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Liu Z, Liu H, Huang C, Zhou Q, Luo Y. Hybrid Cas12a Variants with Relaxed PAM Requirements Expand Genome Editing Compatibility. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 38819403 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00103] [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: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cas12a is a widely used programmable nuclease for genome editing across a variety of organisms, but its application is limited by its PAM recognition restriction. To alleviate these PAM constraints, protein engineering efforts have been applied to expand the PAM recognition range. In this study, we designed and constructed 990 synthetic hybrid Cas12a chimeras through domain shuffling and screened an efficient hybrid Cas12a (ehCas12a) that could recognize a broad range PAM of 5'-TYYN-3' (Y is T or C and N is A, T, C, or G). Furthermore, we constructed an ehCas12a variant, ehCas12a RRVR (T167R/N572R/K578V/N582R), with expanded PAM preference to 5'-TNYN, TWRV-3' (W is A or T, R is A or G, and V is A, C, or G), which can efficiently recognize -2* A/G PAMs that are barely recognized by Cas12a-type proteins and their mutants. Finally, we demonstrated that the DNase-inactivated ehCas12a RRVR base editor (dehCas12a RRVR-BE) was capable of targeting noncanonical PAMs in vivo and disease-related loci for potential therapeutic applications. Overall, our findings highlight the modular design and reconfiguration of Cas proteins for enhanced functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Huayi Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yunzi Luo
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University, Tangxing Road 133, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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2
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Wang H, Zhou J, Lei J, Mo G, Wu Y, Liu H, Pang Z, Du M, Zhou Z, Paek C, Sun Z, Chen Y, Wang Y, Chen P, Yin L. Engineering of a compact, high-fidelity EbCas12a variant that can be packaged with its crRNA into an all-in-one AAV vector delivery system. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002619. [PMID: 38814985 PMCID: PMC11139299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002619] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas12a has become a powerful genome-editing tool in biomedical research due to its ease of use and low off-targeting. However, the size of Cas12a severely limits clinical applications such as adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy. Here, we characterized a novel compact Cas12a ortholog, termed EbCas12a, from the metagenome-assembled genome of a currently unclassified Erysipelotrichia. It has the PAM sequence of 5'-TTTV-3' (V = A, G, C) and the smallest size of approximately 3.47 kb among the Cas12a orthologs reported so far. In addition, enhanced EbCas12a (enEbCas12a) was also designed to have comparable editing efficiency with higher specificity to AsCas12a and LbCas12a in mammalian cells at multiple target sites. Based on the compact enEbCas12a, an all-in-one AAV delivery system with crRNA for Cas12a was developed for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Overall, the novel smallest high-fidelity enEbCas12a, this first case of the all-in-one AAV delivery for Cas12a could greatly boost future gene therapy and scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guosheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yankang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingkun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chonil Paek
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaiqiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongshun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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3
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Punetha M, Saini S, Chaudhary S, Yadav PS, Whitworth K, Green J, Kumar D, Kues WA. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Era of Precise Genome Editing. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:307-315. [PMID: 36880183 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230307115326] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing has enhanced our ability to understand the role of genetics in a number of diseases by facilitating the development of more precise cellular and animal models to study pathophysiological processes. These advances have shown extraordinary promise in a multitude of areas, from basic research to applied bioengineering and biomedical research. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are known for their high replicative capacity and are excellent targets for genetic manipulation as they can be clonally expanded from a single cell without compromising their pluripotency. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR/Cas RNA-guided nucleases have rapidly become the method of choice for gene editing due to their high specificity, simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Coupling the cellular versatility of iPSCs differentiation with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology can be an effective experimental technique for providing new insights into the therapeutic use of this technology. However, before using these techniques for gene therapy, their therapeutic safety and efficacy following models need to be assessed. In this review, we cover the remarkable progress that has been made in the use of genome editing tools in iPSCs, their applications in disease research and gene therapy as well as the hurdles that remain in the actual implementation of CRISPR/Cas systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeti Punetha
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Prem Singh Yadav
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Höltystr 10, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
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4
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Tenjo-Castaño F, Montoya G, Carabias A. Transposons and CRISPR: Rewiring Gene Editing. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3521-3532. [PMID: 36130724 PMCID: PMC10734217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00379] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas is driving a gene editing revolution because of its simple reprogramming. However, off-target effects and dependence on the double-strand break repair pathways impose important limitations. Because homology-directed repair acts primarily in actively dividing cells, many of the current gene correction/replacement approaches are restricted to a minority of cell types. Furthermore, current approaches display low efficiency upon insertion of large DNA cargos (e.g., sequences containing multiple gene circuits with tunable functionalities). Recent research has revealed new links between CRISPR-Cas systems and transposons providing new scaffolds that might overcome some of these limitations. Here, we comment on two new transposon-associated RNA-guided mechanisms considering their potential as new gene editing solutions. Initially, we focus on a group of small RNA-guided endonucleases of the IS200/IS605 family of transposons, which likely evolved into class 2 CRISPR effector nucleases (Cas9s and Cas12s). We explore the diversity of these nucleases (named OMEGA, obligate mobile element-guided activity) and analyze their similarities with class 2 gene editors. OMEGA nucleases can perform gene editing in human cells and constitute promising candidates for the design of new compact RNA-guided platforms. Then, we address the co-option of the RNA-guided activity of different CRISPR effector nucleases by a specialized group of Tn7-like transposons to target transposon integration. We describe the various mechanisms used by these RNA-guided transposons for target site selection and integration. Finally, we assess the potential of these new systems to circumvent some of the current gene editing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Tenjo-Castaño
- Structural Molecular Biology Group,
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3-B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Guillermo Montoya
- Structural Molecular Biology Group,
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3-B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Arturo Carabias
- Structural Molecular Biology Group,
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3-B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
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5
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Aquino-Jarquin G. Genome and transcriptome engineering by compact and versatile CRISPR-Cas systems. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103793. [PMID: 37797813 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103793] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Comparative genomics has enabled the discovery of tiny clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) bacterial immune system effectors with enormous potential for manipulating eukaryotic genomes. Recently, smaller Cas proteins, including miniature Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 proteins, have been identified and validated as efficient genome editing and base editing tools in human cells. The compact size of these novel CRISPR effectors is highly desirable for generating CRISPR-based therapeutic approaches, mainly to overcome in vivo delivery constraints, providing a promising opportunity for editing pathogenic mutations of clinical relevance and knocking down RNAs in human cells without inducing chromosomal insertions or genome alterations. Thus, these tiny CRISPR-Cas systems represent new and highly programmable, specific, and efficient platforms, which expand the CRISPR toolkit for potential therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Aquino-Jarquin
- RNA Biology and Genome Editing Section. Research on Genomics, Genetics, and Bioinformatics Laboratory. Hemato-Oncology Building, 4th Floor, Section 2. Children's Hospital of Mexico, Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico.
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6
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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7
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Li X, Liao F, Gao J, Song G, Zhang C, Ji N, Wang X, Wen J, He J, Wei Y, Zhang H, Li Z, Yu G, Yin H. Inhibitory mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 by AcrIIC4. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9442-9451. [PMID: 37587688 PMCID: PMC10516666 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad669] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems act as the adaptive immune systems of bacteria and archaea, targeting and destroying invading foreign mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as phages. MGEs have also evolved anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins to inactivate the CRISPR-Cas systems. Recently, AcrIIC4, identified from Haemophilus parainfluenzae phage, has been reported to inhibit the endonuclease activity of Cas9 from Neisseria meningitidis (NmeCas9), but the inhibition mechanism is not clear. Here, we biochemically and structurally investigated the anti-CRISPR activity of AcrIIC4. AcrIIC4 folds into a helix bundle composed of three helices, which associates with the REC lobe of NmeCas9 and sgRNA. The REC2 domain of NmeCas9 is locked by AcrIIC4, perturbing the conformational dynamics required for the target DNA binding and cleavage. Furthermore, mutation of the key residues in the AcrIIC4-NmeCas9 and AcrIIC4-sgRNA interfaces largely abolishes the inhibitory effects of AcrIIC4. Our study offers new insights into the mechanism of AcrIIC4-mediated suppression of NmeCas9 and provides guidelines for the design of regulatory tools for Cas9-based gene editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Fumeng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jiaqi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guangyong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chendi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Nan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaoshen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jia He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yong Wei
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Guimei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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8
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Shaheen N, Ahmad S, Alghamdi SS, Rehman HM, Javed MA, Tabassum J, Shao G. CRISPR-Cas System, a Possible "Savior" of Rice Threatened by Climate Change: An Updated Review. RICE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 37688677 PMCID: PMC10492775 DOI: 10.1186/s12284-023-00652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has significantly affected agriculture production, particularly the rice crop that is consumed by almost half of the world's population and contributes significantly to global food security. Rice is vulnerable to several abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, heavy metals, rice blast, and bacterial blight that cause huge yield losses in rice, thus threatening food security worldwide. In this regard, several plant breeding and biotechnological techniques have been used to raise such rice varieties that could tackle climate changes. Nowadays, gene editing (GE) technology has revolutionized crop improvement. Among GE technology, CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system has emerged as one of the most convenient, robust, cost-effective, and less labor-intensive system due to which it has got more popularity among plant researchers, especially rice breeders and geneticists. Since 2013 (the year of first application of CRISPR/Cas-based GE system in rice), several trait-specific climate-resilient rice lines have been developed using CRISPR/Cas-based GE tools. Earlier, several reports have been published confirming the successful application of GE tools for rice improvement. However, this review particularly aims to provide an updated and well-synthesized brief discussion based on the recent studies (from 2020 to present) on the applications of GE tools, particularly CRISPR-based systems for developing CRISPR rice to tackle the current alarming situation of climate change, worldwide. Moreover, potential limitations and technical bottlenecks in the development of CRISPR rice, and prospects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel Shaheen
- Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank, Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, Riyadh, 14712, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank, Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, Riyadh, 14712, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Salem S Alghamdi
- Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz Mamoon Rehman
- Centre for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arshad Javed
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
| | - Javaria Tabassum
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
| | - Gaoneng Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and China National Center for Rice Improvement, National Rice Research Institute, 310006, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Lab, 310006, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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Stampone E, Bencivenga D, Capellupo MC, Roberti D, Tartaglione I, Perrotta S, Della Ragione F, Borriello A. Genome editing and cancer therapy: handling the hypoxia-responsive pathway as a promising strategy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:220. [PMID: 37477829 PMCID: PMC10361942 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04852-2] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The precise characterization of oxygen-sensing pathways and the identification of pO2-regulated gene expression are both issues of critical importance. The O2-sensing system plays crucial roles in almost all the pivotal human processes, including the stem cell specification, the growth and development of tissues (such as embryogenesis), the modulation of intermediate metabolism (including the shift of the glucose metabolism from oxidative to anaerobic ATP production and vice versa), and the control of blood pressure. The solid cancer microenvironment is characterized by low oxygen levels and by the consequent activation of the hypoxia response that, in turn, allows a complex adaptive response characterized mainly by neoangiogenesis and metabolic reprogramming. Recently, incredible advances in molecular genetic methodologies allowed the genome editing with high efficiency and, above all, the precise identification of target cells/tissues. These new possibilities and the knowledge of the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia suggest the effective development of new therapeutic approaches based on the manipulation, targeting, and exploitation of the oxygen-sensor system molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Stampone
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Bencivenga
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Capellupo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Roberti
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Tartaglione
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Fulvio Della Ragione
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Adriana Borriello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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10
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Seo SY, Min S, Lee S, Seo JH, Park J, Kim HK, Song M, Baek D, Cho SR, Kim HH. Massively parallel evaluation and computational prediction of the activities and specificities of 17 small Cas9s. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-01875-2. [PMID: 37188955 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, various small Cas9 orthologs and variants have been reported for use in in vivo delivery applications. Although small Cas9s are particularly suited for this purpose, selecting the most optimal small Cas9 for use at a specific target sequence continues to be challenging. Here, to this end, we have systematically compared the activities of 17 small Cas9s for thousands of target sequences. For each small Cas9, we have characterized the protospacer adjacent motif and determined optimal single guide RNA expression formats and scaffold sequence. High-throughput comparative analyses revealed distinct high- and low-activity groups of small Cas9s. We also developed DeepSmallCas9, a set of computational models predicting the activities of the small Cas9s at matched and mismatched target sequences. Together, this analysis and these computational models provide a useful guide for researchers to select the most suitable small Cas9 for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeon Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sungtae Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinman Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Kwon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungjae Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dawoon Baek
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Abstract
The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) genome editing, coupled with advances in computing and imaging capabilities, has initiated a new era in which genetic diseases and individual disease susceptibilities are both predictable and actionable. Likewise, genes responsible for plant traits can be identified and altered quickly, transforming the pace of agricultural research and plant breeding. In this Review, we discuss the current state of CRISPR-mediated genetic manipulation in human cells, animals, and plants along with relevant successes and challenges and present a roadmap for the future of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Y Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Chen H, Durinck S, Patel H, Foreman O, Mesh K, Eastham J, Caothien R, Newman RJ, Roose-Girma M, Darmanis S, Warming S, Lattanzi A, Liang Y, Haley B. Population-wide gene disruption in the murine lung epithelium via AAV-mediated delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components. MOLECULAR THERAPY - METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2022; 27:431-449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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13
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Major L, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. New CRISPR Tools to Correct Pathogenic Mutations in Usher Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911669. [PMID: 36232969 PMCID: PMC9569511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations are a leading cause of blindness in the UK. Significant advances have been made to tackle this issue in recent years, with a pioneering FDA approved gene therapy treatment (Luxturna®), which targets a loss of function mutation in the RPE65 gene. However, there remain notable shortcomings to this form of gene replacement therapy. In particular, the lack of viability for gene sequences exceeding the 4.7 kb adeno-associated virus (AAV) packaging limit or for toxic gain of function mutations. The USH2A gene at ~15.7 kb for instance is too large for AAV delivery: a safe and effective vehicle capable of transducing photoreceptor cells for gene replacement therapy. Usher Syndrome is a clinically and genetically heterogenous deaf-blindness syndrome with autosomal recessive inheritance. The USH2A gene encodes the protein usherin, which localises to the photoreceptor cilium and cochlear hair cells. Mutations in the USH2A gene cause Usher Syndrome type II (USH2), which is the most common subtype of Usher Syndrome and the focus of this review. To date, researchers have been unable to create an efficient, safe editing tool that is small enough to fit inside a single AAV vector for delivery into human cells. This article reviews the potential of CRISPR technology, derived from bacterial defence mechanisms, to overcome these challenges; delivering tools to precisely edit and correct small insertions, deletions and base transitions in USH2A without the need to deliver the full-length gene. Such an ultra-compact therapy could make strides in combating a significant cause of blindness in young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Major
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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14
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Shin S, Jang S, Lim D. Small Molecules for Enhancing the Precision and Safety of Genome Editing. Molecules 2022; 27:6266. [PMID: 36234804 PMCID: PMC9573751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome-editing technologies have revolutionized biology, biotechnology, and medicine, and have spurred the development of new therapeutic modalities. However, there remain several barriers to the safe use of CRISPR technologies, such as unintended off-target DNA cleavages. Small molecules are important resources to solve these problems, given their facile delivery and fast action to enable temporal control of the CRISPR systems. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of small molecules that can precisely modulate CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases and guide RNAs (gRNAs). We also discuss the small-molecule control of emerging genome editors (e.g., base editors) and anti-CRISPR proteins. These molecules could be used for the precise investigation of biological systems and the development of safer therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoon Shin
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Seeun Jang
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
| | - Donghyun Lim
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
- Department of Next-Generation Applied Science, Sungshin University, Seoul 01133, Korea
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15
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Statkute E, Wang ECY, Stanton RJ. An Optimized CRISPR/Cas9 Adenovirus Vector (AdZ-CRISPR) for High-Throughput Cloning of sgRNA, Using Enhanced sgRNA and Cas9 Variants. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:990-1001. [PMID: 35196879 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.120] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adenovirus vectors enable highly efficient gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. As a result, they are widely used in gene therapy, vaccination, and anticancer applications. We have previously developed the AdZ vector system, which uses recombineering to permit high-throughput cloning of transgenes into Adenovirus vectors, simplifies alteration of the vector backbone, and enables rapid recovery of infectious virus, even if a transgene is incompatible with vector replication. In this study, we adapt this vector system to enable high-throughput cloning of sequences for CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Vectors were optimized to ensure efficient cloning, and high editing efficiency using spCas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences in a single vector. Using a multiplicity of infection of 50, knockout efficiencies of up to 80% could be achieved with a single sgRNA. Vectors were further enhanced by altering the spCas9 sequence to match that of SniperCas9, which has reduced off-target activity, but maintains on-target efficiency, and by applying modifications to the sgRNA sequence that significantly enhance editing efficiency. Thus, the AdZ-CRISPR vectors offer highly efficient knockout, even in hard to transfect cells, and enables large-scale CRISPR/Cas9 projects to be undertaken easily and quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Statkute
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Stanton
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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16
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De Angeli P, Reuter P, Hauser S, Schöls L, Stingl K, Wissinger B, Kohl S. Effective splicing restoration of a deep-intronic ABCA4 variant in cone photoreceptor precursor cells by CRISPR/SpCas9 approaches. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:511-524. [PMID: 35991315 PMCID: PMC9375153 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro De Angeli
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Corresponding author Pietro De Angeli, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 5–7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Peggy Reuter
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katarina Stingl
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Rare Eye Diseases, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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17
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Lewin AS, Smith WC. Gene Therapy for Rhodopsin Mutations. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041283. [PMID: 35940643 PMCID: PMC9435570 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in RHO, the gene for rhodopsin, account for a large fraction of autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Patients fall into two clinical classes, those with early onset, pan retinal photoreceptor degeneration, and those who experience slowly progressive disease. The latter class of patients are candidates for photoreceptor-directed gene therapy, while former may be candidates for delivery of light-responsive proteins to interneurons or retinal ganglion cells. Gene therapy for RHO adRP may be targeted to the mutant gene at the DNA or RNA level, while other therapies preserve the viability of photoreceptors without addressing the underlying mutation. Correcting the RHO gene and replacing the mutant RNA show promise in animal models, while sustaining viable photoreceptors has the potential to delay the loss of central vision and may preserve photoreceptors for gene-directed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred S Lewin
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - W Clay Smith
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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18
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CRISPR DNA Base Editing Strategies for Treating Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by Mutations in Rhodopsin. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081327. [PMID: 35893064 PMCID: PMC9330713 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common group of inherited retinal degenerations and pathogenic variants in the Rhodopsin (RHO) gene are major cause for autosomal dominant RP (adRP). Despite extensive attempts to treat RHO-associated adRP, standardized curative treatment is still lacking. Recently developed base editors offer an exciting opportunity to correct pathogenic single nucleotide variants and are currently able to correct all transition variants and some transversion variants. In this study, we analyzed previously reported pathogenic RHO variants (n = 247) for suitable PAM sites for currently available base editors utilizing the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) or the KKH variant of SaCas9 (KKH-SaCas9) to assess DNA base editing as a treatment option for RHO-associated adRP. As a result, 55% of all the analyzed variants could, in theory, be corrected with base editors, however, PAM sites were available for only 32% of them and unwanted bystander edits were predicted for the majority of the designed guide RNAs. As a conclusion, base editing offers exciting possibilities to treat RHO-associated adRP in the future, but further research is needed to develop base editing constructs that will provide available PAM sites for more variants and that will not introduce potentially harmful bystander edits.
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19
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. In recent decades, extraordinary effort has been devoted to defining the molecular and pathophysiological characteristics of the diseased heart and vasculature. Mouse models have been especially powerful in illuminating the complex signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulatory circuits, and multicellular interactions that underlie cardiovascular disease. The advent of CRISPR genome editing has ushered in a new era of cardiovascular research and possibilities for genetic correction of disease. Next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly accelerated the identification of disease-causing mutations, and advances in gene editing have enabled the rapid modeling of these mutations in mice and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The ability to correct the genetic drivers of cardiovascular disease through delivery of gene editing components in vivo, while still facing challenges, represents an exciting therapeutic frontier. In this review, we provide an overview of cardiovascular disease mechanisms and the potential applications of CRISPR genome editing for disease modeling and correction. We also discuss the extent to which mice can faithfully model cardiovascular disease and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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20
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Tickman BI, Burbano DA, Chavali VP, Kiattisewee C, Fontana J, Khakimzhan A, Noireaux V, Zalatan JG, Carothers JM. Multi-layer CRISPRa/i circuits for dynamic genetic programs in cell-free and bacterial systems. Cell Syst 2022; 13:215-229.e8. [PMID: 34800362 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas transcriptional circuits hold great promise as platforms for engineering metabolic networks and information processing circuits. Historically, prokaryotic CRISPR control systems have been limited to CRISPRi. Creating approaches to integrate CRISPRa for transcriptional activation with existing CRISPRi-based systems would greatly expand CRISPR circuit design space. Here, we develop design principles for engineering prokaryotic CRISPRa/i genetic circuits with network topologies specified by guide RNAs. We demonstrate that multi-layer CRISPRa/i cascades and feedforward loops can operate through the regulated expression of guide RNAs in cell-free expression systems and E. coli. We show that CRISPRa/i circuits can program complex functions by designing type 1 incoherent feedforward loops acting as fold-change detectors and tunable pulse-generators. By investigating how component characteristics relate to network properties such as depth, width, and speed, this work establishes a framework for building scalable CRISPRa/i circuits as regulatory programs in cell-free expression systems and bacterial hosts. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I Tickman
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Diego Alba Burbano
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Venkata P Chavali
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Cholpisit Kiattisewee
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jason Fontana
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aset Khakimzhan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jesse G Zalatan
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - James M Carothers
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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21
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Fatimah RM, Adhitama N, Kato Y, Watanabe H. Development of transgenic Daphnia magna for visualizing homology-directed repair of DNA. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2497. [PMID: 35169221 PMCID: PMC8847417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the crustacean Daphnia magna, studying homology-directed repair (HDR) is important to understand genome maintenance during parthenogenesis, effects of environmental toxicants on the genome, and improvement of HDR-mediated genome editing. Here we developed a transgenic D. magna that expresses green fluorescence protein (GFP) upon HDR occurrence. We utilized the previously established reporter plasmid named DR-GFP that has a mutated eGFP gene (SceGFP) and the tandemly located donor GFP gene fragment (iGFP). Upon double-strand break (DSB) introduction on SceGFP, the iGFP gene fragment acts as the HDR template and restores functional eGFP expression. We customized this reporter plasmid to allow bicistronic expression of the mCherry gene under the control of the D. magna EF1α-1 promoter/enhancer. By CRISPR/Cas-mediated knock-in of this plasmid via non-homologous joining, we generated the transgenic D. magna that expresses mCherry ubiquitously, suggesting that the DR-GFP reporter gene is expressed in most cells. Introducing DSB on the SceGFP resulted in eGFP expression and this HDR event could be detected by fluorescence, genomic PCR, and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, suggesting this line could be used for evaluating HDR. The established reporter line might expand our understanding of the HDR mechanism and also improve the HDR-based gene-editing system in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizky Mutiara Fatimah
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Biotechnology Global Human Resource Development Program, Division of Advanced Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nikko Adhitama
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kato
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hajime Watanabe
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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22
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Becirovic E. Maybe you can turn me on: CRISPRa-based strategies for therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:130. [PMID: 35152318 PMCID: PMC8840918 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSince the revolutionary discovery of the CRISPR-Cas technology for programmable genome editing, its range of applications has been extended by multiple biotechnological tools that go far beyond its original function as “genetic scissors”. One of these further developments of the CRISPR-Cas system allows genes to be activated in a targeted and efficient manner. These gene-activating CRISPR-Cas modules (CRISPRa) are based on a programmable recruitment of transcription factors to specific loci and offer several key advantages that make them particularly attractive for therapeutic applications. These advantages include inter alia low off-target effects, independence of the target gene size as well as the potential to develop gene- and mutation-independent therapeutic strategies. Herein, I will give an overview on the currently available CRISPRa modules and discuss recent developments, future potentials and limitations of this approach with a focus on therapeutic applications and in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. The Scope of Pathogenic ABCA4 Mutations Targetable by CRISPR DNA Base Editing Systems—A Systematic Review. Front Genet 2022; 12:814131. [PMID: 35154257 PMCID: PMC8830518 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.814131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (STGD1) is the most common form of inherited childhood blindness worldwide and for which no current treatments exist. It is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in ABCA4. To date, a variety of gene supplementation approaches have been tested to create a therapy, with some reaching clinical trials. New technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas based editing systems, provide an exciting frontier for addressing genetic disease by allowing targeted DNA or RNA base editing of pathogenic mutations. ABCA4 has ∼1,200 known pathogenic mutations, of which ∼63% are transition mutations amenable to this editing technology. In this report, we screened the known “pathogenic” and “likely pathogenic” mutations in ABCA4 from available data in gnomAD, Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD), and ClinVar for potential PAM sites of relevant base editors, including Streptococcus pyogenes Cas (SpCas), Staphylococcus aureus Cas (SaCas), and the KKH variant of SaCas (Sa-KKH). Overall, of the mutations screened, 53% (ClinVar), 71% (LOVD), and 71% (gnomAD), were editable, pathogenic transition mutations, of which 35–47% had “ideal” PAM sites. Of these mutations, 16–20% occur within a range of multiple PAM sites, enabling a variety of editing strategies. Further, in relevant patient data looking at three cohorts from Germany, Denmark, and China, we find that 44–76% of patients, depending on the presence of complex alleles, have at least one transition mutation with a nearby SaCas, SpCas, or Sa-KKH PAM site, which would allow for potential DNA base editing as a treatment strategy. Given the complexity of the genetic landscape of Stargardt, these findings provide a clearer understanding of the potential for DNA base editing approaches to be applied as ABCA4 gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Elena Piotter,
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Büning H, Fehse B, Ivics Z, Kochanek S, Koehl U, Kupatt C, Mussolino C, Nettelbeck DM, Schambach A, Uckert W, Wagner E, Cathomen T. Gene Therapy "Made in Germany": A Historical Perspective, Analysis of the Status Quo, and Recommendations for Action by the German Society for Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:987-996. [PMID: 34662229 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.29178.hbu] [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: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies have been successfully applied to treat severe inherited and acquired disorders. Although research and development are sufficiently well funded in Germany and while the output of scientific publications and patents is comparable with the leading nations in gene therapy, the country lags noticeably behind with regard to the number of both clinical studies and commercialized gene therapy products. In this article, we give a historical perspective on the development of gene therapy in Germany, analyze the current situation from the standpoint of the German Society for Gene Therapy (DG-GT), and define recommendations for action that would enable our country to generate biomedical and economic advantages from innovations in this sector, instead of merely importing advanced therapy medicinal products. Inter alia, we propose (1) to harmonize and simplify regulatory licensing processes to enable faster access to advanced therapies, and (2) to establish novel coordination, support and funding structures that facilitate networking of the key players. Such a center would provide the necessary infrastructure and know-how to translate cell and gene therapies to patients on the one hand, and pave the way for commercialization of these promising and innovative technologies on the other. Hence, these courses of action would not only benefit the German biotech and pharma landscape but also the society and the patients in need of new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk M Nettelbeck
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Sugita E, Hayashi K, Hishikawa A, Itoh H. Epigenetic Alterations in Podocytes in Diabetic Nephropathy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759299. [PMID: 34630127 PMCID: PMC8497789 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, epigenetic alterations have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Kidney podocytes, which are glomerular epithelial cells, are important cells that form a slit membrane—a barrier for proteinuria. Podocytes are terminally differentiated cells without cell division or replenishment abilities. Therefore, podocyte damage is suggested to be one of the key factors determining renal prognosis. Recent studies, including ours, suggest that epigenetic changes in podocytes are associated with chronic kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, the association between DNA damage repair and epigenetic changes in diabetic podocytes has been demonstrated. Detection of podocyte DNA damage and epigenetic changes using human samples, such as kidney biopsy and urine-derived cells, may be a promising strategy for estimating kidney damage and renal prognoses in patients with diabetes. Targeting epigenetic podocyte changes and associated DNA damage may become a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and provide a possible prognostic marker in diabetic nephropathy. This review summarizes recent advances regarding epigenetic changes, especially DNA methylation, in podocytes in diabetic nephropathy and addresses detection of these alterations in human samples. Additionally, we focused on DNA damage, which is increased under high-glucose conditions and associated with the generation of epigenetic changes in podocytes. Furthermore, epigenetic memory in diabetes is discussed. Understanding the role of epigenetic changes in podocytes in diabetic nephropathy may be of great importance considering the increasing diabetic nephropathy patient population in an aging society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Sugita
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Hayashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihito Hishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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