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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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Cai Z, Xie W, Bao Z. Broadening the targetable space: engineering and discovery of PAM-flexible Cas proteins. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00135-5. [PMID: 38816311 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The application of CRISPR-Cas systems has been hindered by their requirement for long protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs). Recent engineering and discovery of PAM-flexible Cas proteins have substantially broadened the targetable DNA sequence space, thereby facilitating genome editing and improving derivative technologies such as gene regulation, seamless cloning, and large-scale genetic screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zehua Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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Zahedipour F, Zahedipour F, Zamani P, Jaafari MR, Sahebkar A. Harnessing CRISPR technology for viral therapeutics and vaccines: from preclinical studies to clinical applications. Virus Res 2024; 341:199314. [PMID: 38211734 PMCID: PMC10825633 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199314] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system, identified as a type of bacterial adaptive immune system, have attracted significant attention due to its remarkable ability to precisely detect and eliminate foreign genetic material and nucleic acids. Expanding upon these inherent capabilities, recent investigations have unveiled the potential of reprogrammed CRISPR/Cas 9, 12, and 13 systems for treating viral infections associated with human diseases, specifically targeting DNA and RNA viruses, respectively. Of particular interest is the RNA virus responsible for the recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which presents a substantial public health risk, coupled with limited efficacy of current prophylactic and therapeutic techniques. In this regard, the utilization of CRISPR/Cas technology offers a promising gene editing approach to overcome the limitations of conventional methods in managing viral infections. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest CRISPR/Cas-based therapeutic and vaccine strategies employed to combat human viral infections. Additionally, we discuss significant challenges and offer insights into the future prospects of this cutting-edge gene editing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Zahedipour
- Microbiology Department, Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Pacesa M, Pelea O, Jinek M. Past, present, and future of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Cell 2024; 187:1076-1100. [PMID: 38428389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing has been a transformative force in the life sciences and human medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to dissect complex biological processes and treat the underlying causes of many genetic diseases. CRISPR-based technologies, with their remarkable efficiency and easy programmability, stand at the forefront of this revolution. In this Review, we discuss the current state of CRISPR gene editing technologies in both research and therapy, highlighting limitations that constrain them and the technological innovations that have been developed in recent years to address them. Additionally, we examine and summarize the current landscape of gene editing applications in the context of human health and therapeutics. Finally, we outline potential future developments that could shape gene editing technologies and their applications in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pacesa
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oana Pelea
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Kovalev MA, Davletshin AI, Karpov DS. Engineering Cas9: next generation of genomic editors. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:209. [PMID: 38353732 PMCID: PMC10866799 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13056-y] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The Cas9 endonuclease of the CRISPR/Cas type IIA system from Streptococcus pyogenes is the heart of genome editing technology that can be used to treat human genetic and viral diseases. Despite its large size and other drawbacks, S. pyogenes Cas9 remains the most widely used genome editor. A vast amount of research is aimed at improving Cas9 as a promising genetic therapy. Strategies include directed evolution of the Cas9 protein, rational design, and domain swapping. The first generation of Cas9 editors comes directly from the wild-type protein. The next generation is obtained by combining mutations from the first-generation variants, adding new mutations to them, or refining mutations. This review summarizes and discusses recent advances and ways in the creation of next-generation genomic editors derived from S. pyogenes Cas9. KEY POINTS: • The next-generation Cas9-based editors are more active than in the first one. • PAM-relaxed variants of Cas9 are improved by increased specificity and activity. • Less mutagenic and immunogenic variants of Cas9 are created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem I Davletshin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
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Chen T, Pertsemlidis S, Watson R, Kavirayuni VS, Hsu A, Vure P, Pulugurta R, Vincoff S, Hong L, Wang T, Yudistyra V, Haarer E, Zhao L, Chatterjee P. PepMLM: Target Sequence-Conditioned Generation of Peptide Binders via Masked Language Modeling. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2310.03842v2. [PMID: 37873004 PMCID: PMC10593082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Target proteins that lack accessible binding pockets and conformational stability have posed increasing challenges for drug development. Induced proximity strategies, such as PROTACs and molecular glues, have thus gained attention as pharmacological alternatives, but still require small molecule docking at binding pockets for targeted protein degradation (TPD). The computational design of protein-based binders presents unique opportunities to access undruggable targets, but have often relied on stable 3D structures or predictions for effective binder generation. Recently, we have leveraged the expressive latent spaces of protein language models (pLMs) for the prioritization of peptide binders from sequence alone, which we have then fused to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains, creating a CRISPR-analogous TPD system for target proteins. However, our methods rely on training discriminator models for ranking heuristically or unconditionally-derived guide peptides for their target binding capability. In this work, we introduce PepMLM, a purely target sequence-conditioned de novo generator of linear peptide binders. By employing a novel masking strategy that uniquely positions cognate peptide sequences at the terminus of target protein sequences, PepMLM tasks the state-of-the-art ESM-2 pLM to fully reconstruct the binder region, achieving low perplexities matching or improving upon previously-validated peptide-protein sequence pairs. After successful in silico benchmarking with AlphaFold-Multimer, we experimentally verify PepMLM's efficacy via fusion of model-derived peptides to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains, demonstrating endogenous degradation of target substrates in cellular models. In total, PepMLM enables the generative design of candidate binders to any target protein, without the requirement of target structure, empowering downstream programmable proteome editing applications.
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