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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321438121. [PMID: 38687782 PMCID: PMC11087771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321438121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader," a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
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Yu S, Pan H, Yang H, Zhuang H, Yang H, Yu X, Zhang S, Fang M, Li T, Ge S, Xia N. A non-viral DNA delivery system consisting of multifunctional chimeric peptide fused with zinc-finger protein. iScience 2024; 27:109464. [PMID: 38558940 PMCID: PMC10981093 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery systems have received sustained attention as a promising alternative to viral vectors for disease treatment and prevention in recent years. Numerous methods have been developed to enhance gene uptake and delivery in the cytoplasm; however, due to technical difficulties and delivery efficiency, these systems still face challenges in a range of biological applications, especially in vivo. To alleviate this challenge, we devised a novel system for gene delivery based on a recombinant protein eTAT-ZF9-NLS, which consisted of a multifunctional chimeric peptide and a zinc-finger protein with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. High transfection efficiency was observed in several mammalian cells after intracellular delivery of plasmid containing ZF9-binding sites mediated by eTAT-ZF9-NLS. Our new approach provides a novel transfection strategy and the transfection efficiency was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, making it a preferential transfection reagent for possible gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haifeng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haoyun Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haihui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shiyin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mujin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tingdong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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Golubev DS, Komkov DS, Shepelev MV, Mazurov DV, Kruglova NA. Efficient Editing of the CXCR4 Locus Using Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes Stabilized with Polyglutamic Acid. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2023; 513:S28-S32. [PMID: 38190037 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system provides new opportunities to treat human diseases. Approaches aimed at increasing the efficiency of genome editing are therefore important to develop. To increase the level of editing of the CXCR4 locus, which is a target for gene therapy of HIV infection, the Cas9 protein was modified by introducing additional NLS signals and ribonucleoprotein complexes of Cas9 and guide RNA were stabilized with poly-L-glutamic acid. The approach allowed a 1.8-fold increase in the level of CXCR4 knockout in the CEM/R5 T cell line and a 2-fold increase in the level of knock-in of the HIV-1 fusion peptide inhibitor MT-C34 in primary CD4+ T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Golubev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D S Komkov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'erSheva, Israel
| | - M V Shepelev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D V Mazurov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - N A Kruglova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565807. [PMID: 37986992 PMCID: PMC10659306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader", a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
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Thevendran R, Maheswaran S. Recognizing CRISPR as the new age disease-modifying drug: Strategies to bioengineer CRISPR/Cas for direct in vivo delivery. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300077. [PMID: 37179485 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300077] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) have established itself as a frontier technology in genetic engineering. Researchers have successfully used the CRISPR/Cas system as precise gene editing tools and have further expanded their scope beyond both imaging and diagnostic applications. The most prominent utility of CRISPR is its capacity for gene therapy, serving as the contemporary, disease-modifying drug at the genetic level of human medical disorders. Correcting these diseases using CRISPR-based gene editing has developed to the extent of preclinical trials and possible patient treatments. A major impediment in actualizing this is the complications associated with in vivo delivery of the CRISPR/Cas complex. Currently, only the viral vectors (e.g., lentivirus) and non-viral encapsulation (e.g., lipid particles, polymer-based, and gold nanoparticles) techniques have been extensively reviewed, neglecting the efficiency of direct delivery. However, the direct delivery of CRISPR/Cas for in vivo gene editing therapies is an intricate process with numerous drawbacks. Hence, this paper discusses in detail both the need and the strategies that can potentially improve the direct delivery aspects of CRISPR/Cas biomolecules for gene therapy of human diseases. Here, we focus on enhancing the molecular and functional features of the CRISPR/Cas system for targeted in vivo delivery such as on-site localization, internalization, reduced immunogenicity, and better in vivo stability. We additionally emphasize the CRISPR/Cas complex as a multifaceted, biomolecular vehicle for co-delivery with therapeutic agents in targeted disease treatments. The delivery formats of efficient CRISPR/Cas systems for human gene editing are also briefly elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Thevendran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Solayappan Maheswaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine (CoExNano), AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
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