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Bayat M, Nahand JS. Let's make it personal: CRISPR tools in manipulating cell death pathways for cancer treatment. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:61. [PMID: 39075259 PMCID: PMC11286699 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09907-z] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in the CRISPR technology, a game-changer in experimental research, have revolutionized various fields of life sciences and more profoundly, cancer research. Cell death pathways are among the most deregulated in cancer cells and are considered as critical aspects in cancer development. Through decades, our knowledge of the mechanisms orchestrating programmed cellular death has increased substantially, attributed to the revolution of cutting-edge technologies. The heroic appearance of CRISPR systems have expanded the available screening platform and genome engineering toolbox to detect mutations and create precise genome edits. In that context, the precise ability of this system for identification and targeting of mutations in cell death signaling pathways that result in cancer development and therapy resistance is an auspicious choice to transform and accelerate the individualized cancer therapy. The concept of personalized cancer therapy stands on the identification of molecular characterization of the individual tumor and its microenvironment in order to provide a precise treatment with the highest possible outcome and minimum toxicity. This study explored the potential of CRISPR technology in precision cancer treatment by identifying and targeting specific cell death pathways. It showed the promise of CRISPR in finding key components and mutations involved in programmed cell death, making it a potential tool for targeted cancer therapy. However, this study also highlighted the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in future research to fully realize the potential of CRISPR in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobina Bayat
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 15731, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 15731, Iran.
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Deng B, Wang J, Yang T, Deng Z, Yuan J, Zhang B, Zhou Z, Chen F, Fang L, Liang C, Yan B, Ai Y. TNF and IFNγ-induced cell death requires IRF1 and ELAVL1 to promote CASP8 expression. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202305026. [PMID: 38319288 PMCID: PMC10847335 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202305026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
TNFα and IFNγ (TNF/IFNγ) synergistically induce caspase-8 activation and cancer cell death. However, the mechanism of IFNγ in promoting TNF-initiated caspase-8 activation in cancer cells is poorly understood. Here, we found that in addition to CASP8, CYLD is transcriptionally upregulated by IFNγ-induced transcription factor IRF1. IRF1-mediated CASP8 and CYLD upregulation additively mediates TNF/IFNγ-induced cancer cell death. Clinically, the expression levels of TNF, IFNγ, CYLD, and CASP8 in melanoma tumors are increased in patients responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy after anti-PD-1 treatment. Accordingly, our genetic screen revealed that ELAVL1 (HuR) is required for TNF/IFNγ-induced caspase-8 activation. Mechanistically, ELAVL1 binds CASP8 mRNA and extends its stability to sustain caspase-8 expression both in IFNγ-stimulated and in basal conditions. Consequently, ELAVL1 determines death receptors-initiated caspase-8-dependent cell death triggered from stimuli including TNF and TRAIL by regulating basal/stimulated caspase-8 levels. As caspase-8 is a master regulator in cell death and inflammation, these results provide valuable clues for tumor immunotherapy and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buhao Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingyun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiafan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengzhi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Youwei Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Luo SQ, Cao SJ, Zhao Q. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of the HuR Gene in U251 Cell Inhibits Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication. Microorganisms 2024; 12:314. [PMID: 38399718 PMCID: PMC10892152 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020314] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the post-transcriptional reaction of its target mRNAs. HuR is a critical factor in cancer development and has been identified as a potential target in many cancer models. It participates in the viral life cycle by binding to viral RNAs. In prior work, we used CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify HuR as a prospective host factor facilitating Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. The HuR gene was successfully knocked out in U251 cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system, with no significant difference in cell growth between U251-WT and U251-HuR-KO2 cells. Here, we experimentally demonstrate for the first time that the knockout of the HuR gene inhibits the replication ability of JEV in U251 cell lines. These results play an essential role in regulating the replication level of JEV and providing new insights into virus-host interactions and potential antiviral strategies. It also offers a platform for investigating the function of HuR in the life cycle of flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Qi Luo
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technique, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - San-Jie Cao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technique, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu 611130, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Animal Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station of Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technique, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu 611130, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Animal Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Knockout of Noxa with CRISPR/Cas9 Increases Host Resistance to Influenza Virus Infection. Cell Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3877614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The influenza virus induces cellular apoptosis during viral propagation, and controlling this virus-induced apoptosis process has been shown to have significant antiviral effects. The proapoptotic BH3-only protein Noxa is a strong inducer of apoptosis that can be activated by this virus, suggesting that Noxa has the potential as an anti-influenza target. To assess the value of Noxa as an antiviral target, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to produce a Noxa-knockout cell line. We found that the knockout of Noxa resulted in a dramatic reduction in the cytopathic effect induced by the influenza virus. Moreover, Noxa knockout decreased the expression of influenza viral proteins (NP, M2, HA, and NS2). In addition, Noxa deficiency triggered a complete autophagic flux to weaken influenza virus-induced autophagosome accumulation, indicating that Noxa may be a promising antiviral target for controlling influenza virus infections.
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