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Poudel BH, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Aung-Htut M. Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B (LGMD2B): Diagnosis and Therapeutic Possibilities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5572. [PMID: 38891760 PMCID: PMC11171558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysferlin is a large transmembrane protein involved in critical cellular processes including membrane repair and vesicle fusion. Mutations in the dysferlin gene (DYSF) can result in rare forms of muscular dystrophy; Miyoshi myopathy; limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B); and distal myopathy. These conditions are collectively known as dysferlinopathies and are caused by more than 600 mutations that have been identified across the DYSF gene to date. In this review, we discuss the key molecular and clinical features of LGMD2B, the causative gene DYSF, and the associated dysferlin protein structure. We also provide an update on current approaches to LGMD2B diagnosis and advances in drug development, including splice switching antisense oligonucleotides. We give a brief update on clinical trials involving adeno-associated viral gene therapy and the current progress on CRISPR/Cas9 mediated therapy for LGMD2B, and then conclude by discussing the prospects of antisense oligomer-based intervention to treat selected mutations causing dysferlinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bal Hari Poudel
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (B.H.P.); (S.F.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (B.H.P.); (S.F.); (S.D.W.)
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (B.H.P.); (S.F.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - May Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (B.H.P.); (S.F.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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2
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Wang Y, Zhai Y, Zhang M, Song C, Zhang Y, Zhang G. Escaping from CRISPR-Cas-mediated knockout: the facts, mechanisms, and applications. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:48. [PMID: 38589794 PMCID: PMC11003099 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00565-x] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated Cas protein (CRISPR-Cas), a powerful genome editing tool, has revolutionized gene function investigation and exhibits huge potential for clinical applications. CRISPR-Cas-mediated gene knockout has already become a routine method in research laboratories. However, in the last few years, accumulating evidences have demonstrated that genes knocked out by CRISPR-Cas may not be truly silenced. Functional residual proteins could be generated in such knockout organisms to compensate the putative loss of function, termed herein knockout escaping. In line with this, several CRISPR-Cas-mediated knockout screenings have discovered much less abnormal phenotypes than expected. How does knockout escaping happen and how often does it happen have not been systematically reviewed yet. Without knowing this, knockout results could easily be misinterpreted. In this review, we summarize these evidences and propose two main mechanisms allowing knockout escaping. To avoid the confusion caused by knockout escaping, several strategies are discussed as well as their advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, knockout escaping also provides convenient tools for studying essential genes and treating monogenic disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which are discussed in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujing Zhai
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mingzhe Zhang
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunlin Song
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- The Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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3
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Yau E, Yang L, Chen Y, Umstead TM, Stanley AE, Halstead ES, Gandhi CK, Yewdell JW, Chroneos ZC. SP-R210 isoforms of Myosin18A modulate endosomal sorting and recognition of influenza A virus infection in macrophages. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105280. [PMID: 38135024 PMCID: PMC10948314 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infection causes acute and often lethal inflammation in the lung. The role of macrophages in this adverse inflammation is partially understood. The surfactant protein A receptor 210 (SP-R210) consists of two isoforms, a long (L) SP-R210L and a short (S) SP-R210S isoform encoded by alternative splicing of the myosin 18A gene. We reported that disruption of SP-R210L enhances cytosolic and endosomal antiviral response pathways. Here, we report that SP-R210L antagonizes type I interferon β (IFNβ), as depletion of SP-R210L potentiates IFNβ secretion. SP-R210 antibodies enhance and attenuate IFNβ secretion in SP-R210L replete and deficient macrophages, respectively, indicating that SP-R210 isoform stoichiometry alters macrophage function intrinsically. This reciprocal response is coupled to unopposed and restricted expression of viral genes in control and SP-R210L-deficient macrophages, respectively. Human monocytic cells with sub-stoichiometric expression of SP-R210L resist IAV infection, whereas alveolar macrophages with increased abundance of SP-R210L permit viral gene expression similar to murine macrophages. Uptake and membrane binding studies show that lack of SP-R210 isoforms does not impair IAV binding and internalization. Lack of SP-R210L, however, results in macropinocytic retention of the virus that depends on both SP-R210S and interferon-inducible transmembrane protein-3 (IFITM3). Mass spectrometry and Western blot analyses indicate that SP-R210 isoforms modulate differential recruitment of the Rho-family GTPase RAC1 and guanine nucleotide exchange factors. Our study suggests that SP-R210 isoforms modulate RAC-dependent macropinosomal sorting of IAV to discrete endosomal and lysosomal compartments that either permit or prevent endolysosomal escape and inflammatory sensing of viral genomes in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yau
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Todd M Umstead
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Anne E Stanley
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - E Scott Halstead
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Chintan K Gandhi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Yewdell
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zissis C Chroneos
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Cao J, Wei Z, Nie Y, Chen HZ. Therapeutic potential of alternative splicing in cardiovascular diseases. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:104995. [PMID: 38350330 PMCID: PMC10874720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is an important RNA processing step required by multiexon protein-coding mRNAs and some noncoding RNAs. Precise RNA splicing is required for maintaining gene and cell function; however, mis-spliced RNA transcripts can lead to loss- or gain-of-function effects in human diseases. Mis-spliced RNAs induced by gene mutations or the dysregulation of splicing regulators may result in frameshifts, nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), or inclusion/exclusion of exons. Genetic animal models have characterised multiple splicing factors required for cardiac development or function. Moreover, sarcomeric and ion channel genes, which are closely associated with cardiovascular function and disease, are hotspots for AS. Here, we summarise splicing factors and their targets that are associated with cardiovascular diseases, introduce some therapies potentially related to pathological AS targets, and raise outstanding questions and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, PR China; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Ziyu Wei
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Hou-Zao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Medical Epigenetics Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Li Y, Sui S, Goel A. Extracellular vesicles associated microRNAs: Their biology and clinical significance as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 99:5-23. [PMID: 38341121 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver, are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. One of the underlying reasons for the poor survival outcomes in patients with these malignancies is late disease detection, typically when the tumor has already advanced and potentially spread to distant organs. Increasing evidence indicates that earlier detection of these cancers is associated with improved survival outcomes and, in some cases, allows curative treatments. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of molecular biomarkers that offer promise for screening, diagnosis, treatment selection, response assessment, and predicting the prognosis of these cancers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles released from cells containing a repertoire of biological molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most extensively studied non-coding RNAs, and the deregulation of miRNA levels is a feature of cancer cells. EVs miRNAs can serve as messengers for facilitating interactions between tumor cells and the cellular milieu, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and other tumor cells. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed considerable technological advances that have permitted in-depth sequence profiling of these small non-coding RNAs within EVs for their development as promising cancer biomarkers -particularly non-invasive, liquid biopsy markers in various cancers, including GI cancers. Herein, we summarize and discuss the roles of EV-associated miRNAs as they play a seminal role in GI cancer progression, as well as their promising translational and clinical potential as cancer biomarkers as we usher into the area of precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Silei Sui
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA; Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA.
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Joshi M, Dey P, De A. Recent advancements in targeted protein knockdown technologies-emerging paradigms for targeted therapy. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1227-1248. [PMID: 38213543 PMCID: PMC10776596 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A generalized therapeutic strategy for various disease conditions, including cancer, is to deplete or inactivate harmful protein targets. Various forms of protein or gene silencing molecules, e.g., small molecule inhibitors, RNA interference (RNAi), and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used against druggable targets. Over the past few years, targeted protein degradation (TPD) approaches have been developed for direct degradation of candidate proteins. Among the TPD approaches, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as one of the most promising approaches for the selective elimination of proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Other than PROTACs, TPD methods with potential therapeutic use include intrabody-mediated protein knockdown and tripartite motif-21 (TRIM-21) mediated TRIM-Away. In this review, protein knockdown approaches, their modes of action, and their advantages over conventional gene knockdown approaches are summarized. In cancers, disease-associated protein functions are often executed by specific post-translational modifications (PTMs). The role of TRIM-Away is highlighted in the direct knockdown of PTM forms of target proteins. Moreover, the application challenges and the prospective clinical use of TPD approaches in various diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Joshi
- Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
- Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Pranay Dey
- Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
- Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Abhijit De
- Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
- Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
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Li H, Seessle J, Staffer S, Tuma-Kellner S, Poschet G, Herrmann T, Chamulitrat W. FATP4 deletion in liver cells induces elevation of extracellular lipids via metabolic channeling towards triglycerides and lipolysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149161. [PMID: 37931418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from mice with global deletion of fatty-acid transport protein4 (FATP4) indicates its role on β-oxidation and triglycerides (TG) metabolism. We reported that plasma glycerol and free fatty acids (FA) were increased in liver-specific Fatp4 deficient (L-FATP4-/-) mice under dietary stress. We hypothesized that FATP4 may mediate hepatocellular TG lipolysis. Here, we demonstrated that L-FATP4-/- mice showed an increase in these blood lipids, liver TG, and subcutaneous fat weights. We therefore studied TG metabolism in response to oleate treatment in two experimental models using FATP4-knockout HepG2 (HepKO) cells and L-FATP4-/- hepatocytes. Both FATP4-deificient liver cells showed a significant decrease in β-oxidation products by ∼30-35% concomitant with marked upregulation of CD36, FATP2, and FATP5 as well as lipoprotein microsomal-triglyceride-transfer protein genes. By using 13C3D5-glycerol, HepKO cells displayed an increase in metabolically labelled TG species which were further increased with oleate treatment. This increase was concomitant with a step-wise elevation of TG in cells and supernatants as well as the secretion of cholesterol very low-density and high-density lipoproteins. Upon analyzing TG lipolytic enzymes, both mutant liver cells showed marked upregulated expression of hepatic lipase, while that of hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose-triglyceride lipase was downregulated. Lipolysis measured by extracellular glycerol and free FA was indeed increased in mutant cells, and this event was exacerbated by oleate treatment. Taken together, FATP4 deficiency in liver cells led to a metabolic shift from β-oxidation towards lipolysis-directed TG and lipoprotein secretion, which is in line with an association of FATP4 polymorphisms with blood lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Li
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jessica Seessle
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Staffer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Tuma-Kellner
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gernot Poschet
- Metabolomics Core Technology Platform, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Herrmann
- Westkuesten Hospital, Esmarchstraße 50, 25746, Heide, Germany
| | - Walee Chamulitrat
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Koller F, Cieslak M. A perspective from the EU: unintended genetic changes in plants caused by NGT-their relevance for a comprehensive molecular characterisation and risk assessment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1276226. [PMID: 37965049 PMCID: PMC10641861 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1276226] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several regions in the world are currently holding discussions in regard to the regulation of new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their application in agriculture. The European Commission, for instance, is proposing the introduction of specific regulation for NGT plants. Various questions need to be answered including e.g., the extent to which NGT-induced intended and unintended genetic modifications must be subjected to a mandatory risk assessment as part of an approval procedure. This review mostly focuses on findings in regard to unintended genetic changes that can be caused by the application of NGTs. More specifically, the review deals with the application of the nuclease CRISPR/Cas, which is currently the most important tool for developing NGT plants, and its potential to introduce double strand breaks (DSBs) at a targeted DNA sequence. For this purpose, we identified the differences in comparison to non-targeted mutagenesis methods used in conventional breeding. The review concludes that unintended genetic changes caused by NGT processes are relevant to risk assessment. Due to the technical characteristics of NGTs, the sites of the unintended changes, their genomic context and their frequency (in regard to specific sites) mean that the resulting gene combinations (intended or unintended) may be unlikely to occur with conventional methods. This, in turn, implies that the biological effects (phenotypes) can also be different and may cause risks to health and the environment. Therefore, we conclude that the assessment of intended as well as unintended genetic changes should be part of a mandatory comprehensive molecular characterisation and risk assessment of NGT plants that are meant for environmental releases or for market authorisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Koller
- Fachstelle Gentechnik und Umwelt (FGU), Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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Yousefi-Najafabadi Z, Mehmandoostli Z, Asgari Y, Kaboli S, Falak R, Kardar GA. Reversing T Cell Exhaustion by Converting Membrane PD-1 to Its Soluble form in Jurkat Cells; Applying The CRISPR/Cas9 Exon Skipping Strategy. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:633-644. [PMID: 37718766 PMCID: PMC10520982 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.1999548.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE T-cells express two functional forms of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1): membrane (mPD-1) and soluble (sPD-1). The binding of mPD-1 and its ligand (PD-L1) on tumor cells could lead activated lymphocytes toward exhaustion. Selective deletion of the transmembrane domain via alternative splicing of exon-3 in PD-1 mRNA could generate sPD-1. Overexpression of sPD-1 could disrupt the mPD-1/PD-L1 interaction in tumor-specific T cells. We investigated the effect of secreted sPD-1 from pooled engineered and non-engineered T cell supernatant on survival and proliferation of lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, we designed two sgRNA sequences upstream and downstream of exon-3 in the PDCD1 gene. The lentiCRISPRv2 puro vector was used to clone the dual sgRNAs and produce lentiviral particles to transduce Jurkat T cells. Analysis assays were used to clarify the change in PD-1 expression pattern in the pooled (engineered and non-engineered) Jurkat cells. Co-culture conditions were established with PD-L1+ cancer cells and lymphocytes. RESULTS CRISPR/Cas9 could delete exon-3 of the PDCD1 gene in the engineered cells based on the tracking of indels by decomposition (TIDE) and interference of CRISPR edit (ICE) sequencing analysis reports. Our results showed a 12% reduction in mPD-1 positive cell population after CRISPR manipulation and increment in sPD-1 concentration in the supernatant. The increased sPD-1 confirmed its positive effect on proliferation of lymphocytes co-cultured with PDL1+ cancer cells. The survival percent of lymphocytes co-cultured with the pooled cells supernatant was 12.5% more than the control. CONCLUSION The CRISPR/Cas9 exon skipping approach could be used in adoptive cell immunotherapies to change PD-1 expression patterns and overcome exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Yousefi-Najafabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mehmandoostli
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yazdan Asgari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Kaboli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Ali Kardar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Koch J, Neuberger M, Schmidt-Dengler M, Xu J, Carneiro VC, Ellinger J, Kriegmair MC, Nuhn P, Erben P, Michel MS, Helm M, Rodríguez-Paredes M, Nientiedt M, Lyko F. Reinvestigating the clinical relevance of the m 6A writer METTL3 in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. iScience 2023; 26:107300. [PMID: 37554463 PMCID: PMC10405067 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
METTL3 is the major writer of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) and has been associated with controversial roles in cancer. This is best illustrated in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB), where METTL3 was described to have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions. Here, we reinvestigated the role of METTL3 in UCB. METTL3 knockout reduced the oncogenic phenotype and m6A levels of UCB cell lines. However, complete depletion of METTL3/m6A was not achieved due to selection of cells expressing alternative METTL3 isoforms. Systematic vulnerability and inhibitor response analyses suggested that uroepithelial cells depend on METTL3 for viability. Furthermore, expression and survival analyses of clinical data revealed a complex role for METTL3 in UCB, with decreased m6A mRNA levels in UCB tumors. Our results suggest that METTL3 expression may be a suitable diagnostic UCB biomarker, as the enzyme promotes UCB formation. However, the suitability of the enzyme as a therapeutic target should be evaluated carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koch
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Neuberger
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martina Schmidt-Dengler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jinyun Xu
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vitor Coutinho Carneiro
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Maximilian C. Kriegmair
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Nuhn
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Erben
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maurice Stephan Michel
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Paredes
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Malin Nientiedt
- Department of Urology and Urosurgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frank Lyko
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Han N, Liu Z. Targeting alternative splicing in cancer immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1232146. [PMID: 37635865 PMCID: PMC10450511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1232146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has made great progress in cancer treatment but still faces several challenges, such as a limited number of targetable antigens and varying responses among patients. Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential process for the maturation of nearly all mammalian mRNAs. Recent studies show that AS contributes to expanding cancer-specific antigens and modulating immunogenicity, making it a promising solution to the above challenges. The organoid technology preserves the individual immune microenvironment and reduces the time/economic costs of the experiment model, facilitating the development of splicing-based immunotherapy. Here, we summarize three critical roles of AS in immunotherapy: resources for generating neoantigens, targets for immune-therapeutic modulation, and biomarkers to guide immunotherapy options. Subsequently, we highlight the benefits of adopting organoids to develop AS-based immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in studying AS-based immunotherapy in terms of existing bioinformatics algorithms and biological technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Mou H, Eskiocak O, Özler KA, Gorman M, Yue J, Jin Y, Wang Z, Gao Y, Janowitz T, Meyer HV, Yu T, Wilkinson JE, Kucukural A, Ozata DM, Beyaz S. CRISPR-induced exon skipping of β-catenin reveals tumorigenic mutants driving distinct subtypes of liver cancer. J Pathol 2023; 259:415-427. [PMID: 36641763 PMCID: PMC10273193 DOI: 10.1002/path.6054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-driven cancer modeling studies are based on the disruption of tumor suppressor genes by small insertions or deletions (indels) that lead to frame-shift mutations. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 is widely used to define the significance of cancer oncogenes and genetic dependencies in loss-of-function studies. However, how CRISPR/Cas9 influences gain-of-function oncogenic mutations is elusive. Here, we demonstrate that single guide RNA targeting exon 3 of Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin) results in exon skipping and generates gain-of-function isoforms in vivo. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon skipping of Ctnnb1 induces liver tumor formation in synergy with YAPS127A in mice. We define two distinct exon skipping-induced tumor subtypes with different histological and transcriptional features. Notably, ectopic expression of two exon-skipped β-catenin transcript isoforms together with YAPS127A phenocopies the two distinct subtypes of liver cancer. Moreover, we identify similar CTNNB1 exon-skipping events in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Collectively, our findings advance our understanding of β-catenin-related tumorigenesis and reveal that CRISPR/Cas9 can be repurposed, in vivo, to study gain-of-function mutations of oncogenes in cancer. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Mou
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Onur Eskiocak
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Kadir A. Özler
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Megan Gorman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Junjiayu Yue
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Zhikai Wang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ya Gao
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John E Wilkinson
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alper Kucukural
- Bioinformatics Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Deniz M. Ozata
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Semir Beyaz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
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13
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Komori T, Hata S, Mabuchi A, Genova M, Harada T, Fukuyama M, Chinen T, Kitagawa D. A CRISPR-del-based pipeline for complete gene knockout in human diploid cells. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:286993. [PMID: 36762651 PMCID: PMC10038147 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The advance of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has enabled us easily to generate gene knockout cell lines by introducing insertion-deletion mutations (indels) at the target site via the error-prone non-homologous end joining repair system. Frameshift-promoting indels can disrupt gene functions by generation of a premature stop codon. However, there is growing evidence that targeted genes are not always knocked out by the indel-based gene disruption. Here, we established a pipeline of CRISPR-del, which induces a large chromosomal deletion by cutting two different target sites, to perform 'complete' gene knockout efficiently in human diploid cells. Quantitative analyses show that the frequency of gene deletion with this approach is much higher than that of conventional CRISPR-del methods. The lengths of the deleted genomic regions demonstrated in this study are longer than those of 95% of the human protein-coding genes. Furthermore, the pipeline enabled the generation of a model cell line having a bi-allelic cancer-associated chromosomal deletion. Overall, these data lead us to propose that the CRISPR-del pipeline is an efficient and practical approach for producing 'complete' gene knockout cell lines in human diploid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Komori
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Hata
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Honcho Kawaguchi, 102-8666 Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Mabuchi
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariya Genova
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie, Universität Heidelberg, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tomoki Harada
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Fukuyama
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Chinen
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiju Kitagawa
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Abstract
Dysregulated RNA splicing is a molecular feature that characterizes almost all tumour types. Cancer-associated splicing alterations arise from both recurrent mutations and altered expression of trans-acting factors governing splicing catalysis and regulation. Cancer-associated splicing dysregulation can promote tumorigenesis via diverse mechanisms, contributing to increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, enhanced migration and metastatic potential, resistance to chemotherapy and evasion of immune surveillance. Recent studies have identified specific cancer-associated isoforms that play critical roles in cancer cell transformation and growth and demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of correcting or otherwise antagonizing such cancer-associated mRNA isoforms. Clinical-grade small molecules that modulate or inhibit RNA splicing have similarly been developed as promising anticancer therapeutics. Here, we review splicing alterations characteristic of cancer cell transcriptomes, dysregulated splicing's contributions to tumour initiation and progression, and existing and emerging approaches for targeting splicing for cancer therapy. Finally, we discuss the outstanding questions and challenges that must be addressed to translate these findings into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Bradley
- Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division and Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Olga Anczuków
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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15
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Park BS, Jeon H, Chi SG, Kim T. Efficient prioritization of CRISPR screen hits by accounting for targeting efficiency of guide RNA. BMC Biol 2023; 21:45. [PMID: 36829149 PMCID: PMC9960226 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR-based screens are revolutionizing drug discovery as tools to identify genes whose ablation induces a phenotype of interest. For instance, CRISPR-Cas9 screening has been successfully used to identify novel therapeutic targets in cancer where disruption of genes leads to decreased viability of malignant cells. However, low-activity guide RNAs may give rise to variable changes in phenotype, preventing easy identification of hits and leading to false negative results. Therefore, correcting the effects of bias due to differences in guide RNA efficiency in CRISPR screening data can improve the efficiency of prioritizing hits for further validation. Here, we developed an approach to identify hits from negative CRISPR screens by correcting the fold changes (FC) in gRNA frequency by the actual, observed frequency of indel mutations generated by gRNA. RESULTS Each gRNA was coupled with the "reporter sequence" that can be targeted by the same gRNA so that the frequency of mutations in the reporter sequence can be used as a proxy for the endogenous target gene. The measured gRNA activity was used to correct the FC. We identified indel generation efficiency as the dominant factor contributing significant bias to screening results, and our method significantly removed such bias and was better at identifying essential genes when compared to conventional fold change analysis. We successfully applied our gRNA activity data to previously published gRNA screening data, and identified novel genes whose ablation could synergize with vemurafenib in the A375 melanoma cell line. Our method identified nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase B, and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 as synergistic targets whose ablation sensitized A375 cells to vemurafenib. CONCLUSIONS We identified the variations in target cleavage efficiency, even in optimized sgRNA libraries, that pose a strong bias in phenotype and developed an analysis method that corrects phenotype score by the measured differences in the targeting efficiency among sgRNAs. Collectively, we expect that our new analysis method will more accurately identify genes that confer the phenotype of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Sun Park
- grid.35541.360000000121053345Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792 Republic of Korea ,grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Department of Biological Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Heeju Jeon
- grid.35541.360000000121053345Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792 Republic of Korea ,grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Department of Biological Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Gil Chi
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Department of Biological Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Tackhoon Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea. .,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 GajeongRo YuseongGu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Vester K, Preußner M, Holton N, Feng S, Schultz C, Heyd F, Wahl MC. Recruitment of a splicing factor to the nuclear lamina for its inactivation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:736. [PMID: 35869234 PMCID: PMC9307855 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03689-y] [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: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Precursor messenger RNA splicing is a highly regulated process, mediated by a complex RNA-protein machinery, the spliceosome, that encompasses several hundred proteins and five small nuclear RNAs in humans. Emerging evidence suggests that the spatial organization of splicing factors and their spatio-temporal dynamics participate in the regulation of splicing. So far, methods to manipulate the spatial distribution of splicing factors in a temporally defined manner in living cells are missing. Here, we describe such an approach that takes advantage of a reversible chemical dimerizer, and outline the requirements for efficient, reversible re-localization of splicing factors to selected sub-nuclear compartments. In a proof-of-principle study, the partial re-localization of the PRPF38A protein to the nuclear lamina in HEK293T cells induced a moderate increase in intron retention. Our approach allows fast and reversible re-localization of splicing factors, has few side effects and can be applied to many splicing factors by fusion of a protein tag through genome engineering. Apart from the systematic analysis of the spatio-temporal aspects of splicing regulation, the approach has a large potential for the fast induction and reversal of splicing switches and can reveal mechanisms of splicing regulation in native nuclear environments. Through the use of a reversible chemical dimerizer, the splicing factor PRPF38A is re-localized to the nuclear lamina, paving the way for a systematic analysis of spatio-temporal splicing regulation.
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17
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Rice OsPUB16 modulates the 'SAPK9-OsMADS23-OsAOC' pathway to reduce plant water-deficit tolerance by repressing ABA and JA biosynthesis. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010520. [PMID: 36441771 PMCID: PMC9731423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis plays crucial roles in plant responses to environmental stress. However, the mechanism by which E3 ubiquitin ligases modulate plant stress response still needs to be elucidated. In this study, we found that rice PLANT U-BOX PROTEIN 16 (OsPUB16), a U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, negatively regulates rice drought response. Loss-of-function mutants of OsPUB16 generated through CRISPR/Cas9 system exhibited the markedly enhanced water-deficit tolerance, while OsPUB16 overexpression lines were hypersensitive to water deficit stress. Moreover, OsPUB16 negatively regulated ABA and JA response, and ospub16 mutants produced more endogenous ABA and JA than wild type when exposed to water deficit. Mechanistic investigations revealed that OsPUB16 mediated the ubiquitination and degradation of OsMADS23, which is the substrate of OSMOTIC STRESS/ABA-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE 9 (SAPK9) and increases rice drought tolerance by promoting ABA biosynthesis. Further, the ChIP-qPCR analysis and transient transactivation activity assays demonstrated that OsMADS23 activated the expression of JA-biosynthetic gene OsAOC by binding to its promoter. Interestingly, SAPK9-mediated phosphorylation on OsMADS23 reduced its ubiquitination level by interfering with the OsPUB16-OsMADS23 interaction, which thus enhanced OsMADS23 stability and promoted OsAOC expression. Collectively, our findings establish that OsPUB16 reduces plant water-deficit tolerance by modulating the 'SAPK9-OsMADS23-OsAOC' pathway to repress ABA and JA biosynthesis.
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18
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Bubnell JE, Ulbing CKS, Fernandez Begne P, Aquadro CF. Functional Divergence of the bag-of-marbles Gene in the Drosophila melanogaster Species Group. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6609986. [PMID: 35714266 PMCID: PMC9250105 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac137] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, a key germline stem cell (GSC) differentiation factor, bag of marbles (bam) shows rapid bursts of amino acid fixations between sibling species D. melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, but not in the outgroup species Drosophila ananassae. Here, we test the null hypothesis that bam's differentiation function is conserved between D. melanogaster and four additional Drosophila species in the melanogaster species group spanning approximately 30 million years of divergence. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that bam is not necessary for oogenesis or spermatogenesis in Drosophila teissieri nor is bam necessary for spermatogenesis in D. ananassae. Remarkably bam function may change on a relatively short time scale. We further report tests of neutral sequence evolution at bam in additional species of Drosophila and find a positive, but not perfect, correlation between evidence for positive selection at bam and its essential role in GSC regulation and fertility for both males and females. Further characterization of bam function in more divergent lineages will be necessary to distinguish between bam's critical gametogenesis role being newly derived in D. melanogaster, D. simulans, Drosophila yakuba, and D. ananassae females or it being basal to the genus and subsequently lost in numerous lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia K S Ulbing
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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19
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Wang X, Hua J, Li J, Zhang J, Dzakah EE, Cao G, Lin W. Mechanisms of non-coding RNA-modulated alternative splicing in cancer. RNA Biol 2022; 19:541-547. [PMID: 35427215 PMCID: PMC9037454 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2062846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a common and pivotal process for eukaryotic gene expression regulation, which enables a precursor RNA to produce multiple transcript variants with diverse cellular functions. Aberrant AS represents a hallmark of cancer, engaged in all stages of tumorigenesis from initiation to metastasis. Accumulating pieces of evidence have revealed the involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating AS in human cancers. In this review, we overview the underlying mechanisms of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) modulated AS at diverse levels in human cancers, and summarize their regulatory functions in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (Hips), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, HIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jinghan Hua
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (Hips), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jingxin Li
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (Hips), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Emmanuel Enoch Dzakah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Guozhen Cao
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (Hips), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Wenchu Lin
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (Hips), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, HIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
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20
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Blomme J, Develtere W, Köse A, Arraiza Ribera J, Brugmans C, Jaraba-Wallace J, Decaestecker W, Rombaut D, Baekelandt A, Daniel Fernández Fernández Á, Van Breusegem F, Inzé D, Jacobs T. The heat is on: a simple method to increase genome editing efficiency in plants. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:142. [PMID: 35331142 PMCID: PMC8951696 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision genome mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas has become the standard method to generate mutant plant lines. Several improvements have been made to increase mutagenesis efficiency, either through vector optimisation or the application of heat stress. RESULTS Here, we present a simplified heat stress assay that can be completed in six days using commonly-available laboratory equipment. We show that three heat shocks (3xHS) efficiently increases indel efficiency of LbCas12a and Cas9, irrespective of the target sequence or the promoter used to express the nuclease. The generated indels are primarily somatic, but for three out of five targets we demonstrate that up to 25% more biallelic mutations are transmitted to the progeny when heat is applied compared to non-heat controls. We also applied our heat treatment to lines containing CRISPR base editors and observed a 22-27% increase in the percentage of C-to-T base editing. Furthermore, we test the effect of 3xHS on generating large deletions and a homologous recombination reporter. Interestingly, we observed no positive effect of 3xHS treatment on either approach using our conditions. CONCLUSIONS Together, our experiments show that heat treatment is consistently effective at increasing the number of somatic mutations using many CRISPR approaches in plants and in some cases can increase the recovery of mutant progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Phycology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ward Develtere
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ayse Köse
- Bioengineering Department, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Júlia Arraiza Ribera
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Brugmans
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessica Jaraba-Wallace
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ward Decaestecker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Debbie Rombaut
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Baekelandt
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Álvaro Daniel Fernández Fernández
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Inzé
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
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21
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Banas K, Modarai S, Rivera-Torres N, Yoo BC, Bialk PA, Barrett C, Batish M, Kmiec EB. Exon skipping induced by CRISPR-directed gene editing regulates the response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Gene Ther 2022; 29:357-367. [PMID: 35314779 PMCID: PMC9203268 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have been developing CRISPR-directed gene editing as an augmentative therapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by genetic disruption of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2). NRF2 promotes tumor cell survival in response to therapeutic intervention and thus its disablement should restore or enhance effective drug action. Here, we report how NRF2 disruption leads to collateral damage in the form of CRISPR-mediated exon skipping. Heterogeneous populations of transcripts and truncated proteins produce a variable response to chemotherapy, dependent on which functional domain is missing. We identify and characterize predicted and unpredicted transcript populations and discover that several types of transcripts arise through exon skipping; wherein one or two NRF2 exons are missing. In one specific case, the presence or absence of a single nucleotide determines whether an exon is skipped or not by reorganizing Exonic Splicing Enhancers (ESEs). We isolate and characterize the diversity of clones induced by CRISPR activity in a NSCLC tumor cell population, a critical and often overlooked genetic byproduct of this exciting technology. Finally, gRNAs must be designed with care to avoid altering gene expression patterns that can account for variable responses to solid tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Banas
- Gene Editing Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | | | | | - Pawel A Bialk
- Gene Editing Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Connor Barrett
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Eric B Kmiec
- Gene Editing Institute, ChristianaCare, Newark, DE, USA.
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22
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Sharma A, Pham MN, Reyes JB, Chana R, Yim WC, Heu CC, Kim D, Chaverra-Rodriguez D, Rasgon JL, Harrell RA, Nuss AB, Gulia-Nuss M. Cas9-mediated gene editing in the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, by embryo injection and ReMOT Control. iScience 2022; 25:103781. [PMID: 35535206 PMCID: PMC9076890 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their capacity to acquire and pass on an array of debilitating pathogens, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, largely because of challenges in applying available genetic and molecular tools. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful gene editing has not yet been reported in ticks. Technical challenges for injecting tick embryos to attempt gene editing have further slowed research progress. Currently, no embryo injection protocol exists for any chelicerate species, including ticks. Herein, we report a successful embryo injection protocol for the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the use of this protocol for genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9. We also demonstrate that the ReMOT Control technique could be successfully used to generate genome mutations outside Insecta. Our results provide innovative tools to the tick research community that are essential for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing pathogen transmission by tick vectors and the underlying biology of host-vector-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Michael N. Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jeremiah B. Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Randeep Chana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Won C. Yim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Chan C. Heu
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Duverney Chaverra-Rodriguez
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jason L. Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Robert A. Harrell
- Insect Transformation Facility, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew B. Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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23
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Bagheri A, Culp PA, DuBridge RB, Chen THT. CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of EpCAM Exon 2 results in cell-surface expression of a truncated protein targeted by an EpCAM specific T cell engager. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 29:101205. [PMID: 35071801 PMCID: PMC8761601 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101205] [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: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology allows researchers to study protein function by specifically introducing double-stranded breaks in the gene of interest then analyze its subsequent loss in sensitive biological assays. To help characterize one of a series of highly potent, conditionally active, T cell engaging bispecific molecules called COBRA™, the human EpCAM gene was disrupted in HT29 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and guide RNA targeting its Exon 2. Although a commercially available antibody indicated loss of cell-surface expression, the EpCAM targeting bispecific COBRA was still able to lyse these cells in a T cell dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay. RT-PCR sequence analysis of these cells showed a major alternative transcript generated after CRISPR/Cas9, with Exon 1 and 3 spliced together in-frame, skipping Exon 2 completely, to express a truncated cell-surface receptor recognized by the EpCAM-COBRA. Researchers who use CRISPR/Cas9 must be cognizant of this potential to express alternative versions of their proteins and use sensitive orthogonal detection methods to ensure complete gene disruption. CRISPR/Cas9 allows researchers to target gene disruption and analyze its loss of expression. After CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the EpCAM gene, no protein was detected after staining with a commercial antibody. An in-house EpCAM T-cell engager was able to lyse these supposedly EpCAM KO cells. cDNA analysis showed an alternative mRNA transcript arose after CRISPR/Cas9, creating a truncated version on the cell's surface. Scientists using CRISPR must be aware of the potential to make alternate forms and try other means to ensure no expression.
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24
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Bock C, Datlinger P, Chardon F, Coelho MA, Dong MB, Lawson KA, Lu T, Maroc L, Norman TM, Song B, Stanley G, Chen S, Garnett M, Li W, Moffat J, Qi LS, Shapiro RS, Shendure J, Weissman JS, Zhuang X. High-content CRISPR screening. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:9. [PMID: 37214176 PMCID: PMC10200264 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR screens are a powerful source of biological discovery, enabling the unbiased interrogation of gene function in a wide range of applications and species. In pooled CRISPR screens, various genetically encoded perturbations are introduced into pools of cells. The targeted cells proliferate under a biological challenge such as cell competition, drug treatment or viral infection. Subsequently, the perturbation-induced effects are evaluated by sequencing-based counting of the guide RNAs that specify each perturbation. The typical results of such screens are ranked lists of genes that confer sensitivity or resistance to the biological challenge of interest. Contributing to the broad utility of CRISPR screens, adaptations of the core CRISPR technology make it possible to activate, silence or otherwise manipulate the target genes. Moreover, high-content read-outs such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial imaging help characterize screened cells with unprecedented detail. Dedicated software tools facilitate bioinformatic analysis and enhance reproducibility. CRISPR screening has unravelled various molecular mechanisms in basic biology, medical genetics, cancer research, immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology and other fields. This Primer describes the basic and advanced concepts of CRISPR screening and its application as a flexible and reliable method for biological discovery, biomedical research and drug development - with a special emphasis on high-content methods that make it possible to obtain detailed biological insights directly as part of the screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Datlinger
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florence Chardon
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Matthew B. Dong
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Keith A. Lawson
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tian Lu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laetitia Maroc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas M. Norman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bicna Song
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Geoff Stanley
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mathew Garnett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason Moffat
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan S. Weissman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhuang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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25
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Hüdig M, Laibach N, Hein AC. Genome Editing in Crop Plant Research-Alignment of Expectations and Current Developments. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:212. [PMID: 35050100 PMCID: PMC8778883 DOI: 10.3390/plants11020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of genome editing and other new genomic techniques (NGT) has evoked manifold expectations on purposes of the application of these techniques to crop plants. In this study, we identify and align these expectations with current scientific development. We apply a semi-quantitative text analysis approach on political, economic, and scientific opinion papers to disentangle and extract expectations towards the application of NGT-based plants. Using the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the 2030 agenda as categories, we identify contributions to food security or adaptation to climatic changes as the most frequently mentioned expectations, accompanied by the notion of sustainable agriculture and food systems. We then link SDG with relevant plant traits and review existing research and commercial field trials for genome-edited crop plants. For a detailed analysis we pick as representative traits drought tolerance and resistance against fungal pathogens. Diverse genetic setscrews for both traits have been identified, modified, and tested under laboratory conditions, although there are only a few in the field. All in all, NGT-plants that can withstand more than one stressor or different environments are not documented in advanced development states. We further conclude that developing new plants with modified traits will not be sufficient to reach food security or adaption to climatic changes in a short time frame. Further scientific development of sustainable agricultural systems will need to play an important role to tackle SDG challenges, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Hüdig
- Molecular Plant Physiology Division, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalie Laibach
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Edifici CRAG-Campus UAB, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Anke-Christiane Hein
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms, Konstantinstraße 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
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26
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Port F, Boutros M. Tissue-Specific CRISPR-Cas9 Screening in Drosophila. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2540:157-176. [PMID: 35980577 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2541-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last century research in Drosophila has resulted in many fundamental contributions to our understanding of the biology of multicellular organisms. Many of these breakthroughs have been based on the identification of novel gene functions in large-scale genetic screens. However, conventional forward-genetic screens have been limited by the random nature of mutagenesis and difficulties in mapping causal mutations, while reverse-genetic RNAi screens suffer from incomplete knockdown of gene expression. Recently developed large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 libraries promise to address these limitations by allowing the induction of targeted mutations in genes with spatial and temporal control. Here, we provide a guide for tissue-specific CRISPR screening in Drosophila, including the characterization of Gal4 UAS-Cas9 lines, selection of sgRNA libraries, and various quality control measures. We also discuss confounding factors that can give rise to false-positive and false-negative results in such experiments and suggest strategies on how to detect and avoid them. Conditional CRISPR screening represents an exciting new approach for functional genomics in vivo and is set to further expand our knowledge of the molecular underpinning of development, homeostasis, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fillip Port
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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27
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Grunwald HA, Weitzel AJ, Cooper KL. Applications of and considerations for using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion systems in rodents. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:3-14. [PMID: 34949863 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic elements that are inherited at super-Mendelian frequencies could be used in a 'gene drive' to spread an allele to high prevalence in a population with the goal of eliminating invasive species or disease vectors. We recently demonstrated that the gene conversion mechanism underlying a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene drive is feasible in mice. Although substantial technical hurdles remain, overcoming these could lead to strategies that might decrease the spread of rodent-borne Lyme disease or eliminate invasive populations of mice and rats that devastate island ecology. Perhaps more immediately achievable at moderate gene conversion efficiency, applications in a laboratory setting could produce complex genotypes that reduce the time and cost in both dollars and animal lives compared with Mendelian inheritance strategies. Here, we discuss what we have learned from early efforts to achieve CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion, potential for broader applications in the laboratory, current limitations, and plans for optimizing this potentially powerful technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Grunwald
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Weitzel
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly L Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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28
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Targa A, Larrimore KE, Wong CK, Chong YL, Fung R, Lee J, Choi H, Rancati G. Non-genetic and genetic rewiring underlie adaptation to hypomorphic alleles of an essential gene. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107839. [PMID: 34528284 PMCID: PMC8561638 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive evolution to cellular stress is a process implicated in a wide range of biological and clinical phenomena. Two major routes of adaptation have been identified: non-genetic changes, which allow expression of different phenotypes in novel environments, and genetic variation achieved by selection of fitter phenotypes. While these processes are broadly accepted, their temporal and epistatic features in the context of cellular evolution and emerging drug resistance are contentious. In this manuscript, we generated hypomorphic alleles of the essential nuclear pore complex (NPC) gene NUP58. By dissecting early and long-term mechanisms of adaptation in independent clones, we observed that early physiological adaptation correlated with transcriptome rewiring and upregulation of genes known to interact with the NPC; long-term adaptation and fitness recovery instead occurred via focal amplification of NUP58 and restoration of mutant protein expression. These data support the concept that early phenotypic plasticity allows later acquisition of genetic adaptations to a specific impairment. We propose this approach as a genetic model to mimic targeted drug therapy in human cells and to dissect mechanisms of adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altea Targa
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Katherine E Larrimore
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Cheng Kit Wong
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Yu Lin Chong
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Ronald Fung
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Joseph Lee
- Department of MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNUS and National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNUS and National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Giulia Rancati
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
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29
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Kawall K. The Generic Risks and the Potential of SDN-1 Applications in Crop Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:2259. [PMID: 34834620 PMCID: PMC8622673 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of site-directed nucleases (SDNs) in crop plants to alter market-oriented traits is expanding rapidly. At the same time, there is an on-going debate around the safety and regulation of crops altered with the site-directed nuclease 1 (SDN-1) technology. SDN-1 applications can be used to induce a variety of genetic alterations ranging from fairly 'simple' genetic alterations to complex changes in plant genomes using, for example, multiplexing approaches. The resulting plants can contain modified alleles and associated traits, which are either known or unknown in conventionally bred plants. The European Commission recently published a study on new genomic techniques suggesting an adaption of the current GMO legislation by emphasizing that targeted mutagenesis techniques can produce genomic alterations that can also be obtained by natural mutations or conventional breeding techniques. This review highlights the need for a case-specific risk assessment of crop plants derived from SDN-1 applications considering both the characteristics of the product and the process to ensure a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment. The published literature on so-called market-oriented traits in crop plants altered with SDN-1 applications is analyzed here to determine the types of SDN-1 application in plants, and to reflect upon the complexity and the naturalness of such products. Furthermore, it demonstrates the potential of SDN-1 applications to induce complex alterations in plant genomes that are relevant to generic SDN-associated risks. In summary, it was found that nearly half of plants with so-called market-oriented traits contain complex genomic alterations induced by SDN-1 applications, which may also pose new types of risks. It further underscores the need for data on both the process and the end-product for a case-by-case risk assessment of plants derived from SDN-1 applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kawall
- Fachstelle Gentechnik und Umwelt, Frohschammerstr. 14, 80807 Munich, Germany
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30
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Abrahams L, Savisaar R, Mordstein C, Young B, Kudla G, Hurst LD. Evidence in disease and non-disease contexts that nonsense mutations cause altered splicing via motif disruption. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9665-9685. [PMID: 34469537 PMCID: PMC8464065 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcripts containing premature termination codons (PTCs) can be subject to nonsense-associated alternative splicing (NAS). Two models have been evoked to explain this, scanning and splice motif disruption. The latter postulates that exonic cis motifs, such as exonic splice enhancers (ESEs), are disrupted by nonsense mutations. We employ genome-wide transcriptomic and k-mer enrichment methods to scrutinize this model. First, we show that ESEs are prone to disruptive nonsense mutations owing to their purine richness and paucity of TGA, TAA and TAG. The motif model correctly predicts that NAS rates should be low (we estimate 5–30%) and approximately in line with estimates for the rate at which random point mutations disrupt splicing (8–20%). Further, we find that, as expected, NAS-associated PTCs are predictable from nucleotide-based machine learning approaches to predict splice disruption and, at least for pathogenic variants, are enriched in ESEs. Finally, we find that both in and out of frame mutations to TAA, TGA or TAG are associated with exon skipping. While a higher relative frequency of such skip-inducing mutations in-frame than out of frame lends some credence to the scanning model, these results reinforce the importance of considering splice motif modulation to understand the etiology of PTC-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Abrahams
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Rosina Savisaar
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Christine Mordstein
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, C F Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bethan Young
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Grzegorz Kudla
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Laurence D Hurst
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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31
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Liu S, Striebel J, Pasquini G, Ng AHM, Khoshakhlagh P, Church GM, Busskamp V. Neuronal Cell-type Engineering by Transcriptional Activation. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:715697. [PMID: 34713262 PMCID: PMC8525383 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.715697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene activation with the CRISPR-Cas system has great implications in studying gene function, controlling cellular behavior, and modulating disease progression. In this review, we survey recent studies on targeted gene activation and multiplexed screening for inducing neuronal differentiation using CRISPR-Cas transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) and open reading frame (ORF) expression. Critical technical parameters of CRISPRa and ORF-based strategies for neuronal programming are presented and discussed. In addition, recent progress on in vivo applications of CRISPRa to the nervous system are highlighted. Overall, CRISPRa represents a valuable addition to the experimental toolbox for neuronal cell-type programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlei Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Giovanni Pasquini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - George M. Church
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- GC Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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32
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Jbara A, Siegfried Z, Karni R. Splice-switching as cancer therapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 59:140-148. [PMID: 34217945 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In light of recent advances in RNA splicing modulation as therapy for specific genetic diseases, there is great optimism that this approach can be applied to treatment of cancer as well. Dysregulation of alternative RNA splicing is a common aberration detected in many cancers and thus, provides an attractive target for therapeutics. Here, we present and compare two promising approaches that are currently being investigated to manipulate alternative splicing and their potential use in therapy. The first strategy makes use of splice-switching oligonucleotides, whereas the second strategy uses CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat Cas (CRISPR-associated) technology. We will discuss both the challenges and limitations of these technologies and progress being made to implement splice-switching as a potential cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Jbara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Zahava Siegfried
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Rotem Karni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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33
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Zeballos C MA, Gaj T. Next-Generation CRISPR Technologies and Their Applications in Gene and Cell Therapy. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:692-705. [PMID: 33277043 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) nucleases has transformed biotechnology by providing an easy, efficient, and versatile platform for editing DNA. However, traditional CRISPR-based technologies initiate editing by activating DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, which can cause adverse effects in cells and restrict certain therapeutic applications of the technology. To this end, several new CRISPR-based modalities have been developed that are capable of catalyzing editing without the requirement for a DSB. Here, we review three of these technologies: base editors, prime editors, and RNA-targeting CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)13 effectors. We discuss their strengths compared to traditional gene-modifying systems, we highlight their emerging therapeutic applications, and we examine challenges facing their safe and effective clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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34
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Epstein LR, Lee SS, Miller MF, Lombardi HA. CRISPR, animals, and FDA oversight: Building a path to success. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2004831117. [PMID: 34050010 PMCID: PMC8179205 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004831117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological advances, such as genome editing and specifically CRISPR, offer exciting promise for the creation of products that address public health concerns, such as disease transmission and a sustainable food supply and enable production of human therapeutics, such as organs and tissues for xenotransplantation or recombinant human proteins to treat disease. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes the need for such innovative solutions and plays a key role in bringing safe and effective animal biotechnology products to the marketplace. In this article, we (the Food and Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine) describe the current state of the science, including advances in technology as well as scientific limitations and considerations for how researchers and commercial developers working to create intentional genomic alterations in animals can work within these limitations. We also describe our risk-based approach and how it strikes a balance between our regulatory responsibilities and the need to get innovative products to market efficiently. We continue to seek input from our stakeholders and hope to use this feedback to improve the transparency, predictability, and efficiency of our process. We think that working together, using appropriate science- and risk-based oversight, is the foundation to a successful path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Epstein
- Office of the Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20855
| | - Stella S Lee
- Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20855
| | - Mayumi F Miller
- Office of Research, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708
| | - Heather A Lombardi
- Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20855;
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Hendriks D, Clevers H, Artegiani B. CRISPR-Cas Tools and Their Application in Genetic Engineering of Human Stem Cells and Organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 27:705-731. [PMID: 33157047 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology has revolutionized biological research and holds great therapeutic potential. Here, we review CRISPR-Cas systems and their latest developments with an emphasis on application to human cells. We also discuss how different CRISPR-based strategies can be used to accomplish a particular genome engineering goal. We then review how different CRISPR tools have been used in genome engineering of human stem cells in vitro, covering both the pluripotent (iPSC/ESC) and somatic adult stem cell fields and, in particular, 3D organoid cultures. Finally, we discuss the progress and challenges associated with CRISPR-based genome editing of human stem cells for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delilah Hendriks
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Benedetta Artegiani
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Datta P, Cribbs JT, Seo S. Differential requirement of NPHP1 for compartmentalized protein localization during photoreceptor outer segment development and maintenance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246358. [PMID: 33961633 PMCID: PMC8104407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrocystin (NPHP1) is a ciliary transition zone protein and its ablation causes nephronophthisis (NPHP) with partially penetrant retinal dystrophy. However, the precise requirements of NPHP1 in photoreceptors are not well understood. Here, we characterize retinal degeneration in a mouse model of NPHP1 and show that NPHP1 is required to prevent infiltration of inner segment plasma membrane proteins into the outer segment during the photoreceptor maturation. We demonstrate that Nphp1 gene-trap mutant mice, which were previously described as null, are likely hypomorphs due to the production of a small quantity of functional mRNAs derived from nonsense-associated altered splicing and skipping of two exons including the one harboring the gene-trap. In homozygous mutant animals, inner segment plasma membrane proteins such as syntaxin-3 (STX3), synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), and interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 2 (IMPG2) accumulate in the outer segment when outer segments are actively elongating. This phenotype, however, is spontaneously ameliorated after the outer segment elongation is completed. Consistent with this, some photoreceptor cell loss (~30%) occurs during the photoreceptor maturation period but it stops afterward. We further show that Nphp1 genetically interacts with Cep290, another NPHP gene, and that a reduction of Cep290 gene dose results in retinal degeneration that continues until adulthood in Nphp1 mutant mice. These findings demonstrate that NPHP1 is required for the confinement of inner segment plasma membrane proteins during the outer segment development, but its requirement diminishes as photoreceptors mature. Our study also suggests that additional mutations in other NPHP genes may influence the penetrance of retinopathy in human NPHP1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Datta
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - J. Thomas Cribbs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Seongjin Seo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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A novel tissue specific alternative splicing variant mitigates phenotypes in Ets2 frame-shift mutant models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8297. [PMID: 33859300 PMCID: PMC8050053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87751-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
E26 avian leukemia oncogene 2, 3′ domain (Ets2) has been implicated in various biological processes. An Ets2 mutant model (Ets2db1/db1), which lacks the DNA-binding domain, was previously reported to exhibit embryonic lethality caused by a trophoblast abnormality. This phenotype could be rescued by tetraploid complementation, resulting in pups with wavy hair and curly whiskers. Here, we generated new Ets2 mutant models with a frame-shift mutation in exon 8 using the CRISPR/Cas9 method. Homozygous mutants could not be obtained by natural mating as embryonic development stopped before E8.5, as previously reported. When we rescued them by tetraploid complementation, these mice did not exhibit wavy hair or curly whisker phenotypes. Our newly generated mice exhibited exon 8 skipping, which led to in-frame mutant mRNA expression in the skin and thymus but not in E7.5 Ets2em1/em1 embryos. This exon 8-skipped Ets2 mRNA was translated into protein, suggesting that this Ets2 mutant protein complemented the Ets2 function in the skin. Our data implies that novel splicing variants incidentally generated after genome editing may complicate the phenotypic analysis but may also give insight into the new mechanisms related to biological gene functions.
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Kagita A, Lung MSY, Xu H, Kita Y, Sasakawa N, Iguchi T, Ono M, Wang XH, Gee P, Hotta A. Efficient ssODN-Mediated Targeting by Avoiding Cellular Inhibitory RNAs through Precomplexed CRISPR-Cas9/sgRNA Ribonucleoprotein. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:985-996. [PMID: 33711268 PMCID: PMC8072016 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined with CRISPR-Cas9 technology and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs), specific single-nucleotide alterations can be introduced into a targeted genomic locus in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); however, ssODN knockin frequency is low compared with deletion induction. Although several Cas9 transduction methods have been reported, the biochemical behavior of CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease in mammalian cells is yet to be explored. Here, we investigated intrinsic cellular factors that affect Cas9 cleavage activity in vitro. We found that intracellular RNA, but not DNA or protein fractions, inhibits Cas9 from binding to single guide RNA (sgRNA) and reduces the enzymatic activity. To prevent this, precomplexing Cas9 and sgRNA before delivery into cells can lead to higher genome editing activity compared with Cas9 overexpression approaches. By optimizing electroporation parameters of precomplexed ribonucleoprotein and ssODN, we achieved efficiencies of single-nucleotide correction as high as 70% and loxP insertion up to 40%. Finally, we could replace the HLA-C1 allele with the C2 allele to generate histocompatibility leukocyte antigen custom-edited iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kagita
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Mandy S Y Lung
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Huaigeng Xu
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuto Kita
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Noriko Sasakawa
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iguchi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Miyuki Ono
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Xiou H Wang
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Peter Gee
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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Xie J, Jusuf PR, Bui BV, Dudczig S, Sztal TE, Goodbourn PT. Altered Visual Function in a Larval Zebrafish Knockout of Neurodevelopmental Risk Gene pdzk1. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:29. [PMID: 33749720 PMCID: PMC7991922 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.3.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The human PDZK1 gene is located in a genomic susceptibility region for neurodevelopmental disorders. A genome-wide association study identified links between PDZK1 polymorphisms and altered visual contrast sensitivity, an endophenotype for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. The PDZK1 protein is implicated in neurological functioning, interacting with synaptic molecules including postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95), N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1), and serotonin 2A receptors. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of PDZK1. Methods We generated pdzk1-knockout (pdzk1-KO) zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas-9 genome editing. Visual function of 7-day-old fish was assessed at behavioral and functional levels using the optomotor response and scotopic electroretinogram (ERG). We also quantified retinal morphology and densities of PSD-95, NMDAR1, CRFR1, and serotonin in the synaptic inner plexiform layer at 7 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of age. Standard RT-PCR and nonsense-mediated decay interference treatment were also performed to assess genetic compensation in mutants. Results Relative to wild-type, pdzk1-KO larvae showed spatial frequency tuning functions with increased amplitude (likely due to abnormal gain control) and reduced ERG b-waves (suggestive of inner retinal dysfunction). No synaptic phenotypes, but possible morphological retinal phenotypes, were identified. We confirmed that the absence of major histological phenotypes was not attributable to genetic compensatory mechanisms. Conclusions Our findings point to a role for pdzk1 in zebrafish visual function, and our model system provides a platform for investigating other genes associated with abnormal visual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaheng Xie
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patricia R Jusuf
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stefanie Dudczig
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tamar E Sztal
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patrick T Goodbourn
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Uzun S, Özcan Ö, Işık A, Sağlam A, Gedikoğlu G, Demiröz AS, Kuzu I, Üner A, Akyol A. Loss of CTNNB1 exon 3 in sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:747-754. [PMID: 33650044 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) is a rare vascular lesion of the spleen. Although several hypotheses have been suggested, the etiopathogenesis of SANT remains unknown. It is also unclear whether SANT is a reactive or a neoplastic lesion. Since CTNNB1 (β-catenin gene) exon 3 mutations were frequently detected in some rare fibrovascular lesions, we aimed to investigate the presence of oncogenic CTNNB1 mutations in SANT cases. For this purpose, 7 cases of SANT with typical histopathological features were retrieved. First, the presence of CTNNB1 exon 3 alterations was examined with a recently described immunohistochemistry-based method. Then, the findings were confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and Sanger sequencing. In all cases, immunochemistry of β-catenin gave a staining pattern that was suggestive of exon 3 alteration; however, no missense mutations were found in any case at the CTNNB1 exon 3 hotspot region. Subsequently, we screened for large interstitial deletions of CTNNB1 exon 3 which revealed short PCR products in three cases. Sequencing confirmed that these cases had large interstitial deletions, resulting in loss of the entire exon 3 of CTNNB1. In the remaining four cases, loss of exon 3 was documented at the cDNA level, although genomic deletion was not identified. These results demonstrate that loss of CTNNB1 exon 3 and stabilization of β-catenin with activation of Wnt signaling pathway might have a significant role in the pathogenesis of SANT. Through this study, we provided important evidence for the neoplastic nature and pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarp Uzun
- Tumor Biology and Immunology PhD Program, Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Özcan
- Stem Cell Sciences PhD Program, Department of Stem Cell, Hacettepe University Faculty of Sciences, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aynur Işık
- Hacettepe University Transgenic Animal Technologies Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arzu Sağlam
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Gedikoğlu
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahu Senem Demiröz
- Department of Pathology, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Fatih, 34098, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Işınsu Kuzu
- Department of Pathology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, 06230, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Üner
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.,Tumor Pathology Division, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.,Hacettepe University Molecular Pathology Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aytekin Akyol
- Hacettepe University Transgenic Animal Technologies Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey. .,Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey. .,Tumor Pathology Division, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey. .,Hacettepe University Molecular Pathology Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Karapurkar JK, Antao AM, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing for defective gene correction in humans and other mammals. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:185-229. [PMID: 34127194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9), derived from bacterial and archean immune systems, has received much attention from the scientific community as a powerful, targeted gene editing tool. The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a simple, relatively effortless and highly specific gene targeting strategy through temporary or permanent genome regulation or editing. This endonuclease has enabled gene correction by taking advantage of the endogenous homology directed repair (HDR) pathway to successfully target and correct disease-causing gene mutations. Numerous studies using CRISPR support the promise of efficient and simple genome manipulation, and the technique has been validated in in vivo and in vitro experiments, indicating its potential for efficient gene correction at any genomic loci. In this chapter, we detailed various strategies related to gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We also outlined strategies to improve the efficiency of gene correction via the HDR pathway and to improve viral and non-viral mediated gene delivery methods, with an emphasis on their therapeutic potential for correcting genetic disorder in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ainsley Mike Antao
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Song J, Zhang J, Xu J, Garcia-Barrio M, Chen YE, Yang D. Genome engineering technologies in rabbits. J Biomed Res 2021; 35:135-147. [PMID: 32934190 PMCID: PMC8038526 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.34.20190133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit has been recognized as a valuable model in various biomedical and biological research fields because of its intermediate size and phylogenetic proximity to primates. However, the technology for precise genome manipulations in rabbit has been stalled for decades, severely limiting its applications in biomedical research. Novel genome editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, have remarkably enhanced precise genome manipulation in rabbits, and shown their superiority and promise for generating rabbit models of human genetic diseases. In this review, we summarize the brief history of transgenic rabbit technology and the development of novel genome editing technologies in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Song
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Minerva Garcia-Barrio
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Fan J, Papadopoulos V. Mitochondrial TSPO Deficiency Triggers Retrograde Signaling in MA-10 Mouse Tumor Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010252. [PMID: 33383772 PMCID: PMC7795497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) has been shown to bind cholesterol with high affinity and is involved in mediating its availability for steroidogenesis. We recently reported that targeted Tspo gene deletion in MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells resulted in reduced cAMP-stimulated steroid formation and significant reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) compared to control cells. We hypothesized that ΔΨm reduction in the absence of TSPO probably reflects the dysregulation and/or maintenance failure of some basic mitochondrial function(s). To explore the consequences of TSPO depletion via CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion (indel) mutation in MA-10 cells, we assessed the transcriptome changes in TSPO-mutant versus wild-type (Wt) cells using RNA-seq. Gene expression profiles were validated using real-time PCR. We report herein that there are significant changes in nuclear gene expression in Tspo mutant versus Wt cells. The identified transcriptome changes were mapped to several signaling pathways including the regulation of membrane potential, calcium signaling, extracellular matrix, and phagocytosis. This is a retrograde signaling pathway from the mitochondria to the nucleus and is probably the result of changes in expression of several transcription factors, including key members of the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, TSPO regulates nuclear gene expression through intracellular signaling. This is the first evidence of a compensatory response to the loss of TSPO with transcriptome changes at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjiang Fan
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +1-323-442-1681
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Jin Y, Datsomor AK, Olsen RE, Vik JO, Torgersen JS, Edvardsen RB, Wargelius A, Winge P, Grammes F. Targeted mutagenesis of ∆5 and ∆6 fatty acyl desaturases induce dysregulation of lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). BMC Genomics 2020; 21:805. [PMID: 33213387 PMCID: PMC7678299 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With declining wild fish populations, farmed salmon has gained popularity as a source for healthy long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids (LC-HUFA). However, the introduction of plant oil in farmed salmon feeds has reduced the content of these beneficial LC-HUFA. The synthetic capability for LC-HUFAs depends upon the dietary precursor fatty acids and the genetic potential, thus there is a need for in-depth understanding of LC-HUFA synthetic genes and their interactions with other genes involved in lipid metabolism. Several key genes of LC-HUFA synthesis in salmon belong to the fatty acid desaturases 2 (fads2) family. The present study applied whole transcriptome analysis on two CRISPR-mutated salmon strains (crispants), 1) Δ6abc/5Mt with mutations in Δ5fads2, Δ6fads2-a, Δ6fads2-b and Δ6fads2-c genes, and 2) Δ6bcMt with mutations in Δ6fads2-b and Δ6fads2-c genes. Our purpose is to evaluate the genetic effect fads2 mutations have on other lipid metabolism pathways in fish, as well as to investigate mosaicism in a commercial species with a very long embryonal period. Results Both Δ6abc/5Mt and Δ6bcMt crispants demonstrated high percentage of indels within all intended target genes, though different indel types and percentage were observed between individuals. The Δ6abc/5Mt fish displayed several disruptive indels which resulted in over 100 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in lipid metabolism pathways in liver. This includes up-regulation of srebp1 genes which are known key transcription regulators of lipid metabolism as well as a number of down-stream genes involved in fatty acid de-novo synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation and lipogenesis. Both elovl5 and elovl2 genes were not changed, suggesting that the genes were not targeted by Srebp1. The mutation of Δ6bcMt surprisingly resulted in over 3000 DEGs which were enriched in factors encoding genes involved in mRNA regulation and stability. Conclusions CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently mutate multiple fads2 genes simultaneously in salmon. The results of the present study have provided new information on the transcriptional regulations of lipid metabolism genes after reduction of LC-HUFA synthesis pathways in salmon. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-020-07218-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jin
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, Aas, Norway
| | - Alex K Datsomor
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rolf E Olsen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jon Olav Vik
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, Aas, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Per Winge
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fabian Grammes
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, Aas, Norway. .,AquaGen AS, Post box 1240, Torgard, N-7462, Trondheim, Norway.
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Polkoff KM, Chung J, Simpson SG, Gleason K, Piedrahita JA. In Vitro Validation of Transgene Expression in Gene-Edited Pigs Using CRISPR Transcriptional Activators. CRISPR J 2020; 3:409-418. [PMID: 33095051 PMCID: PMC7580606 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of CRISPR-Cas and RNA-guided endonucleases has drastically changed research strategies for understanding and exploiting gene function, particularly for the generation of gene-edited animal models. This has resulted in an explosion in the number of gene-edited species, including highly biomedically relevant pig models. However, even with error-free DNA insertion or deletion, edited genes are occasionally not expressed and/or translated as expected. Therefore, there is a need to validate the expression outcomes gene modifications in vitro before investing in the costly generation of a gene-edited animal. Unfortunately, many gene targets are tissue specific and/or not expressed in cultured primary cells, making validation difficult without generating an animal. In this study, using pigs as a proof of concept, we show that CRISPR-dCas9 transcriptional activators can be used to validate functional transgene insertion in nonexpressing easily cultured cells such as fibroblasts. This is a tool that can be used across disciplines and animal species to save time and resources by verifying expected outcomes of gene edits before generating live animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Polkoff
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jaewook Chung
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sean G. Simpson
- Deparment of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- RenOVAte Biosciences, Inc., Reisterstown, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine Gleason
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jorge A. Piedrahita
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Foltz L, Palacios-Moreno J, Mayfield M, Kinch S, Dillon J, Syrenne J, Levy T, Grimes M. PAG1 directs SRC-family kinase intracellular localization to mediate receptor tyrosine kinase-induced differentiation. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:2269-2282. [PMID: 32726167 PMCID: PMC7550700 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-02-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
All receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) activate similar downstream signaling pathways through a common set of effectors, yet it is not fully understood how different receptors elicit distinct cellular responses to cause cell proliferation, differentiation, or other cell fates. We tested the hypothesis that regulation of SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling by the scaffold protein, PAG1, influences cell fate decisions following RTK activation. We generated a neuroblastoma cell line expressing a PAG1 fragment that lacks the membrane-spanning domain (PAG1TM-) and localized to the cytoplasm. PAG1TM- cells exhibited higher amounts of active SFKs and increased growth rate. PAG1TM- cells were unresponsive to TRKA and RET signaling, two RTKs that induce neuronal differentiation, but retained responses to EGFR and KIT. Under differentiation conditions, PAG1TM- cells continued to proliferate and did not extend neurites or increase β-III tubulin expression. FYN and LYN were sequestered in multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and dramatically more FYN and LYN were in the lumen of MVBs in PAG1TM- cells. In particular, activated FYN was sequestered in PAG1TM- cells, suggesting that disruption of FYN localization led to the observed defects in differentiation. The results demonstrate that PAG1 directs SFK intracellular localization to control activity and to mediate signaling by RTKs that induce neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Foltz
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
| | | | - Makenzie Mayfield
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
| | - Shelby Kinch
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
| | - Jordan Dillon
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
| | - Jed Syrenne
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
| | - Tyler Levy
- Cell Signaling Technology, Danvers, MA 01923
| | - Mark Grimes
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
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Naert T, Tulkens D, Edwards NA, Carron M, Shaidani NI, Wlizla M, Boel A, Demuynck S, Horb ME, Coucke P, Willaert A, Zorn AM, Vleminckx K. Maximizing CRISPR/Cas9 phenotype penetrance applying predictive modeling of editing outcomes in Xenopus and zebrafish embryos. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14662. [PMID: 32887910 PMCID: PMC7473854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71412-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has revolutionized functional genomics in vertebrates. However, CRISPR/Cas9 edited F0 animals too often demonstrate variable phenotypic penetrance due to the mosaic nature of editing outcomes after double strand break (DSB) repair. Even with high efficiency levels of genome editing, phenotypes may be obscured by proportional presence of in-frame mutations that still produce functional protein. Recently, studies in cell culture systems have shown that the nature of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutations can be dependent on local sequence context and can be predicted by computational methods. Here, we demonstrate that similar approaches can be used to forecast CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing outcomes in Xenopus tropicalis, Xenopus laevis, and zebrafish. We show that a publicly available neural network previously trained in mouse embryonic stem cell cultures (InDelphi-mESC) is able to accurately predict CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing outcomes in early vertebrate embryos. Our observations can have direct implications for experiment design, allowing the selection of guide RNAs with predicted repair outcome signatures enriched towards frameshift mutations, allowing maximization of CRISPR/Cas9 phenotype penetrance in the F0 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent (Zwijnaarde), Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Tulkens
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent (Zwijnaarde), Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicole A Edwards
- Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, and Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Marjolein Carron
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent (Zwijnaarde), Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nikko-Ideen Shaidani
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Marcin Wlizla
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzan Demuynck
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent (Zwijnaarde), Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marko E Horb
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Paul Coucke
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andy Willaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, and Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Ghent (Zwijnaarde), Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Newman A, Starrs L, Burgio G. Cas9 Cuts and Consequences; Detecting, Predicting, and Mitigating CRISPR/Cas9 On- and Off-Target Damage: Techniques for Detecting, Predicting, and Mitigating the On- and off-target Effects of Cas9 Editing. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000047. [PMID: 32643177 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Large deletions and genomic re-arrangements are increasingly recognized as common products of double-strand break repair at Clustered Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats - CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) on-target sites. Together with well-known off-target editing products from Cas9 target misrecognition, these are important limitations, that need to be addressed. Rigorous assessment of Cas9-editing is necessary to ensure validity of observed phenotypes in Cas9-edited cell-lines and model organisms. Here the mechanisms of Cas9 specificity, and strategies to assess and mitigate unwanted effects of Cas9 editing are reviewed; covering guide-RNA design, RNA modifications, Cas9 modifications, control of Cas9 activity; computational prediction for off-targets, and experimental methods for detecting Cas9 cleavage. Although recognition of the prevalence of on- and off-target effects of Cas9 editing has increased in recent years, broader uptake across the gene editing community will be important in determining the specificity of Cas9 across diverse applications and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Newman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Lora Starrs
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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Shin J, Oh JW. Development of CRISPR/Cas9 system for targeted DNA modifications and recent improvements in modification efficiency and specificity. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 32580834 PMCID: PMC7396914 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.7.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeted nuclease clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) system has recently emerged as a prominent gene manipulation method. Because of its ease in programming targeted DNA/protein binding through RNA in a vast range of organisms, this prokaryotic defense system is a versatile tool with many applications in the research field as well as high potential in agricultural and clinical improvements. This review will present a brief history that led to its discovery and adaptation. We also present some of its restrictions, and modifications that have been performed to overcome such restrictions, focusing specifically on the most common CRISPR/Cas9 mediated non-homologous end joint repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Shin
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Oh
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
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50
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Hosur V, Low BE, Li D, Stafford GA, Kohar V, Shultz LD, Wiles MV. Genes adapt to outsmart gene-targeting strategies in mutant mouse strains by skipping exons to reinitiate transcription and translation. Genome Biol 2020; 21:168. [PMID: 32646486 PMCID: PMC7350591 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene disruption in mouse embryonic stem cells or zygotes is a conventional genetics approach to identify gene function in vivo. However, because different gene disruption strategies use different mechanisms to disrupt genes, the strategies can result in diverse phenotypes in the resulting mouse model. To determine whether different gene disruption strategies affect the phenotype of resulting mutant mice, we characterized Rhbdf1 mouse mutant strains generated by three commonly used strategies-definitive-null, targeted knockout (KO)-first, and CRISPR/Cas9. RESULTS We find that Rhbdf1 responds differently to distinct KO strategies, for example, by skipping exons and reinitiating translation to potentially yield gain-of-function alleles rather than the expected null or severe hypomorphic alleles. Our analysis also revealed that at least 4% of mice generated using the KO-first strategy show conflicting phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Exon skipping is a widespread phenomenon occurring across the genome. These findings have significant implications for the application of genome editing in both basic research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Hosur
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME USA
| | - Benjamin E. Low
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME USA
| | - Daniel Li
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | | | - Vivek Kohar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME USA
| | | | - Michael V. Wiles
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME USA
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