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Penkov D, Zubkova E, Parfyonova Y. Tn5 DNA Transposase in Multi-Omics Research. Methods Protoc 2023; 6:mps6020024. [PMID: 36961044 PMCID: PMC10037646 DOI: 10.3390/mps6020024] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tn5 transposase use in biotechnology has substantially advanced the sequencing applications of genome-wide analysis of cells. This is mainly due to the ability of Tn5 transposase to efficiently transpose DNA essentially randomly into any target DNA without the aid of other factors. This concise review is focused on the advances in Tn5 applications in multi-omics technologies, genome-wide profiling, and Tn5 hybrid molecule creation. The possibilities of other transposase uses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Penkov
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after E. I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zubkova
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after E. I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yelena Parfyonova
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after E. I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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2
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Characterization and Genomic Analysis of ɸSHP3, a New Transposable Bacteriophage Infecting Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.00019-21. [PMID: 33536173 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00019-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes a novel transposable bacteriophage, ɸSHP3, continuously released by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain c31. Morphological observation and genomic analysis revealed that ɸSHP3 is a siphovirus with a 37,611-bp genome that encodes 51 putative proteins. Genomic comparisons indicated that ɸSHP3 is a B3-like transposable phage. Its genome configuration is similar to that of Pseudomonas phage B3, except for the DNA modification module. Similar to B3-like phages, the putative transposase B of ɸSHP3 is a homolog of the type two secretion component ExeA, which is proposed to serve as a potential virulence factor. Moreover, most proteins of ɸSHP3 have homologs in transposable phages, but only ɸSHP3 carries an RdgC-like protein encoded by gene 3, which exhibits exonuclease activity in vitro Two genes and their promoters coding for ɸSHP3 regulatory proteins were identified and appear to control the lytic-lysogenic switch. One of the proteins represses one promoter activity and confers immunity to ɸSHP3 superinfection in vivo The short regulatory region, in addition to the canonical bacterial promoter sequences, displays one LexA and two CpxR recognition sequences. This suggests that LexA and the CpxR/CpxA two-component system might be involved in the control of the ɸSHP3 genetic switch.IMPORTANCE S. maltophilia is an emerging global pathogenic bacterium that displays genetic diversity in both environmental and clinical strains. Transposable phages have long been known to improve the genetic diversity of bacterial strains by transposition. More than a dozen phages of S. maltophilia have been characterized. However, no transposable phage infecting S. maltophilia has been reported to date. Characterization of the first transposable phage, ɸSHP3, from S. maltophilia will contribute to our understanding of host-phage interactions and genetic diversity, especially the interchange of genetic materials among S. maltophilia.
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Transposon Insertion Mutagenesis in Mice for Modeling Human Cancers: Critical Insights Gained and New Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031172. [PMID: 32050713 PMCID: PMC7036786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposon mutagenesis has been used to model many types of human cancer in mice, leading to the discovery of novel cancer genes and insights into the mechanism of tumorigenesis. For this review, we identified over twenty types of human cancer that have been modeled in the mouse using Sleeping Beauty and piggyBac transposon insertion mutagenesis. We examine several specific biological insights that have been gained and describe opportunities for continued research. Specifically, we review studies with a focus on understanding metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor cell of origin. Additionally, we propose further uses of transposon-based models to identify rarely mutated driver genes across many cancers, understand additional mechanisms of drug resistance and metastasis, and define personalized therapies for cancer patients with obesity as a comorbidity.
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Querques I, Mades A, Zuliani C, Miskey C, Alb M, Grueso E, Machwirth M, Rausch T, Einsele H, Ivics Z, Hudecek M, Barabas O. A highly soluble Sleeping Beauty transposase improves control of gene insertion. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:1502-1512. [PMID: 31685959 PMCID: PMC6894935 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is an efficient non-viral gene transfer tool in mammalian cells but its broad use has been hampered by uncontrolled transposase gene activity from DNA vectors, posing a risk for genome instability, and by the inability to use transposase protein directly. Here, we used rational protein design based on the crystal structure of the hyperactive SB100X variant to create an SB transposase (hsSB) with enhanced solubility and stability. We demonstrate that hsSB can be delivered with transposon DNA to genetically modify cell lines and embryonic, hematopoietic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), overcoming uncontrolled transposase activity. We used hsSB to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, which exhibit potent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in xenograft mice. We found that hsSB spontaneously penetrates cells, enabling modification of iPSCs and generation of CAR-T cells without the use of transfection reagents. Titration of hsSB to modulate genomic integration frequency achieved as few as two integrations per genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Querques
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Mades
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cecilia Zuliani
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Miriam Alb
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Grueso
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Markus Machwirth
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Rausch
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Orsolya Barabas
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
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5
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Rasila TS, Pulkkinen E, Kiljunen S, Haapa-Paananen S, Pajunen MI, Salminen A, Paulin L, Vihinen M, Rice PA, Savilahti H. Mu transpososome activity-profiling yields hyperactive MuA variants for highly efficient genetic and genome engineering. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:4649-4661. [PMID: 29294068 PMCID: PMC5961161 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The phage Mu DNA transposition system provides a versatile species non-specific tool for molecular biology, genetic engineering and genome modification applications. Mu transposition is catalyzed by MuA transposase, with DNA cleavage and integration reactions ultimately attaching the transposon DNA to target DNA. To improve the activity of the Mu DNA transposition machinery, we mutagenized MuA protein and screened for hyperactivity-causing substitutions using an in vivo assay. The individual activity-enhancing substitutions were mapped onto the MuA–DNA complex structure, containing a tetramer of MuA transposase, two Mu end segments and a target DNA. This analysis, combined with the varying effect of the mutations in different assays, implied that the mutations exert their effects in several ways, including optimizing protein–protein and protein–DNA contacts. Based on these insights, we engineered highly hyperactive versions of MuA, by combining several synergistically acting substitutions located in different subdomains of the protein. Purified hyperactive MuA variants are now ready for use as second-generation tools in a variety of Mu-based DNA transposition applications. These variants will also widen the scope of Mu-based gene transfer technologies toward medical applications such as human gene therapy. Moreover, the work provides a platform for further design of custom transposases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina S Rasila
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, P. O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elsi Pulkkinen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saija Kiljunen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saija Haapa-Paananen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria I Pajunen
- Division of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Salminen
- Department of Biochemistry, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lars Paulin
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, P. O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Phoebe A Rice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Harri Savilahti
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, FI-20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, P. O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Blundell-Hunter G, Tellier M, Chalmers R. Transposase subunit architecture and its relationship to genome size and the rate of transposition in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:9637-9646. [PMID: 30184164 PMCID: PMC6182136 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cut-and-paste transposons are important tools for mutagenesis, gene-delivery and DNA sequencing applications. At the molecular level, the most thoroughly understood are Tn5 and Tn10 in bacteria, and mariner and hAT elements in eukaryotes. All bacterial cut-and-paste transposases characterized to date are monomeric prior to interacting with the transposon end, while all eukaryotic transposases are multimers. Although there is a limited sample size, we proposed that this defines two pathways for transpososome assembly which distinguishes the mechanism of the bacterial and eukaryotic transposons. We predicted that the respective pathways would dictate how the rate of transposition is related to transposase concentration and genome size. Here, we have tested these predictions by creating a single-chain dimer version of the bacterial Tn5 transposase. We show that artificial dimerization switches the transpososome assembly pathway from the bacterial-style to the eukaryotic-style. Although this had no effect in vitro, where the transposase does not have to search far to locate the transposon ends, it increased the rate of transposition in bacterial and HeLa cell assays. However, in contrast to the mariner elements, the Tn5 single-chain dimer remained unaffected by over-production inhibition, which is an emergent property of the transposase subunit structure in the mariner elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Blundell-Hunter
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Michael Tellier
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ronald Chalmers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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7
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Gorshkova NV, Lobanova JS, Tokmakova IL, Smirnov SV, Akhverdyan VZ, Krylov AA, Mashko SV. Mu-driven transposition of recombinant mini-Mu unit DNA in the Corynebacterium glutamicum chromosome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:2867-2884. [PMID: 29392386 PMCID: PMC5847225 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A dual-component Mu-transposition system was modified for the integration/amplification of genes in Corynebacterium. The system consists of two types of plasmids: (i) a non-replicative integrative plasmid that contains the transposing mini-Mu(LR) unit bracketed by the L/R Mu ends or the mini-Mu(LER) unit, which additionally contains the enhancer element, E, and (ii) an integration helper plasmid that expresses the transposition factor genes for MuA and MuB. Efficient transposition in the C. glutamicum chromosome (≈ 2 × 10−4 per cell) occurred mainly through the replicative pathway via cointegrate formation followed by possible resolution. Optimizing the E location in the mini-Mu unit significantly increased the efficiency of Mu-driven intramolecular transposition–amplification in C. glutamicum as well as in gram-negative bacteria. The new C. glutamicum genome modification strategy that was developed allows the consequent independent integration/amplification/fixation of target genes at high copy numbers. After integration/amplification of the first mini-Mu(LER) unit in the C. glutamicum chromosome, the E-element, which is bracketed by lox-like sites, is excised by Cre-mediated fashion, thereby fixing the truncated mini-Mu(LR) unit in its position for the subsequent integration/amplification of new mini-Mu(LER) units. This strategy was demonstrated using the genes for the citrine and green fluorescent proteins, yECitrine and yEGFP, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya V Gorshkova
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Juliya S Lobanova
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Irina L Tokmakova
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Sergey V Smirnov
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Valerii Z Akhverdyan
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Alexander A Krylov
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545
| | - Sergey V Mashko
- Ajinomoto-Genetika Research Institute, 1-st Dorozhny proezd, 1-1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117545.
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8
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Applications of the Bacteriophage Mu In Vitro Transposition Reaction and Genome Manipulation via Electroporation of DNA Transposition Complexes. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1681:279-286. [PMID: 29134602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7343-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of transposable elements to insert into the genomes has been harnessed during the past decades to various in vitro and in vivo applications. This chapter describes in detail the general protocols and principles applicable for the Mu in vitro transposition reaction as well as the assembly of DNA transposition complexes that can be electroporated into bacterial cells to accomplish efficient gene delivery. These techniques with their modifications potentiate various gene and genome modification applications, which are discussed briefly here, and the reader is referred to the original publications for further details.
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9
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Pulkkinen E, Haapa-Paananen S, Turakainen H, Savilahti H. A set of mini-Mu transposons for versatile cloning of circular DNA and novel dual-transposon strategy for increased efficiency. Plasmid 2016; 86:46-53. [PMID: 27387339 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mu transposition-based cloning of DNA circles employs in vitro transposition reaction to deliver both the plasmid origin of replication and a selectable marker into the target DNA of interest. We report here the construction of a platform for the purpose that contains ten mini-Mu transposons with five different replication origins, enabling a variety of research approaches for the discovery and study of circular DNA. We also demonstrate that the simultaneous use of two transposons, one with the origin of replication and the other with selectable marker, is beneficial as it improves the cloning efficiency by reducing the fraction of autointegration-derived plasmid clones. The constructed transposons now provide a set of new tools for the studies on DNA circles and widen the applicability of Mu transposition based approaches to clone circular DNA from various sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsi Pulkkinen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Saija Haapa-Paananen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Hilkka Turakainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Savilahti
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500 Turku, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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10
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Abstract
Transposable phage Mu has played a major role in elucidating the mechanism of movement of mobile DNA elements. The high efficiency of Mu transposition has facilitated a detailed biochemical dissection of the reaction mechanism, as well as of protein and DNA elements that regulate transpososome assembly and function. The deduced phosphotransfer mechanism involves in-line orientation of metal ion-activated hydroxyl groups for nucleophilic attack on reactive diester bonds, a mechanism that appears to be used by all transposable elements examined to date. A crystal structure of the Mu transpososome is available. Mu differs from all other transposable elements in encoding unique adaptations that promote its viral lifestyle. These adaptations include multiple DNA (enhancer, SGS) and protein (MuB, HU, IHF) elements that enable efficient Mu end synapsis, efficient target capture, low target specificity, immunity to transposition near or into itself, and efficient mechanisms for recruiting host repair and replication machineries to resolve transposition intermediates. MuB has multiple functions, including target capture and immunity. The SGS element promotes gyrase-mediated Mu end synapsis, and the enhancer, aided by HU and IHF, participates in directing a unique topological architecture of the Mu synapse. The function of these DNA and protein elements is important during both lysogenic and lytic phases. Enhancer properties have been exploited in the design of mini-Mu vectors for genetic engineering. Mu ends assembled into active transpososomes have been delivered directly into bacterial, yeast, and human genomes, where they integrate efficiently, and may prove useful for gene therapy.
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MuA-mediated in vitro cloning of circular DNA: transpositional autointegration and the effect of MuB. Mol Genet Genomics 2016; 291:1181-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00438-016-1175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Kiljunen S, Pajunen MI, Dilks K, Storf S, Pohlschroder M, Savilahti H. Generation of comprehensive transposon insertion mutant library for the model archaeon, Haloferax volcanii, and its use for gene discovery. BMC Biol 2014; 12:103. [PMID: 25488358 PMCID: PMC4300041 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-014-0103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Archaea share fundamental properties with bacteria and eukaryotes. Yet, they also possess unique attributes, which largely remain poorly characterized. Haloferax volcanii is an aerobic, moderately halophilic archaeon that can be grown in defined media. It serves as an excellent archaeal model organism to study the molecular mechanisms of biological processes and cellular responses to changes in the environment. Studies on haloarchaea have been impeded by the lack of efficient genetic screens that would facilitate the identification of protein functions and respective metabolic pathways. Results Here, we devised an insertion mutagenesis strategy that combined Mu in vitro DNA transposition and homologous-recombination-based gene targeting in H. volcanii. We generated an insertion mutant library, in which the clones contained a single genomic insertion. From the library, we isolated pigmentation-defective and auxotrophic mutants, and the respective insertions pinpointed a number of genes previously known to be involved in carotenoid and amino acid biosynthesis pathways, thus validating the performance of the methodologies used. We also identified mutants that had a transposon insertion in a gene encoding a protein of unknown or putative function, demonstrating that novel roles for non-annotated genes could be assigned. Conclusions We have generated, for the first time, a random genomic insertion mutant library for a halophilic archaeon and used it for efficient gene discovery. The library will facilitate the identification of non-essential genes behind any specific biochemical pathway. It represents a significant step towards achieving a more complete understanding of the unique characteristics of halophilic archaea. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-014-0103-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saija Kiljunen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Maria I Pajunen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. .,Current address: Department of Biosciences, Division of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Kieran Dilks
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Stefanie Storf
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Harri Savilahti
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Pulkkinen E, Haapa-Paananen S, Savilahti H. An assay to monitor the activity of DNA transposition complexes yields a general quality control measure for transpositional recombination reactions. Mob Genet Elements 2014; 4:1-8. [PMID: 26442171 PMCID: PMC4590003 DOI: 10.4161/21592543.2014.969576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposon-based technologies have many applications in molecular biology and can be used for gene delivery into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Common transpositional activity measurement assays suitable for many types of transposons would be beneficial, as diverse transposon systems could be compared for their performance attributes. Therefore, we developed a general-purpose assay to enable and standardize the activity measurement for DNA transposition complexes (transpososomes), using phage Mu transposition as a test platform. This assay quantifies transpositional recombination efficiency and is based on an in vitro transposition reaction with a target plasmid carrying a lethal ccdB gene. If transposition targets ccdB, this gene becomes inactivated, enabling plasmid-receiving Escherichia coli cells to survive and to be scored as colonies on selection plates. The assay was validated with 3 mini-Mu transposons varying in size and differing in their marker gene constitution. Tests with different amounts of transposon DNA provided a linear response and yielded a 10-fold operational range for the assay. The colony formation capacity was linearly correlated with the competence status of the E.coli cells, enabling normalization of experimental data obtained with different batches of recipient cells. The developed assay can now be used to directly compare transpososome activities with all types of mini-Mu transposons, regardless of their aimed use. Furthermore, the assay should be directly applicable to other transposition-based systems with a functional in vitro reaction, and it provides a dependable quality control measure that previously has been lacking but is highly important for the evaluation of current and emerging transposon-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsi Pulkkinen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology; Department of Biology; University of Turku; Turku, Finland
| | - Saija Haapa-Paananen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology; Department of Biology; University of Turku; Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Savilahti
- Division of Genetics and Physiology; Department of Biology; University of Turku; Turku, Finland
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14
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Rasila TS, Vihinen M, Paulin L, Haapa-Paananen S, Savilahti H. Flexibility in MuA transposase family protein structures: functional mapping with scanning mutagenesis and sequence alignment of protein homologues. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37922. [PMID: 22666413 PMCID: PMC3362531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MuA transposase protein is a member of the retroviral integrase superfamily (RISF). It catalyzes DNA cleavage and joining reactions via an initial assembly and subsequent structural transitions of a protein-DNA complex, known as the Mu transpososome, ultimately attaching transposon DNA to non-specific target DNA. The transpososome functions as a molecular DNA-modifying machine and has been used in a wide variety of molecular biology and genetics/genomics applications. To analyze structure-function relationships in MuA action, a comprehensive pentapeptide insertion mutagenesis was carried out for the protein. A total of 233 unique insertion variants were generated, and their activity was analyzed using a quantitative in vivo DNA transposition assay. The results were then correlated with the known MuA structures, and the data were evaluated with regard to the protein domain function and transpososome development. To complement the analysis with an evolutionary component, a protein sequence alignment was produced for 44 members of MuA family transposases. Altogether, the results pinpointed those regions, in which insertions can be tolerated, and those where insertions are harmful. Most insertions within the subdomains Iγ, IIα, IIβ, and IIIα completely destroyed the transposase function, yet insertions into certain loop/linker regions of these subdomains increased the protein activity. Subdomains Iα and IIIβ were largely insertion-tolerant. The comprehensive structure-function data set will be useful for designing MuA transposase variants with improved properties for biotechnology/genomics applications, and is informative with regard to the function of RISF proteins in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina S. Rasila
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mauno Vihinen
- Institute of Biomedical Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Paulin
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saija Haapa-Paananen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Savilahti
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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15
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Pajunen M, Pinta E, Skurnik M. Construction and Screening of a Transposon Insertion Library of Yersinia enterocolitica (YeO3-R1). Bio Protoc 2012. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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16
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Application of the bacteriophage Mu-driven system for the integration/amplification of target genes in the chromosomes of engineered Gram-negative bacteria--mini review. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 91:857-71. [PMID: 21698377 PMCID: PMC3145075 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The advantages of phage Mu transposition-based systems for the chromosomal editing of plasmid-less strains are reviewed. The cis and trans requirements for Mu phage-mediated transposition, which include the L/R ends of the Mu DNA, the transposition factors MuA and MuB, and the cis/trans functioning of the E element as an enhancer, are presented. Mini-Mu(LR)/(LER) units are Mu derivatives that lack most of the Mu genes but contain the L/R ends or a properly arranged E element in cis to the L/R ends. The dual-component system, which consists of an integrative plasmid with a mini-Mu and an easily eliminated helper plasmid encoding inducible transposition factors, is described in detail as a tool for the integration/amplification of recombinant DNAs. This chromosomal editing method is based on replicative transposition through the formation of a cointegrate that can be resolved in a recombination-dependent manner. (E-plus)- or (E-minus)-helpers that differ in the presence of the trans-acting E element are used to achieve the proper mini-Mu transposition intensity. The systems that have been developed for the construction of stably maintained mini-Mu multi-integrant strains of Escherichia coli and Methylophilus methylotrophus are described. A novel integration/amplification/fixation strategy is proposed for consecutive independent replicative transpositions of different mini-Mu(LER) units with “excisable” E elements in methylotrophic cells.
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17
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Brady T, Roth SL, Malani N, Wang GP, Berry CC, Leboulch P, Hacein-Bey-Abina S, Cavazzana-Calvo M, Papapetrou EP, Sadelain M, Savilahti H, Bushman FD. A method to sequence and quantify DNA integration for monitoring outcome in gene therapy. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:e72. [PMID: 21415009 PMCID: PMC3113588 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human genetic diseases have been successfully corrected by integration of functional copies of the defective genes into human cells, but in some cases integration of therapeutic vectors has activated proto-oncogenes and contributed to leukemia. For this reason, extensive efforts have focused on analyzing integration site populations from patient samples, but the most commonly used methods for recovering newly integrated DNA suffer from severe recovery biases. Here, we show that a new method based on phage Mu transposition in vitro allows convenient and consistent recovery of integration site sequences in a form that can be analyzed directly using DNA barcoding and pyrosequencing. The method also allows simple estimation of the relative abundance of gene-modified cells from human gene therapy subjects, which has previously been lacking but is crucial for detecting expansion of cell clones that may be a prelude to adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Brady
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6076, USA
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18
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Cardiomyocyte differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and their use as cardiac disease models. Biochem J 2011; 434:25-35. [PMID: 21269276 DOI: 10.1042/bj20101707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
More than 10 years after their first isolation, human embryonic stem cells are finally 'coming of age' in research and biotechnology applications as protocols for their differentiation and undifferentiated expansion in culture become robust and scalable, and validated commercial reagents become available. Production of human cardiomyocytes is now feasible on a daily basis for many laboratories with tissue culture expertise. An additional recent surge of interest resulting from the first production of human iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) from somatic cells of patients now makes these technologies of even greater importance since it is likely that (genetic) cardiac disease phenotypes can be captured in the cardiac derivatives of these cells. Although cell therapy based on replacing cardiomyocytes lost or dysfunctional owing to cardiac disease are probably as far away as ever, biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications in safety pharmacology and drug discovery will probably impact this clinical area in the very near future. In the present paper, we review the cutting edge of this exciting area of translational research.
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19
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Pajunen MI, Rasila TS, Happonen LJ, Lamberg A, Haapa-Paananen S, Kiljunen S, Savilahti H. Universal platform for quantitative analysis of DNA transposition. Mob DNA 2010; 1:24. [PMID: 21110848 PMCID: PMC3003695 DOI: 10.1186/1759-8753-1-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Completed genome projects have revealed an astonishing diversity of transposable genetic elements, implying the existence of novel element families yet to be discovered from diverse life forms. Concurrently, several better understood transposon systems have been exploited as efficient tools in molecular biology and genomics applications. Characterization of new mobile elements and improvement of the existing transposition technology platforms warrant easy-to-use assays for the quantitative analysis of DNA transposition. Results Here we developed a universal in vivo platform for the analysis of transposition frequency with class II mobile elements, i.e., DNA transposons. For each particular transposon system, cloning of the transposon ends and the cognate transposase gene, in three consecutive steps, generates a multifunctional plasmid, which drives inducible expression of the transposase gene and includes a mobilisable lacZ-containing reporter transposon. The assay scores transposition events as blue microcolonies, papillae, growing within otherwise whitish Escherichia coli colonies on indicator plates. We developed the assay using phage Mu transposition as a test model and validated the platform using various MuA transposase mutants. For further validation and to illustrate universality, we introduced IS903 transposition system components into the assay. The developed assay is adjustable to a desired level of initial transposition via the control of a plasmid-borne E. coli arabinose promoter. In practice, the transposition frequency is modulated by varying the concentration of arabinose or glucose in the growth medium. We show that variable levels of transpositional activity can be analysed, thus enabling straightforward screens for hyper- or hypoactive transposase mutants, regardless of the original wild-type activity level. Conclusions The established universal papillation assay platform should be widely applicable to a variety of mobile elements. It can be used for mechanistic studies to dissect transposition and provides a means to screen or scrutinise transposase mutants and genes encoding host factors. In succession, improved versions of transposition systems should yield better tools for molecular biology and offer versatile genome modification vehicles for many types of studies, including gene therapy and stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Pajunen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, Vesilinnantie 5, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland.
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20
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Nieminen M, Tuuri T, Savilahti H. Genetic recombination pathways and their application for genome modification of human embryonic stem cells. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:2578-86. [PMID: 20542027 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from early human embryo and retain a potential to differentiate into all adult cell types. They provide vast opportunities in cell replacement therapies and are expected to become significant tools in drug discovery as well as in the studies of cellular and developmental functions of human genes. The progress in applying different types of DNA recombination reactions for genome modification in a variety of eukaryotic cell types has provided means to utilize recombination-based strategies also in human embryonic stem cells. Homologous recombination-based methods, particularly those utilizing extended homologous regions and those employing zinc finger nucleases to boost genomic integration, have shown their usefulness in efficient genome modification. Site-specific recombination systems are potent genome modifiers, and they can be used to integrate DNA into loci that contain an appropriate recombination signal sequence, either naturally occurring or suitably pre-engineered. Non-homologous recombination can be used to generate random integrations in genomes relatively effortlessly, albeit with a moderate efficiency and precision. DNA transposition-based strategies offer substantially more efficient random strategies and provide means to generate single-copy insertions, thus potentiating the generation of genome-wide insertion libraries applicable in genetic screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Nieminen
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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21
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Wei XX, Shi ZY, Li ZJ, Cai L, Wu Q, Chen GQ. A mini-Mu transposon-based method for multiple DNA fragment integration into bacterial genomes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 87:1533-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2674-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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22
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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23
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Generation of single-copy transposon insertions in Clostridium perfringens by electroporation of phage mu DNA transposition complexes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:2638-42. [PMID: 19270116 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02214-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposon mutagenesis is a tool that is widely used for the identification of genes involved in the virulence of bacteria. Until now, transposon mutagenesis in Clostridium perfringens has been restricted to the use of Tn916-based methods with laboratory reference strains. This system yields primarily multiple transposon insertions in a single genome, thus compromising its use for the identification of virulence genes. The current study describes a new protocol for transposon mutagenesis in C. perfringens, which is based on the bacteriophage Mu transposition system. The protocol was successfully used to generate a single-insertion mutant library both for a laboratory strain and for a field isolate. Thus, it can be used as a tool in large-scale screening to identify virulence genes of C. perfringens.
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