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Rivera-Torres N, Banas K, Kmiec EB. Modeling pediatric AML FLT3 mutations using CRISPR/Cas12a- mediated gene editing. Leuk Lymphoma 2020; 61:3078-3088. [PMID: 32815753 PMCID: PMC8822598 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1805740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with the associated (Cas) nuclease complexes have democratized genetic engineering through their precision and ease-of-use. We have applied a variation of this technology, known as CRISPR-directed mutagenesis (CDM), to reconstruct genetic profiles within the FLT3 gene of AML patients. We took advantage of the versatility of CDM and built expression vectors that, in combination with a specifically designed donor DNA fragment, recapitulate simple and complex mutations within the FLT3 gene. We generate insertions and point mutations including combinations of these mutations originating from individual patient samples. We then analyze how these complex genetic profiles modulate transformation of Ba/F3 cells. Our results show that FLT3 expression plasmids bearing patient-specific single or multiple mutations recapitulate cellular transformation properties induced by FLT3 ITDs and modify their sensitivity or resistance in response to established AML drugs as a function of these complex mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rivera-Torres
- Gene Editing Institute, Helen F Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, 4701 Stanton-Ogletown Rd., Newark, Delaware 19713
| | - Kelly Banas
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Willard E. Hall Education Building, Newark, Delaware 19716
| | - Eric B. Kmiec
- Gene Editing Institute, Helen F Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, ChristianaCare, 4701 Stanton-Ogletown Rd., Newark, Delaware 19713
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2
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Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Deficient in RNA Cap Guanine-N-7 Methylation Is Attenuated and Induces Higher Type I and III Interferon Responses. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00447-20. [PMID: 32461321 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00447-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5' cap methylation of viral RNA plays important roles in RNA stability, efficient translation, and immune evasion. Thus, RNA cap methylation is an attractive target for antiviral discovery and development of new live attenuated vaccines. For coronaviruses, RNA cap structure is first methylated at the guanine-N-7 (G-N-7) position by nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14), which facilitates and precedes the subsequent ribose 2'-O methylation by the nsp16-nsp10 complex. Using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), an Alphacoronavirus, as a model, we showed that G-N-7 methyltransferase (G-N-7 MTase) of PEDV nsp14 methylated RNA substrates in a sequence-unspecific manner. PEDV nsp14 can efficiently methylate RNA substrates with various lengths in both neutral and alkaline pH environments and can methylate cap analogs (GpppA and GpppG) and single-nucleotide GTP but not ATP, CTP, or UTP. Mutations to the S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) binding motif in the nsp14 abolished the G-N-7 MTase activity and were lethal to PEDV. However, recombinant rPEDV-D350A with a single mutation (D350A) in nsp14, which retained 29.0% of G-N-7 MTase activity, was viable. Recombinant rPEDV-D350A formed a significantly smaller plaque and had significant defects in viral protein synthesis and viral replication in Vero CCL-81 cells and intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-DQ). Notably, rPEDV-D350A induced significantly higher expression of both type I and III interferons in IPEC-DQ cells than the parental rPEDV. Collectively, our results demonstrate that G-N-7 MTase activity of PEDV modulates viral replication, gene expression, and innate immune responses.IMPORTANCE Coronaviruses (CoVs) include a wide range of important human and animal pathogens. Examples of human CoVs include severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the most recently emerged SARS-CoV-2. Examples of pig CoVs include porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine enteric alphacoronavirus (SeACoV). There are no vaccines or antiviral drugs for most of these viruses. All known CoVs encode a bifunctional nsp14 protein which possesses ExoN and guanine-N-7 methyltransferase (G-N-7 MTase) activities, responsible for replication fidelity and RNA cap G-N-7 methylation, respectively. Here, we biochemically characterized G-N-7 MTase of PEDV nsp14 and found that G-N-7 MTase-deficient PEDV was defective in replication and induced greater responses of type I and III interferons. These findings highlight that CoV G-N-7 MTase may be a novel target for rational design of live attenuated vaccines and antiviral drugs.
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Wiltschi B, Cernava T, Dennig A, Galindo Casas M, Geier M, Gruber S, Haberbauer M, Heidinger P, Herrero Acero E, Kratzer R, Luley-Goedl C, Müller CA, Pitzer J, Ribitsch D, Sauer M, Schmölzer K, Schnitzhofer W, Sensen CW, Soh J, Steiner K, Winkler CK, Winkler M, Wriessnegger T. Enzymes revolutionize the bioproduction of value-added compounds: From enzyme discovery to special applications. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bains A, Wilson JW. Differentially Marked IncP-1β R751 Plasmids for Cloning via Recombineering and Conjugation. Pol J Microbiol 2019; 68:559-563. [PMID: 31880899 PMCID: PMC7260700 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2019-052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate here for the first time the use of an IncP-1β plasmid, R751, as a gene capture vehicle for recombineering/conjugation strategies to clone large segments of bacterial genomes (20 – 100 + Kb). We designed R751 derivatives containing alternative markers for greater flexibility when using the R751 vehicle across different bacteria. These markers are removable if desired as part of the cloning procedure (with no extra steps needed). We demonstrated utility via cloning of 38 and 22 kb genomic segments from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli, respectively. The plasmids expand the options available for use in recombineering/conjugation-based cloning applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashveen Bains
- Department of Biology, Villanova University , Villanova, PA , USA
| | - James W Wilson
- Department of Biology, Villanova University , Villanova, PA , USA
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5
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Testis-specific Arf promoter expression in a transposase-aided BAC transgenic mouse model. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6243-6252. [PMID: 31583563 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05063-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
CDKN2A is an evolutionarily conserved gene encoding proteins implicated in tumor suppression, ocular development, aging, and metabolic diseases. Like the human form, mouse Cdkn2a encodes two distinct proteins-p16Ink4a, which blocks cyclin-dependent kinase activity, and p19Arf, which is best known as a positive regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor-and their functions have been well-studied in genetically engineered mouse models. Relatively little is known about how expression of the two transcripts is controlled in normal development and in certain disease states. To better understand their coordinate and transcript-specific expression in situ, we used a transposase-aided approach to generate a new BAC transgenic mouse model in which the first exons encoding Arf and Ink4a are replaced by fluorescent reporters. We show that mouse embryo fibroblasts generated from the transgenic lines faithfully display induction of each transgenic reporter in cell culture models, and we demonstrate the expected expression of the Arf reporter in the normal testis, one of the few places where that promoter is normally expressed. Interestingly, the TGFβ-2-dependent induction of the Arf reporter in the eye-a process essential for normal eye development-does not occur. Our findings illustrate the value of BAC transgenesis in mapping key regulatory elements in the mouse by revealing the genomic DNA required for Cdkn2a induction in cultured cells and the developing testis, and the apparent lack of elements driving expression in the developing eye.
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Hu Z, Ghosh A, Stolze SC, Horváth M, Bai B, Schaefer S, Zündorf S, Liu S, Harzen A, Hajheidari M, Sarnowski TJ, Nakagami H, Koncz Z, Koncz C. Gene modification by fast-track recombineering for cellular localization and isolation of components of plant protein complexes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 100:411-429. [PMID: 31276249 PMCID: PMC6852550 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To accelerate the isolation of plant protein complexes and study cellular localization and interaction of their components, an improved recombineering protocol is described for simple and fast site-directed modification of plant genes in bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs). Coding sequences of fluorescent and affinity tags were inserted into genes and transferred together with flanking genomic sequences of desired size by recombination into Agrobacterium plant transformation vectors using three steps of E. coli transformation with PCR-amplified DNA fragments. Application of fast-track recombineering is illustrated by the simultaneous labelling of CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE D (CDKD) and CYCLIN H (CYCH) subunits of kinase module of TFIIH general transcription factor and the CDKD-activating CDKF;1 kinase with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry (green and red fluorescent protein) tags, and a PIPL (His18 -StrepII-HA) epitope. Functionality of modified CDKF;1 gene constructs is verified by complementation of corresponding T-DNA insertion mutation. Interaction of CYCH with all three known CDKD homologues is confirmed by their co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation. Affinity purification and mass spectrometry analyses of CDKD;2, CYCH, and DNA-replication-coupled HISTONE H3.1 validate their association with conserved TFIIH subunits and components of CHROMATIN ASSEMBLY FACTOR 1, respectively. The results document that simple modification of plant gene products with suitable tags by fast-track recombineering is well suited to promote a wide range of protein interaction and proteomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhoubo Hu
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Ajit Ghosh
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShahjalal University of Science and TechnologySylhet3114, Bangladesh
| | - Sara C. Stolze
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Mihály Horváth
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Bing Bai
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Sabine Schaefer
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Simone Zündorf
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Shanda Liu
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Anne Harzen
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Mohsen Hajheidari
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
- Botanical InstituteCologne Biocenter, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, University of CologneD‐50674CologneGermany
| | - Tomasz J. Sarnowski
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiophysicsPolish Academy of SciencesPawińskiego 5A02‐106WarsawPoland
| | - Hirofumi Nakagami
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Zsuzsa Koncz
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
| | - Csaba Koncz
- Max‐Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCarl‐von‐Linné‐Weg 10D‐50829CologneGermany
- Institute of Plant BiologyBiological Research Center of Hungarian Academy of SciencesTemesvári krt. 62H‐6726SzegedHungary
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Abstract
Recombineering inserts PCR products into DNA using homologous recombination. A pair of short homology arms (50 base pairs) on the ends of a PCR cassette target the cassette to its intended location. These homology arms can be easily introduced as 5' primer overhangs during the PCR reaction. The flexibility to choose almost any pair of homology arms enables the precise modification of virtually any DNA for purposes of sequence deletion, replacement, insertion, or point mutation. Recombineering often offers significant advantages relative to previous homologous recombination methods that require the construction of cassettes with large homology arms, and relative to traditional cloning methods that become intractable for large plasmids or DNA sequences. However, the tremendous number of variables, options, and pitfalls that can be encountered when designing and performing a recombineering protocol for the first time introduce barriers that can make recombineering a challenging technique for new users to adopt. This article focuses on three recombineering protocols we have found to be particularly robust, providing a detailed guide for choosing the simplest recombineering method for a given application and for performing and troubleshooting experiments. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J Papa
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew D Shoulders
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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8
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Bailer SM, Funk C, Riedl A, Ruzsics Z. Herpesviral vectors and their application in oncolytic therapy, vaccination, and gene transfer. Virus Genes 2017. [PMID: 28634751 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-017-1482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Herpesviruses are enveloped DNA viruses that infect vertebrate cells. Their high potential cloning capacity and the lifelong persistence of their genomes in various host cells make them attractive platforms for vector-based therapy. In this review, we would like to highlight recent advances of three major areas of herpesvirus vector development and application: (i) oncolytic therapy, (ii) recombinant vaccines, and (iii) large capacity gene transfer vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Bailer
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany. .,Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Christina Funk
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.,Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - André Riedl
- Department for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research - DZIF, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Department for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research - DZIF, Freiburg, Germany.
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9
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Tan F, Li X, Tian K. Generating Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus for Use as a Vaccine Platform. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1581:79-96. [PMID: 28374244 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6869-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a promising vaccine vector due to its distinctive features including many nonessential replication regions and a broad host range. Foreign genes of other viruses have been successfully inserted into and expressed in PRV and these recombinant viruses are very likely to induce humoral and/or cellular responses in immunized animals. This chapter offers an overview of methods for generating recombinant pseudorabies virus for use as a vaccine vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Tan
- National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Road Cuiwei, High-Tech District, Luoyang, 471003, Henan, PR China
| | - Kegong Tian
- National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Road Cuiwei, High-Tech District, Luoyang, 471003, Henan, PR China. .,College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
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10
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Kato A. In vivo cloning of large chromosomal segments into a BAC derivative by generalized transduction and recombineering in Salmonella enterica. J GEN APPL MICROBIOL 2016; 62:225-232. [PMID: 27666751 DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Recombineering has been used to facilitate the development of in vivo cloning methods. However, the method relies heavily on PCR, which still generates a much higher error rate than DNA replication in vivo, even when amplifying large DNA inserts. Here, a precise technique is reported in Salmonella enterica that enables the cloning of up to at least 19 kb target chromosomal DNA segments that had been marked by FRTs, which were derived from two consecutive lambda Red-mediated recombination events. P22 phage was utilized to transduce the target DNA segments from donor strains to recipient strains harboring a derivative of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing a FRT and a plasmid expressing Flp recombinase. This method was successful in cloning a gene cluster responsible for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modifications that confer polymyxin B resistance and in complementing its mutant. Further optimized procedures should be widely applicable because large insert fragments are precise clones of the wild-type genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Kato
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University
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11
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Nierode G, Kwon PS, Dordick JS, Kwon SJ. Cell-Based Assay Design for High-Content Screening of Drug Candidates. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 26:213-25. [PMID: 26428732 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1508.08007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To reduce attrition in drug development, it is crucial to consider the development and implementation of translational phenotypic assays as well as decipher diverse molecular mechanisms of action for new molecular entities. High-throughput fluorescence and confocal microscopes with advanced analysis software have simplified the simultaneous identification and quantification of various cellular processes through what is now referred to as highcontent screening (HCS). HCS permits automated identification of modifiers of accessible and biologically relevant targets and can thus be used to detect gene interactions or identify toxic pathways of drug candidates to improve drug discovery and development processes. In this review, we summarize several HCS-compatible, biochemical, and molecular biology-driven assays, including immunohistochemistry, RNAi, reporter gene assay, CRISPR-Cas9 system, and protein-protein interactions to assess a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, morphological changes, protein expression, localization, post-translational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. These cell-based assay methods can be applied to not only 2D cell culture but also 3D cell culture systems in a high-throughput manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Nierode
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Paul S Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Seok-Joon Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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12
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A Plasmid Set for Efficient Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) Transgenesis in Zebrafish. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:829-34. [PMID: 26818072 PMCID: PMC4825653 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.026344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Transgenesis of large DNA constructs is essential for gene function analysis. Recently, Tol2 transposase-mediated transgenesis has emerged as a powerful tool to insert bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA constructs into the genome of zebrafish. For efficient transgenesis, the genomic DNA piece in the BAC construct needs to be flanked by Tol2 transposon sites, and the constructs should contain a transgenesis marker for easy identification of transgenic animals. We report a set of plasmids that contain targeting cassettes that allow the insertion of Tol2 sites and different transgenesis markers into BACs. Using BACs containing these targeting cassettes, we show that transgenesis is as efficient as iTol2, that preselecting for expression of the transgenesis marker increases the transgenesis rate, and that BAC transgenics faithfully recapitulate the endogenous gene expression patterns and allow for the estimation of the endogenous gene expression levels.
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13
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Borok MJ, Papaioannou VE, Sussel L. Unique functions of Gata4 in mouse liver induction and heart development. Dev Biol 2016; 410:213-222. [PMID: 26687508 PMCID: PMC4758879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Gata4 and Gata6 are closely related transcription factors that are essential for the development of a number of embryonic tissues. While they have nearly identical DNA-binding domains and similar patterns of expression, Gata4 and Gata6 null embryos have strikingly different embryonic lethal phenotypes. To determine whether the lack of redundancy is due to differences in protein function or Gata4 and Gata6 expression domains, we generated mice that contained the Gata6 cDNA in place of the Gata4 genomic locus. Gata4(Gata6/Gata6) embryos survived through embryonic day (E)12.5 and successfully underwent ventral folding morphogenesis, demonstrating that Gata6 is able to replace Gata4 function in extraembryonic tissues. Surprisingly, Gata6 is unable to replace Gata4 function in the septum transversum mesenchyme or the epicardium, leading to liver agenesis and lethal heart defects in Gata4(Gata6/Gata6) embryos. These studies suggest that Gata4 has evolved distinct functions in the development of these tissues that cannot be performed by Gata6, even when it is provided in the identical expression domain. Our work has important implications for the respective mechanisms of Gata function during development, as well as the functional evolution of these essential transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Borok
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Lori Sussel
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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Blaney Davidson EN, van de Loo FAJ, van den Berg WB, van der Kraan PM. How to build an inducible cartilage-specific transgenic mouse. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 16:210. [PMID: 25166474 PMCID: PMC4060449 DOI: 10.1186/ar4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic mice are used to study the roles of specific proteins in an intact living system. Use of transgenic mice to study processes in cartilage, however, poses some challenges. First of all, many factors involved in cartilage homeostasis and disease are also crucial factors in embryogenesis. Therefore, meddling with these factors often leads to death before birth, and mice who do survive cannot be considered normal. The build-up of cartilage in these mice is altered, making it nearly impossible to truly interpret the role of a protein in adult cartilage function.An elegant way to overcome these limitations is to make transgenic mice time- and tissue-specific, there by omitting side-effects in tissues other than cartilage and during embryology. This review discusses the potential building blocks for making an inducible cartilage-specific transgenic mouse. We review which promoters can be used to gain chondrocyte-specificity - all chondrocytes or a specific subset thereof - as well as different systems that can be used to enable inducibility of a transgene.
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15
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Barakat TS, Gribnau J. Generation of knockout alleles by RFLP based BAC targeting of polymorphic embryonic stem cells. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1227:143-80. [PMID: 25239745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1652-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The isolation of germ line competent mouse Embryonic Stem (ES) cells and the ability to modify the genome by homologous recombination has revolutionized life science research. Since its initial discovery, several approaches have been introduced to increase the efficiency of homologous recombination, including the use of isogenic DNA for the generation of targeting constructs, and the use of Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs). BACs have the advantage of combining long stretches of homologous DNA, thereby increasing targeting efficiencies, with the possibilities delivered by BAC recombineering approaches, which provide the researcher with almost unlimited possibilities to efficiently edit the genome in a controlled fashion. Despite these advantages of BAC targeting approaches, a widespread use has been hampered, mainly because of the difficulties in identifying BAC-targeted knockout alleles by conventional methods like Southern Blotting. Recently, we introduced a novel BAC targeting strategy, in which Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) are targeted in polymorphic mouse ES cells, enabling an efficient and easy PCR-based readout to identify properly targeted alleles. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the generation of targeting constructs, targeting of ES cells, and convenient PCR-based analysis of targeted clones, which enable the user to generate knockout ES cells of almost every gene in the mouse genome within a 2-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Room Ee 09-71, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
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16
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Kelwick R, MacDonald JT, Webb AJ, Freemont P. Developments in the tools and methodologies of synthetic biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2014; 2:60. [PMID: 25505788 PMCID: PMC4244866 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology is principally concerned with the rational design and engineering of biologically based parts, devices, or systems. However, biological systems are generally complex and unpredictable, and are therefore, intrinsically difficult to engineer. In order to address these fundamental challenges, synthetic biology is aiming to unify a “body of knowledge” from several foundational scientific fields, within the context of a set of engineering principles. This shift in perspective is enabling synthetic biologists to address complexity, such that robust biological systems can be designed, assembled, and tested as part of a biological design cycle. The design cycle takes a forward-design approach in which a biological system is specified, modeled, analyzed, assembled, and its functionality tested. At each stage of the design cycle, an expanding repertoire of tools is being developed. In this review, we highlight several of these tools in terms of their applications and benefits to the synthetic biology community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kelwick
- Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College London , London , UK ; Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - James T MacDonald
- Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College London , London , UK ; Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Alexander J Webb
- Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College London , London , UK ; Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Paul Freemont
- Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, Imperial College London , London , UK ; Department of Medicine, Imperial College London , London , UK
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Chen Q, Narayanan K. Recombineering linear BACs. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1227:27-54. [PMID: 25239740 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1652-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Recombineering is a powerful genetic engineering technique based on homologous recombination that can be used to accurately modify DNA independent of its sequence or size. One novel application of recombineering is the assembly of linear BACs in E. coli that can replicate autonomously as linear plasmids. A circular BAC is inserted with a short telomeric sequence from phage N15, which is subsequently cut and rejoined by the phage protelomerase enzyme to generate a linear BAC with terminal hairpin telomeres. Telomere-capped linear BACs are protected against exonuclease attack both in vitro and in vivo in E. coli cells and can replicate stably. Here we describe step-by-step protocols to linearize any BAC clone by recombineering, including inserting and screening for presence of the N15 telomeric sequence, linearizing BACs in vivo in E. coli, extracting linear BACs, and verifying the presence of hairpin telomere structures. Linear BACs may be useful for functional expression of genomic loci in cells, maintenance of linear viral genomes in their natural conformation, and for constructing innovative artificial chromosome structures for applications in mammalian and plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Chen
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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18
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate a diverse range of physiological functions via activation of complex signaling systems. Organization of GPCRs in to dimers and oligomers provides a mechanism for both signal diversity and specificity in cellular responses, yet our understanding of the physiological significance of dimerization, particularly homodimerization, has not been forthcoming. This chapter will describe how we have investigated the physiological importance of GPCR homodimerization, using the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor as a model GPCR. Using transactivation as a mode of assessing receptor dimerization, we describe our cellular system and functional assays for assessment of transactivation in vitro and detail our strategy for generating a mouse model to assess GPCR transactivation in vivo.
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Considerations for importing live genetically modified mice from academic laboratories. Lab Anim (NY) 2012; 41:167-70. [DOI: 10.1038/laban0612-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Use of recombination-mediated genetic engineering for construction of rescue human cytomegalovirus bacterial artificial chromosome clones. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:357147. [PMID: 22500089 PMCID: PMC3303630 DOI: 10.1155/2012/357147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology has contributed immensely to manipulation of larger genomes in many organisms including large DNA viruses like human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The HCMV BAC clone propagated and maintained inside E. coli allows for accurate recombinant virus generation. Using this system, we have generated a panel of HCMV deletion mutants and their rescue clones. In this paper, we describe the construction of HCMV BAC mutants using a homologous recombination system. A gene capture method, or gap repair cloning, to seize large fragments of DNA from the virus BAC in order to generate rescue viruses, is described in detail. Construction of rescue clones using gap repair cloning is highly efficient and provides a novel use of the homologous recombination-based method in E. coli for molecular cloning, known colloquially as recombineering, when rescuing large BAC deletions. This method of excising large fragments of DNA provides important prospects for in vitro homologous recombination for genetic cloning.
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Liang R, Wang E. Full-length 3'-untranslated region reporter construction with recombineering. Anal Biochem 2012; 424:162-7. [PMID: 22366478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2012.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Complexity in higher animals derives in part from various modalities of protein-coding gene expression regulation, including microRNA repression by binding to 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of specific genes. Reporter constructs containing candidate microRNA target sites are a popular approach of functional studies, and full-length 3'-UTR sequences are preferred because they contain all regulatory elements and preserve higher order structure as much as possible. However, this approach is often handicapped by the extreme length of the 3'-UTR. Here, we present a rapid and accurate cloning procedure to generate full-length 3'-UTR reporter constructs by recombinogenic engineering (recombineering) in vivo cloning. The approach includes making retrieval constructs by sequence- and ligation-independent cloning (SLIC) and retrieving the full-length 3'-UTR in one exon to the retrieval construct from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) by recombineering to generate the final full-length 3'-UTR reporter construct for the gene of interest. This method is successfully implemented with mouse full-length 3'-UTRs of Igf1 (6.5 kb), Igf1r (7.5 kb), and Sp1 (5.5 kb). Expansion of this method is adaptable to retrieve 3'-UTRs encoded in more than one exon by removing the introns from the BAC first with recombineering. This method will advance functional studies of regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through microRNA suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqiang Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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