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Hu M, Cheng X, Wu T. Modular CRISPR/Cas12a synergistic activation platform for detection and logic operations. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae470. [PMID: 38828769 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas has reshaped the landscape of molecular biology and molecular engineering. This tool is of interest to researchers in multiple fields, including molecular diagnostics, molecular biochemistry circuits, and information storage. As CRISPR/Cas spreads to more niche areas, new application scenarios and requirements emerge. Developing programmability and compatibility of CRISPR/Cas becomes a critical issue in the new phase. Here, we report a redundancy-based modular CRISPR/Cas12a synergistic activation platform (MCSAP). The position, length, and concentration of the redundancy in the split DNA activators can finely regulate the activity of Cas12a. With the redundant structure as an interface, MCSAP serves as a modular plug-in to seamlessly integrate with the upstream molecular network. MCSAP successfully performs three different tasks: nucleic acid detection, enzyme detection, and logic operation. MCSAP can work as an effector for different molecular networks because of its compatibility and programmability. Our platform provides powerful yet easy-to-use tools and strategies for the fields of DNA nanotechnology, molecular engineering, and molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xianzhi Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tongbo Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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2
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Chen J, Chen Y, Huang L, Lin X, Chen H, Xiang W, Liu L. Trans-nuclease activity of Cas9 activated by DNA or RNA target binding. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02255-7. [PMID: 38811761 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Type V and type VI CRISPR-Cas systems have been shown to cleave nonspecific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) in trans, but this has not been observed in type II CRISPR-Cas systems using single guide RNA. We show here that the type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems directed by CRISPR RNA and trans-activating CRISPR RNA dual RNAs show RuvC domain-dependent trans-cleavage activity for both ssDNA and ssRNA substrates. Cas9 possesses sequence preferences for trans-cleavage substrates, preferring to cleave T- or C-rich ssDNA substrates. We find that the trans-cleavage activity of Cas9 can be activated by target ssDNA, double-stranded DNA and ssRNA. The crystal structure of Cas9 in complex with guide RNA and target RNA provides a structural basis for the binding of target RNA to activate Cas9. Based on the trans-cleavage activity of Cas9 and nucleic acid amplification technology, we develop the nucleic acid detection platforms DNA-activated Cas9 detection and RNA-activated Cas9 detection, which are capable of detecting DNA and RNA samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Linglong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenwen Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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3
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He W, Li X, Li X, Guo M, Zhang M, Hu R, Li M, Ding S, Yan Y. Split activator of CRISPR/Cas12a for direct and sensitive detection of microRNA. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1303:342477. [PMID: 38609257 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342477] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas12a-based nucleic acid assays have been increasingly used for molecular diagnostics. However, most current CRISPR/Cas12a-based RNA assays require the conversion of RNA into DNA by preamplification strategies, which increases the complexity of detection. Here, we found certain chimeric DNA-RNA hybrid single strands could activate the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a, and then discovered the activating effect of split ssDNA and RNA when they are present simultaneously. As proof of concept, split nucleic acid-activated Cas12a (SNA-Cas12a) strategy was developed for direct detection of miR-155. By adding a short ssDNA to the proximal end of the crRNA spacer sequence, we realized the direct detection of RNA targets using Cas12a. With the assistance of ssDNA, we extended the limitation that CRISPR/Cas12a cannot be activated by RNA targets. In addition, by taking advantage of the programmability of crRNA, the length of its binding to DNA and RNA was optimized to achieve the optimal efficiency in activating Cas12a. The SNA-Cas12a method enabled sensitive miR-155 detection at pM level. This method was simple, rapid, and specific. Thus, we proposed a new Cas12a-based RNA detection strategy that expanded the application of CRISPR/Cas12a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen He
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xinmin Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, PR China
| | - Minghui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Mengxuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ruiwei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Menghan Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Shijia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Yurong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
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4
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Zhang J, Li Z, Guo C, Guan X, Avery L, Banach D, Liu C. Intrinsic RNA Targeting Triggers Indiscriminate DNase Activity of CRISPR-Cas12a. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403123. [PMID: 38516796 PMCID: PMC11073899 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403123] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas12a system has emerged as a powerful tool for next-generation nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics. However, it has long been believed to be effective only on DNA targets. Here, we investigate the intrinsic RNA-enabled trans-cleavage activity of AsCas12a and LbCas12a and discover that they can be directly activated by full-size RNA targets, although LbCas12a exhibits weaker trans-cleavage activity than AsCas12a on both single-stranded DNA and RNA substrates. Remarkably, we find that the RNA-activated Cas12a possesses higher specificity in recognizing mutated target sequences compared to DNA activation. Based on these findings, we develop the "Universal Nuclease for Identification of Virus Empowered by RNA-Sensing" (UNIVERSE) assay for nucleic acid testing. We incorporate a T7 transcription step into this assay, thereby eliminating the requirement for a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence in the target. Additionally, we successfully detect multiple PAM-less targets in HIV clinical samples that are undetectable by the conventional Cas12a assay based on double-stranded DNA activation, demonstrating unrestricted target selection with the UNIVERSE assay. We further validate the clinical utility of the UNIVERSE assay by testing both HIV RNA and HPV 16 DNA in clinical samples. We envision that the intrinsic RNA targeting capability may bring a paradigm shift in Cas12a-based nucleic acid detection and further enhance the understanding of CRISPR-Cas biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongyu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ziyue Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Chong Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Lori Avery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
| | - David Banach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
| | - Changchun Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
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5
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Nalefski EA, Kooistra RM, Parikh I, Hedley S, Rajaraman K, Madan D. Determinants of CRISPR Cas12a nuclease activation by DNA and RNA targets. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4502-4522. [PMID: 38477377 PMCID: PMC11077072 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae152] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA-guided CRISPR-associated (Cas) enzyme Cas12a cleaves specific double-stranded (ds-) or single-stranded (ss-) DNA targets (in cis), unleashing non-specific ssDNA cleavage (in trans). Though this trans-activity is widely coopted for diagnostics, little is known about target determinants promoting optimal enzyme performance. Using quantitative kinetics, we show formation of activated nuclease proceeds via two steps whereby rapid binding of Cas12a ribonucleoprotein to target is followed by a slower allosteric transition. Activation does not require a canonical protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), nor is utilization of such PAMs predictive of high trans-activity. We identify several target determinants that can profoundly impact activation times, including bases within the PAM (for ds- but not ssDNA targets) and sequences within and outside those complementary to the spacer, DNA topology, target length, presence of non-specific DNA, and ribose backbone itself, uncovering previously uncharacterized cleavage of and activation by RNA targets. The results provide insight into the mechanism of Cas12a activation, with direct implications on the role of Cas12a in bacterial immunity and for Cas-based diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Damian Madan
- Global Health Labs, Inc, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
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6
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Rananaware SR, Meister KS, Shoemaker GM, Vesco EK, Sandoval LSW, Lewis JG, Bodin AP, Karalkar VN, Lange IH, Pizzano BLM, Chang M, Ahmadimashhadi MR, Flannery SJ, Nguyen LT, Wang GP, Jain PK. PAM-free diagnostics with diverse type V CRISPR-Cas systems. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.02.24306194. [PMID: 38746294 PMCID: PMC11092703 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.24306194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Type V CRISPR-Cas effectors have revolutionized molecular diagnostics by facilitating the detection of nucleic acid biomarkers. However, their dependence on the presence of protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sites on the target double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) greatly limits their flexibility as diagnostic tools. Here we present a novel method named PICNIC that solves the PAM problem for CRISPR-based diagnostics with just a simple ∼10-min modification to contemporary CRISPR-detection protocols. Our method involves the separation of dsDNA into individual single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) strands through a high- temperature and high-pH treatment. We then detect the released ssDNA strands with diverse Cas12 enzymes in a PAM-free manner. We show the utility of PICNIC by successfully applying it for PAM-free detection with three different subtypes of the Cas12 family- Cas12a, Cas12b, and Cas12i. Notably, by combining PICNIC with a truncated 15-nucleotide spacer containing crRNA, we demonstrate PAM-independent detection of clinically important single- nucleotide polymorphisms with CRISPR. We apply this approach to detect the presence of a drug-resistant variant of HIV-1, specifically the K103N mutant, that lacks a PAM site in the vicinity of the mutation. Additionally, we successfully translate our approach to clinical samples by detecting and genotyping HCV-1a and HCV-1b variants with 100% specificity at a PAM-less site within the HCV genome. In summary, PICNIC is a simple yet groundbreaking method that enhances the flexibility and precision of CRISPR-Cas12-based diagnostics by eliminating the restriction of the PAM sequence.
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7
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Sun K, Pu L, Chen C, Chen M, Li K, Li X, Li H, Geng J. An autocatalytic CRISPR-Cas amplification effect propelled by the LNA-modified split activators for DNA sensing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e39. [PMID: 38477342 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae176] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems with dual functions offer precise sequence-based recognition and efficient catalytic cleavage of nucleic acids, making them highly promising in biosensing and diagnostic technologies. However, current methods encounter challenges of complexity, low turnover efficiency, and the necessity for sophisticated probe design. To better integrate the dual functions of Cas proteins, we proposed a novel approach called CRISPR-Cas Autocatalysis Amplification driven by LNA-modified Split Activators (CALSA) for the highly efficient detection of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and genomic DNA. By introducing split ssDNA activators and the site-directed trans-cleavage mediated by LNA modifications, an autocatalysis-driven positive feedback loop of nucleic acids based on the LbCas12a system was constructed. Consequently, CALSA enabled one-pot and real-time detection of genomic DNA and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from different tumor cell lines. Notably, CALSA achieved high sensitivity, single-base specificity, and remarkably short reaction times. Due to the high programmability of nucleic acid circuits, these results highlighted the immense potential of CALSA as a powerful tool for cascade signal amplification. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity further emphasized the value of CALSA in biosensing and diagnostics, opening avenues for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu 641400, China
| | - Lei Pu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, 637000 Nanchong, China
| | - Mutian Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Kaiju Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Xinqiong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Huanqing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Geng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Chengdu, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu 641400, China
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8
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Yang S, Zhou L, Fang Z, Wang Y, Zhou G, Jin X, Cao Y, Zhao J. Proximity-Guaranteed DNA Machine for Accurate Identification of Breast Cancer Extracellular Vesicles. ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 38621146 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00491] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide. Precise diagnosis and subtyping have important significance for targeted therapy and prognosis prediction of breast cancer. Herein, we design a proximity-guaranteed DNA machine for accurate identification of breast cancer extracellular vesicles (EVs), which is beneficial to explore the subtype features of breast cancer. In our design, two proximity probes are located close on the same EV through specific recognition of coexisting surface biomarkers, thus being ligated with the help of click chemistry. Then, the ligated product initiates the operation of a DNA machine involving catalytic hairpin assembly and clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas12a-mediated trans-cleavage, which finally generates a significant response that enables the identification of EVs expressing both biomarkers. Principle-of-proof studies are performed using EVs derived from the breast cancer cell line BT474 as the models, confirming the high sensitivity and specificity of the DNA machine. When further applied to clinical samples, the DNA machine is shown to be capable of not only distinguishing breast cancer patients with special subtypes but also realizing the tumor staging regarding the disease progression. Therefore, our work may provide new insights into the subtype-based diagnosis of breast cancer as well as identification of more potential therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhikai Fang
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 201321, China
| | - Guozhang Zhou
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 201321, China
| | - Ya Cao
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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Im J, Kim S, Park S, Wang SX, Lee JR. Evaluation of restriction and Cas endonuclease kinetics using matrix-insensitive magnetic biosensors. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 249:116017. [PMID: 38262299 PMCID: PMC10867820 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116017] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The enzymatic actions of endonucleases in vivo can be altered due to bound substrates and differences in local environments, including enzyme concentration, pH, salinity, ionic strength, and temperature. Thus, accurate estimation of enzymatic reactions in vivo using matrix-dependent methods in solution can be challenging. Here, we report a matrix-insensitive magnetic biosensing platform that enables the measurement of endonuclease activity under different conditions with varying pH, salinity, ionic strength, and temperature. Using biosensor arrays and orthogonal pairs of oligonucleotides, we quantitatively characterized the enzymatic activity of EcoRI under different buffer conditions and in the presence of inhibitors. To mimic a more physiological environment, we monitored the sequence-dependent star activity of EcoRI under unconventional conditions. Furthermore, enzymatic activity was measured in cell culture media, saliva, and serum. Last, we estimated the effective cleavage rates of Cas12a on anchored single-strand DNAs using this platform, which more closely resembles in vivo settings. This platform will facilitate precise characterization of restriction and Cas endonucleases under various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo Im
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Songeun Kim
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyeon Park
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Shan X Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jung-Rok Lee
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Yu S, Lei X, Qu C. MicroRNA Sensors Based on CRISPR/Cas12a Technologies: Evolution From Indirect to Direct Detection. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38489095 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2024.2329229] [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: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker for disease diagnosis and a potential therapeutic targets for drug development. The detection of miRNA can serve as a noninvasive tool in diseases diagnosis and predicting diseases prognosis. CRISPR/Cas12a system has great potential in nucleic acid detection due to its high sensitivity and specificity, which has been developed to be a versatile tool for nucleic acid-based detection of targets in various fields. However, conversion from RNA to DNA with or without amplification operation is necessary for miRNA detection based on CRISPR/Cas12a system, because dsDNA containing PAM sequence or ssDNA is traditionally considered as the activator of Cas12a. Until recently, direct detection of miRNA by CRISPR/Cas12a system has been reported. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution of biosensors based on CRISPR/Cas12a for miRNA detection from indirect to direct, which would be beneficial to the development of CRISPR/Cas12a-based sensors with better performance for direct detection of miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songcheng Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueying Lei
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenling Qu
- School of Food and Strategic Reserves, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Moon J, Liu C. Asymmetric CRISPR enabling cascade signal amplification for nucleic acid detection by competitive crRNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7504. [PMID: 37980404 PMCID: PMC10657364 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid detection powered by CRISPR technology provides a rapid, sensitive, and deployable approach to molecular diagnostics. While exciting, there remain challenges limiting its practical applications, such as the need for pre-amplification and the lack of quantitative ability. Here, we develop an asymmetric CRISPR assay for cascade signal amplification detection of nucleic acids by leveraging the asymmetric trans-cleavage behavior of competitive crRNA. We discover that the competitive reaction between a full-sized crRNA and split crRNA for CRISPR-Cas12a can induce cascade signal amplification, significantly improving the target detection signal. In addition, we find that CRISPR-Cas12a can recognize fragmented RNA/DNA targets, enabling direct RNA detection by Cas12a. Based on these findings, we apply our asymmetric CRISPR assay to quantitatively detect microRNA without the need for pre-amplification, achieving a detection sensitivity of 856 aM. Moreover, using this method, we analyze and quantify miR-19a biomarker in plasma samples from bladder cancer patients. This asymmetric CRISPR assay has the potential to be widely applied for simple and sensitive nucleic acid detection in various diagnostic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Moon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06032, US
| | - Changchun Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06032, US.
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