1
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Yi H, Yun Y, Choi WH, Hwang HY, Cha JH, Seok H, Song JJ, Lee JH, Lee SY, Kim D. CRISPR-based editing strategies to rectify EYA1 complex genomic rearrangement linked to haploinsufficiency. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102199. [PMID: 38766525 PMCID: PMC11101721 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic structure variations (SVs) are associated with various types of cancer and rare genetic diseases. Recent studies have used Cas9 nuclease with paired guide RNAs (gRNAs) to generate targeted chromosomal rearrangements, focusing on producing fusion proteins that cause cancer, whereas research on precision genome editing for rectifying SVs is limited. In this study, we identified a novel complex genomic rearrangement (CGR), specifically an EYA1 inversion with a deletion, implicated in branchio-oto-renal/branchio-oto syndrome. To address this, two CRISPR-based approaches were tested. First, we used Cas9 nuclease and paired gRNAs tailored to the patient's genome. The dual CRISPR-Cas9 system induced efficient correction of paracentric inversion in patient-derived fibroblast, and effectively restored the expression of EYA1 mRNA and protein, along with its transcriptional activity required to regulate the target gene expression. Additionally, we used CRISPR activation (CRISPRa), which leads to the upregulation of EYA1 mRNA expression in patient-derived fibroblasts. Moreover, CRISPRa significantly improved EYA1 protein expression and transcriptional activity essential for target gene expression. This suggests that CRISPRa-based gene therapies could offer substantial translational potential for approximately 70% of disease-causing EYA1 variants responsible for haploinsufficiency. Our findings demonstrate the potential of CRISPR-guided genome editing for correcting SVs, including those with EYA1 CGR linked to haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwalin Yi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Yun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Won Hoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyuen Cha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Heeyoung Seok
- Department of Transdisciplinary Research and Collaboration, Genomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yeon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, South Korea
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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2
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Patel-Tupper D, Kelikian A, Leipertz A, Maryn N, Tjahjadi M, Karavolias NG, Cho MJ, Niyogi KK. Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of rice PSBS1 noncoding sequences for transgene-free overexpression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm7452. [PMID: 38848363 PMCID: PMC11160471 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding CRISPR-Cas9's capacity to produce native overexpression (OX) alleles would accelerate agronomic gains achievable by gene editing. To generate OX alleles with increased RNA and protein abundance, we leveraged multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis of noncoding sequences upstream of the rice PSBS1 gene. We isolated 120 gene-edited alleles with varying non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity in vivo-from knockout to overexpression-using a high-throughput screening pipeline. Overexpression increased OsPsbS1 protein abundance two- to threefold, matching fold changes obtained by transgenesis. Increased PsbS protein abundance enhanced NPQ capacity and water-use efficiency. Across our resolved genetic variation, we identify the role of 5'UTR indels and inversions in driving knockout/knockdown and overexpression phenotypes, respectively. Complex structural variants, such as the 252-kb duplication/inversion generated here, evidence the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 to facilitate significant genomic changes with negligible off-target transcriptomic perturbations. Our results may inform future gene-editing strategies for hypermorphic alleles and have advanced the pursuit of gene-edited, non-transgenic rice plants with accelerated relaxation of photoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Patel-Tupper
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Armen Kelikian
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anna Leipertz
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nina Maryn
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michelle Tjahjadi
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nicholas G. Karavolias
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Myeong-Je Cho
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Krishna K. Niyogi
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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3
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Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
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4
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Hwang HY, Gim D, Yi H, Jung H, Lee J, Kim D. Precise editing of pathogenic nucleotide repeat expansions in iPSCs using paired prime editor. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae310. [PMID: 38661210 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide repeat expansion disorders, a group of genetic diseases characterized by the expansion of specific DNA sequences, pose significant challenges to treatment and therapy development. Here, we present a precise and programmable method called prime editor-mediated correction of nucleotide repeat expansion (PE-CORE) for correcting pathogenic nucleotide repeat expansion. PE-CORE leverages a prime editor and paired pegRNAs to achieve targeted correction of repeat sequences. We demonstrate the effectiveness of PE-CORE in HEK293T cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Specifically, we focus on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia type, two diseases associated with nucleotide repeat expansion. Our results demonstrate the successful correction of pathogenic expansions in iPSCs and subsequent differentiation into motor neurons. Specifically, we detect distinct downshifts in the size of both the mRNA and protein, confirming the functional correction of the iPSC-derived motor neurons. These findings highlight PE-CORE as a precision tool for addressing the intricate challenges of nucleotide repeat expansion disorders, paving the way for targeted therapies and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Yeon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmin Gim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwalin Yi
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Jung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaecheol Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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5
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Johnson GA, Gould SI, Sánchez-Rivera FJ. Deconstructing cancer with precision genome editing. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:803-819. [PMID: 38629716 PMCID: PMC11088927 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in genome editing technologies are allowing investigators to engineer and study cancer-associated mutations in their endogenous genetic contexts with high precision and efficiency. Of these, base editing and prime editing are quickly becoming gold-standards in the field due to their versatility and scalability. Here, we review the merits and limitations of these precision genome editing technologies, their application to modern cancer research, and speculate how these could be integrated to address future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Johnson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Samuel I. Gould
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Francisco J. Sánchez-Rivera
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
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6
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Zeng H, Daniel TC, Lingineni A, Chee K, Talloo K, Gao X. Recent advances in prime editing technologies and their promises for therapeutic applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103071. [PMID: 38330875 PMCID: PMC10947817 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a groundbreaking genome editing technology offering unparalleled precision in targeted genome modifications and has great potential for therapeutic applications. This review delves into the core principles of PE and emphasizes its advancements, applications, and prospects. We begin with a brief introduction to PE principles, followed by a detailed examination of recent improvements in efficiency, precision, and the scale of feasible edits. These improvements have been made to the PE systems through guide RNA engineering, protein engineering, DNA repair pathway screening, chromosomal or epigenomic modification, and in silico design and optimization tools. Furthermore, we highlight in vivo studies showcasing the therapeutic potential of PE to model and treat genetic diseases. Moreover, we discuss PE's versatile applications in saturation genome editing and its applicability to nonhuman organisms. In conclusion, we address the challenges and opportunities linked with PE, emphasizing its profound impact on biological research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Tyler C Daniel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Ananya Lingineni
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kelly Chee
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Komal Talloo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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7
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Yoon DE, Lee H, Kim K. Recent Research Trends in Stem Cells Using CRISPR/Cas-Based Genome Editing Methods. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:1-14. [PMID: 37904281 PMCID: PMC10899885 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23030] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, a rapidly advancing genome editing technology, allows DNA alterations into the genome of organisms. Gene editing using the CRISPR system enables more precise and diverse editing, such as single nucleotide conversion, precise knock-in of target sequences or genes, chromosomal rearrangement, or gene disruption by simple cutting. Moreover, CRISPR systems comprising transcriptional activators/repressors can be used for epigenetic regulation without DNA damage. Stem cell DNA engineering based on gene editing tools has enormous potential to provide clues regarding the pathogenesis of diseases and to study the mechanisms and treatments of incurable diseases. Here, we review the latest trends in stem cell research using various CRISPR/Cas technologies and discuss their future prospects in treating various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Eun Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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9
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Vu TV, Nguyen NT, Kim J, Hong JC, Kim J. Prime editing: Mechanism insight and recent applications in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:19-36. [PMID: 37794706 PMCID: PMC10754014 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) technology utilizes an extended prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to direct a fusion peptide consisting of nCas9 (H840) and reverse transcriptase (RT) to a specific location in the genome. This enables the installation of base changes at the targeted site using the extended portion of the pegRNA through RT activity. The resulting product of the RT reaction forms a 3' flap, which can be incorporated into the genomic site through a series of biochemical steps involving DNA repair and synthesis pathways. PE has demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving almost all forms of precise gene editing, such as base conversions (all types), DNA sequence insertions and deletions, chromosomal translocation and inversion and long DNA sequence insertion at safe harbour sites within the genome. In plant science, PE could serve as a groundbreaking tool for precise gene editing, allowing the creation of desired alleles to improve crop varieties. Nevertheless, its application has encountered limitations due to efficiency constraints, particularly in dicotyledonous plants. In this review, we discuss the step-by-step mechanism of PE, shedding light on the critical aspects of each step while suggesting possible solutions to enhance its efficiency. Additionally, we present an overview of recent advancements and future perspectives in PE research specifically focused on plants, examining the key technical considerations of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien V. Vu
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Ngan Thi Nguyen
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jihae Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
| | - Jae‐Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research CenterGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Division of Life ScienceGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuKorea
- Nulla Bio Inc.JinjuKorea
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10
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Yu X, Huo G, Yu J, Li H, Li J. Prime editing: Its systematic optimization and current applications in disease treatment and agricultural breeding. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127025. [PMID: 37769783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127025] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome-editing technology has accelerated the development of the life sciences. Prime editing has raised genome editing to a new level because it allows for all 12 types of base substitutions, targeted insertions and deletions, large DNA fragment integration, and even combinations of these edits without generating DNA double-strand breaks. This versatile and game-changing technology has successfully been applied to human cells and plants, and it currently plays important roles in basic research, gene therapy, and crop breeding. Although prime editing has substantially expanded the range of possibilities for genome editing, its efficiency requires improvement. In this review, we briefly introduce prime editing and highlight recent optimizations that have improved the efficiency of prime editors. We also describe how the dual-pegRNA strategy has expanded current editing capabilities, and we summarize the potential of prime editing in treating mammalian diseases and improving crop breeding. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current prime editors and future prospects for optimizing these editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Guanzhong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jintai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; College of Modern Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China.
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11
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Fu Y, He X, Gao XD, Li F, Ge S, Yang Z, Fan X. Prime editing: current advances and therapeutic opportunities in human diseases. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:3278-3291. [PMID: 37973465 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing ushers in a new era of disease treatment since many genetic diseases are caused by base-pair mutations in genomic DNA. With the rapid development of genome editing technology, novel editing tools such as base editing and prime editing (PE) have attracted public attention, heralding a great leap forward in this field. PE, in particular, is characterized by no need for double-strand breaks (DSBs) or homology sequence templates with variable application scenarios, including point mutations as well as insertions or deletions. With higher editing efficiency and fewer byproducts than traditional editing tools, PE holds great promise as a therapeutic strategy for human diseases. Subsequently, a growing demand for the standard construction of PE system has spawned numerous easy-to-access internet resources and tools for personalized prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) design and off-target site prediction. In this review, we mainly introduce the innovation and evolutionary strategy of PE systems and the auxiliary tools for PE design and analysis. Additionally, its application and future potential in the clinical field have been summarized and envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidian Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xin D Gao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge MA 02141, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
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12
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Koeppel J, Weller J, Peets EM, Pallaseni A, Kuzmin I, Raudvere U, Peterson H, Liberante FG, Parts L. Prediction of prime editing insertion efficiencies using sequence features and DNA repair determinants. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1446-1456. [PMID: 36797492 PMCID: PMC10567557 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01678-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Most short sequences can be precisely written into a selected genomic target using prime editing; however, it remains unclear what factors govern insertion. We design a library of 3,604 sequences of various lengths and measure the frequency of their insertion into four genomic sites in three human cell lines, using different prime editor systems in varying DNA repair contexts. We find that length, nucleotide composition and secondary structure of the insertion sequence all affect insertion rates. We also discover that the 3' flap nucleases TREX1 and TREX2 suppress the insertion of longer sequences. Combining the sequence and repair features into a machine learning model, we can predict relative frequency of insertions into a site with R = 0.70. Finally, we demonstrate how our accurate prediction and user-friendly software help choose codon variants of common fusion tags that insert at high efficiency, and provide a catalog of empirically determined insertion rates for over a hundred useful sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ivan Kuzmin
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Uku Raudvere
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hedi Peterson
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Leopold Parts
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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Kim S, Yuan JB, Woods WS, Newton DA, Perez-Pinera P, Song JS. Chromatin structure and context-dependent sequence features control prime editing efficiency. Front Genet 2023; 14:1222112. [PMID: 37456665 PMCID: PMC10344898 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1222112] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) is a highly versatile CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique. The current constructs, however, have variable efficiency and may require laborious experimental optimization. This study presents statistical models for learning the salient epigenomic and sequence features of target sites modulating the editing efficiency and provides guidelines for designing optimal PEs. We found that both regional constitutive heterochromatin and local nucleosome occlusion of target sites impede editing, while position-specific G/C nucleotides in the primer-binding site (PBS) and reverse transcription (RT) template regions of PE guide RNA (pegRNA) yield high editing efficiency, especially for short PBS designs. The presence of G/C nucleotides was most critical immediately 5' to the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site for all designs. The effects of different last templated nucleotides were quantified and observed to depend on the length of both PBS and RT templates. Our models found AGG to be the preferred PAM and detected a guanine nucleotide four bases downstream of the PAM to facilitate editing, suggesting a hitherto-unrecognized interaction with Cas9. A neural network interpretation method based on nonextensive statistical mechanics further revealed multi-nucleotide preferences, indicating dependency among several bases across pegRNA. Our work clarifies previous conflicting observations and uncovers context-dependent features important for optimizing PE designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somang Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jimmy B. Yuan
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Wendy S. Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Destry A. Newton
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jun S. Song
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Center for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Wolff JH, Mikkelsen JG. Prime editing in hematopoietic stem cells—From ex vivo to in vivo CRISPR-based treatment of blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1148650. [PMID: 36969373 PMCID: PMC10036844 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1148650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing of human hematopoietic stem cells has the potential to become a safe and efficient way of treating diseases of the blood directly in patients. By allowing site-targeted gene intervention without homology-directed repair donor templates and DNA double-stranded breaks, the invention of prime editing fuels the exploration of alternatives to conventional recombination-based ex vivo genome editing of hematopoietic stem cells. Prime editing is as close as we get today to a true genome editing drug that does not require a separate DNA donor. However, to adapt the technology to perform in vivo gene correction, key challenges remain to be solved, such as identifying effective prime editing guide RNAs for clinical targets as well as developing efficient vehicles to deliver prime editors to stem cells in vivo. In this review, we summarize the current progress in delivery of prime editors both in vitro and in vivo and discuss future challenges that need to be adressed to allow in vivo prime editing as a cure for blood disorders.
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Chen PJ, Liu DR. Prime editing for precise and highly versatile genome manipulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:161-177. [PMID: 36344749 PMCID: PMC10989687 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Programmable gene-editing tools have transformed the life sciences and have shown potential for the treatment of genetic disease. Among the CRISPR-Cas technologies that can currently make targeted DNA changes in mammalian cells, prime editors offer an unusual combination of versatility, specificity and precision. Prime editors do not require double-strand DNA breaks and can make virtually any substitution, small insertion and small deletion within the DNA of living cells. Prime editing minimally requires a programmable nickase fused to a polymerase enzyme, and an extended guide RNA that both specifies the target site and templates the desired genome edit. In this Review, we summarize prime editing strategies to generate programmed genomic changes, highlight their limitations and recent developments that circumvent some of these bottlenecks, and discuss applications and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Tao J, Bauer DE, Chiarle R. Assessing and advancing the safety of CRISPR-Cas tools: from DNA to RNA editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 36639728 PMCID: PMC9838544 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas gene editing has revolutionized experimental molecular biology over the past decade and holds great promise for the treatment of human genetic diseases. Here we review the development of CRISPR-Cas9/Cas12/Cas13 nucleases, DNA base editors, prime editors, and RNA base editors, focusing on the assessment and improvement of their editing precision and safety, pushing the limit of editing specificity and efficiency. We summarize the capabilities and limitations of each CRISPR tool from DNA editing to RNA editing, and highlight the opportunities for future improvements and applications in basic research, as well as the therapeutic and clinical considerations for their use in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Tao
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, 10126, Italy.
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