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Přibylová A, Fischer L. How to use CRISPR/Cas9 in plants: from target site selection to DNA repair. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:5325-5343. [PMID: 38648173 PMCID: PMC11389839 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
A tool for precise, target-specific, efficient, and affordable genome editing is a dream for many researchers, from those who conduct basic research to those who use it for applied research. Since 2012, we have tool that almost fulfils such requirements; it is based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems. However, even CRISPR/Cas has limitations and obstacles that might surprise its users. In this review, we focus on the most frequently used variant, CRISPR/Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes, and highlight key factors affecting its mutagenesis outcomes: (i) factors affecting the CRISPR/Cas9 activity, such as the effect of the target sequence, chromatin state, or Cas9 variant, and how long it remains in place after cleavage; and (ii) factors affecting the follow-up DNA repair mechanisms including mostly the cell type and cell cycle phase, but also, for example, the type of DNA ends produced by Cas9 cleavage (blunt/staggered). Moreover, we note some differences between using CRISPR/Cas9 in plants, yeasts, and animals, as knowledge from individual kingdoms is not fully transferable. Awareness of these factors can increase the likelihood of achieving the expected results of plant genome editing, for which we provide detailed guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Přibylová
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Fischer
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Sánchez-Ramírez E, Ung TPL, Stringari C, Aguilar-Arnal L. Emerging Functional Connections Between Metabolism and Epigenetic Remodeling in Neural Differentiation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6688-6707. [PMID: 38340204 PMCID: PMC11339152 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04006-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells possess extraordinary capacities for self-renewal and differentiation, making them highly valuable in regenerative medicine. Among these, neural stem cells (NSCs) play a fundamental role in neural development and repair processes. NSC characteristics and fate are intricately regulated by the microenvironment and intracellular signaling. Interestingly, metabolism plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the epigenome dynamics during neural differentiation, facilitating the transition from undifferentiated NSC to specialized neuronal and glial cell types. This intricate interplay between metabolism and the epigenome is essential for precisely regulating gene expression patterns and ensuring proper neural development. This review highlights the mechanisms behind metabolic regulation of NSC fate and their connections with epigenetic regulation to shape transcriptional programs of stemness and neural differentiation. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular gears appears fundamental for translational applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies for neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Sánchez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Thi Phuong Lien Ung
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Chiara Stringari
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Lorena Aguilar-Arnal
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Czapiewski R, Schirmer EC. Enhancers on the edge - how the nuclear envelope controls gene regulatory elements. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102234. [PMID: 39047586 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Precise temporal and sequential control of gene expression during development and in response to environmental stimuli requires tight regulation of the physical contact between gene regulatory elements and promoters. Current models describing how the genome folds in 3D space to establish these interactions often ignore the role of the most stable structural nuclear feature - the nuclear envelope. While contributions of 3D folding within/between topologically associated domains (TADs) have been extensively described, mechanical contributions from the nuclear envelope can impact enhancer-promoter interactions both directly and indirectly through influencing intra/inter-TAD interactions. Importantly, these nuclear envelope contributions clearly link this mechanism to development and, when defective, to human disease. Here, we discuss evidence for nuclear envelope regulation of tissue-specific enhancer-promoter pairings, potential mechanisms for this regulation, exciting recent findings that other regulatory elements such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs are under nuclear envelope regulation, the possible involvement of condensates, and how disruption of this regulation can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Czapiewski
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
| | - Eric C Schirmer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom.
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Phan LMU, Yeo WH, Zhang HF, Huang S. Dynamic chromosome association with nuclear organelles in living cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 162:149-159. [PMID: 38811432 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02288-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The development of progressively sophisticated tools complemented by the integration of live cell imaging enhances our understanding of the four-dimensional (4D) nucleome, revealing elaborate molecular interactions and chromatin states. Yet, the dynamics of chromosomes in relation to nuclear organelles or to each other across cell cycle in living cells are underexplored. We have developed photoconvertible GFP H3-Dendra2 stably expressing in PC3M cells. The nuclear lamina and perinucleolar associated heterochromatin or diffuse chromosome regions were photoconverted through a single-point activation using a confocal microscope. The results demonstrated a dynamic nature for both types of chromosomes in the same cell cycle and across mitosis. While some chromosome domains were heritably associated with either nuclear lamina or nucleoli, others changed alliance to different nuclear organelles postmitotically. In addition, co-photoconverted chromosome domains often do not stay together within the same cell cycle and across mitosis, suggesting a transient nature of chromosome neighborhoods. Long-range spreading and movement of chromosomes were also observed. Interestingly, when cells were treated with a low concentration of actinomycin D that inhibits Pol I transcription through intercalating GC-rich DNA, chromosome movement was significantly blocked. Treatment with another Pol I inhibitor, metarrestin, which does not impact DNA, had little effect on the movement, suggesting that the DNA structure itself plays a role in chromosome dynamics. Furthermore, inhibition of Pol II transcription with α-amanitin also reduced the chromosome movement, demonstrating that Pol II, but not Pol I transcription, is important for chromosome dynamics in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lam Minh Uyen Phan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wei-Hong Yeo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Hao F Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sui Huang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Yavuz S, Kabbech H, van Staalduinen J, Linder S, van Cappellen W, Nigg A, Abraham T, Slotman J, Quevedo M, Poot R, Zwart W, van Royen M, Grosveld F, Smal I, Houtsmuller A. Compartmentalization of androgen receptors at endogenous genes in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10992-11009. [PMID: 37791849 PMCID: PMC10639085 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide range of nuclear proteins are involved in the spatio-temporal organization of the genome through diverse biological processes such as gene transcription and DNA replication. Upon stimulation by testosterone and translocation to the nucleus, multiple androgen receptors (ARs) accumulate in microscopically discernable foci which are irregularly distributed in the nucleus. Here, we investigated the formation and physical nature of these foci, by combining novel fluorescent labeling techniques to visualize a defined chromatin locus of AR-regulated genes-PTPRN2 or BANP-simultaneously with either AR foci or individual AR molecules. Quantitative colocalization analysis showed evidence of AR foci formation induced by R1881 at both PTPRN2 and BANP loci. Furthermore, single-particle tracking (SPT) revealed three distinct subdiffusive fractional Brownian motion (fBm) states: immobilized ARs were observed near the labeled genes likely as a consequence of DNA-binding, while the intermediate confined state showed a similar spatial behavior but with larger displacements, suggesting compartmentalization by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), while freely mobile ARs were diffusing in the nuclear environment. All together, we show for the first time in living cells the presence of AR-regulated genes in AR foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selçuk Yavuz
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hélène Kabbech
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jente van Staalduinen
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Linder
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert A van Cappellen
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex L Nigg
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tsion E Abraham
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan A Slotman
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marti Quevedo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond A Poot
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Martin E van Royen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ihor Smal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan B Houtsmuller
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Melters DP, Neuman KC, Bentahar RS, Rakshit T, Dalal Y. Single molecule analysis of CENP-A chromatin by high-speed atomic force microscopy. eLife 2023; 12:e86709. [PMID: 37728600 PMCID: PMC10511241 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin accessibility is modulated in a variety of ways to create open and closed chromatin states, both of which are critical for eukaryotic gene regulation. At the single molecule level, how accessibility is regulated of the chromatin fiber composed of canonical or variant nucleosomes is a fundamental question in the field. Here, we developed a single-molecule tracking method where we could analyze thousands of canonical H3 and centromeric variant nucleosomes imaged by high-speed atomic force microscopy. This approach allowed us to investigate how changes in nucleosome dynamics in vitro inform us about transcriptional potential in vivo. By high-speed atomic force microscopy, we tracked chromatin dynamics in real time and determined the mean square displacement and diffusion constant for the variant centromeric CENP-A nucleosome. Furthermore, we found that an essential kinetochore protein CENP-C reduces the diffusion constant and mobility of centromeric nucleosomes along the chromatin fiber. We subsequently interrogated how CENP-C modulates CENP-A chromatin dynamics in vivo. Overexpressing CENP-C resulted in reduced centromeric transcription and impaired loading of new CENP-A molecules. From these data, we speculate that factors altering nucleosome mobility in vitro, also correspondingly alter transcription in vivo. Subsequently, we propose a model in which variant nucleosomes encode their own diffusion kinetics and mobility, and where binding partners can suppress or enhance nucleosome mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P Melters
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
| | - Keir C Neuman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Laboratory of Single Molecule BiophysicsBethesdaUnited States
| | - Reda S Bentahar
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
| | - Tatini Rakshit
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar UniversityDadriIndia
| | - Yamini Dalal
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
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