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Schep R, Trauernicht M, Vergara X, Friskes A, Morris B, Gregoricchio S, Manzo SG, Zwart W, Beijersbergen RL, Medema RH, van Steensel B. Chromatin context-dependent effects of epigenetic drugs on CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae570. [PMID: 38953163 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficiency and outcome of CRISPR/Cas9 editing depends on the chromatin state at the cut site. It has been shown that changing the chromatin state can influence both the efficiency and repair outcome, and epigenetic drugs have been used to improve Cas9 editing. However, because the target proteins of these drugs are not homogeneously distributed across the genome, the efficacy of these drugs may be expected to vary from locus to locus. Here, we systematically analyzed this chromatin context-dependency for 160 epigenetic drugs. We used a human cell line with 19 stably integrated reporters to induce a double-stranded break in different chromatin environments. We then measured Cas9 editing efficiency and repair pathway usage by sequencing the mutational signatures. We identified 58 drugs that modulate Cas9 editing efficiency and/or repair outcome dependent on the local chromatin environment. For example, we find a subset of histone deacetylase inhibitors that improve Cas9 editing efficiency throughout all types of heterochromatin (e.g. PCI-24781), while others were only effective in euchromatin and H3K27me3-marked regions (e.g. apicidin). In summary, this study reveals that most epigenetic drugs alter CRISPR editing in a chromatin-dependent manner, and provides a resource to improve Cas9 editing more selectively at the desired location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schep
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Genetics, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max Trauernicht
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Genetics, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xabier Vergara
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Genetics, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Cell Biology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anoek Friskes
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Cell Biology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Morris
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Gregoricchio
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Oncogenomics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano G Manzo
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Genetics, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Oncogenomics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - René H Medema
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Cell Biology, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van Steensel
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Genetics, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Singh VK, Ahmed S, Saini DK, Gahlaut V, Chauhan S, Khandare K, Kumar A, Sharma PK, Kumar J. Manipulating epigenetic diversity in crop plants: Techniques, challenges and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130544. [PMID: 38104668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130544] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications act as conductors of inheritable alterations in gene expression, all while keeping the DNA sequence intact, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping plant growth and development. This review article presents an overview of techniques employed to investigate and manipulate epigenetic diversity in crop plants, focusing on both naturally occurring and artificially induced epialleles. The significance of epigenetic modifications in facilitating adaptive responses is explored through the examination of how various biotic and abiotic stresses impact them. Further, environmental chemicals are explored for their role in inducing epigenetic changes, particularly focusing on inhibitors of DNA methylation like 5-AzaC and zebularine, as well as inhibitors of histone deacetylation including trichostatin A and sodium butyrate. The review delves into various approaches for generating epialleles, including tissue culture techniques, mutagenesis, and grafting, elucidating their potential to induce heritable epigenetic modifications in plants. In addition, the ground breaking CRISPR/Cas is emphasized for its accuracy in targeting specific epigenetic changes. This presents a potent tools for deciphering the intricacies of epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, the intricate relationship between epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNA expression, including siRNAs and miRNAs, is investigated. The emerging role of exo-RNAi in epigenetic regulation is also introduced, unveiling its promising potential for future applications. The article concludes by addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by these techniques, emphasizing their implications for crop improvement. Conclusively, this extensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate realm of epigenetic changes, illuminating their significance in phenotypic plasticity and their potential in advancing crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shoeb Ahmed
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Gahlaut
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | | | - Kiran Khandare
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sharma
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India; Maharaja Suhel Dev State University, Azamgarh 276404, U.P., India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India.
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3
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van Bueren MAE, Janssen A. The impact of chromatin on double-strand break repair: Imaging tools and discoveries. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103592. [PMID: 37976899 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103592] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic nuclei are constantly being exposed to factors that break or chemically modify the DNA. Accurate repair of this DNA damage is crucial to prevent DNA mutations and maintain optimal cell function. To overcome the detrimental effects of DNA damage, a multitude of repair pathways has evolved. These pathways need to function properly within the different chromatin domains present in the nucleus. Each of these domains exhibit distinct molecular- and bio-physical characteristics that can influence the response to DNA damage. In particular, chromatin domains highly enriched for repetitive DNA sequences, such as nucleoli, centromeres and pericentromeric heterochromatin require tailored repair mechanisms to safeguard genome stability. Work from the past decades has led to the development of innovative imaging tools as well as inducible DNA damage techniques to gain new insights into the impact of these repetitive chromatin domains on the DNA repair process. Here we summarize these tools with a particular focus on Double-Strand Break (DSB) repair, and discuss the insights gained into our understanding of the influence of chromatin domains on DSB -dynamics and -repair pathway choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit A E van Bueren
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aniek Janssen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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4
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Katoh I, Tsukinoki K, Hata RI, Kurata SI. ΔNp63 silencing, DNA methylation shifts, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition resulted from TAp63 genome editing in squamous cell carcinoma. Neoplasia 2023; 45:100938. [PMID: 37778252 PMCID: PMC10544079 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100938] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
TP63 (p63) is strongly expressed in lower-grade carcinomas of the head and neck, skin, breast, and urothelium to maintain a well-differentiated phenotype. TP63 has two transcription start sites at exons 1 and 3' that produce TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms, respectively. The major protein, ΔNp63α, epigenetically activates genes essential for epidermal/craniofacial differentiation, including ΔNp63 itself. To examine the specific role of weakly expressed TAp63, we disrupted exon 1 using CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) line. Surprisingly, TAp63 knockout cells having either monoallelic GFP cassette insertion paired with a frameshift deletion allele or biallelic GFP cassette insertion exhibited ΔNp63 silencing. Loss of keratinocyte-specific gene expression, switching of intermediate filament genes from KRT(s) to VIM, and suppression of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion components indicated the core events of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Many of the positively and negatively affected genes, including ΔNp63, displayed local DNA methylation changes. Furthermore, ΔNp63 expression was partially rescued by transfection of the TAp63 knockout cells with TAp63α and application of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor zebularine. These results suggest that TAp63, a minor part of the TP63 gene, may be involved in the auto-activation mechanism of ΔNp63 by which the keratinocyte-specific epigenome is maintained in SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyoko Katoh
- Faculty of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan.
| | - Keiichi Tsukinoki
- Department of Environmental Pathology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan
| | - Ryu-Ichiro Hata
- Faculty of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Kurata
- Faculty of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8580, Japan
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5
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Molugu K, Khajanchi N, Lazzarotto CR, Tsai SQ, Saha K. Trichostatin A for Efficient CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. CRISPR J 2023; 6:473-485. [PMID: 37676985 PMCID: PMC10611976 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0033] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-edited human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have broad applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. Despite the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system, the gene editing process is inefficient and can take several weeks to months to generate edited iPSC clones. We developed a strategy to improve the efficiency of the iPSC gene editing process via application of a small-molecule, trichostatin A (TSA), a Class I and II histone deacetylase inhibitor. We observed that TSA decreased global chromatin condensation and further resulted in increased gene-editing efficiency of iPSCs by twofold to fourfold while concurrently ensuring no increased off-target effects. The edited iPSCs could be clonally expanded while maintaining genomic integrity and pluripotency. The rapid generation of therapeutically relevant gene-edited iPSCs could be enabled by these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaivalya Molugu
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Namita Khajanchi
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; and St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cicera R. Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shengdar Q. Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; and St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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6
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Canoy RJ, Shmakova A, Karpukhina A, Lomov N, Tiukacheva E, Kozhevnikova Y, André F, Germini D, Vassetzky Y. Specificity of cancer-related chromosomal translocations is linked to proximity after the DNA double-strand break and subsequent selection. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad049. [PMID: 37750169 PMCID: PMC10518054 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cancer-related chromosomal translocations appear to be cell type specific. It is currently unknown why different chromosomal translocations occur in different cells. This can be due to either the occurrence of particular translocations in specific cell types or adaptive survival advantage conferred by translocations only in specific cells. We experimentally addressed this question by double-strand break (DSB) induction at MYC, IGH, AML and ETO loci in the same cell to generate chromosomal translocations in different cell lineages. Our results show that any translocation can potentially arise in any cell type. We have analyzed different factors that could affect the frequency of the translocations, and only the spatial proximity between gene loci after the DSB induction correlated with the resulting translocation frequency, supporting the 'breakage-first' model. Furthermore, upon long-term culture of cells with the generated chromosomal translocations, only oncogenic MYC-IGH and AML-ETO translocations persisted over a 60-day period. Overall, the results suggest that chromosomal translocation can be generated after DSB induction in any type of cell, but whether the cell with the translocation would persist in a cell population depends on the cell type-specific selective survival advantage that the chromosomal translocation confers to the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynand Jay Canoy
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, 1000 Manila, The Philippines
| | - Anna Shmakova
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Federal State Budgetary Organization ‘National Cardiology Research Center’ of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 127994 Moscow, Russia
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 117334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Karpukhina
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 117334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai Lomov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugenia Tiukacheva
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 117334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yana Kozhevnikova
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Franck André
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Diego Germini
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Yegor Vassetzky
- UMR 9018, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 117334 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. The PROTECTOR strategy employs dCas orthologs to sterically shield off-target sites from CRISPR/Cas activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2280. [PMID: 36759683 PMCID: PMC9911626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Off-target mutagenesis of CRISPR/Cas systems must be solved to facilitate safe gene therapy. Here, we report a novel approach, termed "PROTECTOR", to shield known off-target sites by directing the binding of an orthologous nuclease-dead Cas protein to the off-target site to sterically interfere with Cas activity. We show that this method reduces off-target mutation rates of two well-studied guide RNAs without compromising on-target activity and that it can be used in combination with high-fidelity Cas enzymes to further reduce off-target editing. This expands the suite of off-target mitigation strategies and offers an ability to protect off-target sites even when their sequences are fully identical to target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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8
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Kostyushev D, Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Ponomareva N, Zakirova NF, Egorshina A, Yanvarev DV, Bayurova E, Sudina A, Goptar I, Nikiforova A, Dunaeva E, Lisitsa T, Abramov I, Frolova A, Lukashev A, Gordeychuk I, Zamyatnin AA, Ivanov A, Chulanov V. Depleting hepatitis B virus relaxed circular DNA is necessary for resolution of infection by CRISPR-Cas9. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:482-493. [PMID: 36865089 PMCID: PMC9972396 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target the hepatitis B virus (HBV) major genomic form, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), for decay and demonstrate remarkable anti-HBV activity. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated inactivation of HBV cccDNA, frequently regarded as the "holy grail" of viral persistence, is not sufficient for curing infection. Instead, HBV replication rapidly rebounds because of de novo formation of HBV cccDNA from its precursor, HBV relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA). However, depleting HBV rcDNA before CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery prevents viral rebound and promotes resolution of HBV infection. These findings provide the groundwork for developing approaches for a virological cure of HBV infection by a single dose of short-lived CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs. Blocking cccDNA replenishment and re-establishment from rcDNA conversion is critical for completely clearing the virus from infected cells by site-specific nucleases. The latter can be achieved by widely used reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Kostyushev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Corresponding author: Dmitry Kostyushev, Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Malaya Pirogovskaya 20 st., bld. 1, office 207, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - Natalia F. Zakirova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Aleksandra Egorshina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Yanvarev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Anna Sudina
- Federal State Budgetary Institution Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Irina Goptar
- Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow 105275, Russia
| | | | - Elena Dunaeva
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow 111123, Russia
| | - Tatiana Lisitsa
- Federal State Budgetary Institution Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Ivan Abramov
- Federal State Budgetary Institution Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Anastasiia Frolova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexander Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Alexander Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow 127994, Russia
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Abstract
CRISPR-associated (Cas) enzymes have revolutionized biology by enabling RNA-guided genome editing. Homology-directed repair (HDR) in the presence of donor templates is currently the most versatile method to introduce precise edits following CRISPR-Cas-induced double-stranded DNA cuts, but HDR efficiency is generally low relative to end-joining pathways that lead to insertions and deletions (indels). We tested the hypothesis that HDR could be increased using a Cas9 construct fused to PRDM9, a chromatin remodeling factor that deposits histone methylations H3K36me3 and H3K4me3 to mediate homologous recombination in human cells. Our results show that the fusion protein contacts chromatin specifically at the Cas9 cut site in the genome to increase the observed HDR efficiency by threefold and HDR:indel ratio by fivefold compared with that induced by unmodified Cas9. HDR enhancement occurred in multiple cell lines with no increase in off-target genome editing. These findings underscore the importance of chromatin features for the balance between DNA repair mechanisms during CRISPR-Cas genome editing and provide a strategy to increase HDR efficiency.
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10
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Comprehensive computational analysis of epigenetic descriptors affecting CRISPR-Cas9 off-target activity. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:805. [PMID: 36474180 PMCID: PMC9724382 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common issue in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing is off-target activity, which prevents the widespread use of CRISPR-Cas9 in medical applications. Among other factors, primary chromatin structure and epigenetics may influence off-target activity. METHODS In this work, we utilize crisprSQL, an off-target database, to analyze the effect of 19 epigenetic descriptors on CRISPR-Cas9 off-target activity. Termed as 19 epigenetic features/scores, they consist of 6 experimental epigenetic and 13 computed nucleosome organization-related features. In terms of novel features, 15 of the epigenetic scores are newly considered. The 15 newly considered scores consist of 13 freshly computed nucleosome occupancy/positioning scores and 2 experimental features (MNase and DRIP). The other 4 existing scores are experimental features (CTCF, DNase I, H3K4me3, RRBS) commonly used in deep learning models for off-target activity prediction. For data curation, MNase was aggregated from existing experimental nucleosome occupancy data. Based on the sequence context information available in crisprSQL, we also computed nucleosome occupancy/positioning scores for off-target sites. RESULTS To investigate the relationship between the 19 epigenetic features and off-target activity, we first conducted Spearman and Pearson correlation analysis. Such analysis shows that some computed scores derived from training-based models and training-free algorithms outperform all experimental epigenetic features. Next, we evaluated the contribution of all epigenetic features in two successful machine/deep learning models which predict off-target activity. We found that some computed scores, unlike all 6 experimental features, significantly contribute to the predictions of both models. As a practical research contribution, we make the off-target dataset containing all 19 epigenetic features available to the research community. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive computational analysis helps the CRISPR-Cas9 community better understand the relationship between epigenetic features and CRISPR-Cas9 off-target activity.
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11
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Mansisidor AR, Risca VI. Chromatin accessibility: methods, mechanisms, and biological insights. Nucleus 2022; 13:236-276. [PMID: 36404679 PMCID: PMC9683059 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2022.2143106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to DNA is a prerequisite to the execution of essential cellular processes that include transcription, replication, chromosomal segregation, and DNA repair. How the proteins that regulate these processes function in the context of chromatin and its dynamic architectures is an intensive field of study. Over the past decade, genome-wide assays and new imaging approaches have enabled a greater understanding of how access to the genome is regulated by nucleosomes and associated proteins. Additional mechanisms that may control DNA accessibility in vivo include chromatin compaction and phase separation - processes that are beginning to be understood. Here, we review the ongoing development of accessibility measurements, we summarize the different molecular and structural mechanisms that shape the accessibility landscape, and we detail the many important biological functions that are linked to chromatin accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés R. Mansisidor
- Laboratory of Genome Architecture and Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Viviana I. Risca
- Laboratory of Genome Architecture and Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
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12
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Weiss T, Crisp PA, Rai KM, Song M, Springer NM, Zhang F. Epigenetic features drastically impact CRISPR-Cas9 efficacy in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1153-1164. [PMID: 35689624 PMCID: PMC9516779 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing has been widely adopted for basic and applied biological research in eukaryotic systems. While many studies consider DNA sequences of CRISPR target sites as the primary determinant for CRISPR mutagenesis efficiency and mutation profiles, increasing evidence reveals the substantial role of chromatin context. Nonetheless, most prior studies are limited by the lack of sufficient epigenetic resources and/or by only transiently expressing CRISPR-Cas9 in a short time window. In this study, we leveraged the wealth of high-resolution epigenomic resources in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to address the impact of chromatin features on CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis using stable transgenic plants. Our results indicated that DNA methylation and chromatin features could lead to substantial variations in mutagenesis efficiency by up to 250-fold. Low mutagenesis efficiencies were mostly associated with repressive heterochromatic features. This repressive effect appeared to persist through cell divisions but could be alleviated through substantial reduction of DNA methylation at CRISPR target sites. Moreover, specific chromatin features, such as H3K4me1, H3.3, and H3.1, appear to be associated with significant variation in CRISPR-Cas9 mutation profiles mediated by the non-homologous end joining repair pathway. Our findings provide strong evidence that specific chromatin features could have substantial and lasting impacts on both CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis efficiency and DNA double-strand break repair outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Weiss
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
- Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55108, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Peter A Crisp
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Krishan M Rai
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Meredith Song
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Nathan M Springer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
- Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
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13
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Friskes A, Koob L, Krenning L, Severson TM, Koeleman E, Vergara X, Schubert M, van den Berg J, Evers B, Manjón AG, Joosten S, Kim Y, Zwart W, Medema R. Double-strand break toxicity is chromatin context independent. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9930-9947. [PMID: 36107780 PMCID: PMC9508844 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac758] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to double-strand breaks (DSBs) by activating DNA damage response pathways, including cell cycle arrest. We have previously shown that a single double-strand break generated via CRISPR/Cas9 is sufficient to delay cell cycle progression and compromise cell viability. However, we also found that the cellular response to DSBs can vary, independent of the number of lesions. This implies that not all DSBs are equally toxic, and raises the question if the location of a single double-strand break could influence its toxicity. To systematically investigate if DSB-location is a determinant of toxicity we performed a CRISPR/Cas9 screen targeting 6237 single sites in the human genome. Next, we developed a data-driven framework to design CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNA (crRNA) pools targeting specific chromatin features. The chromatin context was defined using ChromHMM states, Lamin-B1 DAM-iD, DNAseI hypersensitivity, and RNA-sequencing data. We computationally designed 6 distinct crRNA pools, each containing 10 crRNAs targeting the same chromatin state. We show that the toxicity of a DSB is highly similar across the different ChromHMM states. Rather, we find that the major determinants of toxicity of a sgRNA are cutting efficiency and off-target effects. Thus, chromatin features have little to no effect on the toxicity of a single CRISPR/Cas9-induced DSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoek Friskes
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Koob
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenno Krenning
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tesa M Severson
- Oncode Institute, Division of Oncogenomics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma S Koeleman
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xabier Vergara
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Division of Gene Regulation, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Schubert
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van den Berg
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan Evers
- Oncode Institute, Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis and NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna G Manjón
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stacey Joosten
- Oncode Institute, Division of Oncogenomics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yongsoo Kim
- Oncode Institute, Division of Oncogenomics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Oncode Institute, Division of Oncogenomics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René H Medema
- Oncode Institute, Division of Cell Biology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute , Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Raffan S, Kaur N, Halford NG. Epigenetic switch reveals CRISPR/Cas9 response to cytosine methylation in plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:2146-2148. [PMID: 35979687 PMCID: PMC9545223 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This article is a Commentary on Přibylová et al. (2022) 235: 2285–2299.
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15
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Yang C, Dong X, Ma Z, Li B, Bi C, Zhang X. Pioneer Factor Improves CRISPR-Based C-To-G and C-To-T Base Editing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202957. [PMID: 35861371 PMCID: PMC9475549 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Base editing events in eukaryote require a compatible chromatin environment, but there is little research on how chromatin factors contribute to the editing efficiency or window. By engineering BEs (base editors) fused with various pioneer factors, the authors found that SOX2 substantially increased the editing efficiency for GBE and CBE. While SoxN-GBE (SOX2-NH3-GBE) improved the editing efficiency at overall cytosines of the protospacer, SoxM-GBE/CBE (SOX2-Middle-GBE/CBE) enabled the higher base editing at PAM-proximal cytosines. By separating functional domains of SOX2, the SadN-GBE (SOX2 activation domain-NH3-GBE) is constructed for higher editing efficiency and SadM-CBE for broader editing window to date. With the DNase I assay, it is also proved the increased editing efficiency is most likely associated with the induction of chromatin accessibility by SAD. Finally, SadM-CBE is employed to introduce a stop codon in the proto-oncogene MYC, at a locus rarely edited by previous editors with high efficiency. In this work, a new class of pioneer-BEs is constructed by fusion of pioneer factor or its functional domains, which exhibits higher editing efficiency or broader editing window in eukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjinChina
| | - Xingxiao Dong
- School of Biological EngineeringDalian Polytechnic UniversityDalian116034China
| | - Zhenzhen Ma
- College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Bo Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjinChina
| | - Changhao Bi
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjinChina
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjinChina
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16
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Přibylová A, Fischer L, Pyott DE, Bassett A, Molnar A. DNA methylation can alter CRISPR/Cas9 editing frequency and DNA repair outcome in a target-specific manner. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:2285-2299. [PMID: 35524464 PMCID: PMC9545110 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The impact of epigenetic modifications on the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated double-stranded DNA breaks and subsequent DNA repair is poorly understood, especially in plants. In this study, we investigated the effect of the level of cytosine methylation on the outcome of CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations at multiple Cas9 target sites in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells using next-generation sequencing. We found that high levels of promoter methylation, but not gene-body methylation, decreased the frequency of Cas9-mediated mutations. DNA methylation also influenced the ratio of insertions and deletions and potentially the type of Cas9 cleavage in a target-specific manner. In addition, we detected an over-representation of deletion events governed by a single 5'-terminal nucleotide at Cas9-induced DNA breaks. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation can indirectly impair Cas9 activity and subsequent DNA repair, probably through changes in the local chromatin structure. In addition to the well described Cas9-induced blunt-end double-stranded DNA breaks, we provide evidence for Cas9-mediated staggered DNA cuts in plant cells. Both types of cut may direct microhomology-mediated DNA repair by a novel, as yet undescribed, mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Přibylová
- Institute of Molecular Plant SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3BFUK
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPrague128 44Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Fischer
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPrague128 44Czech Republic
| | - Douglas E. Pyott
- The Wellcome Trust Center for Cell BiologyInstitute of Cell BiologyThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3BFUK
| | - Andrew Bassett
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Genome CampusHinxtonCB10 1SAUK
| | - Attila Molnar
- Institute of Molecular Plant SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3BFUK
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17
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Vergara X, Schep R, Medema RH, van Steensel B. From fluorescent foci to sequence: Illuminating DNA double strand break repair by high-throughput sequencing technologies. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 118:103388. [PMID: 36037787 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103388] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Technologies to study DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair have traditionally mostly relied on fluorescence read-outs, either by microscopy or flow cytometry. The advent of high throughput sequencing (HTS) has created fundamentally new opportunities to study the mechanisms underlying DSB repair. Here, we review the suite of HTS-based assays that are used to study three different aspects of DNA repair: detection of broken ends, protein recruitment and pathway usage. We highlight new opportunities that HTS technology offers towards a better understanding of the DSB repair process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Vergara
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben Schep
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - René H Medema
- Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Bas van Steensel
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.
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18
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Lyu P, Lu B. New Advances in Using Virus-like Particles and Related Technologies for Eukaryotic Genome Editing Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158750. [PMID: 35955895 PMCID: PMC9369418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The designer nucleases, including Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas), have been widely used for mechanistic studies, animal model generation, and gene therapy development. Clinical trials using designer nucleases to treat genetic diseases or cancers are showing promising results. Despite rapid progress, potential off-targets and host immune responses are challenges to be addressed for in vivo uses, especially in clinical applications. Short-term expression of the designer nucleases is necessary to reduce both risks. Currently, delivery methods enabling transient expression of designer nucleases are being pursued. Among these, virus-like particles as delivery vehicles for short-term designer nuclease expression have received much attention. This review will summarize recent developments in using virus-like particles (VLPs) for safe delivery of gene editing effectors to complement our last review on the same topic. First, we introduce some background information on how VLPs can be used for safe and efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. Then, we summarize recently developed virus-like particles as genome editing vehicles. Finally, we discuss applications and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- School of Physical Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-713-7276; Fax: +1-336-713-7290
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19
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Pan X, Qu K, Yuan H, Xiang X, Anthon C, Pashkova L, Liang X, Han P, Corsi GI, Xu F, Liu P, Zhong J, Zhou Y, Ma T, Jiang H, Liu J, Wang J, Jessen N, Bolund L, Yang H, Xu X, Church GM, Gorodkin J, Lin L, Luo Y. Massively targeted evaluation of therapeutic CRISPR off-targets in cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4049. [PMID: 35831290 PMCID: PMC9279339 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31543-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for sensitive and high-throughput evaluation of CRISPR RNA-guided nucleases (RGNs) off-targets (OTs) are essential for advancing RGN-based gene therapies. Here we report SURRO-seq for simultaneously evaluating thousands of therapeutic RGN OTs in cells. SURRO-seq captures RGN-induced indels in cells by pooled lentiviral OTs libraries and deep sequencing, an approach comparable and complementary to OTs detection by T7 endonuclease 1, GUIDE-seq, and CIRCLE-seq. Application of SURRO-seq to 8150 OTs from 110 therapeutic RGNs identifies significantly detectable indels in 783 OTs, of which 37 OTs are found in cancer genes and 23 OTs are further validated in five human cell lines by targeted amplicon sequencing. Finally, SURRO-seq reveals that thermodynamically stable wobble base pair (rG•dT) and free binding energy strongly affect RGN specificity. Our study emphasizes the necessity of thoroughly evaluating therapeutic RGN OTs to minimize inevitable off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Pan
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kunli Qu
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hao Yuan
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Xiang
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Anthon
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Liubov Pashkova
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Xue Liang
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peng Han
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giulia I Corsi
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Fengping Xu
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Liu
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiayan Zhong
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tao Ma
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junnian Liu
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian Wang
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Niels Jessen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Bolund
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- IBMC-BGI Center, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - George M Church
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
- IBMC-BGI Center, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
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20
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Yadav M, Atala A, Lu B. Developing all-in-one virus-like particles for Cas9 mRNA/single guide RNA co-delivery and aptamer-containing lentiviral vectors for improved gene expression. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1260-1270. [PMID: 35461863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are widely used for delivering foreign genes for long-term expression. Recently, virus-like particles (VLPs) were developed for mRNA or ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery for short-term endonuclease expression. Generating large amount of LVs or VLPs is challenging. On the other hand, methods for using VLPs to co-deliver Cas9 mRNA and single guide RNA (sgRNA) are limited. Fusing aptamer-binding protein (ABP) to the N-terminus of HIV Gag protein is currently the successful way to develop hybrid particles for co-delivering Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA. The effects of modifying Gag protein this way on particle assembly are unknown. Previously we found that adding an ABP after the second zinc finger domain of nucleocapsid (NC) protein had minimal effects on particle assembly. Based on these observations, here we developed hybrid particles for Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA co-delivery with normal capsid assembly efficiency. We further improved LVs for integrated gene expression by including an aptamer sequence in lentiviral genomic RNA, which improved lentiviral particle production and enhanced LV genomic RNA packaging. In summary, here we describe the development of new all-in-one VLPs for co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA, and new LVs for enhanced vector production and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Yadav
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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21
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Mattiello L, Rütgers M, Sua-Rojas MF, Tavares R, Soares JS, Begcy K, Menossi M. Molecular and Computational Strategies to Increase the Efficiency of CRISPR-Based Techniques. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:868027. [PMID: 35712599 PMCID: PMC9194676 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.868027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The prokaryote-derived Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas mediated gene editing tools have revolutionized our ability to precisely manipulate specific genome sequences in plants and animals. The simplicity, precision, affordability, and robustness of this technology have allowed a myriad of genomes from a diverse group of plant species to be successfully edited. Even though CRISPR/Cas, base editing, and prime editing technologies have been rapidly adopted and implemented in plants, their editing efficiency rate and specificity varies greatly. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-derived technologies and their implications on enhancing editing efficiency. We highlight the major efforts of engineering Cas9, Cas12a, Cas12b, and Cas12f proteins aiming to improve their efficiencies. We also provide a perspective on the global future of agriculturally based products using DNA-free CRISPR/Cas techniques. The improvement of CRISPR-based technologies efficiency will enable the implementation of genome editing tools in a variety of crop plants, as well as accelerate progress in basic research and molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Mattiello
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mark Rütgers
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Sua-Rojas
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Tavares
- Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - José Sérgio Soares
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Kevin Begcy
- Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Marcelo Menossi
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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22
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Antony JS, Hinz JM, Wyrick JJ. Tips, Tricks, and Potential Pitfalls of CRISPR Genome Editing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:924914. [PMID: 35706506 PMCID: PMC9190257 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.924914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The versatility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) genome editing makes it a popular tool for many research and biotechnology applications. Recent advancements in genome editing in eukaryotic organisms, like fungi, allow for precise manipulation of genetic information and fine-tuned control of gene expression. Here, we provide an overview of CRISPR genome editing technologies in yeast, with a particular focus on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We describe the tools and methods that have been previously developed for genome editing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and discuss tips and experimental tricks for promoting efficient, marker-free genome editing in this model organism. These include sgRNA design and expression, multiplexing genome editing, optimizing Cas9 expression, allele-specific editing in diploid cells, and understanding the impact of chromatin on genome editing. Finally, we summarize recent studies describing the potential pitfalls of using CRISPR genome targeting in yeast, including the induction of background mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S. Antony
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - John M. Hinz
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - John J. Wyrick
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: John J. Wyrick,
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23
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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: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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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24
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Jamehdor S, Pajouhanfar S, Saba S, Uzan G, Teimoori A, Naserian S. Principles and Applications of CRISPR Toolkit in Virus Manipulation, Diagnosis, and Virus-Host Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:999. [PMID: 35326449 PMCID: PMC8946942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are one of the most important concerns for human health, and overcoming viral infections is a worldwide challenge. However, researchers have been trying to manipulate viral genomes to overcome various disorders, including cancer, for vaccine development purposes. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is becoming one of the most functional and widely used tools for RNA and DNA manipulation in multiple organisms. This approach has provided an unprecedented opportunity for creating simple, inexpensive, specific, targeted, accurate, and practical manipulations of viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), and vaccinia virus. Furthermore, this method can be used to make an effective and precise diagnosis of viral infections. Nevertheless, a valid and scientifically designed CRISPR system is critical to make more effective and accurate changes in viruses. In this review, we have focused on the best and the most effective ways to design sgRNA, gene knock-in(s), and gene knock-out(s) for virus-targeted manipulation. Furthermore, we have emphasized the application of CRISPR technology in virus diagnosis and in finding significant genes involved in virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Jamehdor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 989155432609, Iran;
| | - Sara Pajouhanfar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Sadaf Saba
- Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Georges Uzan
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838738, Iran
| | - Sina Naserian
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
- CellMedEx, 94100 Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
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25
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Schep R, Leemans C, Brinkman EK, van Schaik T, van Steensel B. Protocol: A Multiplexed Reporter Assay to Study Effects of Chromatin Context on DNA Double-Strand Break Repair. Front Genet 2022; 12:785947. [PMID: 35173762 PMCID: PMC8842231 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.785947] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired through various pathways. Understanding how these pathways are regulated is of great interest for cancer research and optimization of gene editing. The local chromatin environment can affect the balance between repair pathways, but this is still poorly understood. Here we provide a detailed protocol for DSB-TRIP, a technique that utilizes the specific DNA scars left by DSB repair pathways to study pathway usage throughout the genome. DSB-TRIP randomly integrates a repair reporter into many genomic locations, followed by the induction of DSBs in the reporter. Multiplexed sequencing of the resulting scars at all integration sites then reveals the balance between several repair pathways, which can be linked to the local chromatin state of the integration sites. Here we present a step-by-step protocol to perform DSB-TRIP in K562 cells and to analyse the data by a dedicated computational pipeline. We discuss strengths and limitations of the technique, as well as potential additional applications to study DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schep
- Oncode Institute and Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christ Leemans
- Oncode Institute and Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eva K Brinkman
- Oncode Institute and Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom van Schaik
- Oncode Institute and Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bas van Steensel
- Oncode Institute and Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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26
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Roy RK, Debashree I, Srivastava S, Rishi N, Srivastava A. CRISPR/ Cas9 Off-targets: Computational Analysis of Causes, Prediction,
Detection, and Overcoming Strategies. Curr Bioinform 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893616666210708150439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a highly flexible RNA-guided endonuclease (RGEN)
based gene-editing tool that has transformed the field of genomics, gene therapy, and genome/
epigenome imaging. Its wide range of applications provides immense scope for understanding
as well as manipulating genetic/epigenetic elements. However, the RGEN is prone to
off-target mutagenesis that leads to deleterious effects. This review details the molecular and cellular
mechanisms underlying the off-target activity, various available detection tools and prediction
methodology ranging from sequencing to machine learning approaches, and the strategies to
overcome/minimise off-targets. A coherent and concise method increasing target precision would
prove indispensable to concrete manipulation and interpretation of genome editing results that
can revolutionise therapeutics, including clarity in genome regulatory mechanisms during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar Roy
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Ipsita Debashree
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Sonal Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
| | - Narayan Rishi
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
| | - Ashish Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313,India
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27
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Sun W, Liu H, Yin W, Qiao J, Zhao X, Liu Y. Strategies for Enhancing the Homology-directed Repair Efficiency of CRISPR-Cas Systems. CRISPR J 2022; 5:7-18. [PMID: 35076280 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas nuclease has emerged as a powerful genome-editing tool in recent years. The CRISPR-Cas system induces double-strand breaks that can be repaired via the non-homologous end joining or homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway. Compared to non-homologous end joining, HDR can be used for the treatment of incurable monogenetic diseases. Therefore, remarkable efforts have been dedicated to enhancing the efficacy of HDR. In this review, we summarize the currently used strategies for enhancing the HDR efficiency of CRISPR-Cas systems based on three factors: (1) regulation of the key factors in the DNA repair pathways, (2) modulation of the components in the CRISPR machinery, and (3) alteration of the intracellular environment around double-strand breaks. Representative cases and potential solutions for further improving HDR efficiency are also discussed, facilitating the development of new CRISPR technologies to achieve highly precise genetic manipulation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Qiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueke Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; and Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China.,BravoVax Co., Ltd., Hubei, People's Republic of China
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28
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Phipps J, Dubrana K. DNA Repair in Space and Time: Safeguarding the Genome with the Cohesin Complex. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:198. [PMID: 35205243 PMCID: PMC8872453 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a deleterious form of DNA damage, which must be robustly addressed to ensure genome stability. Defective repair can result in chromosome loss, point mutations, loss of heterozygosity or chromosomal rearrangements, which could lead to oncogenesis or cell death. We explore the requirements for the successful repair of DNA DSBs by non-homologous end joining and homology-directed repair (HDR) mechanisms in relation to genome folding and dynamics. On the occurrence of a DSB, local and global chromatin composition and dynamics, as well as 3D genome organization and break localization within the nuclear space, influence how repair proceeds. The cohesin complex is increasingly implicated as a key regulator of the genome, influencing chromatin composition and dynamics, and crucially genome organization through folding chromosomes by an active loop extrusion mechanism, and maintaining sister chromatid cohesion. Here, we consider how this complex is now emerging as a key player in the DNA damage response, influencing repair pathway choice and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karine Dubrana
- UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, INSERM, iRCM/IBFJ CEA, Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France;
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29
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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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30
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Weitzel AJ, Grunwald HA, Weber C, Levina R, Gantz VM, Hedrick SM, Bier E, Cooper KL. Meiotic Cas9 expression mediates gene conversion in the male and female mouse germline. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001478. [PMID: 34941868 PMCID: PMC8699911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly efficient gene conversion systems have the potential to facilitate the study of complex genetic traits using laboratory mice and, if implemented as a "gene drive," to limit loss of biodiversity and disease transmission caused by wild rodent populations. We previously showed that such a system of gene conversion from heterozygous to homozygous after a sequence targeted CRISPR/Cas9 double-strand DNA break (DSB) is feasible in the female mouse germline. In the male germline, however, all DSBs were instead repaired by end joining (EJ) mechanisms to form an "insertion/deletion" (indel) mutation. These observations suggested that timing Cas9 expression to coincide with meiosis I is critical to favor conditions when homologous chromosomes are aligned and interchromosomal homology-directed repair (HDR) mechanisms predominate. Here, using a Cas9 knock-in allele at the Spo11 locus, we show that meiotic expression of Cas9 does indeed mediate gene conversion in the male as well as in the female germline. However, the low frequency of both HDR and indel mutation in both male and female germlines suggests that Cas9 may be expressed from the Spo11 locus at levels too low for efficient DSB formation. We suggest that more robust Cas9 expression initiated during early meiosis I may improve the efficiency of gene conversion and further increase the rate of "super-mendelian" inheritance from both male and female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Weitzel
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Hannah A. Grunwald
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ceri Weber
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Rimma Levina
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Valentino M. Gantz
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Hedrick
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ethan Bier
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kimberly L. Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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31
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Javaid N, Choi S. CRISPR/Cas System and Factors Affecting Its Precision and Efficiency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:761709. [PMID: 34901007 PMCID: PMC8652214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.761709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse applications of genetically modified cells and organisms require more precise and efficient genome-editing tool such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The CRISPR/Cas system was originally discovered in bacteria as a part of adaptive-immune system with multiple types. Its engineered versions involve multiple host DNA-repair pathways in order to perform genome editing in host cells. However, it is still challenging to get maximum genome-editing efficiency with fewer or no off-targets. Here, we focused on factors affecting the genome-editing efficiency and precision of CRISPR/Cas system along with its defense-mechanism, orthologues, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Javaid
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza, Suwon, South Korea
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32
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Braspenning SE, Lebbink RJ, Depledge DP, Schapendonk CME, Anderson LA, Verjans GMGM, Sadaoka T, Ouwendijk WJD. Mutagenesis of the Varicella-Zoster Virus Genome Demonstrates That VLT and VLT-ORF63 Proteins Are Dispensable for Lytic Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112289. [PMID: 34835095 PMCID: PMC8619377 DOI: 10.3390/v13112289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection leads to varicella and the establishment of lifelong latency in sensory ganglion neurons. Reactivation of latent VZV causes herpes zoster, which is frequently associated with chronic pain. Latent viral gene expression is restricted to the VZV latency-associated transcript (VLT) and VLT-ORF63 (VLT63) fusion transcripts. Since VLT and VLT63 encode proteins that are expressed during lytic infection, we investigated whether pVLT and pVLT-ORF63 are essential for VZV replication by performing VZV genome mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas9 and BAC technologies. We first established that CRISPR/Cas9 can efficiently mutate VZV genomes in lytically VZV-infected cells through targeting non-essential genes ORF8 and ORF11 and subsequently show recovery of viable mutant viruses. By contrast, the VLT region was markedly resistant to CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Whereas most mutants expressed wild-type or N-terminally altered versions of pVLT and pVLT-ORF63, only a minority of the resulting mutant viruses lacked pVLT and pVLT-ORF63 coding potential. Growth curve analysis showed that pVLT/pVLT-ORF63 negative viruses were viable, but impaired in growth in epithelial cells. We confirmed this phenotype independently using BAC-derived pVLT/pVLT-ORF63 negative and repaired viruses. Collectively, these data demonstrate that pVLT and/or pVLT-ORF63 are dispensable for lytic VZV replication but promote efficient VZV infection in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley E. Braspenning
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.E.B.); (C.M.E.S.); (L.A.A.); (G.M.G.M.V.)
| | - Robert Jan Lebbink
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Daniel P. Depledge
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Claudia M. E. Schapendonk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.E.B.); (C.M.E.S.); (L.A.A.); (G.M.G.M.V.)
| | - Laura A. Anderson
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.E.B.); (C.M.E.S.); (L.A.A.); (G.M.G.M.V.)
| | - Georges M. G. M. Verjans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.E.B.); (C.M.E.S.); (L.A.A.); (G.M.G.M.V.)
| | - Tomohiko Sadaoka
- Division of Clinical Virology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (W.J.D.O.); Tel.: +81-78-382-6272 (T.S.); +31-10-7032134 (W.J.D.O.)
| | - Werner J. D. Ouwendijk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.E.B.); (C.M.E.S.); (L.A.A.); (G.M.G.M.V.)
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (W.J.D.O.); Tel.: +81-78-382-6272 (T.S.); +31-10-7032134 (W.J.D.O.)
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33
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Targeted Inter-Homologs Recombination in Arabidopsis Euchromatin and Heterochromatin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212096. [PMID: 34829981 PMCID: PMC8622013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212096] [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] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) typically occurs during meiosis between homologs, at a few unplanned locations along the chromosomes. In this study, we tested whether targeted recombination between homologous chromosomes can be achieved via Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat associated protein Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9)-induced DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our experimental system includes targets for DSB induction in euchromatic and heterochromatic genomic regions of hybrid F1 plants, in one or both parental chromosomes, using phenotypic and molecular markers to measure Non-Homologous End Joining and HR repair. We present a series of evidence showing that targeted DSBs can be repaired via HR using a homologous chromosome as the template in various chromatin contexts including in pericentric regions. Targeted crossover was rare, but gene conversion events were the most frequent outcome of HR and were found in both “hot and cold” regions. The length of the conversion tracts was variable, ranging from 5 to 7505 bp. In addition, a typical feature of these tracks was that they often were interrupted. Our findings pave the way for the use of targeted gene-conversion for precise breeding.
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34
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Reduction in gene expression noise by targeted increase in accessibility at gene loci. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2018640118. [PMID: 34625470 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018640118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Many eukaryotic genes are expressed in randomly initiated bursts that are punctuated by periods of quiescence. Here, we show that the intermittent access of the promoters to transcription factors through relatively impervious chromatin contributes to this "noisy" transcription. We tethered a nuclease-deficient Cas9 fused to a histone acetyl transferase at the promoters of two endogenous genes in HeLa cells. An assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing showed that the activity of the histone acetyl transferase altered the chromatin architecture locally without introducing global changes in the nucleus and rendered the targeted promoters constitutively accessible. We measured the gene expression variability from the gene loci by performing single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization against mature messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and by imaging nascent mRNA molecules present at active gene loci in single cells. Because of the increased accessibility of the promoter to transcription factors, the transcription from two genes became less noisy, even when the average levels of expression did not change. In addition to providing evidence for chromatin accessibility as a determinant of the noise in gene expression, our study offers a mechanism for controlling gene expression noise which is otherwise unavoidable.
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35
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The Sound of Silence: How Silenced Chromatin Orchestrates the Repair of Double-Strand Breaks. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091415. [PMID: 34573397 PMCID: PMC8467445 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091415] [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] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic nucleus is continuously being exposed to endogenous and exogenous sources that cause DNA breaks, whose faithful repair requires the activity of dedicated nuclear machineries. DNA is packaged into a variety of chromatin domains, each characterized by specific molecular properties that regulate gene expression and help maintain nuclear structure. These different chromatin environments each demand a tailored response to DNA damage. Silenced chromatin domains in particular present a major challenge to the cell’s DNA repair machinery due to their specific biophysical properties and distinct, often repetitive, DNA content. To this end, we here discuss the interplay between silenced chromatin domains and DNA damage repair, specifically double-strand breaks, and how these processes help maintain genome stability.
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36
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Novo CL. A Tale of Two States: Pluripotency Regulation of Telomeres. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:703466. [PMID: 34307383 PMCID: PMC8300013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.703466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inside the nucleus, chromatin is functionally organized and maintained as a complex three-dimensional network of structures with different accessibility such as compartments, lamina associated domains, and membraneless bodies. Chromatin is epigenetically and transcriptionally regulated by an intricate and dynamic interplay of molecular processes to ensure genome stability. Phase separation, a process that involves the spontaneous organization of a solution into separate phases, has been proposed as a mechanism for the timely coordination of several cellular processes, including replication, transcription and DNA repair. Telomeres, the repetitive structures at the end of chromosomes, are epigenetically maintained in a repressed heterochromatic state that prevents their recognition as double-strand breaks (DSB), avoiding DNA damage repair and ensuring cell proliferation. In pluripotent embryonic stem cells, telomeres adopt a non-canonical, relaxed epigenetic state, which is characterized by a low density of histone methylation and expression of telomere non-coding transcripts (TERRA). Intriguingly, this telomere non-canonical conformation is usually associated with chromosome instability and aneuploidy in somatic cells, raising the question of how genome stability is maintained in a pluripotent background. In this review, we will explore how emerging technological and conceptual developments in 3D genome architecture can provide novel mechanistic perspectives for the pluripotent epigenetic paradox at telomeres. In particular, as RNA drives the formation of LLPS, we will consider how pluripotency-associated high levels of TERRA could drive and coordinate phase separation of several nuclear processes to ensure genome stability. These conceptual advances will provide a better understanding of telomere regulation and genome stability within the highly dynamic pluripotent background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lopes Novo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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37
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Berzsenyi I, Pantazi V, Borsos BN, Pankotai T. Systematic overview on the most widespread techniques for inducing and visualizing the DNA double-strand breaks. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2021; 788:108397. [PMID: 34893162 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most frequent causes of initiating cancerous malformations, therefore, to reduce the risk, cells have developed sophisticated DNA repair mechanisms. These pathways ensure proper cellular function and genome integrity. However, any alteration or malfunction during DNA repair can influence cellular homeostasis, as improper recognition of the DNA damage or dysregulation of the repair process can lead to genome instability. Several powerful methods have been established to extend our current knowledge in the field of DNA repair. For this reason, in this review, we focus on the methods used to study DSB repair, and we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used techniques currently available for the site-specific induction of DSBs and the subsequent tracking of the repair processes in human cells. We highlight methods that are suitable for site-specific DSB induction (by restriction endonucleases, CRISPR-mediated DSB induction and laser microirradiation) as well as approaches [e.g., fluorescence-, confocal- and super-resolution microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), DSB-labeling and sequencing techniques] to visualize and follow the kinetics of DSB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivett Berzsenyi
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 1 Állomás Street H-6725, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Vasiliki Pantazi
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 1 Állomás Street H-6725, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Barbara N Borsos
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 1 Állomás Street H-6725, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Pankotai
- Institute of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 1 Állomás Street H-6725, Szeged, Hungary.
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38
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Sledzinski P, Dabrowska M, Nowaczyk M, Olejniczak M. Paving the way towards precise and safe CRISPR genome editing. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107737. [PMID: 33785374 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the possibilities of CRISPR-Cas9 technology have been revealed, we have entered a new era of research aimed at increasing its specificity and safety. This stage of technology development is necessary not only for its wider application in the clinic but also in basic research to better control the process of genome editing. Research during the past eight years has identified some factors influencing editing outcomes and led to the development of highly specific endonucleases, modified guide RNAs and computational tools supporting experiments. More recently, large-scale experiments revealed a previously overlooked feature: Cas9 can generate reproducible mutation patterns. As a result, it has become apparent that Cas9-induced double-strand break (DSB) repair is nonrandom and can be predicted to some extent. Here, we review the present state of knowledge regarding the specificity and safety of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to define gRNA, protein and target-related problems and solutions. These issues include sequence-specific off-target effects, immune responses, genetic variation and chromatin accessibility. We present new insights into the role of DNA repair in genome editing and define factors influencing editing outcomes. In addition, we propose practical guidelines for increasing the specificity of editing and discuss novel perspectives in improvement of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Sledzinski
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poland
| | - Magdalena Dabrowska
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poland
| | - Mateusz Nowaczyk
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poland
| | - Marta Olejniczak
- Department of Genome Engineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poland.
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39
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Genome Editing to Generate Sake Yeast Strains with Eight Mutations That Confer Excellent Brewing Characteristics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061299. [PMID: 34073778 PMCID: PMC8225151 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sake yeast is mostly diploid, so the introduction of recessive mutations to improve brewing characteristics requires considerable effort. To construct sake yeast with multiple excellent brewing characteristics, we used an evidence-based approach that exploits genome editing technology. Our breeding targeted the AWA1, CAR1, MDE1, and FAS2 genes. We introduced eight mutations into standard sake yeast to construct a non-foam-forming strain that makes sake without producing carcinogens or an unpleasant odor, while producing a sweet ginjo aroma. Small-scale fermentation tests showed that the desired sake could be brewed with our genome-edited strains. The existence of a few unexpected genetic perturbations introduced during breeding proved that genome editing technology is extremely effective for the serial breeding of sake yeast.
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40
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Schep R, Brinkman EK, Leemans C, Vergara X, van der Weide RH, Morris B, van Schaik T, Manzo SG, Peric-Hupkes D, van den Berg J, Beijersbergen RL, Medema RH, van Steensel B. Impact of chromatin context on Cas9-induced DNA double-strand break repair pathway balance. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2216-2230.e10. [PMID: 33848455 PMCID: PMC8153251 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is mediated by multiple pathways. It is thought that the local chromatin context affects the pathway choice, but the underlying principles are poorly understood. Using a multiplexed reporter assay in combination with Cas9 cutting, we systematically measure the relative activities of three DSB repair pathways as a function of chromatin context in >1,000 genomic locations. This reveals that non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is broadly biased toward euchromatin, while the contribution of microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) is higher in specific heterochromatin contexts. In H3K27me3-marked heterochromatin, inhibition of the H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 reverts the balance toward NHEJ. Single-stranded template repair (SSTR), often used for precise CRISPR editing, competes with MMEJ and is moderately linked to chromatin context. These results provide insight into the impact of chromatin on DSB repair pathway balance and guidance for the design of Cas9-mediated genome editing experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schep
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva K Brinkman
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christ Leemans
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xabier Vergara
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin H van der Weide
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Morris
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Robotics Screening Center, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van Schaik
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefano G Manzo
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Peric-Hupkes
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van den Berg
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roderick L Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Robotics Screening Center, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - René H Medema
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van Steensel
- Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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41
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Fortuny A, Chansard A, Caron P, Chevallier O, Leroy O, Renaud O, Polo SE. Imaging the response to DNA damage in heterochromatin domains reveals core principles of heterochromatin maintenance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2428. [PMID: 33893291 PMCID: PMC8065061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a critical chromatin compartment, whose integrity governs genome stability and cell fate transitions. How heterochromatin features, including higher-order chromatin folding and histone modifications associated with transcriptional silencing, are maintained following a genotoxic stress challenge is unknown. Here, we establish a system for targeting UV damage to pericentric heterochromatin in mammalian cells and for tracking the heterochromatin response to UV in real time. We uncover profound heterochromatin compaction changes during repair, orchestrated by the UV damage sensor DDB2, which stimulates linker histone displacement from chromatin. Despite massive heterochromatin unfolding, heterochromatin-specific histone modifications and transcriptional silencing are maintained. We unveil a central role for the methyltransferase SETDB1 in the maintenance of heterochromatic histone marks after UV. SETDB1 coordinates histone methylation with new histone deposition in damaged heterochromatin, thus protecting cells from genome instability. Our data shed light on fundamental molecular mechanisms safeguarding higher-order chromatin integrity following DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fortuny
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Chansard
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Caron
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Odile Chevallier
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Leroy
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility, UMR3215 PICT-IBiSA, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Renaud
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility, UMR3215 PICT-IBiSA, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sophie E Polo
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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42
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Lu Z, Yao X, Lyu P, Yadav M, Yoo K, Atala A, Lu B. Lentiviral Capsid-Mediated Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Delivery for Efficient and Safe Multiplex Genome Editing. CRISPR J 2021; 4:914-928. [PMID: 33733873 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient expression of the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery is desirable to reduce the risks of off-targets and immune responses. Electroporation of Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) is the most common delivery method to achieve transient Cas9 expression. Recently, retroviral capsids have been used for delivering Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 RNPs, in which Cas9 was fused to the viral proteins. The fusion strategy may cause relative low capsid assembly efficiency. We recently developed virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of lentiviral capsid and Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 RNPs using the specific interactions between aptamer and aptamer-binding protein (ABP), and obtained near-normal capsid assembly efficiency. Here we test whether highly active Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) RNP VLPs can be generated with high efficiency by aptamer/ABP interaction. We found that by optimizing the locations and types of aptamer used for single guide RNA modification, highly active SpCas9 RNP VLPs can be generated efficiently. VLP-delivered SpCas9 generated lower off-target insertions and deletions than SpCas9 RNPs delivered by electroporation. VLPs containing Cas9 from different species and targeting multiple genes can be efficiently prepared in single-particle preparation. Multiple-target VLPs were more efficient than the combination of single-target VLPs for simultaneous targeting of multiple genes. Thus, in addition to better safety features, the Cas9 VLPs are especially suited for multiplex genome editing. In summary, our VLPs offer safe, efficient, and flexible multiplex genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyan Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xingang Yao
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Pin Lyu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manish Yadav
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kyung Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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43
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Shin HR, See JE, Kweon J, Kim HS, Sung GJ, Park S, Jang AH, Jang G, Choi KC, Kim I, Kim JS, Kim Y. Small-molecule inhibitors of histone deacetylase improve CRISPR-based adenine base editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2390-2399. [PMID: 33544854 PMCID: PMC7913676 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based base editors (BEs) are widely used to induce nucleotide substitutions in living cells and organisms without causing the damaging DNA double-strand breaks and DNA donor templates. Cytosine BEs that induce C:G to T:A conversion and adenine BEs that induce A:T to G:C conversion have been developed. Various attempts have been made to increase the efficiency of both BEs; however, their activities need to be improved for further applications. Here, we describe a fluorescent reporter-based drug screening platform to identify novel chemicals with the goal of improving adenine base editing efficiency. The reporter system revealed that histone deacetylase inhibitors, particularly romidepsin, enhanced base editing efficiencies by up to 4.9-fold by increasing the expression levels of proteins and target accessibility. The results support the use of romidepsin as a viable option to improve base editing efficiency in biomedical research and therapeutic genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Rim Shin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun See
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kweon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon Seok Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Jun Sung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Park
- Convergence Medicine Research Center (CREDIT)/Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - An-Hee Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gayoung Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Convergence Medicine Research Center (CREDIT)/Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsub Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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44
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Falk M, Hausmann M. A Paradigm Revolution or Just Better Resolution-Will Newly Emerging Superresolution Techniques Identify Chromatin Architecture as a Key Factor in Radiation-Induced DNA Damage and Repair Regulation? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:E18. [PMID: 33374540 PMCID: PMC7793109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) have been recognized as the most serious lesions in irradiated cells. While several biochemical pathways capable of repairing these lesions have been identified, the mechanisms by which cells select a specific pathway for activation at a given DSB site remain poorly understood. Our knowledge of DSB induction and repair has increased dramatically since the discovery of ionizing radiation-induced foci (IRIFs), initiating the possibility of spatiotemporally monitoring the assembly and disassembly of repair complexes in single cells. IRIF exploration revealed that all post-irradiation processes-DSB formation, repair and misrepair-are strongly dependent on the characteristics of DSB damage and the microarchitecture of the whole affected chromatin domain in addition to the cell status. The microscale features of IRIFs, such as their morphology, mobility, spatiotemporal distribution, and persistence kinetics, have been linked to repair mechanisms. However, the influence of various biochemical and structural factors and their specific combinations on IRIF architecture remains unknown, as does the hierarchy of these factors in the decision-making process for a particular repair mechanism at each individual DSB site. New insights into the relationship between the physical properties of the incident radiation, chromatin architecture, IRIF architecture, and DSB repair mechanisms and repair efficiency are expected from recent developments in optical superresolution microscopy (nanoscopy) techniques that have shifted our ability to analyze chromatin and IRIF architectures towards the nanoscale. In the present review, we discuss this relationship, attempt to correlate still rather isolated nanoscale studies with already better-understood aspects of DSB repair at the microscale, and consider whether newly emerging "correlated multiscale structuromics" can revolutionarily enhance our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Falk
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
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45
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Lyu P, Wang L, Lu B. Virus-Like Particle Mediated CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery for Efficient and Safe Genome Editing. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:366. [PMID: 33371215 PMCID: PMC7766694 DOI: 10.3390/life10120366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of designer nucleases has made genome editing much more efficient than before. The designer nucleases have been widely used for mechanistic studies, animal model generation and gene therapy development. However, potential off-targets and host immune responses are issues still need to be addressed for in vivo uses, especially clinical applications. Short term expression of the designer nucleases is necessary to reduce both risks. Currently, various delivery methods are being developed for transient expression of designer nucleases including Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZNF), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas). Recently, virus-like particles are being used for gene editing. In this review, we will talk through commonly used genome editing nucleases, discuss gene editing delivery tools and review the latest literature using virus-like particles to deliver gene editing effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- School of Physical Education and Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Luxi Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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46
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CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of hepatitis B virus in chronically infected humanized mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 20:258-275. [PMID: 33473359 PMCID: PMC7803634 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem. New treatment approaches are needed because current treatments do not target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the template for HBV replication, and rarely clear the virus. We harnessed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and CRISPR-Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)Cas9 to edit the HBV genome in liver-humanized FRG mice chronically infected with HBV and receiving entecavir. Gene editing was detected in livers of five of eight HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9-treated mice, but not control mice, and mice with detectable HBV gene editing showed higher levels of SaCas9 delivery to HBV+ human hepatocytes than those without gene editing. HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9 therapy significantly improved survival of human hepatocytes, showed a trend toward decreasing total liver HBV DNA and cccDNA, and was well tolerated. This work provides evidence for the feasibility and safety of in vivo gene editing for chronic HBV infections, and it suggests that with further optimization, this approach may offer a plausible way to treat or even cure chronic HBV infections.
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Pröbsting M, Schenke D, Hossain R, Häder C, Thurau T, Wighardt L, Schuster A, Zhou Z, Ye W, Rietz S, Leckband G, Cai D. Loss of function of CRT1a (calreticulin) reduces plant susceptibility to Verticillium longisporum in both Arabidopsis thaliana and oilseed rape (Brassica napus). PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:2328-2344. [PMID: 32358986 PMCID: PMC7589372 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Brassica napus is highly susceptible towards Verticillium longisporum (Vl43) with no effective genetic resistance. It is believed that the fungus reprogrammes plant physiological processes by up-regulation of so-called susceptibility factors to establish a compatible interaction. By transcriptome analysis, we identified genes, which were activated/up-regulated in rapeseed after Vl43 infection. To test whether one of these genes is functionally involved in the infection process and loss of function would lead to decreased susceptibility, we firstly challenged KO lines of corresponding Arabidopsis orthologs with Vl43 and compared them with wild-type plants. Here, we report that the KO of AtCRT1a results in drastically reduced susceptibility of plants to Vl43. To prove crt1a mutation also decreases susceptibility in B. napus, we identified 10 mutations in a TILLING population. Three T3 mutants displayed increased resistance as compared to the wild type. To validate the results, we generated CRISPR/Cas-induced BnCRT1a mutants, challenged T2 plants with Vl43 and observed an overall reduced susceptibility in 3 out of 4 independent lines. Genotyping by allele-specific sequencing suggests a major effect of mutations in the CRT1a A-genome copy, while the C-genome copy appears to have no significant impact on plant susceptibility when challenged with Vl43. As revealed by transcript analysis, the loss of function of CRT1a results in activation of the ethylene signalling pathway, which may contribute to reduced susceptibility. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a novel strategy with great potential to improve plant disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pröbsting
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Dirk Schenke
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | | | - Claudia Häder
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Tim Thurau
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Lisa Wighardt
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Andrea Schuster
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Wanzhi Ye
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | | | | | - Daguang Cai
- Department of Molecular Phytopathology and BiotechnologyInstitute of PhytopathologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Smirnikhina
- Laboratory of Genome Editing, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation
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49
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Zhang L, Rube HT, Vakulskas CA, Behlke MA, Bussemaker HJ, Pufall MA. Systematic in vitro profiling of off-target affinity, cleavage and efficiency for CRISPR enzymes. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5037-5053. [PMID: 32315032 PMCID: PMC7229833 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases (RGEs) cut or direct activities to specific genomic loci, yet each has off-target activities that are often unpredictable. We developed a pair of simple in vitro assays to systematically measure the DNA-binding specificity (Spec-seq), catalytic activity specificity (SEAM-seq) and cleavage efficiency of RGEs. By separately quantifying binding and cleavage specificity, Spec/SEAM-seq provides detailed mechanistic insight into off-target activity. Feature-based models generated from Spec/SEAM-seq data for SpCas9 were consistent with previous reports of its in vitro and in vivo specificity, validating the approach. Spec/SEAM-seq is also useful for profiling less-well characterized RGEs. Application to an engineered SpCas9, HiFi-SpCas9, indicated that its enhanced target discrimination can be attributed to cleavage rather than binding specificity. The ortholog ScCas9, on the other hand, derives specificity from binding to an extended PAM. The decreased off-target activity of AsCas12a (Cpf1) appears to be primarily driven by DNA-binding specificity. Finally, we performed the first characterization of CasX specificity, revealing an all-or-nothing mechanism where mismatches can be bound, but not cleaved. Together, these applications establish Spec/SEAM-seq as an accessible method to rapidly and reliably evaluate the specificity of RGEs, Cas::gRNA pairs, and gain insight into the mechanism and thermodynamics of target discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Coralville, IA 52241, USA.,Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., 1710 Commercial Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - H Tomas Rube
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Merced, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., 1710 Commercial Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Harmen J Bussemaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Miles A Pufall
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
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50
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Wang M, Xu Z, Gosavi G, Ren B, Cao Y, Kuang Y, Zhou C, Spetz C, Yan F, Zhou X, Zhou H. Targeted base editing in rice with CRISPR/ScCas9 system. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1645-1647. [PMID: 31916673 PMCID: PMC7336372 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
- National Citrus Engineering Research CenterCitrus Research InstituteSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Ziyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Gokul Gosavi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Bin Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongsen Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongjie Kuang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Changyong Zhou
- National Citrus Engineering Research CenterCitrus Research InstituteSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Carl Spetz
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchAasNorway
| | - Fang Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xueping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Rice BiologyInstitute of BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Huanbin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect PestsInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
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