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Song B, Bae S. Genome editing using CRISPR, CAST, and Fanzor systems. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100086. [PMID: 38909984 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100086] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering technologies are essential not only for basic science but also for generating animal models for therapeutic applications. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system, derived from adapted prokaryotic immune responses, has led to unprecedented advancements in the field of genome editing because of its ability to precisely target and edit genes in a guide RNA-dependent manner. The discovery of various types of CRISPR-Cas systems, such as CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs), has resulted in the development of novel genome editing tools. Recently, research has expanded to systems associated with obligate mobile element guided activity (OMEGA) RNAs, including ancestral CRISPR-Cas and eukaryotic Fanzor systems, which are expected to complement the conventional CRISPR-Cas systems. In this review, we briefly introduce the features of various CRISPR-Cas systems and their application in diverse animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomjong Song
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 33151, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Medical Research Center of Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Wu Y, Feng S, Sun Z, Hu Y, Jia X, Zeng B. An outlook to sophisticated technologies and novel developments for metabolic regulation in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression system. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1249841. [PMID: 37869712 PMCID: PMC10586203 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1249841] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most extensively used biosynthetic systems for the production of diverse bioproducts, especially biotherapeutics and recombinant proteins. Because the expression and insertion of foreign genes are always impaired by the endogenous factors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and nonproductive procedures, various technologies have been developed to enhance the strength and efficiency of transcription and facilitate gene editing procedures. Thus, the limitations that block heterologous protein secretion have been overcome. Highly efficient promoters responsible for the initiation of transcription and the accurate regulation of expression have been developed that can be precisely regulated with synthetic promoters and double promoter expression systems. Appropriate codon optimization and harmonization for adaption to the genomic codon abundance of S. cerevisiae are expected to further improve the transcription and translation efficiency. Efficient and accurate translocation can be achieved by fusing a specifically designed signal peptide to an upstream foreign gene to facilitate the secretion of newly synthesized proteins. In addition to the widely applied promoter engineering technology and the clear mechanism of the endoplasmic reticulum secretory pathway, the innovative genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated system) and its derivative tools allow for more precise and efficient gene disruption, site-directed mutation, and foreign gene insertion. This review focuses on sophisticated engineering techniques and emerging genetic technologies developed for the accurate metabolic regulation of the S. cerevisiae expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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3
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Bost J, Recalde A, Waßmer B, Wagner A, Siebers B, Albers SV. Application of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas type I-D system for genetic engineering in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1254891. [PMID: 37849926 PMCID: PMC10577407 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1254891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas systems are widely distributed among bacteria and archaea. In this study, we demonstrate the successful utilization of the type I-D CRISPR-Cas system for genetic engineering in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Given its extreme growth conditions characterized by a temperature of 75°C and pH 3, an uracil auxotrophic selection system was previously established, providing a basis for our investigations. We developed a novel plasmid specifically designed for genome editing, which incorporates a mini-CRISPR array that can be induced using xylose, resulting in targeted DNA cleavage. Additionally, we integrated a gene encoding the β-galactosidase of Saccharolobus solfataricus into the plasmid, enabling blue-white screening and facilitating the mutant screening process. Through the introduction of donor DNA containing genomic modifications into the plasmid, we successfully generated deletion mutants and point mutations in the genome of S. acidocaldarius. Exploiting the PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) dependence of type I systems, we experimentally confirmed the functionality of three different PAMs (CCA, GTA, and TCA) through a self-targeting assessment assay and the gene deletion of upsE. Our findings elucidate the application of the endogenous Type I-D CRISPR-Cas system for genetic engineering in S. acidocaldarius, thus expanding its genetic toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bost
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alejandra Recalde
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bianca Waßmer
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Wagner
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB), Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB), Centre for Water and Environmental Research (CWE), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB), Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB), Centre for Water and Environmental Research (CWE), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Wax N, La-Rostami F, Albert C, Fischer M. Variety Differentiation: Development of a CRISPR DETECTR Method for the Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Cacao ( Theobroma cacao) and Almonds ( Prunus dulcis). FOOD ANAL METHOD 2023; 16:1-11. [PMID: 37359895 PMCID: PMC10251332 DOI: 10.1007/s12161-023-02500-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
To prevent food fraud, products can be monitored by various chemical-analytical techniques. In this study, we present a CRISPR-Cpf1 DETECTR-based assay for the differentiation of plant ingredients in sweet confectionary like fine and bulk-cocoa, or bitter and sweet almonds. To enable rapid in-field analysis, the trans-cleavage activity of the Cpf1 enzyme was used to develop a DETECTR (DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR trans reporter) assay for simple, highly specific fluorometric detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The endonuclease Cpf1 requires the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) 5'-TTTV-3' for activation, but the recognition sequence is freely programmable. The SNPs were selected to alter the Cpf1 specific PAM sequence. As a result, sequences that do not carry the canonical PAM sequence are not detected and thus not cut. The optimized system was used for both raw material and processed products such as cocoa masses or marzipan with a limit of detection of 3 ng template DNA. In addition, we were able to implement the system in the context of an LFA (lateral flow assay) to serve as a basis for the development of rapid test systems. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12161-023-02500-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Wax
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Farshad La-Rostami
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chenyang Albert
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Fischer
- Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Hamdi I, Boni F, Shen Q, Moukendza L, Peibo LI, Jianping X. Characteristics of subtype III-A CRISPR-Cas system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: An overview. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 112:105445. [PMID: 37217031 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are the only RNA- guided adaptive immunity pathways that trigger the detection and destruction of invasive phages and plasmids in bacteria and archaea. Due to its prevalence and mystery, the Class 1 CRISPR-Cas system has lately been the subject of several studies. This review highlights the specificity of CRISPR-Cas system III-A in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the tuberculosis-causing pathogen, for over twenty years. We discuss the difference between the several subtypes of Type III and their defence mechanisms. The anti-CRISPRs (Acrs) recently described, the critical role of Reverse transcriptase (RT) and housekeeping nuclease for type III CRISPR-Cas systems, and the use of this cutting-edge technology, its impact on the search for novel anti-tuberculosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insaf Hamdi
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals State Key Laboratory, Breeding Base Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Funmilayo Boni
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals State Key Laboratory, Breeding Base Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Qinglei Shen
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals State Key Laboratory, Breeding Base Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Liadrine Moukendza
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals State Key Laboratory, Breeding Base Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - L I Peibo
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Southwest University Public Health Hospital, China
| | - Xie Jianping
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals State Key Laboratory, Breeding Base Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China; Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Southwest University Public Health Hospital, China.
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6
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Shah SA, Deng L, Thorsen J, Pedersen AG, Dion MB, Castro-Mejía JL, Silins R, Romme FO, Sausset R, Jessen LE, Ndela EO, Hjelmsø M, Rasmussen MA, Redgwell TA, Leal Rodríguez C, Vestergaard G, Zhang Y, Chawes B, Bønnelykke K, Sørensen SJ, Bisgaard H, Enault F, Stokholm J, Moineau S, Petit MA, Nielsen DS. Expanding known viral diversity in the healthy infant gut. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:986-998. [PMID: 37037943 PMCID: PMC10159846 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is shaped through infancy and impacts the maturation of the immune system, thus protecting against chronic disease later in life. Phages, or viruses that infect bacteria, modulate bacterial growth by lysis and lysogeny, with the latter being especially prominent in the infant gut. Viral metagenomes (viromes) are difficult to analyse because they span uncharted viral diversity, lacking marker genes and standardized detection methods. Here we systematically resolved the viral diversity in faecal viromes from 647 1-year-olds belonging to Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010, an unselected Danish cohort of healthy mother-child pairs. By assembly and curation we uncovered 10,000 viral species from 248 virus family-level clades (VFCs). Most (232 VFCs) were previously unknown, belonging to the Caudoviricetes viral class. Hosts were determined for 79% of phage using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat spacers within bacterial metagenomes from the same children. Typical Bacteroides-infecting crAssphages were outnumbered by undescribed phage families infecting Clostridiales and Bifidobacterium. Phage lifestyles were conserved at the viral family level, with 33 virulent and 118 temperate phage families. Virulent phages were more abundant, while temperate ones were more prevalent and diverse. Together, the viral families found in this study expand existing phage taxonomy and provide a resource aiding future infant gut virome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz A Shah
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders G Pedersen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Moïra B Dion
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ronalds Silins
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fie O Romme
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romain Sausset
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Agroparistech, Micalis institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Leon E Jessen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eric Olo Ndela
- Lab de Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mathis Hjelmsø
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Morten A Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tamsin A Redgwell
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Cristina Leal Rodríguez
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yichang Zhang
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Francois Enault
- Lab de Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Agnès Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Agroparistech, Micalis institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dennis S Nielsen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Hussain MS, Anand V, Kumar M. Functional PAM sequence for DNA interference by CRISPR-Cas I-B system of Leptospira interrogans and the role of LinCas11b encoded within lincas8b. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 237:124086. [PMID: 36940764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124086] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic species of Leptospira are recalcitrant for genetic manipulation using conventional tools, and therefore there is a need to explore techniques of higher efficiency. Application of endogenous CRISPR-Cas tool is emerging and efficient; nevertheless, it is limited by a poor understanding of interference machinery in the bacterial genome and its associated protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). In this study, interference machinery of CRISPR-Cas subtype I-B (Lin_I-B) from L. interrogans was experimentally validated in E. coli using the various identified PAM (TGA, ATG, ATA). The overexpression of the Lin_I-B interference machinery in E. coli demonstrated that LinCas5, LinCas6, LinCas7, and LinCas8b can self-assemble on cognate CRISPR RNA to form an interference complex (LinCascade). Moreover, a robust interference of target plasmids containing a protospacer with a PAM suggested a functional LinCascade. We also recognized a small open reading frame within lincas8b that independently co-translates LinCas11b. A mutant variant of LinCascade-Cas11b that lacks LinCas11b co-expression erred to mount target plasmid interference. At the same time, LinCas11b complementation in LinCascade-Cas11b rescued target plasmid interference. Thus, the present study establishes Leptospira subtype I-B interference machinery to be functional and, soon, may pave the way for scientists to harness it as a programmable endogenous genetic manipulation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saddam Hussain
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Vineet Anand
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
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8
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Bhatia S, Pooja, Yadav SK. CRISPR-Cas for genome editing: Classification, mechanism, designing and applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124054. [PMID: 36933595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspersed short pallindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated proteins (Cas) system (CRISPR-Cas) came into light as prokaryotic defence mechanism for adaptive immune response. CRISPR-Cas works by integrating short sequences of the target genome (spacers) into the CRISPR locus. The locus containing spacers interspersed repeats is further expressed into small guide CRISPR RNA (crRNA) which is then deployed by the Cas proteins to evade the target genome. Based on the Cas proteins CRISPR-Cas is classified according to polythetic system of classification. The characteristic of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to target DNA sequences using programmable RNAs has opened new arenas due to which today CRISPR-Cas has evolved as cutting end technique in the field of genome editing. Here, we discuss about the evolution of CRISPR, its classification and various Cas systems including the designing and molecular mechanism of CRISPR-Cas. Applications of CRISPR-Cas as a genome editing tools are also highlighted in the areas such as agriculture, and anticancer therapy. Briefly discuss the role of CRISPR and its Cas systems in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and its possible preventive measures. The challenges in existing CRISP-Cas technologies and their potential solutions are also discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Bhatia
- Center of Innovative and applied Bioprocessing, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Mohali, India; Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Pooja
- Center of Innovative and applied Bioprocessing, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Mohali, India
| | - Sudesh Kumar Yadav
- Center of Innovative and applied Bioprocessing, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Mohali, India; Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India.
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9
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Rashid SJ, Nale JY, Millard AD, Clokie MRJ. Novel ribotype/sequence type associations and diverse CRISPR-Cas systems in environmental Clostridioides difficile strains from northern Iraq. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2023; 370:fnad091. [PMID: 37723612 PMCID: PMC10806358 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad091] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The environment is a natural reservoir of Clostridioides difficile, and here, we aimed to isolate the pathogen from seven locations in northern Iraq. Four of the sites yielded thirty-one isolates (ten from soils, twenty-one from sediments), which together represent ribotypes (RTs) 001 (five), 010 (five), 011 (two), 035 (two), 091 (eight), and 604 (nine). Twenty-five of the isolates (∼81%) are non-toxigenic, while six (∼19%) encode the toxin A and B genes. The genomes of eleven selected isolates represent six sequence types (STs): ST-3 (two), ST-15 (one), ST-107 (five), ST-137 (one), ST-177 (one), and ST-181 (one). Five novel RT/ST associations: RT011/ST-137, RT035/ST-107, RT091/ST-107, RT604/ST-177, and RT604/ST-181 were identified, and the first three are linked to RTs previously uncharacterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Nine of the genomes belong to Clade 1, and two are closely related to the cryptic C-I clade. Diverse multiple prophages and CRISPR-Cas systems (class 1 subtype I-B1 and class 2 type V CRISPR-Cas systems) with spacers identical to other C. difficile phages and plasmids were detected in the genomes. Our data show the broader diversity that exists within environmental C. difficile strains from a much less studied location and their potential role in the evolution and emergence of new strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srwa J Rashid
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Koya Technical Institute, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
| | - Janet Y Nale
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland’s Rural College, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| | - Andrew D Millard
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Martha R J Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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10
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Biochemical characterization of the two novel mgCas12a proteins from the human gut metagenome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20857. [PMID: 36460704 PMCID: PMC9718762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25227-w] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas12a belonging to the Class II CRISPR system are characterized by a single-component effector protein. Despite unique features of Cas12a like DNA cleavage with 5' staggered ends and a single crRNA, Cas12a has not been adopted in biotechnological applications to the similar extent as Cas9. To better understand the CRISPR/Cas12 systems, we selected two candidates, designated mgCas12a-1 and mgCas12a-2, from an analysis of the human microbiome metagenome (mg) and provided biochemical characterization. These new Cas12a proteins shared about 37% identity in amino acid sequences and shared the same direct repeat sequences in the crRNA with FnCas12a from Francisella novicida. The purification yield of the recombinant proteins was up to 3.6-fold greater than that of FnCas12a. In cell-free DNA cleavage assays, both mgCas12a proteins showed the higher cleavage efficiencies when Mn2+ was provided with KCl (< 100 mM) than tested other divalent ions. They were able to tolerate ranges of pH points and temperature, and showed the highest cleavage efficiencies at pH 8.0 and 50 °C. In addition, mgCas12a proteins showed 51% less crRNA-independent and 56% less crRNA-dependent non-specific nuclease activity upon prolonged incubation than did FnCas12a. Considering their greater yield in protein preparation and reduced non-specific nuclease activity, our findings may expedite the use of Cas12a especially when genome editing needs to be practiced with the form of ribonucleoproteins.
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11
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Zhang T, Jia Y, Li H, Xu D, Zhou J, Wang G. CRISPRCasStack: a stacking strategy-based ensemble learning framework for accurate identification of Cas proteins. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6674167. [PMID: 35998924 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac335] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas system is an adaptive immune system widely found in most bacteria and archaea to defend against exogenous gene invasion. One of the most critical steps in the study of exploring and classifying novel CRISPR-Cas systems and their functional diversity is the identification of Cas proteins in CRISPR-Cas systems. The discovery of novel Cas proteins has also laid the foundation for technologies such as CRISPR-Cas-based gene editing and gene therapy. Currently, accurate and efficient screening of Cas proteins from metagenomic sequences and proteomic sequences remains a challenge. For Cas proteins with low sequence conservation, existing tools for Cas protein identification based on homology cannot guarantee identification accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we have developed a novel stacking-based ensemble learning framework for Cas protein identification, called CRISPRCasStack. In particular, we applied the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) method to analyze the features used in CRISPRCasStack. Sufficient experimental validation and independent testing have demonstrated that CRISPRCasStack can address the accuracy deficiencies and inefficiencies of the existing state-of-the-art tools. We also provide a toolkit to accurately identify and analyze potential Cas proteins, Cas operons, CRISPR arrays and CRISPR-Cas locus in prokaryotic sequences. The CRISPRCasStack toolkit is available at https://github.com/yrjia1015/CRISPRCasStack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Zhang
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yuran Jia
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Hongfei Li
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dali Xu
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Guohua Wang
- College of Information and Computer Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
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12
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Méheust R, Castelle CJ, Jaffe AL, Banfield JF. Conserved and lineage-specific hypothetical proteins may have played a central role in the rise and diversification of major archaeal groups. BMC Biol 2022; 20:154. [PMID: 35790962 PMCID: PMC9258230 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Archaea play fundamental roles in the environment, for example by methane production and consumption, ammonia oxidation, protein degradation, carbon compound turnover, and sulfur compound transformations. Recent genomic analyses have profoundly reshaped our understanding of the distribution and functionalities of Archaea and their roles in eukaryotic evolution. RESULTS Here, 1179 representative genomes were selected from 3197 archaeal genomes. The representative genomes clustered based on the content of 10,866 newly defined archaeal protein families (that will serve as a community resource) recapitulates archaeal phylogeny. We identified the co-occurring proteins that distinguish the major lineages. Those with metabolic roles were consistent with experimental data. However, two families specific to Asgard were determined to be new eukaryotic signature proteins. Overall, the blocks of lineage-specific families are dominated by proteins that lack functional predictions. CONCLUSIONS Given that these hypothetical proteins are near ubiquitous within major archaeal groups, we propose that they were important in the origin of most of the major archaeal lineages. Interestingly, although there were clearly phylum-specific co-occurring proteins, no such blocks of protein families were shared across superphyla, suggesting a burst-like origin of new lineages early in archaeal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Méheust
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,LABGeM, Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, Evry, France.
| | - Cindy J Castelle
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander L Jaffe
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jillian F Banfield
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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13
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Koç E, Karayiğit B. Assessment of Biofortification Approaches Used to Improve Micronutrient-Dense Plants That Are a Sustainable Solution to Combat Hidden Hunger. JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION 2022; 22:475-500. [PMID: 34754134 PMCID: PMC8567986 DOI: 10.1007/s42729-021-00663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition causes diseases, immune system disorders, deterioration in physical growth, mental development, and learning capacity worldwide. Micronutrient deficiency, known as hidden hunger, is a serious global problem. Biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural strategy for increasing the concentrations or bioavailability of essential elements in the edible parts of plants, minimizing the risks of toxic metals, and thus reducing malnutrition. It has the advantage of delivering micronutrient-dense food crops to a large part of the global population, especially poor populations. Agronomic biofortification and biofertilization, traditional plant breeding, and optimized fertilizer applications are more globally accepted methods today; however, genetic biofortification based on genetic engineering such as increasing or manipulating (such as CRISPR-Cas9) the expression of genes that affect the regulation of metal homeostasis and carrier proteins that serve to increase the micronutrient content for higher nutrient concentration and greater productivity or that affect bioavailability is also seen as a promising high-potential strategy in solving this micronutrient deficiency problem. Data that micronutrients can help strengthen the immune system against the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases has highlighted the importance of tackling micronutrient deficiencies. In this study, biofortification approaches such as plant breeding, agronomic techniques, microbial fertilization, and some genetic and nanotechnological methods used in the fight against micronutrient deficiency worldwide were compiled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Koç
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Belgizar Karayiğit
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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14
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Wang Y, Mao T, Li Y, Xiao W, Liang X, Duan G, Yang H. Characterization of 67 Confirmed Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Loci in 52 Strains of Staphylococci. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:736565. [PMID: 34751223 PMCID: PMC8571024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.736565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is one of the most important species of Staphylococci, poses a great threat to public health. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) are an adaptive immune platform to combat foreign mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids and phages. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution and structure of CRISPR-Cas system in S. aureus, and to explore the relationship between CRISPR and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Here, we analyzed 67 confirmed CRISPR loci and 15 companion Cas proteins in 52 strains of Staphylococci with bioinformatics methods. Comparing with the orphan CRISPR loci in Staphylococci, the strains harboring complete CRISPR-Cas systems contained multiple CRISPR loci, direct repeat sequences (DR) forming stable RNA secondary structures with lower minimum free energy (MFE), and variable spacers with detectable protospacers. In S. aureus, unlike the orphan CRISPRs away from Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), the complete CRISPR-Cas systems were in J1 region of SCCmec. In addition, we found a conserved motif 5'-TTCTCGT-3' that may protect their downstream sequences from DNA interference. In general, orphan CRISPR locus in S. aureus differed greatly from the structural characteristics of the CRISPR-Cas system. Collectively, our results provided new insight into the diversity and characterization of the CRISPR-Cas system in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Mao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinxia Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Xiao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangcai Duan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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15
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Tang Y, Gao L, Feng W, Guo C, Yang Q, Li F, Le XC. The CRISPR-Cas toolbox for analytical and diagnostic assay development. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:11844-11869. [PMID: 34611682 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00098e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems have revolutionized biological and biomedical sciences in many ways. The last few years have also seen tremendous interest in deploying the CRISPR-Cas toolbox for analytical and diagnostic assay development because CRISPR-Cas is one of the most powerful classes of molecular machineries for the recognition and manipulation of nucleic acids. In the short period of development, many CRISPR-enabled assays have already established critical roles in clinical diagnostics, biosensing, and bioimaging. We describe in this review the recent advances and design principles of CRISPR mediated analytical tools with an emphasis on the functional roles of CRISPR-Cas machineries as highly efficient binders and molecular scissors. We highlight the diverse engineering approaches for molecularly modifying CRISPR-Cas machineries and for devising better readout platforms. We discuss the potential roles of these new approaches and platforms in enhancing assay sensitivity, specificity, multiplexity, and clinical outcomes. By illustrating the biochemical and analytical processes, we hope this review will help guide the best use of the CRISPR-Cas toolbox in detecting, quantifying and imaging biologically and clinically important molecules and inspire new ideas, technological advances and engineering strategies for addressing real-world challenges such as the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Tang
- Analytical & Testing Center, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.
| | - Lu Gao
- Analytical & Testing Center, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Chen Guo
- Analytical & Testing Center, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.
| | - Qianfan Yang
- Analytical & Testing Center, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Analytical & Testing Center, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China. .,Department of Chemistry, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
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16
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Alkhnbashi OS, Mitrofanov A, Bonidia R, Raden M, Tran V, Eggenhofer F, Shah S, Öztürk E, Padilha V, Sanches D, de Carvalho A, Backofen R. CRISPRloci: comprehensive and accurate annotation of CRISPR-Cas systems. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:W125-W130. [PMID: 34133710 PMCID: PMC8265192 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR–Cas systems are adaptive immune systems in prokaryotes, providing resistance against invading viruses and plasmids. The identification of CRISPR loci is currently a non-standardized, ambiguous process, requiring the manual combination of multiple tools, where existing tools detect only parts of the CRISPR-systems, and lack quality control, annotation and assessment capabilities of the detected CRISPR loci. Our CRISPRloci server provides the first resource for the prediction and assessment of all possible CRISPR loci. The server integrates a series of advanced Machine Learning tools within a seamless web interface featuring: (i) prediction of all CRISPR arrays in the correct orientation; (ii) definition of CRISPR leaders for each locus; and (iii) annotation of cas genes and their unambiguous classification. As a result, CRISPRloci is able to accurately determine the CRISPR array and associated information, such as: the Cas subtypes; cassette boundaries; accuracy of the repeat structure, orientation and leader sequence; virus-host interactions; self-targeting; as well as the annotation of cas genes, all of which have been missing from existing tools. This annotation is presented in an interactive interface, making it easy for scientists to gain an overview of the CRISPR system in their organism of interest. Predictions are also rendered in GFF format, enabling in-depth genome browser inspection. In summary, CRISPRloci constitutes a full suite for CRISPR–Cas system characterization that offers annotation quality previously available only after manual inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer S Alkhnbashi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 761 2037460; Fax: +49 761 2037462;
| | | | | | - Martin Raden
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Van Dinh Tran
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Eggenhofer
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ekrem Öztürk
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Victor A Padilha
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Danilo S Sanches
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Cornélio Procópio, 86300000 Cornélio Procópio, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Rolf Backofen
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Rolf Backofen.
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17
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Feng M, She Q. Purification and characterization of ribonucleoprotein effector complexes of Sulfolobus islandicus CRISPR-Cas systems. Methods Enzymol 2021; 659:327-347. [PMID: 34752293 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Archaea are preferred hosts for CRISPR-Cas systems. This adaptive immune system is not only widespread in archaeal organisms, but different types of CRISPR-Cas also co-exist in the same organism. Sulfolobus islandicus provides a good model for CRISPR research as genetic assays have been developed for revealing CRISPR immunity for the crenarchaeal model, and native ribonucleoprotein effector complexes have been expressed in this crenarchaeon and purified for characterization. Here we report a detailed protocol of purification and characterization of the Sulfolobus islandicus Cmr-β, the largest CRISPR effector known to date. The method can readily be applied to the purification of effectors encoded by other CRISPR-Cas systems in this organism, with the possibility to extend the application to other Sulfolobales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Feng
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR, China
| | - Qunxin She
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR, China.
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18
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Padilha VA, Alkhnbashi OS, Tran VD, Shah SA, Carvalho ACPLF, Backofen R. Casboundary: automated definition of integral Cas cassettes. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:1352-1359. [PMID: 33226067 PMCID: PMC8208735 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION CRISPR-Cas are important systems found in most archaeal and many bacterial genomes, providing adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements in prokaryotes. The CRISPR-Cas systems are encoded by a set of consecutive cas genes, here termed cassette. The identification of cassette boundaries is key for finding cassettes in CRISPR research field. This is often carried out by using Hidden Markov Models and manual annotation. In this article, we propose the first method able to automatically define the cassette boundaries. In addition, we present a Cas-type predictive model used by the method to assign each gene located in the region defined by a cassette's boundaries a Cas label from a set of pre-defined Cas types. Furthermore, the proposed method can detect potentially new cas genes and decompose a cassette into its modules. RESULTS We evaluate the predictive performance of our proposed method on data collected from the two most recent CRISPR classification studies. In our experiments, we obtain an average similarity of 0.86 between the predicted and expected cassettes. Besides, we achieve F-scores above 0.9 for the classification of cas genes of known types and 0.73 for the unknown ones. Finally, we conduct two additional study cases, where we investigate the occurrence of potentially new cas genes and the occurrence of module exchange between different genomes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/BackofenLab/Casboundary. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Padilha
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Omer S Alkhnbashi
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Van Dinh Tran
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- COPSAC, Copenhagen University Hospitals Herlev and Gentofte, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark
| | - André C P L F Carvalho
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Rolf Backofen
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Barazesh M, Mohammadi S, Bahrami Y, Mokarram P, Morowvat MH, Saidijam M, Karimipoor M, Kavousipour S, Vosoughi AR, Khanaki K. CRISPR/Cas9 Technology as a Modern Genetic Manipulation Tool for Recapitulating of Neurodegenerative Disorders in Large Animal Models. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:130-148. [PMID: 33319680 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666201214115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases are often the consequence of alterations in structures and functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in patients. Despite obtaining massive genomic information concerning the molecular basis of these diseases and since the neurological disorders are multifactorial, causal connections between pathological pathways at the molecular level and CNS disorders development have remained obscure and need to be elucidated to a great extent. OBJECTIVE Animal models serve as accessible and valuable tools for understanding and discovering the roles of causative factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and finding appropriate treatments. Contrary to rodents and other small animals, large animals, especially non-human primates (NHPs), are remarkably similar to humans; hence, they establish suitable models for recapitulating the main human's neuropathological manifestations that may not be seen in rodent models. In addition, they serve as useful models to discover effective therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders due to their similarity to humans in terms of physiology, evolutionary distance, anatomy, and behavior. METHODS In this review, we recommend different strategies based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system for generating animal models of human neurodegenerative disorders and explaining in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 delivery procedures that are applied to disease models for therapeutic purposes. RESULTS With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 as a modern specific gene-editing technology in the field of genetic engineering, genetic modification procedures such as gene knock-in and knock-out have become increasingly easier compared to traditional gene targeting techniques. Unlike the old techniques, this versatile technology can efficiently generate transgenic large animal models without the need to complicate lab instruments. Hence, these animals can accurately replicate the signs of neurodegenerative disorders. CONCLUSION Preclinical applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology supply a unique opportunity to establish animal models of neurodegenerative disorders with high accuracy and facilitate perspectives for breakthroughs in the research on the nervous system disease therapy and drug discovery. Furthermore, the useful outcomes of CRISPR applications in various clinical phases are hopeful for their translation to the clinic in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Barazesh
- School of Paramedical, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Shiva Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram Abad, Iran
| | - Yadollah Bahrami
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Massoud Saidijam
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Morteza Karimipoor
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudabeh Kavousipour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Vosoughi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Korosh Khanaki
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Paramedicine Faculty, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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20
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Diversity of the type I-U CRISPR-Cas system in Bifidobacterium. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:3235-3243. [PMID: 33837440 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is widely distributed in prokaryotes and plays an important role in the adaptive immunity of bacteria and archaea. Bifidobacterium is an important component of the intestinal flora of humans and animals, and some species of this bacterium can be employed as food additives. However, the Bifidobacterium CRISPR-Cas system has not been fully elucidated to date. In this study, the genomes of 110 strains of Bifidobacterium were employed to research the diversity of the type I-U system. The 110 strains were divided into five groups according to the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus, including group A, B, C, D and E. Strains in the intergroup had unique species classifications and MLST types. An evolutionary tree was constructed based on the conserved cas4/cas1 fusion gene. The results showed that group A had a different evolutionary branch compared with the other groups and had a relatively low spacer number. Notably, group B, C and E had exhibited ABC transporter regulators in the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus. ABC transporters play important roles in the exocytosis of many antibiotics and are involved in horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism may have promoted the evolution of Bifidobacterium and the horizontal gene transfer of the type I-U system, which may have promoted the generation of system diversity. In summary, our results help to elucidate the role of the type I-U system in the evolution of Bifidobacterium.
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21
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22
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Zink IA, Wimmer E, Schleper C. Heavily Armed Ancestors: CRISPR Immunity and Applications in Archaea with a Comparative Analysis of CRISPR Types in Sulfolobales. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1523. [PMID: 33172134 PMCID: PMC7694759 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotes are constantly coping with attacks by viruses in their natural environments and therefore have evolved an impressive array of defense systems. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is an adaptive immune system found in the majority of archaea and about half of bacteria which stores pieces of infecting viral DNA as spacers in genomic CRISPR arrays to reuse them for specific virus destruction upon a second wave of infection. In detail, small CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) are transcribed from CRISPR arrays and incorporated into type-specific CRISPR effector complexes which further degrade foreign nucleic acids complementary to the crRNA. This review gives an overview of CRISPR immunity to newcomers in the field and an update on CRISPR literature in archaea by comparing the functional mechanisms and abundances of the diverse CRISPR types. A bigger fraction is dedicated to the versatile and prevalent CRISPR type III systems, as tremendous progress has been made recently using archaeal models in discerning the controlled molecular mechanisms of their unique tripartite mode of action including RNA interference, DNA interference and the unique cyclic-oligoadenylate signaling that induces promiscuous RNA shredding by CARF-domain ribonucleases. The second half of the review spotlights CRISPR in archaea outlining seminal in vivo and in vitro studies in model organisms of the euryarchaeal and crenarchaeal phyla, including the application of CRISPR-Cas for genome editing and gene silencing. In the last section, a special focus is laid on members of the crenarchaeal hyperthermophilic order Sulfolobales by presenting a thorough comparative analysis about the distribution and abundance of CRISPR-Cas systems, including arrays and spacers as well as CRISPR-accessory proteins in all 53 genomes available to date. Interestingly, we find that CRISPR type III and the DNA-degrading CRISPR type I complexes co-exist in more than two thirds of these genomes. Furthermore, we identified ring nuclease candidates in all but two genomes and found that they generally co-exist with the above-mentioned CARF domain ribonucleases Csx1/Csm6. These observations, together with published literature allowed us to draft a working model of how CRISPR-Cas systems and accessory proteins cross talk to establish native CRISPR anti-virus immunity in a Sulfolobales cell.
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23
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Lin J, Fuglsang A, Kjeldsen AL, Sun K, Bhoobalan-Chitty Y, Peng X. DNA targeting by subtype I-D CRISPR-Cas shows type I and type III features. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10470-10478. [PMID: 32960267 PMCID: PMC7544194 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas immune systems are classified into six types based on their effector complexes which cleave dsDNA specifically (types I, II and V), ssRNA exclusively (type VI) or both ssRNA via a ruler mechanism and ssDNA unspecifically (type III). To date, no specific cleavage of ssDNA target has been reported for CRISPR-Cas. Here, we demonstrate dual dsDNA and ssDNA cleavage activities of a subtype I-D system which carries a type III Cas10-like large subunit, Cas10d. In addition to a specific dsDNA cleavage activity dependent on the HD domain of Cas10d, the helicase Cas3' and a compatible protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), the subtype I-D effector complex can cleave ssDNA that is complementary in sequence to the crRNA. Significantly, the ssDNA cleavage sites occur at 6-nt intervals and the cleavage is catalysed by the backbone subunit Csc2 (Cas7), similar to the periodic cleavage of ssRNA by the backbone subunit of type III effectors. The typical type I cleavage of dsDNA combined with the exceptional 6-nt spaced cleavage of ssDNA and the presence of a type III like large subunit provide strong evidence for the subtype I-D system being an evolutionary intermediate between type I and type III CRISPR-Cas systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhong Lin
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anders Fuglsang
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anders Lynge Kjeldsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kaiyan Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Yuvaraj Bhoobalan-Chitty
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Xu Peng
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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24
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CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems in Sulfolobales: genetic studies and molecular mechanisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:678-696. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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25
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All living cells are cognitive. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 564:134-149. [PMID: 32972747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
All living cells sense and respond to changes in external or internal conditions. Without that cognitive capacity, they could not obtain nutrition essential for growth, survive inevitable ecological changes, or correct accidents in the complex processes of reproduction. Wherever examined, even the smallest living cells (prokaryotes) display sophisticated regulatory networks establishing appropriate adaptations to stress conditions that maximize the probability of survival. Supposedly "simple" prokaryotic organisms also display remarkable capabilities for intercellular signalling and multicellular coordination. These observations indicate that all living cells are cognitive.
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Garrett S, Shiimori M, Watts EA, Clark L, Graveley BR, Terns MP. Primed CRISPR DNA uptake in Pyrococcus furiosus. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6120-6135. [PMID: 32421777 PMCID: PMC7293040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems are used by prokaryotes to defend against invaders like viruses and other mobile genetic elements. Immune memories are stored in the form of 'spacers' which are short DNA sequences that are captured from invaders and added to the CRISPR array during a process called 'adaptation'. Spacers are transcribed and the resulting CRISPR (cr)RNAs assemble with different Cas proteins to form effector complexes that recognize matching nucleic acid and destroy it ('interference'). Adaptation can be 'naïve', i.e. independent of any existing spacer matches, or it can be 'primed', i.e. spurred by the crRNA-mediated detection of a complete or partial match to an invader sequence. Here we show that primed adaptation occurs in Pyrococcus furiosus. Although P. furiosus has three distinct CRISPR-Cas interference systems (I-B, I-A and III-B), only the I-B system and Cas3 were necessary for priming. Cas4, which is important for selection and processing of new spacers in naïve adaptation, was also essential for priming. Loss of either the I-B effector proteins or Cas3 reduced naïve adaptation. However, when Cas3 and all crRNP genes were deleted, uptake of correctly processed spacers was observed, indicating that none of these interference proteins are necessary for naïve adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Garrett
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Masami Shiimori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Watts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Landon Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Brenton R Graveley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Michael P Terns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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The CARF Protein MM_0565 Affects Transcription of the Casposon-Encoded cas1-solo Gene in Methanosarcina mazei Gö1. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081161. [PMID: 32784796 PMCID: PMC7465815 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) loci are found in bacterial and archaeal genomes where they provide the molecular machinery for acquisition of immunity against foreign DNA. In addition to the cas genes fundamentally required for CRISPR activity, a second class of genes is associated with the CRISPR loci, of which many have no reported function in CRISPR-mediated immunity. Here, we characterize MM_0565 associated to the type I-B CRISPR-locus of Methanosarcina mazei Gö1. We show that purified MM_0565 composed of a CRISPR-Cas Associated Rossmann Fold (CARF) and a winged helix-turn-helix domain forms a dimer in solution; in vivo, the dimeric MM_0565 is strongly stabilized under high salt stress. While direct effects on CRISPR-Cas transcription were not detected by genetic approaches, specific binding of MM_0565 to the leader region of both CRISPR-Cas systems was observed by microscale thermophoresis and electromobility shift assays. Moreover, overexpression of MM_0565 strongly induced transcription of the cas1-solo gene located in the recently reported casposon, the gene product of which shows high similarity to classical Cas1 proteins. Based on our findings, and taking the absence of the expressed CRISPR locus-encoded Cas1 protein into account, we hypothesize that MM_0565 might modulate the activity of the CRISPR systems on different levels.
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Zavarzina DG, Zhilina TN, Kostrikina NA, Toshchakov SV, Kublanov IV. Isachenkonia alkalipeptolytica gen. nov. sp. nov., a new anaerobic, alkaliphilic proteolytic bacterium capable of reducing Fe(III) and sulfur. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:4730-4738. [PMID: 32697189 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An obligately alkaliphilic, anaerobic, proteolytic bacterium was isolated from a sample of Tanatar III soda lake sediment (Altai region, Russia) and designated as strain Z-1701T. Cells of strain Z-1701T were short, straight, motile Gram-stain-positive rods. Growth of Z-1701T obligately depended on the presence of sodium carbonate. Strain Z-1701T could utilize various peptides mixtures, such as beef and yeast extracts, peptone, soytone, trypticase and tryptone, as well as such proteins as albumin, gelatin and sodium caseinate. It was able to grow oligotrophically with 0.02 g l-1 yeast extract as the sole energy and carbon source. Carbohydrates did not support the growth of strain Z-1701T. The main products released during the growth of strain Z-1701T on tryptone were formate, acetate and ammonium. Strain Z-1701T was able to reduce ferrihydrite, Fe(III)-EDTA, anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate and elemental sulfur, using proteinaceous substrates as electron donors. In all cases the presence of the electron acceptor in the medium stimulated growth. The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 aldehyde, iso-C15 : 1 ω6, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 aldehyde, C16 : 0 aldehyde and C14 : 0. The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 43.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated alignment of 120 protein-marker sequences revealed that strain Z-1701T falls into a cluster with the genus Tindallia, family Clostridiaceae. 16S rRNA gene sequence identity between strain Z-1701T and Tindallia species were 88.3-89.75 %. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic position, the novel isolate is considered to be a representative of a novel genus and species for which the name Isachenkonia alkalipeptolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with Z-1701T (=JCM 32929Т=DSM 109060Т=VKM B-3261Т) as its type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria G Zavarzina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology of Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60-let Oktyabrya prospect 7/2, 117312, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana N Zhilina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology of Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60-let Oktyabrya prospect 7/2, 117312, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadegda A Kostrikina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology of Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60-let Oktyabrya prospect 7/2, 117312, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan V Toshchakov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology of Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60-let Oktyabrya prospect 7/2, 117312, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V Kublanov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology of Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60-let Oktyabrya prospect 7/2, 117312, Moscow, Russia
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Rosenblum D, Gutkin A, Dammes N, Peer D. Progress and challenges towards CRISPR/Cas clinical translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 154-155:176-186. [PMID: 32659256 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas systems (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) have emerged as powerful tools to manipulate the genome for both research and therapeutic purposes. However, the clinical use of this system is hindered by multiple challenges, such as the rate of off-target effects, editing efficiency, the efficacy of HDR, immunogenicity, as well as development of efficient and safe delivery vehicles that can carry these compounds. Tremendous efforts are being conducted to overcome these challenges, including the discovery and engineering of more precise and efficacious Cas nucleases. Moreover, in recent years multiple viral and non-viral delivery approaches have been explored for in vivo delivery of CRISPR components. Here, we summarize the available CRISPR/Cas toolbox for genome editing as well as the recently developed in vivo delivery vehicles for CRISPR/Cas system. Furthermore, we discuss the remaining challenges for successful clinical translation of this system and highlight the current clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rosenblum
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Gutkin
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Niels Dammes
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Padilha VA, Alkhnbashi OS, Shah SA, de Carvalho ACPLF, Backofen R. CRISPRcasIdentifier: Machine learning for accurate identification and classification of CRISPR-Cas systems. Gigascience 2020; 9:giaa062. [PMID: 32556168 PMCID: PMC7298778 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR-Cas genes are extraordinarily diverse and evolve rapidly when compared to other prokaryotic genes. With the rapid increase in newly sequenced archaeal and bacterial genomes, manual identification of CRISPR-Cas systems is no longer viable. Thus, an automated approach is required for advancing our understanding of the evolution and diversity of these systems and for finding new candidates for genome engineering in eukaryotic models. RESULTS We introduce CRISPRcasIdentifier, a new machine learning-based tool that combines regression and classification models for the prediction of potentially missing proteins in instances of CRISPR-Cas systems and the prediction of their respective subtypes. In contrast to other available tools, CRISPRcasIdentifier can both detect cas genes and extract potential association rules that reveal functional modules for CRISPR-Cas systems. In our experimental benchmark on the most recently published and comprehensive CRISPR-Cas system dataset, CRISPRcasIdentifier was compared with recent and state-of-the-art tools. According to the experimental results, CRISPRcasIdentifier presented the best Cas protein identification and subtype classification performance. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our tool greatly extends the classification of CRISPR cassettes and, for the first time, predicts missing Cas proteins and association rules between Cas proteins. Additionally, we investigated the properties of CRISPR subtypes. The proposed tool relies not only on the knowledge of manual CRISPR annotation but also on models trained using machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Padilha
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense 400, São Carlos, SP, 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Omer S Alkhnbashi
- Bioinformatics Group, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- COPSAC, Copenhagen University Hospitals Herlev and Gentofte, Ledreborg Alle 34, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark
| | - André C P L F de Carvalho
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense 400, São Carlos, SP, 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Rolf Backofen
- Bioinformatics Group, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 106, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Peng X, Mayo-Muñoz D, Bhoobalan-Chitty Y, Martínez-Álvarez L. Anti-CRISPR Proteins in Archaea. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:913-921. [PMID: 32499102 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins are natural inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas immune systems. To date, Acrs inhibiting types I, II, III, V, and VI CRISPR-Cas systems have been characterized. While most known Acrs are derived from bacterial phages and prophages, very few have been characterized in the domain Archaea, despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of CRISPR-Cas in archaeal cells. Here we summarize the discovery and characterization of the archaeal Acrs with the representatives encoded by a model archaeal virus, Sulfolobus islandicus rod-shaped virus 2 (SIRV2). AcrID1 inhibits subtype I-D CRISPR-Cas immunity through direct interaction with the large subunit Cas10d of the effector complex, and AcrIIIB1 inhibits subtype III-B CRISPR-Cas immunity through a mechanism interfering with middle/late gene targeting. Future development of efficient screening methods will be key to uncovering the diversity of archaeal Acrs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Peng
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - David Mayo-Muñoz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Francisella novicida CRISPR-Cas Systems Can Functionally Complement Each Other in DNA Defense while Providing Target Flexibility. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00670-19. [PMID: 32284320 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00670-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are prokaryotic adaptive immune systems that facilitate protection of bacteria and archaea against infection by external mobile genetic elements. The model pathogen Francisella novicida encodes a CRISPR-Cas12a (FnoCas12a) system and a CRISPR-Cas9 (FnoCas9) system, the latter of which has an additional and noncanonical function in bacterial virulence. Here, we investigated and compared the functional roles of the FnoCas12a and FnoCas9 systems in transformation inhibition and bacterial virulence. Unlike FnoCas9, FnoCas12a was not required for F. novicida virulence. However, both systems were highly effective at plasmid restriction and acted independently of each other. We further identified a critical protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) necessary for transformation inhibition by FnoCas12a, demonstrating a greater flexibility for target identification by FnoCas12a than previously appreciated and a specificity that is distinct from that of FnoCas9. The effectors of the two systems exhibited different patterns of expression at the mRNA level, suggesting that they may confer distinct benefits to the bacterium in diverse environments. These data suggest that due to the differences between the two CRISPR-Cas systems, together they may provide F. novicida with a more comprehensive defense against foreign nucleic acids. Finally, we demonstrated that the FnoCas12a and FnoCas9 machineries could be simultaneously engineered to restrict the same nonnative target, thereby expanding the toolset for prokaryotic genome manipulation.IMPORTANCE CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cas12a systems have been widely commandeered for genome engineering. However, they originate in prokaryotes, where they function as adaptive immune systems. The details of this activity and relationship between these systems within native host organisms have been minimally explored. The human pathogen Francisella novicida contains both of these systems, with the Cas9 system also exhibiting a second activity, modulating virulence through transcriptional regulation. We compared and contrasted the ability of these two systems to control virulence and restrict DNA within their native host bacterium, highlighting differences and similarities in these two functions. Collectively, our results indicate that these two distinct and reprogrammable endogenous systems provide F. novicida with a more comprehensive defense against mobile genetic elements.
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Makarova KS, Karamycheva S, Shah SA, Vestergaard G, Garrett RA, Koonin EV. Predicted highly derived class 1 CRISPR-Cas system in Haloarchaea containing diverged Cas5 and Cas7 homologs but no CRISPR array. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2020; 366:5472869. [PMID: 30993331 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening of genomic and metagenomic databases for new variants of CRISPR-Cas systems increasingly results in the discovery of derived variants that do not seem to possess the interference capacity and are implicated in functions distinct from adaptive immunity. We describe an extremely derived putative class 1 CRISPR-Cas system that is present in many Halobacteria and consists of distant homologs of the Cas5 and Cas7 protein along with an uncharacterized conserved protein and various nucleases. We hypothesize that, although this system lacks typical CRISPR effectors or a CRISPR array, it functions as a RNA-dependent defense mechanism that, unlike other derived CRISPR-Cas, utilizes alternative nucleases to cleave invader genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Svetlana Karamycheva
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Danish Archaea Centre, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, Copenhagen , DK-2200 Denmark
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 1, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Roger A Garrett
- Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Danish Archaea Centre, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, Copenhagen , DK-2200 Denmark
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
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Abstract
CRISPR-Cas, the bacterial and archaeal adaptive immunity systems, encompass a complex machinery that integrates fragments of foreign nucleic acids, mostly from mobile genetic elements (MGE), into CRISPR arrays embedded in microbial genomes. Transcripts of the inserted segments (spacers) are employed by CRISPR-Cas systems as guide (g)RNAs for recognition and inactivation of the cognate targets. The CRISPR-Cas systems consist of distinct adaptation and effector modules whose evolutionary trajectories appear to be at least partially independent. Comparative genome analysis reveals the origin of the adaptation module from casposons, a distinct type of transposons, which employ a homologue of Cas1 protein, the integrase responsible for the spacer incorporation into CRISPR arrays, as the transposase. The origin of the effector module(s) is far less clear. The CRISPR-Cas systems are partitioned into two classes, class 1 with multisubunit effectors, and class 2 in which the effector consists of a single, large protein. The class 2 effectors originate from nucleases encoded by different MGE, whereas the origin of the class 1 effector complexes remains murky. However, the recent discovery of a signalling pathway built into the type III systems of class 1 might offer a clue, suggesting that type III effector modules could have evolved from a signal transduction system involved in stress-induced programmed cell death. The subsequent evolution of the class 1 effector complexes through serial gene duplication and displacement, primarily of genes for proteins containing RNA recognition motif domains, can be hypothetically reconstructed. In addition to the multiple contributions of MGE to the evolution of CRISPR-Cas, the reverse flow of information is notable, namely, recruitment of minimalist variants of CRISPR-Cas systems by MGE for functions that remain to be elucidated. Here, we attempt a synthesis of the diverse threads that shed light on CRISPR-Cas origins and evolution. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The ecology and evolution of prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine , Bethesda, MD 20894 , USA
| | - Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine , Bethesda, MD 20894 , USA
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Pinilla-Redondo R, Mayo-Muñoz D, Russel J, Garrett RA, Randau L, Sørensen SJ, Shah SA. Type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are highly diverse and involved in competition between plasmids. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2000-2012. [PMID: 31879772 PMCID: PMC7038947 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immune functions against viruses and other genetic parasites. In contrast to all other types of CRISPR-Cas systems, type IV has remained largely overlooked. Here, we describe a previously uncharted diversity of type IV gene cassettes, primarily encoded by plasmid-like elements from diverse prokaryotic taxa. Remarkably, via a comprehensive analysis of their CRISPR spacer content, these systems were found to exhibit a strong bias towards the targeting of other plasmids. Our data indicate that the functions of type IV systems have diverged from those of other host-related CRISPR-Cas immune systems to adopt a role in mediating conflicts between plasmids. Furthermore, we find evidence for cross-talk between certain type IV and type I CRISPR-Cas systems that co-exist intracellularly, thus providing a simple answer to the enigmatic absence of type IV adaptation modules. Collectively, our results lead to the expansion and reclassification of type IV systems and provide novel insights into the biological function and evolution of these elusive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technological Educations, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Mayo-Muñoz
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roger A Garrett
- Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lennart Randau
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 34, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
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36
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Alkhnbashi OS, Meier T, Mitrofanov A, Backofen R, Voß B. CRISPR-Cas bioinformatics. Methods 2020; 172:3-11. [PMID: 31326596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated proteins (Cas) are essential genetic elements in many archaeal and bacterial genomes, playing a key role in a prokaryote adaptive immune system against invasive foreign elements. In recent years, the CRISPR-Cas system has also been engineered to facilitate target gene editing in eukaryotic genomes. Bioinformatics played an essential role in the detection and analysis of CRISPR systems and here we review the bioinformatics-based efforts that pushed the field of CRISPR-Cas research further. We discuss the bioinformatics tools that have been published over the last few years and, finally, present the most popular tools for the design of CRISPR-Cas9 guides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Meier
- Computational Biology, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | | | - Rolf Backofen
- Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Björn Voß
- Computational Biology, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Makarova KS, Wolf YI, Iranzo J, Shmakov SA, Alkhnbashi OS, Brouns SJJ, Charpentier E, Cheng D, Haft DH, Horvath P, Moineau S, Mojica FJM, Scott D, Shah SA, Siksnys V, Terns MP, Venclovas Č, White MF, Yakunin AF, Yan W, Zhang F, Garrett RA, Backofen R, van der Oost J, Barrangou R, Koonin EV. Evolutionary classification of CRISPR–Cas systems: a burst of class 2 and derived variants. Nat Rev Microbiol 2019; 18:67-83. [DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 797] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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38
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Watanabe S, Cui B, Kiga K, Aiba Y, Tan XE, Sato'o Y, Kawauchi M, Boonsiri T, Thitiananpakorn K, Taki Y, Li FY, Azam AH, Nakada Y, Sasahara T, Cui L. Composition and Diversity of CRISPR-Cas13a Systems in the Genus Leptotrichia. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2838. [PMID: 31921024 PMCID: PMC6914741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas13a, previously known as CRISPR-C2c2, is the most recently identified RNA-guided RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas system that has the unique characteristics of both targeted and collateral single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) cleavage activities. This system was first identified in Leptotrichia shahii. Here, the complete whole genome sequences of 11 Leptotrichia strains were determined and compared with 18 publicly available Leptotrichia genomes in regard to the composition, occurrence and diversity of the CRISPR-Cas13a, and other CRISPR-Cas systems. Various types of CRISPR-Cas systems were found to be unevenly distributed among the Leptotrichia genomes, including types I-B (10/29, 34.4%), II-C (1/29, 2.6%), III-A (6/29, 15.4%), III-D (6/29, 15.4%), III-like (3/29, 7.7%), and VI-A (11/29, 37.9%), while 8 strains (20.5%) had no CRISPR-Cas system at all. The Cas13a effectors were found to be highly divergent with amino acid sequence similarities ranging from 61% to 90% to that of L. shahii, but their collateral ssRNA cleavage activities leading to impediment of bacterial growth were conserved. CRISPR-Cas spacers represent a sequential achievement of former intruder encounters, and the retained spacers reflect the evolutionary phylogeny or relatedness of strains. Analysis of spacer contents and numbers among Leptotrichia species showed considerable diversity with only 4.4% of spacers (40/889) were shared by two strains. The organization and distribution of CRISPR-Cas systems (type I-VI) encoded by all registered Leptotrichia species revealed that effector or spacer sequences of the CRISPR-Cas systems were very divergent, and the prevalence of types I, III, and VI was almost equal. There was only one strain carrying type II, while none carried type IV or V. These results provide new insights into the characteristics and divergences of CRISPR-Cas systems among Leptotrichia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Watanabe
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Bintao Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kiga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Aiba
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Xin-Ee Tan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato'o
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Moriyuki Kawauchi
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tanit Boonsiri
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kanate Thitiananpakorn
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Taki
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Fen-Yu Li
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Aa Haeruman Azam
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yumi Nakada
- Division of Clinical Laboratory, Tottori University Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Teppei Sasahara
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Han W, Stella S, Zhang Y, Guo T, Sulek K, Peng-Lundgren L, Montoya G, She Q. A Type III-B Cmr effector complex catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic oligoadenylate second messengers by cooperative substrate binding. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:10319-10330. [PMID: 30239876 PMCID: PMC6212834 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Type III-A CRISPR-Cas systems were found to catalyze the synthesis of cyclic oligoadenylates (cOAs), a second messenger that specifically activates Csm6, a Cas accessory RNase and confers antiviral defense in bacteria. To test if III-B CRISPR-Cas systems could mediate a similar CRISPR signaling pathway, the Sulfolobus islandicus Cmr-α ribonucleoprotein complex (Cmr-α-RNP) was purified from the native host and tested for cOA synthesis. We found that the system showed a robust production of cyclic tetra-adenylate (c-A4), and that c-A4 functions as a second messenger to activate the III-B-associated RNase Csx1 by binding to its CRISPR-associated Rossmann Fold domain. Investigation of the kinetics of cOA synthesis revealed that Cmr-α-RNP displayed positively cooperative binding to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) substrate. Furthermore, mutagenesis of conserved domains in Cmr2α confirmed that, while Palm 2 hosts the active site of cOA synthesis, Palm 1 domain serves as the primary site in the enzyme-substrate interaction. Together, our data suggest that the two Palm domains cooperatively interact with ATP molecules to achieve a robust cOA synthesis by the III-B CRISPR-Cas system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Stefano Stella
- Structural Molecular Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tong Guo
- Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Karolina Sulek
- Clinical Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Li Peng-Lundgren
- Protein Production and Characterization Platform, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Guillermo Montoya
- Structural Molecular Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Qunxin She
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Archaea Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
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40
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Chai G, Yu M, Jiang L, Duan Y, Huang J. HMMCAS: A Web Tool for the Identification and Domain Annotations of CAS Proteins. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2019; 16:1313-1315. [PMID: 28186905 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2017.2665542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) adaptive immune systems are discovered in many bacteria and most archaea. These systems are encoded by cas (CRISPR-associated) operons that have an extremely diverse architecture. The most crucial step in the depiction of cas operons composition is the identification of cas genes or Cas proteins. With the continuous increase of the newly sequenced archaeal and bacterial genomes, the recognition of new Cas proteins is becoming possible, which not only provides candidates for novel genome editing tools but also helps to understand the prokaryotic immune system better. Here, we describe HMMCAS, a web service for the detection of CRISPR-associated structural and functional domains in protein sequences. HMMCAS uses hmmscan similarity search algorithm in HMMER3.1 to provide a fast, interactive service based on a comprehensive collection of hidden Markov models of Cas protein family. It can accurately identify the Cas proteins including those fusion proteins, for example the Cas1-Cas4 fusion protein in Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum B (Cab. thermophilum B). HMMCAS can also find putative cas operon and determine which type it belongs to. HMMCAS is freely available at http://i.uestc.edu.cn/hmmcas.
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Abstract
Abstract
The development of clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas systems for genome editing has transformed the way life science research is conducted and holds enormous potential for the treatment of disease as well as for many aspects of biotechnology. Here, I provide a personal perspective on the development of CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing within the broader context of the field and discuss our work to discover novel Cas effectors and develop them into additional molecular tools. The initial demonstration of Cas9-mediated genome editing launched the development of many other technologies, enabled new lines of biological inquiry, and motivated a deeper examination of natural CRISPR-Cas systems, including the discovery of new types of CRISPR-Cas systems. These new discoveries in turn spurred further technological developments. I review these exciting discoveries and technologies as well as provide an overview of the broad array of applications of these technologies in basic research and in the improvement of human health. It is clear that we are only just beginning to unravel the potential within microbial diversity, and it is quite likely that we will continue to discover other exciting phenomena, some of which it may be possible to repurpose as molecular technologies. The transformation of mysterious natural phenomena to powerful tools, however, takes a collective effort to discover, characterize, and engineer them, and it has been a privilege to join the numerous researchers who have contributed to this transformation of CRISPR-Cas systems.
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Verma R, Sahu R, Singh DD, Egbo TE. A CRISPR/Cas9 based polymeric nanoparticles to treat/inhibit microbial infections. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 96:44-52. [PMID: 30986568 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The latest breakthrough towards the adequate and decisive methods of gene editing tools provided by CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/CRISPR Associated System), has been repurposed into a tool for genetically engineering eukaryotic cells and now considered as the major innovation in gene-related disorders. Nanotechnology has provided an alternate way to overcome the conventional problems where methods to deliver therapeutic agents have failed. The use of nanotechnology has the potential to safe-side the CRISPR/Cas9 components delivery by using customized polymeric nanoparticles for safety and efficacy. The pairing of two (CRISPR/Cas9 and nanotechnology) has the potential for opening new avenues in therapeutic use. In this review, we will discuss the most recent advances in developing nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing cargo delivery with a focus on several polymeric nanoparticles including fabrication proposals to combat microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Verma
- Center for Nanobiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Rajnish Sahu
- Center for Nanobiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Desh Deepak Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303002, India
| | - Timothy E Egbo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
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Babačić H, Mehta A, Merkel O, Schoser B. CRISPR-cas gene-editing as plausible treatment of neuromuscular and nucleotide-repeat-expansion diseases: A systematic review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212198. [PMID: 30794581 PMCID: PMC6386526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The system of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (cas) is a new technology that allows easier manipulation of the genome. Its potential to edit genes opened a new door in treatment development for incurable neurological monogenic diseases (NMGDs). The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings on the current development of CRISPR-cas for therapeutic purposes in the most frequent NMGDs and provide critical assessment. METHODS AND DATA ACQUISITION We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, looking for original studies on the use of CRISPR-cas to edit pathogenic variants in models of the most frequent NMGDs, until end of 2017. We included all the studies that met the following criteria: 1. Peer-reviewed study report with explicitly described experimental designs; 2. In vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo study using human or other animal biological systems (including cells, tissues, organs, organisms); 3. focusing on CRISPR as the gene-editing method of choice; and 5. featured at least one NMGD. RESULTS We obtained 404 papers from MEDLINE and 513 from EMBASE. After removing the duplicates, we screened 490 papers by title and abstract and assessed them for eligibility. After reading 50 full-text papers, we finally selected 42 for the review. DISCUSSION Here we give a systematic summary on the preclinical development of CRISPR-cas for therapeutic purposes in NMGDs. Furthermore, we address the clinical interpretability of the findings, giving a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) paves the way forward, with 26 out of 42 studies reporting different strategies on DMD gene editing in different models of the disease. Most of the strategies aimed for permanent exon skipping by deletion with CRISPR-cas. Successful silencing of the mHTT gene with CRISPR-cas led to successful reversal of the neurotoxic effects in the striatum of mouse models of Huntington's disease. Many other strategies have been explored, including epigenetic regulation of gene expression, in cellular and animal models of: myotonic dystrophy, Fraxile X syndrome, ataxias, and other less frequent dystrophies. Still, before even considering the clinical application of CRISPR-cas, three major bottlenecks need to be addressed: efficacy, safety, and delivery of the systems. This requires a collaborative approach in the research community, while having ethical considerations in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Babačić
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail: (BS); (HB)
| | - Aditi Mehta
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia Merkel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail: (BS); (HB)
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44
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O'Connell MR. Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Targeting by Cas13-containing Type VI CRISPR-Cas Systems. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:66-87. [PMID: 29940185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prokaryotic adaptive immune systems use Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins for RNA-guided cleavage of foreign genetic elements. The focus of this review, Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems, contain a single protein, Cas13 (formerly C2c2) that when assembled with a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) forms a crRNA-guided RNA-targeting effector complex. Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems can be divided into four subtypes (A-D) based on Cas13 phylogeny. All Cas13 proteins studied to date possess two enzymatically distinct ribonuclease activities that are required for optimal interference. One RNase is responsible for pre-crRNA processing to form mature Type VI interference complexes, while the other RNase activity provided by the two Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide-binding (HEPN) domains, is required for degradation of target-RNA during viral interference. In this review, I will compare and contrast what is known about the molecular architecture and behavior of Type VI (A-D) CRISPR-Cas13 interference complexes, how this allows them to carry out their RNA-targeting function, how Type VI accessory proteins are able to modulate Cas13 activity, and how together all of these features have led to the rapid development of a range of RNA-targeting applications. Throughout I will also discuss some of the outstanding questions regarding Cas13's molecular behavior, and its role in bacterial adaptive immunity and RNA-targeting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R O'Connell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Clouet-d'Orval B, Batista M, Bouvier M, Quentin Y, Fichant G, Marchfelder A, Maier LK. Insights into RNA-processing pathways and associated RNA-degrading enzymes in Archaea. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:579-613. [PMID: 29684129 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-processing pathways are at the centre of regulation of gene expression. All RNA transcripts undergo multiple maturation steps in addition to covalent chemical modifications to become functional in the cell. This includes destroying unnecessary or defective cellular RNAs. In Archaea, information on mechanisms by which RNA species reach their mature forms and associated RNA-modifying enzymes are still fragmentary. To date, most archaeal actors and pathways have been proposed in light of information gathered from Bacteria and Eukarya. In this context, this review provides a state of the art overview of archaeal endoribonucleases and exoribonucleases that cleave and trim RNA species and also of the key small archaeal proteins that bind RNAs. Furthermore, synthetic up-to-date views of processing and biogenesis pathways of archaeal transfer and ribosomal RNAs as well as of maturation of stable small non-coding RNAs such as CRISPR RNAs, small C/D and H/ACA box guide RNAs, and other emerging classes of small RNAs are described. Finally, prospective post-transcriptional mechanisms to control archaeal messenger RNA quality and quantity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Clouet-d'Orval
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Manon Batista
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Bouvier
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Quentin
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Gwennaele Fichant
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
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Mohr G, Silas S, Stamos JL, Makarova KS, Markham LM, Yao J, Lucas-Elío P, Sanchez-Amat A, Fire AZ, Koonin EV, Lambowitz AM. A Reverse Transcriptase-Cas1 Fusion Protein Contains a Cas6 Domain Required for Both CRISPR RNA Biogenesis and RNA Spacer Acquisition. Mol Cell 2018; 72:700-714.e8. [PMID: 30344094 PMCID: PMC6242336 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive immunity by integrating portions of foreign nucleic acids (spacers) into genomic CRISPR arrays. Cas6 proteins then process CRISPR array transcripts into spacer-derived RNAs (CRISPR RNAs; crRNAs) that target Cas nucleases to matching invaders. We find that a Marinomonas mediterranea fusion protein combines three enzymatic domains (Cas6, reverse transcriptase [RT], and Cas1), which function in both crRNA biogenesis and spacer acquisition from RNA and DNA. We report a crystal structure of this divergent Cas6, identify amino acids required for Cas6 activity, show that the Cas6 domain is required for RT activity and RNA spacer acquisition, and demonstrate that CRISPR-repeat binding to Cas6 regulates RT activity. Co-evolution of putative interacting surfaces suggests a specific structural interaction between the Cas6 and RT domains, and phylogenetic analysis reveals repeated, stable association of free-standing Cas6s with CRISPR RTs in multiple microbial lineages, indicating that a functional interaction between these proteins preceded evolution of the fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Mohr
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sukrit Silas
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer L Stamos
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Laura M Markham
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Patricia Lucas-Elío
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Antonio Sanchez-Amat
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Andrew Z Fire
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Alan M Lambowitz
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Molecular mechanisms of III-B CRISPR–Cas systems in archaea. Emerg Top Life Sci 2018; 2:483-491. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20180023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems provide the adaptive antiviral immunity against invasive genetic elements in archaea and bacteria. These immune systems are divided into at least six different types, among which Type III CRISPR–Cas systems show several distinct antiviral activities as demonstrated from the investigation of bacterial III-A and archaeal III-B systems in the past decade. First, although initial experiments suggested that III-A systems provided DNA interference activity, whereas III-B system was active only in RNA interference, these immune systems were subsequently found to mediate the transcription-dependent DNA interference and the dual DNA/RNA interference. Second, their ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes show target RNA (tgRNA) cleavage by a ruler mechanism and RNA-activated indiscriminate single-stranded DNA cleavage, the latter of which is subjected to spatiotemporal regulation such that the DNase activity occurs only at the right place in the right time. Third, RNPs of Type III systems catalyse the synthesis of cyclic oligoadenylates (cOAs) that function as second messengers to activate Csm6 and Csx1, both of which are potent Cas accessory RNases after activation. To date, Type III CRISPR systems are the only known antiviral immunity that utilizes multiple interference mechanisms for antiviral defence.
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Majumdar S, Terns MP. CRISPR RNA-guided DNA cleavage by reconstituted Type I-A immune effector complexes. Extremophiles 2018; 23:19-33. [PMID: 30284045 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-018-1057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diverse CRISPR-Cas immune systems protect archaea and bacteria from viruses and other mobile genetic elements. All CRISPR-Cas systems ultimately function by sequence-specific destruction of invading complementary nucleic acids. However, each CRISPR system uses compositionally distinct crRNP [CRISPR (cr) RNA/Cas protein] immune effector complexes to recognize and destroy invasive nucleic acids by unique molecular mechanisms. Previously, we found that Type I-A (Csa) effector crRNPs from Pyrococcus furiosus function in vivo to eliminate invader DNA. Here, we reconstituted functional Type I-A effector crRNPs in vitro with recombinant Csa proteins and synthetic crRNA and characterized properties of crRNP assembly, target DNA recognition and cleavage. Six proteins (Csa 4-1, Cas3″, Cas3', Cas5a, Csa2, Csa5) are essential for selective target DNA binding and cleavage. Native gel shift analysis and UV-induced RNA-protein crosslinking demonstrate that Cas5a and Csa2 directly interact with crRNA 5' tag and guide sequences, respectively. Mutational analysis revealed that Cas3″ is the effector nuclease of the complex. Together, our results indicate that DNA cleavage by Type I-A crRNPs requires crRNA-guided and protospacer adjacent motif-dependent target DNA binding to unwind double-stranded DNA and expose single strands for progressive ATP-dependent 3'-5' cleavage catalyzed by integral Cas3' helicase and Cas3″ nuclease crRNP components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Majumdar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michael P Terns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Makarova KS, Wolf YI, Koonin EV. Classification and Nomenclature of CRISPR-Cas Systems: Where from Here? CRISPR J 2018; 1:325-336. [PMID: 31021272 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2018.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As befits an immune mechanism, CRISPR-Cas systems are highly variable with respect to Cas protein sequences, gene composition, and organization of the genomic loci. Optimal classification of CRISPR-Cas systems and rational nomenclature for CRISPR-associated genes are essential for further progress of CRISPR research. These are highly challenging tasks because of the complexity of CRISPR-Cas and their fast evolution, including frequent module shuffling, as well as the lack of universal markers for a consistent evolutionary classification. The complexity and variability of CRISPR-Cas systems necessitate a multipronged approach to classification and nomenclature. We present a brief summary of the current state of the art and discuss further directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira S Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information , National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yuri I Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information , National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information , National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
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50
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Papathanasiou P, Erdmann S, Leon-Sobrino C, Sharma K, Urlaub H, Garrett RA, Peng X. Stable maintenance of the rudivirus SIRV3 in a carrier state in Sulfolobus islandicus despite activation of the CRISPR-Cas immune response by a second virus SMV1. RNA Biol 2018; 16:557-565. [PMID: 30146914 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2018.1511674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carrier state viral infection constitutes an equilibrium state in which a limited fraction of a cellular population is infected while the remaining cells are transiently resistant to infection. This type of infection has been characterized for several bacteriophages but not, to date, for archaeal viruses. Here we demonstrate that the rudivirus SIRV3 can produce a host-dependent carrier state infection in the model crenarchaeon Sulfolobus. SIRV3 only infected a fraction of a Sulfolobus islandicus REY15A culture over several days during which host growth was unimpaired and no chromosomal DNA degradation was observed. CRISPR spacer acquisition from SIRV3 DNA was induced by coinfecting with the monocaudavirus SMV1 and it was coincident with increased transcript levels from subtype I-A adaptation and interference cas genes. However, this response did not significantly affect the carrier state infection of SIRV3 and both viruses were maintained in the culture over 12 days during which SIRV3 anti-CRISPR genes were shown to be expressed. Transcriptome and proteome analyses demonstrated that most SIRV3 genes were expressed at varying levels over time whereas SMV1 gene expression was generally low. The study yields insights into the basis for the stable infection of SIRV3 and the resistance to the different host CRISPR-Cas interference mechanisms. It also provides a rationale for the commonly observed coinfection of archaeal cells by different viruses in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Papathanasiou
- a Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen N , Denmark
| | - Susanne Erdmann
- a Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen N , Denmark.,b ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Carlos Leon-Sobrino
- a Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen N , Denmark.,c Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Department of Genetics , University of Pretoria , Hatfield , South Africa
| | - Kundan Sharma
- d Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry , Am Faßberg 11, D37077 Göttingen , Germany.,e Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Henning Urlaub
- d Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry , Am Faßberg 11, D37077 Göttingen , Germany.,f Bioanalytics Research Group, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Roger A Garrett
- a Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen N , Denmark
| | - Xu Peng
- a Danish Archaea Centre, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen N , Denmark
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