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Zhou C, Wagner S, Liang FS. Induced proximity labeling and editing for epigenetic research. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1118-1131. [PMID: 38866004 PMCID: PMC11193966 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.005] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in various biological and disease processes. Two key lines of investigation have been pursued that aim to unravel endogenous epigenetic events at particular genes (probing) and artificially manipulate the epigenetic landscape (editing). The concept of induced proximity has inspired the development of powerful tools for epigenetic research. Induced proximity strategies involve bringing molecular effectors into spatial proximity with specific genomic regions to achieve the probing or manipulation of local epigenetic environments with increased proximity. In this review, we detail the development of induced proximity methods and applications in shedding light on the intricacies of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Wagner
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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2
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Bendixen L, Jensen TI, Bak RO. CRISPR-Cas-mediated transcriptional modulation: The therapeutic promises of CRISPRa and CRISPRi. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1920-1937. [PMID: 36964659 PMCID: PMC10362391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is commonly known for its ability to cleave DNA in a programmable manner, which has democratized gene editing and facilitated recent breakthroughs in gene therapy. However, newer iterations of the technology using nuclease-disabled Cas enzymes have spurred a variety of different types of genetic engineering platforms such as transcriptional modulation using the CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) systems. This review introduces the creation of these programmable transcriptional modulators, various methods of delivery utilized for these systems, and recent technological developments. CRISPRa and CRISPRi have also been implemented in genetic screens for interrogating gene function and discovering genes involved in various biological pathways. We describe recent compelling examples of how these tools have become powerful means to unravel genetic networks and uncovering important information about devastating diseases. Finally, we provide an overview of preclinical studies in which transcriptional modulation has been used therapeutically, and we discuss potential future directions of these novel modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bendixen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Trine I Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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3
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Wang L, Zhang W, Wu X, Liang X, Cao L, Zhai J, Yang Y, Chen Q, Liu H, Zhang J, Ding Y, Zhu F, Tang J. MIAOME: Human Microbiome Affect The Host Epigenome. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2455-2463. [PMID: 35664224 PMCID: PMC9136154 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides the genetic factors having tremendous influences on the regulations of the epigenome, the microenvironmental factors have recently gained extensive attention for their roles in affecting the host epigenome. There are three major types of microenvironmental factors: microbiota-derived metabolites (MDM), microbiota-derived components (MDC) and microbiota-secreted proteins (MSP). These factors can regulate host physiology by modifying host gene expression through the three highly interconnected epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. histone modifications, DNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs). However, no database was available to provide the comprehensive factors of these types. Herein, a database entitled 'Human Microbiome Affect The Host Epigenome (MIAOME)' was constructed. Based on the types of epigenetic modifications confirmed in the literature review, the MIAOME database captures 1068 (63 genus, 281 species, 707 strains, etc.) human microbes, 91 unique microbiota-derived metabolites & components (16 fatty acids, 10 bile acids, 10 phenolic compounds, 10 vitamins, 9 tryptophan metabolites, etc.) derived from 967 microbes; 50 microbes that secreted 40 proteins; 98 microbes that directly influence the host epigenetic modification, and provides 3 classifications of the epigenome, including (1) 4 types of DNA modifications, (2) 20 histone modifications and (3) 490 ncRNAs regulations, involved in 160 human diseases. All in all, MIAOME has compiled the information on the microenvironmental factors influence host epigenome through the scientific literature and biochemical databases, and allows the collective considerations among the different types of factors. It can be freely assessed without login requirement by all users at: http://miaome.idrblab.net/ttd/
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xianglu Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive and Development, Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lijie Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jincheng Zhai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yiyang Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qiuxiao Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongqing Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive and Development, Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Corresponding authors at: School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J. Tang).
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Corresponding authors at: School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J. Tang).
| | - Jing Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive and Development, Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Corresponding authors at: School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J. Tang).
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4
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Hou Q, Wan X. Epigenome and Epitranscriptome: Potential Resources for Crop Improvement. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12912. [PMID: 34884725 PMCID: PMC8658206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Crop breeding faces the challenge of increasing food demand, especially under climatic changes. Conventional breeding has relied on genetic diversity by combining alleles to obtain desired traits. In recent years, research on epigenetics and epitranscriptomics has shown that epigenetic and epitranscriptomic diversity provides additional sources for crop breeding and harnessing epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation through biotechnologies has great potential for crop improvement. Here, we review epigenome and epitranscriptome variations during plant development and in response to environmental stress as well as the available sources for epiallele formation. We also discuss the possible strategies for applying epialleles and epitranscriptome engineering in crop breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quancan Hou
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Beijing 100024, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Xiangyuan Wan
- Zhongzhi International Institute of Agricultural Biosciences, Shunde Graduate School, Research Center of Biology and Agriculture, University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Beijing 100024, China
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Main Crop Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Bio-Tech Breeding, Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
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5
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Vizoso M, van Rheenen J. Diverse transcriptional regulation and functional effects revealed by CRISPR/Cas9-directed epigenetic editing. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1651-1662. [PMID: 34434494 PMCID: PMC8378768 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic process that controls DNA accessibility and serves as a transcriptomic switch when deposited at regulatory regions. The adequate functioning of this process is indispensable for tissue homeostasis and cell fate determination. Conversely, altered DNA methylation patterns result in abnormal gene transcription profiles that contribute to tumor initiation and progression. However, whether the consequence of DNA methylation on gene expression and cell fate is uniform regardless of the cell type or state could so far not been tested due to the lack of technologies to target DNA methylation in-situ. Here, we have taken advantage of CRISPR/dCas9 technology adapted for epigenetic editing through site-specific targeting of DNA methylation to characterize the transcriptional changes of the candidate gene and the functional effects on cell fate in different tumor settings. As a proof-of-concept, we were able to induce de-novo site-specific methylation of the gene promoter of IGFBP2 up to 90% with long-term and bona-fide inheritance by daughter cells. Strikingly, this modification led to opposing expression profiles of the target gene in different cancer cell models and affected the expression of mesenchymal genes CDH1, VIM1, TGFB1 and apoptotic marker BCL2. Moreover, methylation-induced changes in expression profiles was also accompanied by a phenotypic switch in cell migration and cell morphology. We conclude that in different cell types the consequence of DNA methylation on gene expression and cell fate can be completely different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Investigating crosstalk between H3K27 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation in CRISPR/dCas-based epigenome editing and gene activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15912. [PMID: 34354157 PMCID: PMC8342468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing methods enable the precise manipulation of epigenetic modifications, such as histone posttranscriptional modifications (PTMs), for uncovering their biological functions. While histone PTMs have been correlated with certain gene expression status, the causalities remain elusive. Histone H3 Lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and histone H3 Lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) are both associated with active genes, and located at active promoters and enhancers or around transcriptional start sites (TSSs). Although crosstalk between histone lysine acetylation and H3K4me3 has been reported, relationships between specific epigenetic marks during transcriptional activation remain largely unclear. Here, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/dCas-based epigenome editing methods, we discovered that the ectopic introduction of H3K27ac in the promoter region lead to H3K4me3 enrichment around TSS and transcriptional activation, while H3K4me3 installation at the promoter cannot induce H3K27ac increase and failed to activate gene expression. Blocking the reading of H3K27ac by BRD proteins using inhibitor JQ1 abolished H3K27ac-induced H3K4me3 installation and downstream gene activation. Furthermore, we uncovered that BRD2, not BRD4, mediated H3K4me3 installation and gene activation upon H3K27ac writing. Our studies revealed the relationships between H3K27ac and H3K4me3 in gene activation process and demonstrated the application of CRISPR/dCas-based epigenome editing methods in elucidating the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms.
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7
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Abstract
The field of epigenetics has exploded over the last two decades, revealing an astonishing level of complexity in the way genetic information is stored and accessed in eukaryotes. This expansion of knowledge, which is very much ongoing, has been made possible by the availability of evermore sensitive and precise molecular tools. This review focuses on the increasingly important role that chemistry plays in this burgeoning field. In an effort to make these contributions more accessible to the nonspecialist, we group available chemical approaches into those that allow the covalent structure of the protein and DNA components of chromatin to be manipulated, those that allow the activity of myriad factors that act on chromatin to be controlled, and those that allow the covalent structure and folding of chromatin to be characterized. The application of these tools is illustrated through a series of case studies that highlight how the molecular precision afforded by chemistry is being used to establish causal biochemical relationships at the heart of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Bagert
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
| | - Tom W Muir
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
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8
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Martella A, Fisher DI. Regulation of Gene Expression and the Elucidative Role of CRISPR-Based Epigenetic Modifiers and CRISPR-Induced Chromosome Conformational Changes. CRISPR J 2021; 4:43-57. [PMID: 33616442 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In complex multicellular systems, gene expression is regulated at multiple stages through interconnected complex molecular pathways and regulatory networks. Transcription is the first step in gene expression and is subject to multiple layers of regulation in which epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and chromosomal conformation play an essential role. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 systems have been employed to unearth this complexity and provide new insights on the contribution of chromatin dysregulation in the development of genetic diseases, as well as new tools to prevent or reverse this dysregulation. In this review, we outline the recent development of a variety of CRISPR-based epigenetic editors for targeted DNA methylation/demethylation, histone modification, and three-dimensional DNA conformational change, highlighting their relative performance and impact on gene regulation. Finally, we provide insights on the future developments aimed to accelerate our understanding of the causal relationship between epigenetic marks, genome organization, and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martella
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David I Fisher
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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Huang X, Zhou Q, Wang M, Cao C, Ma Q, Ye J, Gui Y. A Light-Inducible Split-dCas9 System for Inhibiting the Progression of Bladder Cancer Cells by Activating p53 and E-cadherin. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:627848. [PMID: 33469550 PMCID: PMC7814291 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.627848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic systems have been increasingly investigated in the field of biomedicine. Previous studies had found the inhibitory effect of the light-inducible genetic circuits on cancer cell growth. In our study, we applied an AND logic gates to the light-inducible genetic circuits to inhibit the cancer cells more specifically. The circuit would only be activated in the presence of both the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and the human uroplakin II (hUPII) promoter. The activated logic gate led to the expression of the p53 or E-cadherin protein, which could inhibit the biological function of tumor cells. In addition, we split the dCas9 protein to reduce the size of the synthetic circuit compared to the full-length dCas9. This light-inducible system provides a potential therapeutic strategy for future bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Huang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
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