GE events was observed frequently. By comparing both analytical methods, it was shown that fluorescent PCR capillary gel electrophoresis is a sensitive high-throughput genotyping method that allows accurate predictions of the size and proportion of indel mutations for multiple loci simultaneously. Especially for species exhibiting high frequencies of chimerism, it can be recommended as a cost-effective method for efficient selection of homohistont GE lines.
Collapse
|
34
|
Hassan MM, Zhang Y, Yuan G, De K, Chen JG, Muchero W, Tuskan GA, Qi Y, Yang X. Construct design for CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing in plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:1133-1152. [PMID: 34340931 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR construct design is a key step in the practice of genome editing, which includes identification of appropriate Cas proteins, design and selection of guide RNAs (gRNAs), and selection of regulatory elements to express gRNAs and Cas proteins. Here, we review the choices of CRISPR-based genome editors suited for different needs in plant genome editing applications. We consider the technical aspects of gRNA design and the associated computational tools. We also discuss strategies for the design of multiplex CRISPR constructs for high-throughput manipulation of complex biological processes or polygenic traits. We provide recommendations for different elements of CRISPR constructs and discuss the remaining challenges of CRISPR construct optimization in plant genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahmudul Hassan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602, Bangladesh
| | - Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Guoliang Yuan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Kuntal De
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Jin-Gui Chen
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Wellington Muchero
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Gerald A Tuskan
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Uranga M, Vazquez-Vilar M, Orzáez D, Daròs JA. CRISPR-Cas12a Genome Editing at the Whole-Plant Level Using Two Compatible RNA Virus Vectors. CRISPR J 2021; 4:761-769. [PMID: 34558964 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of viral vectors that can replicate and move systemically through the host plant to deliver bacterial CRISPR components enables genome editing at the whole-plant level and avoids the requirement for labor-intensive stable transformation. However, this approach usually relies on previously transformed plants that stably express a CRISPR-Cas nuclease. Here, we describe successful DNA-free genome editing of Nicotiana benthamiana using two compatible RNA virus vectors derived from tobacco etch virus (TEV; genus Potyvirus) and potato virus X (PVX; genus Potexvirus), which replicate in the same cells. The TEV and PVX vectors respectively express a Cas12a nuclease and the corresponding guide RNA. This novel two-virus vector system improves the toolbox for transformation-free virus-induced genome editing in plants and will advance efforts to breed more nutritious, resistant, and productive crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Uranga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Vazquez-Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Duan K, Cheng Y, Ji J, Wang C, Wei Y, Wang Y. Large chromosomal segment deletions by CRISPR/LbCpf1-mediated multiplex gene editing in soybean. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:1620-1631. [PMID: 34331750 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The creation of new soybean varieties has been limited by genomic duplication and redundancy. Efficient multiplex gene editing and large chromosomal segment deletion through clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems are promising strategies for overcoming these obstacles. CRISPR/Cpf1 is a robust tool for multiplex gene editing. However, large chromosomal excision mediated by CRISPR/Cpf1 has been reported in only a few non-plant species. Here, we report on CRISPR/LbCpf1-induced large chromosomal segment deletions in soybean using multiplex gene targeting. The CRISPR/LbCpf1 system was optimized for direct repeat and guide RNA lengths in crispr RNA (crRNA) array. The editing efficiency was evaluated using LbCpf1 driven by the CaMV35S and soybean ubiquitin promoter. The optimized system exhibited editing efficiencies of up to 91.7%. Our results showed eight gene targets could be edited simultaneously in one step when a single eight-gRNA-target crRNA array was employed, with an efficiency of up to 17.1%. We successfully employed CRISPR/LbCpf1 to produce small fragments (<1 Kb) and large chromosomal segment deletions (10 Kb-1 Mb) involving four different gene clusters in soybean. Together, these data demonstrate the power of the CRISPR/LbCpf1 platform for multiplex gene editing and chromosomal segment deletion in soybean, supporting the use of this technology in both basic research and agricultural applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Duan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yongshu Wei
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuanchao Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jordan WT, Currie S, Schmitz RJ. Multiplex genome editing in Arabidopsis thaliana using Mb3Cas12a. PLANT DIRECT 2021; 5:e344. [PMID: 34514290 PMCID: PMC8421513 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The use of CRISPR-Cas proteins for the creation of multiplex genome engineering represents an important avenue for crop improvement, and further improvements for creation of knock-in plant lines via CRISPR-based technologies may enable the high-throughput creation of designer alleles. To circumvent limitations of the commonly used CRISPR-Cas9 system for multiplex genome engineering, we explored the use of Moraxella bovoculi 3 Cas12a (Mb3Cas12a) for multiplex genome editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified optimized cis-regulatory sequences for driving expression of single-transcript multiplex crRNA arrays in A. thaliana, resulting in stable germline transmission of Mb3Cas12a-edited alleles at multiple target sites. By utilizing this system, we demonstrate single-transcript multiplexed genome engineering using of up to 13 crRNA targets. We further show high target specificity of Mb3Cas12a-based genome editing via whole-genome sequencing. Taken together, our method provides a simplified platform for efficient multiplex genome engineering in plant-based systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seth Currie
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bernabé-Orts JM, Torre C, Méndez-López E, Hernando Y, Aranda MA. New Resources for the Specific and Sensitive Detection of the Emerging Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091680. [PMID: 34578261 DOI: 10.1094/phytofr-08-21-0053-ta] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant viruses can evolve towards new pathogenic entities that may eventually cause outbreaks and become epidemics or even pandemics. Seven years ago, tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) emerged, overcoming the genetic resistance that had been employed for more than sixty years against tobamoviruses in tomato. Since then, ToBRFV has spread worldwide, producing significant losses in tomato crops. While new resistances are deployed, the only means of control is the implementation of effective prevention and eradication strategies. For this purpose, in this work, we have designed, assessed, and compared an array of tests for the specific and sensitive detection of the ToBRFV in leaf samples. First, two monoclonal antibodies were generated against a singular peptide of the ToBRFV coat protein; antibodies were utilized to devise a double-antibody-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) test that sensitively detects this virus and has no cross-reactivity with other related tobamoviruses. Second, a real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) test targeting the RNA-dependent replicase open reading frame (ORF) was designed, and its performance and specificity validated in comparison with the CaTa28 and CSP1325 tests recommended by plant protection authorities in Europe. Third, in line with the tendency to use field-deployable diagnostic techniques, we developed and tested two sets of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers to double-check the detection of the movement protein ORF of ToBRFV, and one set that works as an internal control. Finally, we compared all of these methods by employing a collection of samples with different ToBRFV loads to evaluate the overall performance of each test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Miquel Bernabé-Orts
- Abiopep S.L. Parque Científico de Murcia. Ctra. Madrid Km 388, Complejo Espinardo. Edificio R 2ª Planta, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Covadonga Torre
- Abiopep S.L. Parque Científico de Murcia. Ctra. Madrid Km 388, Complejo Espinardo. Edificio R 2ª Planta, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Méndez-López
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Edificio 25, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Yolanda Hernando
- Abiopep S.L. Parque Científico de Murcia. Ctra. Madrid Km 388, Complejo Espinardo. Edificio R 2ª Planta, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Aranda
- Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Edificio 25, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pan X, Zuallaert J, Wang X, Shen HB, Campos EP, Marushchak DO, De Neve W. ToxDL: deep learning using primary structure and domain embeddings for assessing protein toxicity. Bioinformatics 2021; 36:5159-5168. [PMID: 32692832 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Genetically engineering food crops involves introducing proteins from other species into crop plant species or modifying already existing proteins with gene editing techniques. In addition, newly synthesized proteins can be used as therapeutic protein drugs against diseases. For both research and safety regulation purposes, being able to assess the potential toxicity of newly introduced/synthesized proteins is of high importance. RESULTS In this study, we present ToxDL, a deep learning-based approach for in silico prediction of protein toxicity from sequence alone. ToxDL consists of (i) a module encompassing a convolutional neural network that has been designed to handle variable-length input sequences, (ii) a domain2vec module for generating protein domain embeddings and (iii) an output module that classifies proteins as toxic or non-toxic, using the outputs of the two aforementioned modules. Independent test results obtained for animal proteins and cross-species transferability results obtained for bacteria proteins indicate that ToxDL outperforms traditional homology-based approaches and state-of-the-art machine-learning techniques. Furthermore, through visualizations based on saliency maps, we are able to verify that the proposed network learns known toxic motifs. Moreover, the saliency maps allow for directed in silico modification of a sequence, thus making it possible to alter its predicted protein toxicity. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION ToxDL is freely available at http://www.csbio.sjtu.edu.cn/bioinf/ToxDL/. The source code can be found at https://github.com/xypan1232/ToxDL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Pan
- Department of Automation, Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai 200240, China.,Department for Electronics and Information Systems, IDLab, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,BASF Belgium Coordination Center - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jasper Zuallaert
- Department for Electronics and Information Systems, IDLab, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Center for Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Songdo, Incheon 305-701, South Korea
| | - Xi Wang
- BASF Belgium Coordination Center - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Hong-Bin Shen
- Department of Automation, Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Elda Posada Campos
- BASF Belgium Coordination Center - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Denys O Marushchak
- BASF Belgium Coordination Center - Innovation Center Gent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Wesley De Neve
- Department for Electronics and Information Systems, IDLab, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Center for Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Songdo, Incheon 305-701, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Huang TK, Puchta H. Novel CRISPR/Cas applications in plants: from prime editing to chromosome engineering. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:529-549. [PMID: 33646511 PMCID: PMC8316200 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, tremendous progress has been made in the development of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing tools. A number of natural CRISPR/Cas nuclease variants have been characterized. Engineered Cas proteins have been developed to minimize PAM restrictions, off-side effects and temperature sensitivity. Both kinds of enzymes have, by now, been applied widely and efficiently in many plant species to generate either single or multiple mutations at the desired loci by multiplexing. In addition to DSB-induced mutagenesis, specifically designed CRISPR/Cas systems allow more precise gene editing, resulting not only in random mutations but also in predefined changes. Applications in plants include gene targeting by homologous recombination, base editing and, more recently, prime editing. We will evaluate these different technologies for their prospects and practical applicability in plants. In addition, we will discuss a novel application of the Cas9 nuclease in plants, enabling the induction of heritable chromosomal rearrangements, such as inversions and translocations. This technique will make it possible to change genetic linkages in a programmed way and add another level of genome engineering to the toolbox of plant breeding. Also, strategies for tissue culture free genome editing were developed, which might be helpful to overcome the transformation bottlenecks in many crops. All in all, the recent advances of CRISPR/Cas technology will help agriculture to address the challenges of the twenty-first century related to global warming, pollution and the resulting food shortage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Kuei Huang
- Botanical Institute II, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, POB 6980, 76049, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Holger Puchta
- Botanical Institute II, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, POB 6980, 76049, Karlsruhe, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Huang T, Armstrong B, Schindele P, Puchta H. Efficient gene targeting in Nicotiana tabacum using CRISPR/SaCas9 and temperature tolerant LbCas12a. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1314-1324. [PMID: 33511745 PMCID: PMC8313123 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicotiana tabacum is a non-food herb that has the potential to be utilized as bio-factory for generating medicines, vaccines or valuable small metabolites. To achieve these goals, the improvement of genetic tools for pre-designed genome modifications is indispensable. The development of CRISPR/Cas nucleases allows the induction of site-specific double-strand breaks to enhance homologous recombination-mediated gene targeting (GT). However, the efficiency of GT is still a challenging obstacle for many crops including tobacco. Recently, studies in several plant species indicated that by replacing SpCas9 with other CRISPR/Cas-based nucleases, GT efficiencies might be enhanced considerably. Therefore, we tested SaCas9 as well as a temperature-insensitive version of LbCas12a (ttLbCas12a) for targeting the tobacco SuRB gene. At the same time, we also optimized the protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated tobacco transformation and tissue culture. In this way, we could improve GT efficiencies to up to a third of the inoculated cotyledons when using ttLbCas12a, which outperformed SaCas9 considerably. In addition, we could show that the conversion tract length of the GT reaction can be up to 606 bp long and in the majority of cases, it is longer than 250 bp. We obtained multiple heritable GT events, mostly heterozygous, but also biallelic GT events and some without T-DNA integration. Thus, we were not only able to obtain CRISPR/Cas-based heritable GT events in allotetraploid Nicotiana tabacum for the first time, but our results also indicate that ttLbCas12a might be a superior alternative for gene editing and GT in tobacco as well as in other crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng‐Kuei Huang
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | | | - Patrick Schindele
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | - Holger Puchta
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lin Q, Zhu Z, Liu G, Sun C, Lin D, Xue C, Li S, Zhang D, Gao C, Wang Y, Qiu JL. Genome editing in plants with MAD7 nuclease. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:444-451. [PMID: 34120856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MAD7 is an engineered nuclease of the Class 2 type V-A CRISPR-Cas (Cas12a/Cpf1) family with a low level of homology to canonical Cas12a nucleases. It has been publicly released as a royalty-free nuclease for both academic and commercial use. Here, we demonstrate that the CRISPR-MAD7 system can be used for genome editing and recognizes T-rich PAM sequences (YTTN) in plants. Its editing efficiency in rice and wheat is comparable to that of the widely used CRISPR-LbCas12a system. We develop two variants, MAD7-RR and MAD7-RVR that increase the target range of MAD7, as well as an M-AFID (a MAD7-APOBEC fusion-induced deletion) system that creates predictable deletions from 5'-deaminated Cs to the MAD7-cleavage site. Moreover, we show that MAD7 can be used for multiplex gene editing and that it is effective in generating indels when combined with other CRISPR RNA orthologs. Using the CRISPR-MAD7 system, we have obtained regenerated mutant rice and wheat plants with up to 65.6% efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiupeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zixu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guanwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dexing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenxiao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Center for Genome Editing, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jin-Long Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Perspectives for epigenetic editing in crops. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:381-400. [PMID: 33891288 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific nucleases (SSNs) have drawn much attention in plant biotechnology due to their ability to drive precision mutagenesis, gene targeting or allele replacement. However, when devoid of its nuclease activity, the underlying DNA-binding activity of SSNs can be used to bring other protein functional domains close to specific genomic sites, thus expanding further the range of applications of the technology. In particular, the addition of functional domains encoding epigenetic effectors and chromatin modifiers to the CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complex opens the possibility to introduce targeted epigenomic modifications in plants in an easily programmable manner. Here we examine some of the most important agronomic traits known to be controlled epigenetically and review the best studied epigenetic catalytic effectors in plants, such as DNA methylases/demethylases or histone acetylases/deacetylases and their associated marks. We also review the most efficient strategies developed to date to functionalize Cas proteins with both catalytic and non-catalytic epigenetic effectors, and the ability of these domains to influence the expression of endogenous genes in a regulatable manner. Based on these new technical developments, we discuss the possibilities offered by epigenetic editing tools in plant biotechnology and their implications in crop breeding.
Collapse
|
44
|
Meliawati M, Schilling C, Schmid J. Recent advances of Cas12a applications in bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2981-2990. [PMID: 33754170 PMCID: PMC8053165 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome engineering and related technologies have revolutionized biotechnology over the last decade by enhancing the efficiency of sophisticated biological systems. Cas12a (Cpf1) is an RNA-guided endonuclease associated to the CRISPR adaptive immune system found in many prokaryotes. Contrary to its more prominent counterpart Cas9, Cas12a recognizes A/T rich DNA sequences and is able to process its corresponding guide RNA directly, rendering it a versatile tool for multiplex genome editing efforts and other applications in biotechnology. While Cas12a has been extensively used in eukaryotic cell systems, microbial applications are still limited. In this review, we highlight the mechanistic and functional differences between Cas12a and Cas9 and focus on recent advances of applications using Cas12a in bacterial hosts. Furthermore, we discuss advantages as well as current challenges and give a future outlook for this promising alternative CRISPR-Cas system for bacterial genome editing and beyond. KEY POINTS: • Cas12a is a powerful tool for genome engineering and transcriptional perturbation • Cas12a causes less toxic side effects in bacteria than Cas9 • Self-processing of crRNA arrays facilitates multiplexing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meliawati Meliawati
- Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 3, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Schilling
- Chair of Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, Campus for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Schulgasse 16, 94315, Straubing, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmid
- Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 3, 48149, Münster, Germany.
- Chair of Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, Campus for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Schulgasse 16, 94315, Straubing, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Uranga M, Aragonés V, Selma S, Vázquez‐Vilar M, Orzáez D, Daròs J. Efficient Cas9 multiplex editing using unspaced sgRNA arrays engineering in a Potato virus X vector. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 106:555-565. [PMID: 33484202 PMCID: PMC8251967 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Systems based on the clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) have revolutionized genome editing in many organisms, including plants. Most CRISPR-Cas strategies in plants rely on genetic transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens to supply the gene editing reagents, such as Cas nucleases or the synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA). While Cas nucleases are constant elements in editing approaches, sgRNAs are target-specific and a screening process is usually required to identify those most effective. Plant virus-derived vectors are an alternative for the fast and efficient delivery of sgRNAs into adult plants, due to the virus capacity for genome amplification and systemic movement, a strategy known as virus-induced genome editing. We engineered Potato virus X (PVX) to build a vector that easily expresses multiple sgRNAs in adult solanaceous plants. Using the PVX-based vector, Nicotiana benthamiana genes were efficiently targeted, producing nearly 80% indels in a transformed line that constitutively expresses Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9. Interestingly, results showed that the PVX vector allows expression of arrays of unspaced sgRNAs, achieving highly efficient multiplex editing in a few days in adult plant tissues. Moreover, virus-free edited progeny can be obtained from plants regenerated from infected tissues or infected plant seeds, which exhibit a high rate of heritable biallelic mutations. In conclusion, this new PVX vector allows easy, fast and efficient expression of sgRNA arrays for multiplex CRISPR-Cas genome editing and will be a useful tool for functional gene analysis and precision breeding across diverse plant species, particularly in Solanaceae crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Uranga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| | - Verónica Aragonés
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| | - Sara Selma
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| | - Marta Vázquez‐Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| | - José‐Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas‐Universitat Politècnica de València)Avenida de los Naranjos s/nValencia46022Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhang Y, Ren Q, Tang X, Liu S, Malzahn AA, Zhou J, Wang J, Yin D, Pan C, Yuan M, Huang L, Yang H, Zhao Y, Fang Q, Zheng X, Tian L, Cheng Y, Le Y, McCoy B, Franklin L, Selengut JD, Mount SM, Que Q, Zhang Y, Qi Y. Expanding the scope of plant genome engineering with Cas12a orthologs and highly multiplexable editing systems. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1944. [PMID: 33782402 PMCID: PMC8007695 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a is a promising genome editing system for targeting AT-rich genomic regions. Comprehensive genome engineering requires simultaneous targeting of multiple genes at defined locations. Here, to expand the targeting scope of Cas12a, we screen nine Cas12a orthologs that have not been demonstrated in plants, and identify six, ErCas12a, Lb5Cas12a, BsCas12a, Mb2Cas12a, TsCas12a and MbCas12a, that possess high editing activity in rice. Among them, Mb2Cas12a stands out with high editing efficiency and tolerance to low temperature. An engineered Mb2Cas12a-RVRR variant enables editing with more relaxed PAM requirements in rice, yielding two times higher genome coverage than the wild type SpCas9. To enable large-scale genome engineering, we compare 12 multiplexed Cas12a systems and identify a potent system that exhibits nearly 100% biallelic editing efficiency with the ability to target as many as 16 sites in rice. This is the highest level of multiplex edits in plants to date using Cas12a. Two compact single transcript unit CRISPR-Cas12a interference systems are also developed for multi-gene repression in rice and Arabidopsis. This study greatly expands the targeting scope of Cas12a for crop genome engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Qiurong Ren
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Tang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shishi Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Aimee A Malzahn
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaheng Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Desuo Yin
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Food Crop Institute, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Changtian Pan
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mingzhu Yuan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Fang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian Zheng
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhao Cheng
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ysa Le
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Bailey McCoy
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Lidiya Franklin
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy D Selengut
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stephen M Mount
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yiping Qi
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Vazquez-Vilar M, Garcia-Carpintero V, Selma S, Bernabé-Orts JM, Sanchez-Vicente J, Salazar-Sarasua B, Ressa A, de Paola C, Ajenjo M, Quintela JC, Fernández-del-Carmen A, Granell A, Orzáez D. The GB4.0 Platform, an All-In-One Tool for CRISPR/Cas-Based Multiplex Genome Engineering in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:689937. [PMID: 34276739 PMCID: PMC8284049 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.689937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas ability to target several loci simultaneously (multiplexing) is a game-changer in plant breeding. Multiplexing not only accelerates trait pyramiding but also can unveil traits hidden by functional redundancy. Furthermore, multiplexing enhances dCas-based programmable gene expression and enables cascade-like gene regulation. However, the design and assembly of multiplex constructs comprising tandemly arrayed guide RNAs (gRNAs) requires scarless cloning and is still troublesome due to the presence of repetitive sequences, thus hampering a more widespread use. Here we present a comprehensive extension of the software-assisted cloning platform GoldenBraid (GB), in which, on top of its multigene cloning software, we integrate new tools for the Type IIS-based easy and rapid assembly of up to six tandemly-arrayed gRNAs with both Cas9 and Cas12a, using the gRNA-tRNA-spaced and the crRNA unspaced approaches, respectively. As stress tests for the new tools, we assembled and used for Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation a 17 Cas9-gRNAs construct targeting a subset of the Squamosa-Promoter Binding Protein-Like (SPL) gene family in Nicotiana tabacum. The 14 selected genes are targets of miR156, thus potentially playing an important role in juvenile-to-adult and vegetative-to-reproductive phase transitions. With the 17 gRNAs construct we generated a collection of Cas9-free SPL edited T1 plants harboring up to 9 biallelic mutations and showing leaf juvenility and more branching. The functionality of GB-assembled dCas9 and dCas12a-based CRISPR/Cas activators and repressors using single and multiplexing gRNAs was validated using a Luciferase reporter with the Solanum lycopersicum Mtb promoter or the Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase promoter in transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. With the incorporation of the new web-based tools and the accompanying collection of DNA parts, the GB4.0 genome edition turns an all-in-one open platform for plant genome engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vazquez-Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor Garcia-Carpintero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Selma
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan M. Bernabé-Orts
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Sanchez-Vicente
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Blanca Salazar-Sarasua
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Arianna Ressa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmine de Paola
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Ajenjo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Asun Fernández-del-Carmen
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Diego Orzáez
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhan X, Lu Y, Zhu JK, Botella JR. Genome editing for plant research and crop improvement. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:3-33. [PMID: 33369120 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) has had a profound impact on plant biology, and crop improvement. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art development of CRISPR technologies and their applications in plants, from the initial introduction of random small indel (insertion or deletion) mutations at target genomic loci to precision editing such as base editing, prime editing and gene targeting. We describe advances in the use of class 2, types II, V, and VI systems for gene disruption as well as for precise sequence alterations, gene transcription, and epigenome control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqiang Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, 712100, China
| | - Yuming Lu
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center of Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian-Kang Zhu
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center of Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
| | - Jose Ramon Botella
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bandyopadhyay A, Kancharla N, Javalkote VS, Dasgupta S, Brutnell TP. CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1): A Versatile Tool in the Plant Genome Editing Tool Box for Agricultural Advancement. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:584151. [PMID: 33214794 PMCID: PMC7668199 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.584151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Global population is predicted to approach 10 billion by 2050, an increase of over 2 billion from today. To meet the demands of growing, geographically and socio-economically diversified nations, we need to diversity and expand agricultural production. This expansion of agricultural productivity will need to occur under increasing biotic, and environmental constraints driven by climate change. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-site directed nucleases (CRISPR-SDN) and similar genome editing technologies will likely be key enablers to meet future agricultural needs. While the application of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing has led the way, the use of CRISPR-Cas12a is also increasing significantly for genome engineering of plants. The popularity of the CRISPR-Cas12a, the type V (class-II) system, is gaining momentum because of its versatility and simplified features. These include the use of a small guide RNA devoid of trans-activating crispr RNA, targeting of T-rich regions of the genome where Cas9 is not suitable for use, RNA processing capability facilitating simpler multiplexing, and its ability to generate double strand breaks (DSB) with staggered ends. Many monocot and dicot species have been successfully edited using this Cas12a system and further research is ongoing to improve its efficiency in plants, including improving the temperature stability of the Cas12a enzyme, identifying new variants of Cas12a or synthetically producing Cas12a with flexible PAM sequences. In this review we provide a comparative survey of CRISPR-Cas12a and Cas9, and provide a perspective on applications of CRISPR-Cas12 in agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagesh Kancharla
- Reliance Industries Ltd., R&D-Synthetic Biology, Navi Mumbai, India
| | | | - Santanu Dasgupta
- Reliance Industries Ltd., R&D-Synthetic Biology, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Thomas P. Brutnell
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing China
- Gateway Biotechnology, Inc., St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Minguet EG. Ares-GT: Design of guide RNAs targeting multiple genes for CRISPR-Cas experiments. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241001. [PMID: 33085710 PMCID: PMC7577430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Guide RNA design for CRISPR genome editing of gene families is a challenging task as usually good candidate sgRNAs are tagged with low scores precisely because they match several locations in the genome, thus time-consuming manual evaluation of targets is required. To address this issues, I have developed ARES-GT, a Python local command line tool compatible with any operative system. ARES-GT allows the selection of candidate sgRNAs that match multiple input query sequences, in addition of candidate sgRNAs that specifically match each query sequence. It also contemplates the use of unmapped contigs apart from complete genomes thus allowing the use of any genome provided by user and being able to handle intraspecies allelic variability and individual polymorphisms. ARES-GT is available at GitHub (https://github.com/eugomin/ARES-GT.git).
Collapse
|