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Yi Z, Zhang X, Wei X, Li J, Ren J, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Tang H, Chang X, Yu Y, Wei W. Programmable DNA pyrimidine base editing via engineered uracil-DNA glycosylase. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6397. [PMID: 39080265 PMCID: PMC11289083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50012-w] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA base editing technologies predominantly utilize engineered deaminases, limiting their ability to edit thymine and guanine directly. In this study, we successfully achieve base editing of both cytidine and thymine by leveraging the translesion DNA synthesis pathway through the engineering of uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG). Employing structure-based rational design, exploration of homologous proteins, and mutation screening, we identify a Deinococcus radiodurans UNG mutant capable of effectively editing thymine. When fused with the nickase Cas9, the engineered DrUNG protein facilitates efficient thymine base editing at endogenous sites, achieving editing efficiencies up to 55% without enrichment and exhibiting minimal cellular toxicity. This thymine base editor (TBE) exhibits high editing specificity and significantly restores IDUA enzyme activity in cells derived from patients with Hurler syndrome. TBEs represent efficient, specific, and low-toxicity approaches to base editing with potential applications in treating relevant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Yi
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxu Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiwu Ren
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yike Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixian Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Chang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Yu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Ruan J, Yu X, Xu H, Cui W, Zhang K, Liu C, Sun W, Huang X, An L, Zhang Y. Suppressor tRNA in gene therapy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2613-y. [PMID: 38926247 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Suppressor tRNAs are engineered or naturally occurring transfer RNA molecules that have shown promise in gene therapy for diseases caused by nonsense mutations, which result in premature termination codons (PTCs) in coding sequence, leading to truncated, often nonfunctional proteins. Suppressor tRNAs can recognize and pair with these PTCs, allowing the ribosome to continue translation and produce a full-length protein. This review introduces the mechanism and development of suppressor tRNAs, compares suppressor tRNAs with other readthrough therapies, discusses their potential for clinical therapy, limitations, and obstacles. We also summarize the applications of suppressor tRNAs in both in vitro and in vivo, offering new insights into the research and treatment of nonsense mutation diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Ruan
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Huixia Xu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Wenrui Cui
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Kaiye Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Wenlong Sun
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lei An
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China.
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Morais P, Zhang R, Yu YT. Therapeutic Nonsense Suppression Modalities: From Small Molecules to Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1284. [PMID: 38927491 PMCID: PMC11201248 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations are genetic mutations that create premature termination codons (PTCs), leading to truncated, defective proteins in diseases such as cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis type 1, Dravet syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Beta thalassemia, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and even cancer. These mutations can also trigger a cellular surveillance mechanism known as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) that degrades the PTC-containing mRNA. The activation of NMD can attenuate the consequences of truncated, defective, and potentially toxic proteins in the cell. Since approximately 20% of all single-point mutations are disease-causing nonsense mutations, it is not surprising that this field has received significant attention, resulting in a remarkable advancement in recent years. In fact, since our last review on this topic, new examples of nonsense suppression approaches have been reported, namely new ways of promoting the translational readthrough of PTCs or inhibiting the NMD pathway. With this review, we update the state-of-the-art technologies in nonsense suppression, focusing on novel modalities with therapeutic potential, such as small molecules (readthrough agents, NMD inhibitors, and molecular glue degraders); antisense oligonucleotides; tRNA suppressors; ADAR-mediated RNA editing; targeted pseudouridylation; and gene/base editing. While these various modalities have significantly advanced in their development stage since our last review, each has advantages (e.g., ease of delivery and specificity) and disadvantages (manufacturing complexity and off-target effect potential), which we discuss here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Morais
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Rui Zhang
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Yi-Tao Yu
- Center for RNA Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
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Chen JL, Leeder WM, Morais P, Adachi H, Yu YT. Pseudouridylation-mediated gene expression modulation. Biochem J 2024; 481:1-16. [PMID: 38174858 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230096] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA-guided pseudouridylation, a widespread post-transcriptional RNA modification, has recently gained recognition for its role in cellular processes such as pre-mRNA splicing and the modulation of premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough. This review provides insights into its mechanisms, functions, and potential therapeutic applications. It examines the mechanisms governing RNA-guided pseudouridylation, emphasizing the roles of guide RNAs and pseudouridine synthases in catalyzing uridine-to-pseudouridine conversion. A key focus is the impact of RNA-guided pseudouridylation of U2 small nuclear RNA on pre-mRNA splicing, encompassing its influence on branch site recognition and spliceosome assembly. Additionally, the review discusses the emerging role of RNA-guided pseudouridylation in regulating PTC readthrough, impacting translation termination and genetic disorders. Finally, it explores the therapeutic potential of pseudouridine modifications, offering insights into potential treatments for genetic diseases and cancer and the development of mRNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Hironori Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
| | - Yi-Tao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
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Weng S, Yang X, Yu N, Wang PC, Xiong S, Ruan H. Harnessing ADAR-Mediated Site-Specific RNA Editing in Immune-Related Disease: Prediction and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:351. [PMID: 38203521 PMCID: PMC10779106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010351] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ADAR (Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA) proteins are a group of enzymes that play a vital role in RNA editing by converting adenosine to inosine in RNAs. This process is a frequent post-transcriptional event observed in metazoan transcripts. Recent studies indicate widespread dysregulation of ADAR-mediated RNA editing across many immune-related diseases, such as human cancer. We comprehensively review ADARs' function as pattern recognizers and their capability to contribute to mediating immune-related pathways. We also highlight the potential role of site-specific RNA editing in maintaining homeostasis and its relationship to various diseases, such as human cancers. More importantly, we summarize the latest cutting-edge computational approaches and data resources for predicting and analyzing RNA editing sites. Lastly, we cover the recent advancement in site-directed ADAR editing tool development. This review presents an up-to-date overview of ADAR-mediated RNA editing, how site-specific RNA editing could potentially impact disease pathology, and how they could be harnessed for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Weng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Nannan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Peng-Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Sidong Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
| | - Hang Ruan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (S.W.); (P.-C.W.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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