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Apostolopoulos A, Kawamoto N, Chow SYA, Tsuiji H, Ikeuchi Y, Shichino Y, Iwasaki S. dCas13-mediated translational repression for accurate gene silencing in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2205. [PMID: 38467613 PMCID: PMC10928199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46412-7] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Current gene silencing tools based on RNA interference (RNAi) or, more recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‒Cas13 systems have critical drawbacks, such as off-target effects (RNAi) or collateral mRNA cleavage (CRISPR‒Cas13). Thus, a more specific method of gene knockdown is needed. Here, we develop CRISPRδ, an approach for translational silencing, harnessing catalytically inactive Cas13 proteins (dCas13). Owing to its tight association with mRNA, dCas13 serves as a physical roadblock for scanning ribosomes during translation initiation and does not affect mRNA stability. Guide RNAs covering the start codon lead to the highest efficacy regardless of the translation initiation mechanism: cap-dependent, internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent, or repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Strikingly, genome-wide ribosome profiling reveals the ultrahigh gene silencing specificity of CRISPRδ. Moreover, the fusion of a translational repressor to dCas13 further improves the performance. Our method provides a framework for translational repression-based gene silencing in eukaryotes.
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Grants
- JP20H05784 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP21H05278 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP21H05734 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP23H04268 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP20H05786 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- JP23H02415 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20K07016 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP23K05648 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21K15023 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP23KJ2175 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23gm6910005h0001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23gm6910005 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20gm1410001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- Pioneering Projects MEXT | RIKEN
- Pioneering Projects MEXT | RIKEN
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), 23EX601
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Apostolopoulos
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kawamoto
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Siu Yu A Chow
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tsuiji
- Education and Research Division of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8650, Japan
| | - Yoshiho Ikeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shichino
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Shintaro Iwasaki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan.
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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Park SG, Lee HB, Kang S. Development of plug-and-deliverable intracellular protein delivery platforms based on botulinum neurotoxin. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129622. [PMID: 38266854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular protein delivery systems have great potential in the fields of therapeutics development and biomedical research. However, targeted delivery, passing through the cell membrane without damaging the cells, and escaping from endosomal entrapment of endocytosed molecular cargos are major challenges of the system. Here, we present a novel intracellular protein delivery system based on modularly engineered botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A). LHNA domain, consisting of light chain and endosomal escape machinery of BoNT/A, was genetically fused with SpyCatcher (SC) and EGFR targeting affibody (EGFRAfb) to create SC-LHNA-EGFRAfb, a target-specific and protein cargo-switchable BoNT/A-based intracellular protein delivery platform. SC-LHNA-EGFRAfb was purely purified in large quantities, efficiently ligated with multiple ST-fused protein cargos individually, generating a variety of protein cargo-containing intracellular delivery complexes, and successfully delivered ligated protein cargos into the cytosol of target cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, followed by endosomal escape and subsequent cytosolic delivery. SC-LHNA-EGFRAfb enhanced intracellular delivery efficiency of protein toxin, gelonin, by approximately 100-fold, highlighting the crucial roles of EGFRAfb and LHNA domain as a targeting ligand and an endosomal escape machinery, respectively, in the delivery process. The BoNT-based plug-and-deliverable intracellular protein delivery system has the potential to expand its applications in protein therapeutics and manipulating cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Guk Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Bin Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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Wang C, Zhu Y. A programmable protein delivery tool derived from bacterial syringe. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:2125-2127. [PMID: 37625971 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Changguo Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yongqun Zhu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.
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4
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Tian S, Zhou N. Gaining New Insights into Fundamental Biological Pathways by Bacterial Toxin-Based Genetic Screens. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:884. [PMID: 37627769 PMCID: PMC10451959 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screen technology has been applied to study the mechanism of action of bacterial toxins-a special class of virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis caused by bacterial infections. These screens aim to identify host factors that directly or indirectly facilitate toxin intoxication. Additionally, specific properties of certain toxins, such as membrane interaction, retrograde trafficking, and carbohydrate binding, provide robust probes to comprehensively investigate the lipid biosynthesis, membrane vesicle transport, and glycosylation pathways, respectively. This review specifically focuses on recent representative toxin-based genetic screens that have identified new players involved in and provided new insights into fundamental biological pathways, such as glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, protein glycosylation, and membrane vesicle trafficking pathways. Functionally characterizing these newly identified factors not only expands our current understanding of toxin biology but also enables a deeper comprehension of fundamental biological questions. Consequently, it stimulates the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting both bacterial infectious diseases and genetic disorders with defects in these factors and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhai Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nini Zhou
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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Yin L, Thaker H. Cancer Drug Delivery Systems Using Bacterial Toxin Translocation Mechanisms. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:813. [PMID: 37508840 PMCID: PMC10376142 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in targeted cancer therapy hold great promise for both research and clinical applications and push the boundaries in finding new treatments for various currently incurable cancers. However, these therapies require specific cell-targeting mechanisms for the efficient delivery of drug cargo across the cell membrane to reach intracellular targets and avoid diffusion to unwanted tissues. Traditional drug delivery systems suffer from a limited ability to travel across the barriers posed by cell membranes and, therefore, there is a need for high doses, which are associated with adverse reactions and safety concerns. Bacterial toxins have evolved naturally to specifically target cell subtypes via their receptor binding module, penetrating the cell membrane efficiently through the membrane translocation process and then successfully delivering the toxic cargo into the host cytosol. They have, thus, been harnessed for the delivery of various drugs. In this review, we focus on bacterial toxin translocation mechanisms and recent progress in the targeted delivery systems of cancer therapy drugs that have been inspired by the receptor binding and membrane translocation processes of the anthrax toxin protective antigen, diphtheria toxin, and Pseudomonas exotoxin A. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of these studies that should be addressed before bacterial toxin-based drug delivery systems can become a viable new generation of drug delivery approaches in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Yin
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hatim Thaker
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Peng H, Wang J, Chen J, Peng Y, Wang X, Chen Y, Kaplan DL, Wang Q. Challenges and opportunities in delivering oral peptides and proteins. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1349-1369. [PMID: 37450427 PMCID: PMC10990675 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2237408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid advances in bioengineering enable the use of complex proteins as therapeutic agents to treat diseases. Compared with conventional small molecule drugs, proteins have multiple advantages, including high bioactivity and specificity with low toxicity. Developing oral dosage forms with active proteins is a route to improve patient compliance and significantly reduce production costs. However, the gastrointestinal environment remains a challenge to this delivery path due to enzymatic degradation, low permeability, and weak absorption, leading to reduced delivery efficiency and poor clinical outcomes. AREAS COVERED This review describes the barriers to oral delivery of peptides and complex proteins, current oral delivery strategies utilized and the opportunities and challenges ahead to try and circumvent these barriers. Oral protein drugs on the market and clinical trials provide insights and approaches for advancing delivery strategies. EXPERT OPINION Although most current studies on oral protein delivery rely on in vitro and in vivo animal data, the safety and limitations of the approach in humans remain uncertain. The shortage of clinical data limits the development of new or alternative strategies. Therefore, designing appropriate oral delivery strategies remains a significant challenge and requires new ideas, innovative design strategies and novel model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jiahe Wang
- Department of Humanities, Daqing Branch, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yanbo Peng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Rd, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaoxian Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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7
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Tomazini A, Shifman JM. Targeting Ras with protein engineering. Oncotarget 2023; 14:672-687. [PMID: 37395750 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases that regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in Ras genes are associated with many types of cancer, making them attractive targets for cancer therapy. Despite extensive efforts, targeting Ras proteins with small molecules has been extremely challenging due to Ras's mostly flat surface and lack of small molecule-binding cavities. These challenges were recently overcome by the development of the first covalent small-molecule anti-Ras drug, sotorasib, highlighting the efficacy of Ras inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. However, this drug exclusively inhibits the Ras G12C mutant, which is not a prevalent mutation in most cancer types. Unlike the G12C variant, other Ras oncogenic mutants lack reactive cysteines, rendering them unsuitable for targeting via the same strategy. Protein engineering has emerged as a promising method to target Ras, as engineered proteins have the ability to recognize various surfaces with high affinity and specificity. Over the past few years, scientists have engineered antibodies, natural Ras effectors, and novel binding domains to bind to Ras and counteract its carcinogenic activities via a variety of strategies. These include inhibiting Ras-effector interactions, disrupting Ras dimerization, interrupting Ras nucleotide exchange, stimulating Ras interaction with tumor suppressor genes, and promoting Ras degradation. In parallel, significant advancements have been made in intracellular protein delivery, enabling the delivery of the engineered anti-Ras agents into the cellular cytoplasm. These advances offer a promising path for targeting Ras proteins and other challenging drug targets, opening up new opportunities for drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atilio Tomazini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Julia M Shifman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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Wang B, Zhang P, Wang Q, Zou S, Song J, Zhang F, Liu G, Zhang L. Protective Effects of a Jellyfish-Derived Thioredoxin Fused with Cell-Penetrating Peptide TAT-PTD on H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087340. [PMID: 37108504 PMCID: PMC10138494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin (Trx) plays a critical role in maintaining redox balance in various cells and exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether exogenous Trx can inhibit intracellular oxidative damage has not been investigated. In previous study, we have identified a novel Trx from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata, named CcTrx1, and confirmed its antioxidant activities in vitro. Here, we obtained a recombinant protein, PTD-CcTrx1, which is a fusion of CcTrx1 and protein transduction domain (PTD) of HIV TAT protein. The transmembrane ability and antioxidant activities of PTD-CcTrx1, and its protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HaCaT cells were also detected. Our results revealed that PTD-CcTrx1 exhibited specific transmembrane ability and antioxidant activities, and it could significantly attenuate the intracellular oxidative stress, inhibit H2O2-induced apoptosis, and protect HaCaT cells from oxidative damage. The present study provides critical evidence for application of PTD-CcTrx1 as a novel antioxidant to treat skin oxidative damage in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, No. 971 Hospital of the PLA Navy, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Marine Biological Injury and Dermatology, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuaijun Zou
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Juxingsi Song
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fuhai Zhang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Targeting the Inside of Cells with Biologicals: Toxin Routes in a Therapeutic Context. BioDrugs 2023; 37:181-203. [PMID: 36729328 PMCID: PMC9893211 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00580-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Numerous toxins translocate to the cytosol in order to fulfil their function. This demonstrates the existence of routes for proteins from the extracellular space to the cytosol. Understanding these routes is relevant to multiple aspects related to therapeutic applications. These include the development of anti-toxin treatments, the potential use of toxins as shuttles for delivering macromolecular cargo to the cytosol or the use of drugs based on toxins. Compared with other strategies for delivery, such as chemicals as carriers for macromolecular delivery or physical methods like electroporation, toxin routes present paths into the cell that potentially cause less damage and can be specifically targeted. The efficiency of delivery via toxin routes is limited. However, low-delivery efficiencies can be entirely sufficient, if delivered cargoes possess an amplification effect or if very few molecules are sufficient for inducing the desired effects. This is known for example from RNA-based vaccines that have been developed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as well as for other approved RNA-based drugs, which elicited the desired effect despite their typically low delivery efficiencies. The different mechanisms by which toxins enter cells may have implications for their technological utility. We review the mechanistic principles of the translocation pathway of toxins from the extracellular space to the cytosol, the delivery efficiencies, and therapeutic strategies or applications that exploit toxin routes for intracellular delivery.
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Structure and activity of botulinum neurotoxin X. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523524. [PMID: 36712025 PMCID: PMC9882044 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known and are used to treat an increasing number of medical disorders. All BoNTs are naturally co-expressed with a protective partner protein (NTNH) with which they form a 300 kDa complex, to resist acidic and proteolytic attack from the digestive tract. We have previously identified a new botulinum neurotoxin serotype, BoNT/X, that has unique and therapeutically attractive properties. We present the cryo-EM structure of the BoNT/X-NTNH/X complex at 3.1 Å resolution. Unexpectedly, the BoNT/X complex is stable and protease resistant at both neutral and acidic pH and disassembles only in alkaline conditions. Using the stabilizing effect of NTNH, we isolated BoNT/X and showed that it has very low potency both in vitro and in vivo . Given the high catalytic activity and translocation efficacy of BoNT/X, low activity of the full toxin is likely due to the receptor-binding domain, which presents weak ganglioside binding and exposed hydrophobic surfaces.
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Liu L, Pei DS. Insights Gained from RNA Editing Targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 Family. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11400. [PMID: 36232699 PMCID: PMC9569848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, especially type II (Cas9) systems, have been widely developed for DNA targeting and formed a set of mature precision gene-editing systems. However, the basic research and application of the CRISPR-Cas system in RNA is still in its early stages. Recently, the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas13 type VI system has provided the possibility for the expansion of RNA targeting technology, which has broad application prospects. Most type VI Cas13 effectors have dinuclease activity that catalyzes pre-crRNA into mature crRNA and produces strong RNA cleavage activity. Cas13 can specifically recognize targeted RNA fragments to activate the Cas13/crRNA complex for collateral cleavage activity. To date, the Cas13X protein is the smallest effector of the Cas13 family, with 775 amino acids, which is a promising platform for RNA targeting due to its lack of protospacer flanking sequence (PFS) restrictions, ease of packaging, and absence of permanent damage. This study highlighted the latest progress in RNA editing targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 family, and discussed the application of Cas13 in basic research, nucleic acid diagnosis, nucleic acid tracking, and genetic disease treatment. Furthermore, we clarified the structure of the Cas13 protein family and their molecular mechanism, and proposed a future vision of RNA editing targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Closing the Door with CRISPR: Genome Editing of CCR5 and CXCR4 as a Potential Curative Solution for HIV. BIOTECH 2022; 11:biotech11030025. [PMID: 35892930 PMCID: PMC9326690 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can be controlled by anti-retroviral therapy. Suppressing viral replication relies on life-long medication, but anti-retroviral therapy is not without risks to the patient. Therefore, it is important that permanent cures for HIV infection are developed. Three patients have been described to be completely cured from HIV infection in recent years. In all cases, patients received a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation due to a hematological malignancy. The HSCs were sourced from autologous donors that expressed a homozygous mutation in the CCR5 gene. This mutation results in a non-functional receptor, and confers resistance to CCR5-tropic HIV strains that rely on CCR5 to enter host cells. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is one of the methods of choice for gene editing, and the CRISPR/Cas system has been employed to target loci of interest in the context of HIV. Here, the current literature regarding CRISPR-mediated genome editing to render cells resistant to HIV (re)-infection by knocking out the co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 is summarized, and an outlook is provided regarding future (research) directions.
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