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Blum K, Bowirrat A, Baron D, Elman I, Makale MT, Cadet JL, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Ahmed R, Gondre-Lewis MC, Dennen CA, Braverman ER, Soni D, Carney P, Khalsa J, Modestino EJ, Barh D, Bagchi D, Badgaiyan RD, McLaughlin T, Cortese R, Ceccanti M, Murphy KT, Gupta A, Makale MT, Sunder K, Gold MS. Identification of stress-induced epigenetic methylation onto dopamine D2 gene and neurological and behavioral consequences. GENE & PROTEIN IN DISEASE 2024; 3:10.36922/gpd.1966. [PMID: 38766604 PMCID: PMC11100097 DOI: 10.36922/gpd.1966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene has garnered substantial attention as one of the most extensively studied genes across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Since its initial association with severe alcoholism in 1990, particularly through the identification of the DRD2 Taq A1 allele, numerous international investigations have been conducted to elucidate its role in different conditions. As of February 22, 2024, there are 5485 articles focusing on the DRD2 gene listed in PUBMED. There have been 120 meta-analyses with mixed results. In our opinion, the primary cause of negative reports regarding the association of various DRD2 gene polymorphisms is the inadequate screening of controls, not adequately eliminating many hidden reward deficiency syndrome behaviors. Moreover, pleiotropic effects of DRD2 variants have been identified in neuropsychologic, neurophysiologic, stress response, social stress defeat, maternal deprivation, and gambling disorder, with epigenetic DNA methylation and histone post-translational negative methylation identified as discussed in this article. There are 70 articles listed in PUBMED for DNA methylation and 20 articles listed for histone methylation as of October 19, 2022. For this commentary, we did not denote DNA and/or histone methylation; instead, we provided a brief summary based on behavioral effects. Based on the fact that Blum and Noble characterized the DRD2 Taq A1 allele as a generalized reward gene and not necessarily specific alcoholism, it now behooves the field to find ways to either use effector moieties to edit the neuroepigenetic insults or possibly harness the idea of potentially removing negative mRNA-reduced expression by inducing "dopamine homeostasis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise & Mental Health, Western University of the Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States of America
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, United States of America
- Division of Nutrigenomics, The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX United States of America
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology, Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
- Department of Nutrigenomic Research, Victory Nutrition International, Inc., Bonita Springs, FL, United States of America
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulation Research, Sunder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, United States of America
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - David Baron
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise & Mental Health, Western University of the Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Igor Elman
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulation Research, Sunder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, United States of America
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Milan T. Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, UC San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0819, United States of America
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD., United States of America
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY., United States of America
| | - Colin Hanna
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY., United States of America
| | - Rania Ahmed
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY., United States of America
| | - Marjorie C. Gondre-Lewis
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, and Developmental Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Eric R. Braverman
- Division of Nutrigenomics, The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX United States of America
| | - Diwanshu Soni
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise & Mental Health, Western University of the Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Paul Carney
- Division Pediatric Neurology, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO., United States of America
| | - Jag Khalsa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Modestino
- Department of Psychology, Curry College, Milton, MA., United States of America
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology, Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland OH., 44106, USA and Department of Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas McLaughlin
- Division of Nutrigenomics, The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX United States of America
| | - Rene Cortese
- Department of Child Health – Child Health Research Institute, & Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health School of Medicine, University of Missouri, MO, United States of America
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Alcohol Addiction Program, Latium Region Referral Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Kevin T. Murphy
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulation and Patient Care, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA, United States of America
| | - Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30043, United States of America
| | - Miles T. Makale
- Department of Psychology, UC San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0819, United States of America
| | - Keerthy Sunder
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulation Research, Sunder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
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Seem K, Kaur S, Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Epigenome editing for targeted DNA (de)methylation: a new perspective in modulating gene expression. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38440883 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2320659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, it has been believed that inheritance is driven as phenotypic variations resulting from changes in DNA sequence. However, this paradigm has been challenged and redefined in the contemporary era of epigenetics. The changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA biogenesis, and chromatin remodeling play crucial roles in genomic functions and regulation of gene expression. More importantly, some of these changes are inherited to the next generations as a part of epigenetic memory and play significant roles in gene expression. The sum total of all changes in DNA bases, histone proteins, and ncRNA biogenesis constitutes the epigenome. Continuous progress in deciphering epigenetic regulations and the existence of heritable epigenetic/epiallelic variations associated with trait of interest enables to deploy epigenome editing tools to modulate gene expression. DNA methylation marks can be utilized in epigenome editing for the manipulation of gene expression. Initially, genome/epigenome editing technologies relied on zinc-finger protein or transcriptional activator-like effector protein. However, the discovery of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR)/deadCRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) enabled epigenome editing to be more specific/efficient for targeted DNA (de)methylation. One of the major concerns has been the off-target effects, wherein epigenome editing may unintentionally modify gene/regulatory element which may cause unintended change/harmful effects. Moreover, epigenome editing of germline cell raises several ethical/safety issues. This review focuses on the recent developments in epigenome editing tools/techniques, technological limitations, and future perspectives of this emerging technology in therapeutics for human diseases as well as plant improvement to achieve sustainable developmental goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Seem
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Simardeep Kaur
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Trilochan Mohapatra
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, New Delhi, India
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Rohm D, Black JB, McCutcheon SR, Barrera A, Morone DJ, Nuttle X, de Esch CE, Tai DJ, Talkowski ME, Iglesias N, Gersbach CA. Activation of the imprinted Prader-Willi Syndrome locus by CRISPR-based epigenome editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583177. [PMID: 38496583 PMCID: PMC10942373 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Epigenome editing with DNA-targeting technologies such as CRISPR-dCas9 can be used to dissect gene regulatory mechanisms and potentially treat associated disorders. For example, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is caused by loss of paternally expressed imprinted genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13.3, although the maternal allele is intact but epigenetically silenced. Using CRISPR repression and activation screens in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we identified genomic elements that control expression of the PWS gene SNRPN from the paternal and maternal chromosomes. We showed that either targeted transcriptional activation or DNA demethylation can activate the silenced maternal SNRPN and downstream PWS transcripts. However, these two approaches function at unique regions, preferentially activating different transcript variants and involving distinct epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms. Remarkably, transient expression of the targeted demethylase leads to stable, long-term maternal SNRPN expression in PWS iPSCs. This work uncovers targeted epigenetic manipulations to reprogram a disease-associated imprinted locus and suggests possible therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlia Rohm
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Joshua B. Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sean R. McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Daniel J. Morone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Xander Nuttle
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Celine E. de Esch
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Derek J.C. Tai
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael E. Talkowski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nahid Iglesias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Charles A. Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Choi W, Choe MS, Kim SM, Kim SJ, Lee J, Lee Y, Lee SM, Dho SH, Lee MY, Kim LK. RFX4 is an intrinsic factor for neuronal differentiation through induction of proneural genes POU3F2 and NEUROD1. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:99. [PMID: 38386071 PMCID: PMC10884155 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05129-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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Proneural genes play a crucial role in neuronal differentiation. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing proneural genes during neuronal differentiation remains limited. RFX4, identified as a candidate regulator of proneural genes, has been reported to be associated with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. To uncover the regulatory relationship, we utilized a combination of multi-omics data, including ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, Hi-C, and RNA-seq, to identify RFX4 as an upstream regulator of proneural genes. We further validated the role of RFX4 using an in vitro model of neuronal differentiation with RFX4 knock-in and a CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out system. As a result, we found that RFX4 directly interacts with the promoters of POU3F2 and NEUROD1. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a set of genes associated with neuronal development, which are highly implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Notably, ectopic expression of RFX4 can drive human embryonic stem cells toward a neuronal fate. Our results strongly indicate that RFX4 serves as a direct upstream regulator of proneural genes, a role that is essential for normal neuronal development. Impairments in RFX4 function could potentially be related to the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, understanding the precise mechanisms by which the RFX4 gene influences the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders requires further investigation through human genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyoung Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Mu Seog Choe
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Min Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Min Lee
- Department of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hee Dho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Lark Kyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea.
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Keshri R, Detraux D, Phal A, McCurdy C, Jhajharia S, Chan TC, Mathieu J, Ruohola-Baker H. Next-generation direct reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343106. [PMID: 38371924 PMCID: PMC10869521 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair is significantly compromised in the aging human body resulting in critical disease conditions (such as myocardial infarction or Alzheimer's disease) and imposing a tremendous burden on global health. Reprogramming approaches (partial or direct reprogramming) are considered fruitful in addressing this unmet medical need. However, the efficacy, cellular maturity and specific targeting are still major challenges of direct reprogramming. Here we describe novel approaches in direct reprogramming that address these challenges. Extracellular signaling pathways (Receptor tyrosine kinases, RTK and Receptor Serine/Theronine Kinase, RSTK) and epigenetic marks remain central in rewiring the cellular program to determine the cell fate. We propose that modern protein design technologies (AI-designed minibinders regulating RTKs/RSTK, epigenetic enzymes, or pioneer factors) have potential to solve the aforementioned challenges. An efficient transdifferentiation/direct reprogramming may in the future provide molecular strategies to collectively reduce aging, fibrosis, and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Damien Detraux
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ashish Phal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Clara McCurdy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Samriddhi Jhajharia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tung Ching Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Zhong C, He S, Huang Y, Yan J, Wang J, Liu W, Fang J, Ren F. Scaffold-based non-viral CRISPR delivery platform for efficient and prolonged gene activation to accelerate tissue regeneration. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:283-297. [PMID: 37913843 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.029] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat activation (CRISPRa) technology has emerged as a precise genome editing tool for activating endogenous transgene expression. While it holds promise for precise cell modification, its translation into tissue engineering has been hampered by biosafety concerns and suboptimal delivery methods. To address these challenges, we have developed a CRISPRa non-viral gene delivery platform by immobilizing non-viral CRISPRa complexes into a biocompatible hydrogel/nanofiber (Gel/NF) composite scaffold. The Gel/NF scaffold facilitates the controlled and sustained release of CRISPRa complexes and also promotes cell recruitment to the scaffold for efficient and localized transfection. As a proof of concept, we employed this CRISPRa delivery platform to activate the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in a rat model with full-thickness skin defects. Our results demonstrate sustained upregulation of VEGF expression even at 21 days post-implantation, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis and improved skin regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of the Gel/NF scaffold-based CRISPRa delivery platform as an efficient and durable strategy for gene activation, offering promising prospects for tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Translation of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat activation (CRISPRa) therapy to tissue engineering is limited by biosafety concerns and unsatisfactory delivery strategy. To solve this issue, we have developed a CRISPRa non-viral gene delivery platform by immobilizing non-viral CRISPRa complexes into a biocompatible hydrogel/nanofiber (Gel/NF) composite scaffold. This scaffold enables controlled and sustained release of CRISPRa and can induce cell recruitment for localized transfection. As a proof of concept, we activated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat model with full-thickness skin defects, leading to sustained upregulation of VEGF expression, enhanced angiogenesis and improved skin regeneration in vivo. These findings demonstrate the potential of this platform for gene activation, thereby offering promising prospects for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxin Zhong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shan He
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jianfeng Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Junqin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ju Fang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Fuzeng Ren
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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7
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Fatima N, Saif Ur Rahman M, Qasim M, Ali Ashfaq U, Ahmed U, Masoud MS. Transcriptional Factors Mediated Reprogramming to Pluripotency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:367-388. [PMID: 37073151 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230417084518] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
A unique kind of pluripotent cell, i.e., Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), now being targeted for iPSC synthesis, are produced by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells (with no change in genetic makeup for the sake of high efficacy iPSCs formation). The conversion of specific cells to iPSCs has revolutionized stem cell research by making pluripotent cells more controllable for regenerative therapy. For the past 15 years, somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotency with force expression of specified factors has been a fascinating field of biomedical study. For that technological primary viewpoint reprogramming method, a cocktail of four transcription factors (TF) has required: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), four-octamer binding protein 34 (OCT3/4), MYC and SOX2 (together referred to as OSKM) and host cells. IPS cells have great potential for future tissue replacement treatments because of their ability to self-renew and specialize in all adult cell types, although factor-mediated reprogramming mechanisms are still poorly understood medically. This technique has dramatically improved performance and efficiency, making it more useful in drug discovery, disease remodeling, and regenerative medicine. Moreover, in these four TF cocktails, more than 30 reprogramming combinations were proposed, but for reprogramming effectiveness, only a few numbers have been demonstrated for the somatic cells of humans and mice. Stoichiometry, a combination of reprogramming agents and chromatin remodeling compounds, impacts kinetics, quality, and efficiency in stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazira Fatima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- Institute of Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Ahmed
- EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Shareef Masoud
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
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Lee JH, Shores KL, Breithaupt JJ, Lee CS, Fodera DM, Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Myers KM, Evison BJ, Suchowerska AK, Gersbach CA, Leong KW, Truskey GA. PCSK9 activation promotes early atherosclerosis in a vascular microphysiological system. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046103. [PMID: 37854060 PMCID: PMC10581720 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a primary precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. While proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) contributes to CVD by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) and altering lipid metabolism, PCSK9 also influences vascular inflammation, further promoting atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a vascular microphysiological system to test the effect of PCSK9 activation or repression on the initiation of atherosclerosis and to screen the efficacy of a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. We have generated PCSK9 over-expressed (P+) or repressed (P-) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiated them to smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) or endothelial cells (viECs). Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) made from P+ viSMCs and viECs resulted in increased monocyte adhesion compared to the wild type (WT) or P- equivalents when treated with enzyme-modified LDL (eLDL) and TNF-α. We also found significant viEC dysfunction, such as increased secretion of VCAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, in P+ viECs treated with eLDL and TNF-α. A small molecule compound, NYX-1492, that was originally designed to block PCSK9 binding with the LDLR was tested in TEBVs to determine its effect on lowering PCSK9-induced inflammation. The compound reduced monocyte adhesion in P+ TEBVs with evidence of lowering secretion of VCAM-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that PCSK9 inhibition may decrease vascular inflammation in addition to lowering plasma LDL levels, enhancing its anti-atherosclerotic effects, particularly in patients with elevated chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jounghyun H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Kevin L. Shores
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jason J. Breithaupt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Caleb S. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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9
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Li Y, He C, Liu R, Xiao Z, Sun B. Stem cells therapy for diabetes: from past to future. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:1125-1138. [PMID: 37256240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.04.012] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by uncontrolled hyperglycemia due to the body's impaired ability to produce or respond to insulin. Oral or injectable exogenous insulin and its analogs cannot mimic endogenous insulin secreted by healthy individuals, and pancreatic and islet transplants face a severe shortage of sources and transplant complications, all of which limit the widespread use of traditional strategies in diabetes treatment. We are now in the era of stem cells and their potential in ameliorating human disease. At the same time, the rapid development of gene editing and cell-encapsulation technologies has added to the wings of stem cell therapy. However, there are still many unanswered questions before stem cell therapy can be applied clinically to patients with diabetes. In this review, we discuss the progress of strategies to obtain insulin-producing cells from different types of stem cells, the application of gene editing in stem cell therapy for diabetes, as well as summarize the current advanced cell encapsulation technologies in diabetes therapy and look forward to the future development of stem cell therapy in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Genetic Engineering, College of Natural Science, University of Suwon, Kyunggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhongdang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Bo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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10
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Fadul SM, Arshad A, Mehmood R. CRISPR-based epigenome editing: mechanisms and applications. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1137-1155. [PMID: 37990877 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic anomalies contribute significantly to the development of numerous human disorders. The development of epigenetic research tools is essential for understanding how epigenetic marks contribute to gene expression. A gene-editing technique known as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) typically targets a particular DNA sequence using a guide RNA (gRNA). CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been remodeled for epigenome editing by generating a 'dead' Cas9 protein (dCas9) that lacks nuclease activity and juxtaposing it with an epigenetic effector domain. Based on fusion partners of dCas9, a specific epigenetic state can be achieved. CRISPR-based epigenome editing has widespread application in drug screening, cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. This paper discusses the tools developed for CRISPR-based epigenome editing and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima M Fadul
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aleeza Arshad
- Medical Teaching Insitute, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, 22020, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science & General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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11
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Chudakova DA, Samoilova EM, Chekhonin VP, Baklaushev VP. Improving Efficiency of Direct Pro-Neural Reprogramming: Much-Needed Aid for Neuroregeneration in Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2499. [PMID: 37887343 PMCID: PMC10605572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202499] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical condition affecting ~2.5-4 million people worldwide. The conventional therapy for SCI fails to restore the lost spinal cord functions; thus, novel therapies are needed. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming revolutionized the field. Of them, the use of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) directly reprogrammed from non-neuronal somatic cells without transitioning through a pluripotent state is a particularly attractive strategy. This allows to "scale up" NPCs in vitro and, via their transplantation to the lesion area, partially compensate for the limited regenerative plasticity of the adult spinal cord in humans. As recently demonstrated in non-human primates, implanted NPCs contribute to the functional improvement of the spinal cord after injury, and works in other animal models of SCI also confirm their therapeutic value. However, direct reprogramming still remains a challenge in many aspects; one of them is low efficiency, which prevents it from finding its place in clinics yet. In this review, we describe new insights that recent works brought to the field, such as novel targets (mitochondria, nucleoli, G-quadruplexes, and others), tools, and approaches (mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation) for direct pro-neural reprogramming, including potential ones yet to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A. Chudakova
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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13
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Kalamakis G, Platt RJ. CRISPR for neuroscientists. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00306-9. [PMID: 37201524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering technologies provide an entry point into understanding and controlling the function of genetic elements in health and disease. The discovery and development of the microbial defense system CRISPR-Cas yielded a treasure trove of genome engineering technologies and revolutionized the biomedical sciences. Comprising diverse RNA-guided enzymes and effector proteins that evolved or were engineered to manipulate nucleic acids and cellular processes, the CRISPR toolbox provides precise control over biology. Virtually all biological systems are amenable to genome engineering-from cancer cells to the brains of model organisms to human patients-galvanizing research and innovation and giving rise to fundamental insights into health and powerful strategies for detecting and correcting disease. In the field of neuroscience, these tools are being leveraged across a wide range of applications, including engineering traditional and non-traditional transgenic animal models, modeling disease, testing genomic therapies, unbiased screening, programming cell states, and recording cellular lineages and other biological processes. In this primer, we describe the development and applications of CRISPR technologies while highlighting outstanding limitations and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Kalamakis
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Randall J Platt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland; NCCR MSE, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Botnar Research Center for Child Health, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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14
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Huang H, Zhang W, Zhang J, Zhao A, Jiang H. Epigenome editing based on CRISPR/dCas9 p300 facilitates transdifferentiation of human fibroblasts into Leydig-like cells. Exp Cell Res 2023; 425:113551. [PMID: 36914062 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Recently, Leydig cell (LCs) transplantation has a promising potential to treat male hypogonadism. However, the scarcity of seed cells is the actual barrier impeding the application of LCs transplantation. Utilizing the cutting-edge CRISPR/dCas9VP64 technology, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) were transdifferentiated into Leydig-like cells(iLCs) in previous study, but the efficiency of transdifferentiation is not very satisfactory. Therefore, this study was conducted to further optimize the CRISPR/dCas9 system for obtaining sufficient iLCs. First, the stable CYP11A1-Promoter-GFP-HFFs cell line was established by infecting HFFs with CYP11A1-Promoter-GFP lentiviral vectors, and then co-infected with dCas9p300 and the combination of sgRNAs targeted to NR5A1, GATA4 and DMRT1. Next, this study adopted quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence to determine the efficiency of transdifferentiation, the generation of testosterone, the expression levels of steroidogenic biomarkers. Moreover, we utilized chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) to measure the levels of acetylation of targeted H3K27. The results revealed that advanced dCas9p300 facilitated generation of iLCs. Moreover, the dCas9p300-mediated iLCs significantly expressed the steroidogenic biomarkers and produced more testosterone with or without LH treatment than the dCas9VP64-mediated. Additionally, preferred enrichment in H3K27ac at the promoters was detected only with dCas9p300 treatment. The data provided here imply that the improved version of dCas9 can aid in the harvesting of iLCs, and will provide sufficient seed cells for cell transplantation treatment of androgen deficiency in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Anshun Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
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15
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Carroll MS, Giacca M. CRISPR activation and interference as investigative tools in the cardiovascular system. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 155:106348. [PMID: 36563996 PMCID: PMC10265131 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR activation and interference (CRISPRa/i) technology offers the unprecedented possibility of achieving regulated gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. The DNA pairing specificity of a nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9) is exploited to precisely target a transcriptional activator or repressor in proximity to a gene promoter. This permits both the study of phenotypes arising from gene modulation for investigative purposes, and the development of potential therapeutics. As with virtually all other organ systems, the cardiovascular system can deeply benefit from a broader utilisation of CRISPRa/i. However, application of this technology is still in its infancy. Significant areas for improvement include the identification of novel and more effective transcriptional regulators that can be docked to dCas9, and the development of more efficient methods for their delivery and expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Carroll
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London UK
| | - Mauro Giacca
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London UK.
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16
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Mani S, Jindal D, Singh M. Gene Therapy, A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Applications, Challenges and Future Perspective. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:20-40. [PMID: 35345999 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220328142427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are the main risks for the health care system, exhibiting a huge socioeconomic load. The available range of pharmacotherapeutics mostly provides palliative consequences and fails to treat such conditions. The molecular etiology of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders is mostly associated with a change in genetic background, which can be inherited/triggered by other environmental factors. To address such conditions, gene therapy is considered a potential approach claiming a permanent cure of the disease primarily by deletion, silencing, or edition of faulty genes and by insertion of healthier genes. In gene therapy, vectors (viral/nonvial) play an important role in delivering the desired gene to a specific region of the brain. Targeted gene therapy has unraveled opportunities for the treatment of many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. For improved gene delivery, the current techniques mainly focus on designing a precise viral vector, plasmid transfection, nanotechnology, microRNA, and in vivo clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based therapy. These latest techniques have great benefits in treating predominant neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as rarer diseases. Nevertheless, all these delivery methods have their limitations, including immunogenic reactions, off-target effects, and a deficiency of effective biomarkers to appreciate the effectiveness of therapy. In this review, we present a summary of the current methods in targeted gene delivery, followed by the limitations and future direction of gene therapy for the cure of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Divya Jindal
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
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17
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Battistelli C, Garbo S, Maione R. MyoD-Induced Trans-Differentiation: A Paradigm for Dissecting the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Commitment, Differentiation and Reprogramming. Cells 2022; 11:3435. [PMID: 36359831 PMCID: PMC9654159 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the skeletal muscle-specific transcription factor MyoD represents a milestone in the field of transcriptional regulation during differentiation and cell-fate reprogramming. MyoD was the first tissue-specific factor found capable of converting non-muscle somatic cells into skeletal muscle cells. A unique feature of MyoD, with respect to other lineage-specific factors able to drive trans-differentiation processes, is its ability to dramatically change the cell fate even when expressed alone. The present review will outline the molecular strategies by which MyoD reprograms the transcriptional regulation of the cell of origin during the myogenic conversion, focusing on the activation and coordination of a complex network of co-factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Some molecular roadblocks, found to restrain MyoD-dependent trans-differentiation, and the possible ways for overcoming these barriers, will also be discussed. Indeed, they are of critical importance not only to expand our knowledge of basic muscle biology but also to improve the generation skeletal muscle cells for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rossella Maione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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18
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Li Z, Fan Y, Xie C, Liu J, Guan X, Li S, Huang Y, Zeng R, Chen H, Su Z. High-fidelity reprogramming into Leydig-like cells by CRISPR activation and paracrine factors. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac179. [PMID: 36714877 PMCID: PMC9802085 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Androgen deficiency is a common medical conditions that affects males of all ages. Transplantation of testosterone-producing cells is a promising treatment for male hypogonadism. However, getting a cell source with the characteristics of Leydig cells (LCs) is still a challenge. Here, a high-efficiency reprogramming of skin-derived fibroblasts into functional Leydig-like cells (LLCs) based on epigenetic mechanism was described. By performing an integrated analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome profiling in LCs and fibroblasts, the potentially epigenetic-regulating steroidogenic genes and signaling pathways were identified. Then by using CRISPR/dCas9 activation system and signaling pathway regulators, the male- or female-derived fibroblasts were reprogrammed into LLCs with main LC-specific traits. Transcriptomic analysis further indicated that the correlation coefficients of global genes and transcription factors between LLCs and LCs were higher than 0.81 and 0.96, respectively. After transplantation in the testes of hypogonadal rodent models, LLCs increased serum testosterone concentration significantly. In type 2 diabetic rats model, LLCs which were transplanted in armpit, have the capability to restore the serum testosterone level and improve the hyperglycemia status. In conclusion, our approach enables skin-derived fibroblasts reprogramming into LLCs with high fidelity, providing a potential cell source for the therapeutics of male hypogonadism and metabolic-related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jierong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoju Guan
- Key Laboratory of Children Genitourinary Diseases of Wenzhou City, Department of Pediatric Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed:
| | | | - Zhijian Su
- To whom correspondence should be addressed:
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19
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Bashor CJ, Hilton IB, Bandukwala H, Smith DM, Veiseh O. Engineering the next generation of cell-based therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:655-675. [PMID: 35637318 PMCID: PMC9149674 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00476-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapeutics are an emerging modality with the potential to treat many currently intractable diseases through uniquely powerful modes of action. Despite notable recent clinical and commercial successes, cell-based therapies continue to face numerous challenges that limit their widespread translation and commercialization, including identification of the appropriate cell source, generation of a sufficiently viable, potent and safe product that meets patient- and disease-specific needs, and the development of scalable manufacturing processes. These hurdles are being addressed through the use of cutting-edge basic research driven by next-generation engineering approaches, including genome and epigenome editing, synthetic biology and the use of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Bashor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hozefa Bandukwala
- Sigilon Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Devyn M Smith
- Sigilon Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Arbor Biotechnologies, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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20
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Omachi K, Miner JH. Comparative analysis of dCas9-VP64 variants and multiplexed guide RNAs mediating CRISPR activation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270008. [PMID: 35763517 PMCID: PMC9239446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) is a powerful tool for investigating complex biological phenomena. Although CRISPRa approaches based on the VP64 transcriptional activator have been widely studied in both cultured cells and in animal models and exhibit great versatility for various cell types and developmental stages in vivo, different dCas9-VP64 versions have not been rigorously compared. Here, we compared different dCas9-VP64 constructs in identical contexts, including the cell lines used and the transfection conditions, for their ability to activate endogenous and exogenous genes. Moreover, we investigated the optimal approach for VP64 addition to VP64- and p300-based constructs. We found that MS2-MCP-scaffolded VP64 enhanced basal dCas9-VP64 and dCas9-p300 activity better than did direct VP64 fusion to the N-terminus of dCas9. dCas9-VP64+MCP-VP64 and dCas9-p300+MCP-VP64 were superior to VP64-dCas9-VP64 for all target genes tested. Furthermore, multiplexing gRNA expression with dCas9-VP64+MCP-VP64 or dCas9-p300+MCP-VP64 significantly enhanced endogenous gene activation to a level comparable to CRISPRa-SAM with a single gRNA. Our findings demonstrate improvement of the dCas9-VP64 CRISPRa system and contribute to development of a versatile, efficient CRISPRa platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Omachi
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey H. Miner
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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21
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He M, Rong R, Ji D, Xia X. From Bench to Bed: The Current Genome Editing Therapies for Glaucoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:879957. [PMID: 35652098 PMCID: PMC9149310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.879957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies featured by degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and loss of their axons in the optic nerve. The only currently approved therapies focus on lowering intraocular pressure with medication and surgery. Over the previous few decades, technological advances and research progress regarding pathogenesis has brought glaucomatous gene therapy to the forefront. In this review, we discuss the three current genome editing methods and potential disease mechanisms of glaucoma. We further summarize different genome editing strategies that are being developed to target a number of glaucoma-related genes and pathways from four aspects including strategies to lower intraocular pressure, neuroprotection, RGC and optic nerve neuro-regeneration, and other strategies. In summary, genome therapy is a promising therapy for treating patients with glaucoma and has great potential to be widely applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui He
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Rong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Ji
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Zhou M, Cao Y, Sui M, Shu X, Wan F, Zhang B. Dead Cas(t) light on new life: CRISPRa-mediated reprogramming of somatic cells into neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:315. [PMID: 35610381 PMCID: PMC11073076 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04324-z] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of exogenous lineage-specific transcription factors could directly induce terminally differentiated somatic cells into target cell types. However, the low conversion efficiency and the concern about introducing exogenous genes limit the clinical application. With the rapid progress in genome editing, the application of CRISPR/dCas9 has been expanding rapidly, including converting somatic cells into other types of cells in vivo and in vitro. Using the CRISPR/dCas9 system, direct neuronal reprogramming could be achieved by activating endogenous genes. Here, we will discuss the latest progress, new insights, and future challenges of the application of the dCas9 system in direct neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Ming Sui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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23
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Ozturk H, Cingoz H, Tufan T, Yang J, Adair SJ, Tummala KS, Kuscu C, Kinali M, Comertpay G, Nagdas S, Goudreau BJ, Luleyap HU, Bingul Y, Ware TB, Hwang WL, Hsu KL, Kashatus DF, Ting DT, Chandel NS, Bardeesy N, Bauer TW, Adli M. ISL2 is a putative tumor suppressor whose epigenetic silencing reprograms the metabolism of pancreatic cancer. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1331-1346.e9. [PMID: 35508175 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells reprogram their transcriptional and metabolic programs to survive the nutrient-poor tumor microenvironment. Through in vivo CRISPR screening, we discovered islet-2 (ISL2) as a candidate tumor suppressor that modulates aggressive PDA growth. Notably, ISL2, a nuclear and chromatin-associated transcription factor, is epigenetically silenced in PDA tumors and high promoter DNA methylation or its reduced expression correlates with poor patient survival. The exogenous ISL2 expression or CRISPR-mediated upregulation of the endogenous loci reduces cell proliferation. Mechanistically, ISL2 regulates the expression of metabolic genes, and its depletion increases oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). As such, ISL2-depleted human PDA cells are sensitive to the inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I in vitro and in vivo. Spatial transcriptomic analysis shows heterogeneous intratumoral ISL2 expression, which correlates with the expression of critical metabolic genes. These findings nominate ISL2 as a putative tumor suppressor whose inactivation leads to increased mitochondrial metabolism that may be exploitable therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun Ozturk
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Harun Cingoz
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Turan Tufan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jiekun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Sara J Adair
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Cem Kuscu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Meric Kinali
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Sarbajeet Nagdas
- Department of Cell, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Bernadette J Goudreau
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Yagmur Bingul
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Timothy B Ware
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Wiliam L Hwang
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ku-Lung Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - David F Kashatus
- Department of Cell, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - David T Ting
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Todd W Bauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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24
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Multiplexed genome regulation in vivo with hyper-efficient Cas12a. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:590-600. [PMID: 35414015 PMCID: PMC9035114 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiplexed modulation of endogenous genes is crucial for sophisticated gene therapy and cell engineering. CRISPR-Cas12a systems enable versatile multiple-genomic-loci targeting by processing numerous CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) from a single transcript; however, their low efficiency has hindered in vivo applications. Through structure-guided protein engineering, we developed a hyper-efficient Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a variant, termed hyperCas12a, with its catalytically dead version hyperdCas12a showing significantly enhanced efficacy for gene activation, particularly at low concentrations of crRNA. We demonstrate that hyperdCas12a has comparable off-target effects compared with the wild-type system and exhibits enhanced activity for gene editing and repression. Delivery of the hyperdCas12a activator and a single crRNA array simultaneously activating the endogenous Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 genes in the retina of post-natal mice alters the differentiation of retinal progenitor cells. The hyperCas12a system offers a versatile in vivo tool for a broad range of gene-modulation and gene-therapy applications.
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25
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Park H, Kim J. Activation of melatonin receptor 1 by CRISPR-Cas9 activator ameliorates cognitive deficits in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. J Pineal Res 2022; 72:e12787. [PMID: 35133672 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of neurotoxic beta-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Melatonin receptors have been reported to associate with aging and AD, and their expression decreased with the progression of AD. As an alternative to AD treatment, overexpression of melatonin receptors may lead to melatonin-like effects to treat alleviate the symptoms of AD. Here, we successfully activated the type 1 melatonin receptor (Mt1) in vivo brain using a Cas9 activator as a novel AD therapeutic strategy. The Cas9 activator efficiently activated the endogenous Mt1 gene in the brain. Activation of Mt1 via Cas9 activators modulated anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory roles in 5xFAD AD mice brain. Moreover, activation of Mt1 with the CRISPR/Cas9 activator improved cognitive deficits in an AD model. These results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of melatonin receptor activation via CRISPR/Cas9 activator for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanseul Park
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell Reprogramming, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell Reprogramming, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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26
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Refactoring transcription factors for metabolic engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 57:107935. [PMID: 35271945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ability to regulate target metabolic pathways globally and dynamically, metabolic regulation systems composed of transcription factors have been widely used in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. This review introduced the categories, action principles, prediction strategies, and related databases of transcription factors. Then, the application of global transcription machinery engineering technology and the transcription factor-based biosensors and quorum sensing systems are overviewed. In addition, strategies for optimizing the transcriptional regulatory tools' performance by refactoring transcription factors are summarized. Finally, the current limitations and prospects of constructing various regulatory tools based on transcription factors are discussed. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the rational design and construction of transcription factor-based metabolic regulation systems.
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27
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Schoger E, Lelek S, Panáková D, Zelarayán LC. Tailoring Cardiac Synthetic Transcriptional Modulation Towards Precision Medicine. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:783072. [PMID: 35097003 PMCID: PMC8795974 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.783072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and genetic differences between individual cells within tissues underlie cellular heterogeneities defining organ physiology and function in homeostasis as well as in disease states. Transcriptional control of endogenous gene expression has been intensively studied for decades. Thanks to a fast-developing field of single cell genomics, we are facing an unprecedented leap in information available pertaining organ biology offering a comprehensive overview. The single-cell technologies that arose aided in resolving the precise cellular composition of many organ systems in the past years. Importantly, when applied to diseased tissues, the novel approaches have been immensely improving our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of common human diseases. With this information, precise prediction of regulatory elements controlling gene expression upon perturbations in a given cell type or a specific context will be realistic. Simultaneously, the technological advances in CRISPR-mediated regulation of gene transcription as well as their application in the context of epigenome modulation, have opened up novel avenues for targeted therapy and personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the fast-paced advancements during the recent years and the applications thereof in the context of cardiac biology and common cardiac disease. The combination of single cell technologies and the deep knowledge of fundamental biology of the diseased heart together with the CRISPR-mediated modulation of gene regulatory networks will be instrumental in tailoring the right strategies for personalized and precision medicine in the near future. In this review, we provide a brief overview of how single cell transcriptomics has advanced our knowledge and paved the way for emerging CRISPR/Cas9-technologies in clinical applications in cardiac biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Schoger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sara Lelek
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Panáková
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Daniela Panáková
| | - Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
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28
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Jiang L, Liang J, Huang W, Ma J, Park KH, Wu Z, Chen P, Zhu H, Ma JJ, Cai W, Paul C, Niu L, Fan GC, Wang HS, Kanisicak O, Xu M, Wang Y. CRISPR activation of endogenous genes reprograms fibroblasts into cardiovascular progenitor cells for myocardial infarction therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:54-74. [PMID: 34678511 PMCID: PMC8753567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) using transgenic approaches, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We determined whether activation of endogenous genes such as Gata4, Nkx2.5, and Tbx5 can rapidly establish autoregulatory loops and initiate CPC generation in adult extracardiac fibroblasts using a CRISPR activation system. The induced fibroblasts (>80%) showed phenotypic changes as indicated by an Nkx2.5 cardiac enhancer reporter. The progenitor characteristics were confirmed by colony formation and expression of cardiovascular genes. Cardiac sphere induction segregated the early and late reprogrammed cells that can generate functional cardiomyocytes and vascular cells in vitro. Therefore, they were termed CRISPR-induced CPCs (ciCPCs). Transcriptomic analysis showed that cell cycle and heart development pathways were important to accelerate CPC formation during the early reprogramming stage. The CRISPR system opened the silenced chromatin locus, thereby allowing transcriptional factors to access their own promoters and eventually forming a positive feedback loop. The regenerative potential of ciCPCs was assessed after implantation in mouse myocardial infarction models. The engrafted ciCPCs differentiated into cardiovascular cells in vivo but also significantly improved contractile function and scar formation. In conclusion, multiplex gene activation was sufficient to drive CPC reprogramming, providing a new cell source for regenerative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jialiang Liang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jianyong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ki Ho Park
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jian-Jie Ma
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wenfeng Cai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Christian Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Liang Niu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Guo-Chang Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Hong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Onur Kanisicak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Meifeng Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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29
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Rombaut M, Boeckmans J, Rodrigues RM, van Grunsven LA, Vanhaecke T, De Kock J. Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into induced hepatocytes: Cracking the Enigma code. J Hepatol 2021; 75:690-705. [PMID: 33989701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for functional primary human hepatocytes to support the pharmaceutical and (bio)medical demand. The unique discovery, a decade ago, that somatic cells can be drawn out of their apparent biological lockdown to reacquire a pluripotent state has revealed a completely new avenue of possibilities for generating surrogate human hepatocytes. Since then, the number of papers reporting the direct conversion of somatic cells into induced hepatocytes (iHeps) has burgeoned. A hepatic cell fate can be established via the ectopic expression of native liver-enriched transcription factors in somatic cells, thereby bypassing the need for an intermediate (pluripotent) stem cell state. That said, understanding and eventually controlling the processes that give rise to functional iHeps remains challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art reprogramming cocktails and techniques, as well as their corresponding conversion efficiencies. Special attention is paid to the role of liver-enriched transcription factors as hepatogenic reprogramming tools and small molecules as facilitators of hepatic transdifferentiation. To conclude, we formulate recommendations to optimise, standardise and enrich the in vitro production of iHeps to reach clinical standards, and propose minimal criteria for their characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rombaut
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joost Boeckmans
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joery De Kock
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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30
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Liu S, Striebel J, Pasquini G, Ng AHM, Khoshakhlagh P, Church GM, Busskamp V. Neuronal Cell-type Engineering by Transcriptional Activation. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:715697. [PMID: 34713262 PMCID: PMC8525383 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.715697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene activation with the CRISPR-Cas system has great implications in studying gene function, controlling cellular behavior, and modulating disease progression. In this review, we survey recent studies on targeted gene activation and multiplexed screening for inducing neuronal differentiation using CRISPR-Cas transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) and open reading frame (ORF) expression. Critical technical parameters of CRISPRa and ORF-based strategies for neuronal programming are presented and discussed. In addition, recent progress on in vivo applications of CRISPRa to the nervous system are highlighted. Overall, CRISPRa represents a valuable addition to the experimental toolbox for neuronal cell-type programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlei Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Johannes Striebel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Giovanni Pasquini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - George M. Church
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- GC Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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31
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Gemberling MP, Siklenka K, Rodriguez E, Tonn-Eisinger KR, Barrera A, Liu F, Kantor A, Li L, Cigliola V, Hazlett MF, Williams CA, Bartelt LC, Madigan VJ, Bodle JC, Daniels H, Rouse DC, Hilton IB, Asokan A, Ciofani M, Poss KD, Reddy TE, West AE, Gersbach CA. Transgenic mice for in vivo epigenome editing with CRISPR-based systems. Nat Methods 2021; 18:965-974. [PMID: 34341582 PMCID: PMC8349887 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-021-01207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have dramatically increased the ease of targeting DNA sequences in the genomes of living systems. The fusion of chromatin-modifying domains to nuclease-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) has enabled targeted epigenome editing in both cultured cells and animal models. However, delivering large dCas9 fusion proteins to target cells and tissues is an obstacle to the widespread adoption of these tools for in vivo studies. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of two conditional transgenic mouse lines for epigenome editing, Rosa26:LSL-dCas9-p300 for gene activation and Rosa26:LSL-dCas9-KRAB for gene repression. By targeting the guide RNAs to transcriptional start sites or distal enhancer elements, we demonstrate regulation of target genes and corresponding changes to epigenetic states and downstream phenotypes in the brain and liver in vivo, and in T cells and fibroblasts ex vivo. These mouse lines are convenient and valuable tools for facile, temporally controlled, and tissue-restricted epigenome editing and manipulation of gene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Gemberling
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keith Siklenka
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erica Rodriguez
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ariel Kantor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liqing Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Valentina Cigliola
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mariah F Hazlett
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Courtney A Williams
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Luke C Bartelt
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Josephine C Bodle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heather Daniels
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Douglas C Rouse
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Ciofani
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth D Poss
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anne E West
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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32
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Basu A, Tiwari VK. Epigenetic reprogramming of cell identity: lessons from development for regenerative medicine. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:144. [PMID: 34301318 PMCID: PMC8305869 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are known to define cell-type identity and function. Hence, reprogramming of one cell type into another essentially requires a rewiring of the underlying epigenome. Cellular reprogramming can convert somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be directed to differentiate to specific cell types. Trans-differentiation or direct reprogramming, on the other hand, involves the direct conversion of one cell type into another. In this review, we highlight how gene regulatory mechanisms identified to be critical for developmental processes were successfully used for cellular reprogramming of various cell types. We also discuss how the therapeutic use of the reprogrammed cells is beginning to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine particularly in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and organs arising from pathological conditions or accidents. Lastly, we highlight some key challenges hindering the application of cellular reprogramming for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitava Basu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Zhou M, Tao X, Sui M, Cui M, Liu D, Wang B, Wang T, Zheng Y, Luo J, Mu Y, Wan F, Zhu LQ, Zhang B. Reprogramming astrocytes to motor neurons by activation of endogenous Ngn2 and Isl1. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1777-1791. [PMID: 34171285 PMCID: PMC8282467 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system injury and neurodegenerative diseases cause irreversible loss of neurons. Overexpression of exogenous specific transcription factors can reprogram somatic cells into functional neurons for regeneration and functional reconstruction. However, these practices are potentially problematic due to the integration of vectors into the host genome. Here, we showed that the activation of endogenous genes Ngn2 and Isl1 by CRISPRa enabled reprogramming of mouse spinal astrocytes and embryonic fibroblasts to motor neurons. These induced neurons showed motor neuronal morphology and exhibited electrophysiological activities. Furthermore, astrocytes in the spinal cord of the adult mouse can be converted into motor neurons by this approach with high efficiency. These results demonstrate that the activation of endogenous genes is sufficient to induce astrocytes into functional motor neurons in vitro and in vivo. This direct neuronal reprogramming approach may provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoqing Tao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Ming Sui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengge Cui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yunjie Zheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Juan Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yangling Mu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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34
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Vasan L, Park E, David LA, Fleming T, Schuurmans C. Direct Neuronal Reprogramming: Bridging the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681087. [PMID: 34291049 PMCID: PMC8287587 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is an innovative new technology that involves the conversion of somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs) without passing through a pluripotent state. The capacity to make new neurons in the brain, which previously was not achievable, has created great excitement in the field as it has opened the door for the potential treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries such as stroke. These neurological disorders are associated with frank neuronal loss, and as new neurons are not made in most of the adult brain, treatment options are limited. Developmental biologists have paved the way for the field of direct neuronal reprogramming by identifying both intrinsic cues, primarily transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, and extrinsic cues, including growth factors and other signaling molecules, that induce neurogenesis and specify neuronal subtype identities in the embryonic brain. The striking observation that postmitotic, terminally differentiated somatic cells can be converted to iNs by mis-expression of TFs or miRNAs involved in neural lineage development, and/or by exposure to growth factors or small molecule cocktails that recapitulate the signaling environment of the developing brain, has opened the door to the rapid expansion of new neuronal reprogramming methodologies. Furthermore, the more recent applications of neuronal lineage conversion strategies that target resident glial cells in situ has expanded the clinical potential of direct neuronal reprogramming techniques. Herein, we present an overview of the history, accomplishments, and therapeutic potential of direct neuronal reprogramming as revealed over the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmy Vasan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eunjee Park
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luke Ajay David
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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35
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Wang CH, Lundh M, Fu A, Kriszt R, Huang TL, Lynes MD, Leiria LO, Shamsi F, Darcy J, Greenwood BP, Narain NR, Tolstikov V, Smith KL, Emanuelli B, Chang YT, Hagen S, Danial NN, Kiebish MA, Tseng YH. CRISPR-engineered human brown-like adipocytes prevent diet-induced obesity and ameliorate metabolic syndrome in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/558/eaaz8664. [PMID: 32848096 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz8664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brown and brown-like beige/brite adipocytes dissipate energy and have been proposed as therapeutic targets to combat metabolic disorders. However, the therapeutic effects of cell-based therapy in humans remain unclear. Here, we created human brown-like (HUMBLE) cells by engineering human white preadipocytes using CRISPR-Cas9-SAM-gRNA to activate endogenous uncoupling protein 1 expression. Obese mice that received HUMBLE cell transplants showed a sustained improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, as well as increased energy expenditure. Mechanistically, increased arginine/nitric oxide (NO) metabolism in HUMBLE adipocytes promoted the production of NO that was carried by S-nitrosothiols and nitrite in red blood cells to activate endogenous brown fat and improved glucose homeostasis in recipient animals. Together, these data demonstrate the utility of using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to engineer human white adipocytes to display brown fat-like phenotypes and may open up cell-based therapeutic opportunities to combat obesity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Wang
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Morten Lundh
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark.,Gubra Aps, Hørsholm, DK-2970, Denmark
| | - Accalia Fu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rókus Kriszt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583.,Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering (NGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Tian Lian Huang
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Matthew D Lynes
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Luiz O Leiria
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil.,Center of Research of Inflammatory Diseases, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Farnaz Shamsi
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Justin Darcy
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kyle L Smith
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brice Emanuelli
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Young-Tae Chang
- Center for Self-assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang 34126, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Susan Hagen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nika N Danial
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Yu-Hua Tseng
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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36
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Damiati LA, El-Messeiry S. An Overview of RNA-Based Scaffolds for Osteogenesis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:682581. [PMID: 34169095 PMCID: PMC8217814 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.682581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering provides new hope for the combination of cells, scaffolds, and bifactors for bone osteogenesis. This is achieved by mimicking the bone's natural behavior in recruiting the cell's molecular machinery for our use. Many researchers have focused on developing an ideal scaffold with specific features, such as good cellular adhesion, cell proliferation, differentiation, host integration, and load bearing. Various types of coating materials (organic and non-organic) have been used to enhance bone osteogenesis. In the last few years, RNA-mediated gene therapy has captured attention as a new tool for bone regeneration. In this review, we discuss the use of RNA molecules in coating and delivery, including messenger RNA (mRNA), RNA interference (RNAi), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) on different types of scaffolds (such as polymers, ceramics, and metals) in osteogenesis research. In addition, the effect of using gene-editing tools-particularly CRISPR systems-to guide RNA scaffolds in bone regeneration is also discussed. Given existing knowledge about various RNAs coating/expression may help to understand the process of bone formation on the scaffolds during osseointegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila A. Damiati
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah El-Messeiry
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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37
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Zhang Q, Bosch-Rué È, Pérez RA, Truskey GA. Biofabrication of tissue engineering vascular systems. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021507. [PMID: 33981941 PMCID: PMC8106537 DOI: 10.1063/5.0039628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among persons aged 65 and older in the United States and many other developed countries. Tissue engineered vascular systems (TEVS) can serve as grafts for CVD treatment and be used as in vitro model systems to examine the role of various genetic factors during the CVD progressions. Current focus in the field is to fabricate TEVS that more closely resembles the mechanical properties and extracellular matrix environment of native vessels, which depends heavily on the advance in biofabrication techniques and discovery of novel biomaterials. In this review, we outline the mechanical and biological design requirements of TEVS and explore the history and recent advances in biofabrication methods and biomaterials for tissue engineered blood vessels and microvascular systems with special focus on in vitro applications. In vitro applications of TEVS for disease modeling are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Èlia Bosch-Rué
- Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallès 08195, Spain
| | - Román A. Pérez
- Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallès 08195, Spain
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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38
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Dai G, Feinberg AW, Wan LQ. Recent Advances in Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering for Building and Translation of Biological Systems. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:293-308. [PMID: 34055096 PMCID: PMC8147909 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In January of 2020, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)- Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) conference was held in Puerto Rico and themed “Vision 2020: Emerging Technologies to Elucidate the Rule of Life.” The annual BME-CMBE conference gathered worldwide leaders and discussed successes and challenges in engineering biological systems and their translation. The goal of this report is to present the research frontiers in this field and provide perspectives on successful engineering and translation towards the clinic. We hope that this report serves as a constructive guide in shaping the future of research and translation of engineered biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Adam W Feinberg
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Leo Q Wan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180 USA
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39
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Goell JH, Hilton IB. CRISPR/Cas-Based Epigenome Editing: Advances, Applications, and Clinical Utility. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:678-691. [PMID: 33972106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epigenome dynamically regulates gene expression and guides cellular differentiation throughout the lifespan of eukaryotic organisms. Recent advances in clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas-based epigenome editing technologies have enabled researchers to site-specifically program epigenetic modifications to endogenous DNA and histones and to manipulate the architecture of native chromatin. As a result, epigenome editing has helped to uncover the causal relationships between epigenetic marks and gene expression. As epigenome editing tools have continued to develop, researchers have applied them in new ways to explore the function of the epigenome in human health and disease. In this review, we discuss the recent technical improvements in CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing that have advanced clinical research and examine how these technologies could be improved for greater future utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H Goell
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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40
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Akinci E, Hamilton MC, Khowpinitchai B, Sherwood RI. Using CRISPR to understand and manipulate gene regulation. Development 2021; 148:dev182667. [PMID: 33913466 PMCID: PMC8126405 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how genes are expressed in the correct cell types and at the correct level is a key goal of developmental biology research. Gene regulation has traditionally been approached largely through observational methods, whereas perturbational approaches have lacked precision. CRISPR-Cas9 has begun to transform the study of gene regulation, allowing for precise manipulation of genomic sequences, epigenetic functionalization and gene expression. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has already led to the discovery of new paradigms in gene regulation and, as new CRISPR-based tools and methods continue to be developed, promises to transform our knowledge of the gene regulatory code and our ability to manipulate cell fate. Here, we discuss the current and future application of the emerging CRISPR toolbox toward predicting gene regulatory network behavior, improving stem cell disease modeling, dissecting the epigenetic code, reprogramming cell fate and treating diseases of gene dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersin Akinci
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Turkey
| | - Marisa C. Hamilton
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benyapa Khowpinitchai
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Richard I. Sherwood
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Hubrecht Institute, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Song B, Kang CY, Han JH, Kano M, Konnerth A, Bae S. In vivo genome editing in single mammalian brain neurons through CRISPR-Cas9 and cytosine base editors. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2477-2485. [PMID: 34025938 PMCID: PMC8113754 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene manipulation is a useful approach for understanding functions of genes and is important for investigating basic mechanisms of brain function on the level of single neurons and circuits. Despite the development and the wide range of applications of CRISPR-Cas9 and base editors (BEs), their implementation for an analysis of individual neurons in vivo remained limited. In fact, conventional gene manipulations are generally achieved only on the population level. Here, we combined either CRISPR-Cas9 or BEs with the targeted single-cell electroporation technique as a proof-of-concept test for gene manipulation in single neurons in vivo. Our assay consisted of CRISPR-Cas9- or BEs-induced gene knockout in single Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of both gene editing and base editing in single cells in the intact brain, providing a tool through which molecular perturbations of individual neurons can be used for analysis of circuits and, ultimately, behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomjong Song
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Chan Young Kang
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Jun Hee Han
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Masanobu Kano
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Arthur Konnerth
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
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42
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Lek A, Ma K, Woodman KG, Lek M. Nuclease-Deficient Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat-Based Approaches for In Vitro and In Vivo Gene Activation. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:260-274. [PMID: 33446040 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based technology has been adapted to achieve a wide range of genome modifications, including transcription regulation. The focus of this review is on the application of CRISPR-based platforms such as nuclease-deficient Cas9 and Cas12a, to achieve targeted gene activation. We review studies to date that have used CRISPR-based activation technology for the elucidation of biological mechanism and disease correction, as well as its application in genetic screens as a powerful tool for high-throughput genotype-phenotype mapping. In addition to our synthesis and critical analysis of published studies, we explore key considerations for the potential clinical translation of CRISPR-based activation technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kaiyue Ma
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Keryn G Woodman
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Monkol Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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43
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ascl1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:534-547. [PMID: 33577795 PMCID: PMC7940254 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming potentially provides valuable sources for cell-based therapies. Proneural gene Ascl1 converts astrocytes into induced neuronal (iN) cells efficiently both in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. By combining RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing, we found that the expression of 1,501 genes was markedly changed during the early stages of Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and that the regulatory regions of 107 differentially expressed genes were directly bound by ASCL1. Among Ascl1's direct targets, Klf10 regulates the neuritogenesis of iN cells at the early stage, Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells, and Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for the efficient conversion of astrocytes into neurons. Together, this study provides more insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Ascl1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and will be of value for the application of direct neuronal reprogramming. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq were used to study Ascl1-induced astrocyte-to-neuron conversion Early Klf10 regulates neuritogenesis and electrophysiological properties of iN cells Myt1 and Myt1l are critical for the electrophysiological maturation of iN cells Neurod4 and Chd7 are required for efficient conversion of astrocytes to neurons
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44
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Wu Y, Zhang X, Wang J, Jin G, Zhang X. Research progress of the transcription factor Brn4 (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:179. [PMID: 33398372 PMCID: PMC7809911 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain 4 (Brn4) is a transcription factor belonging to the POU3 family, and it is important for the embryonic development of the neural tube, inner ear and pancreas. In addition, it serves a crucial role in neural stem cell differentiation and reprogramming. The present review aimed to summarize the chromosomal location, species homology, protein molecular structure and tissue distribution of Brn4, in addition to its biological processes, with the aim of providing a reference of its structure and function for further studies, and its potential use as a gene therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xunrui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226008, P.R. China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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45
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Nakamura M, Gao Y, Dominguez AA, Qi LS. CRISPR technologies for precise epigenome editing. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:11-22. [PMID: 33420494 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-00620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The epigenome involves a complex set of cellular processes governing genomic activity. Dissecting this complexity necessitates the development of tools capable of specifically manipulating these processes. The repurposing of prokaryotic CRISPR systems has allowed for the development of diverse technologies for epigenome engineering. Here, we review the state of currently achievable epigenetic manipulations along with corresponding applications. With future optimization, CRISPR-based epigenomic editing stands as a set of powerful tools for understanding and controlling biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneaki Nakamura
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Mammoth Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Antonia A Dominguez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Sana Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Stanford ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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46
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Functional Comparison between VP64-dCas9-VP64 and dCas9-VP192 CRISPR Activators in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010397. [PMID: 33401508 PMCID: PMC7795359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversal in the transcriptional status of desired genes has been exploited for multiple research, therapeutic, and biotechnological purposes. CRISPR/dCas9-based activators can activate transcriptionally silenced genes after being guided by gene-specific gRNA(s). Here, we performed a functional comparison between two such activators, VP64-dCas9-VP64 and dCas9-VP192, in human embryonic kidney cells by the concomitant targeting of POU5F1 and SOX2. We found 22- and 6-fold upregulations in the mRNA level of POU5F1 by dCas9-VP192 and VP64-dCas9-VP64, respectively. Likewise, SOX2 was up-regulated 4- and 2-fold using dCas9-VP192 and VP64dCas9VP64, respectively. For the POU5F1 protein level, we observed 3.7- and 2.2-fold increases with dCas9-VP192 and VP64-dCas9-VP64, respectively. Similarly, the SOX2 expression was 2.4- and 2-fold higher with dCas9-VP192 and VP64-dCas9-VP64, respectively. We also confirmed that activation only happened upon co-transfecting an activator plasmid with multiplex gRNA plasmid with a high specificity to the reference genes. Our data revealed that dCas9-VP192 is more efficient than VP64-dCas9-VP64 for activating reference genes.
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Black JB, McCutcheon SR, Dube S, Barrera A, Klann TS, Rice GA, Adkar SS, Soderling SH, Reddy TE, Gersbach CA. Master Regulators and Cofactors of Human Neuronal Cell Fate Specification Identified by CRISPR Gene Activation Screens. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108460. [PMID: 33264623 PMCID: PMC7730023 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Technologies to reprogram cell-type specification have revolutionized the fields of regenerative medicine and disease modeling. Currently, the selection of fate-determining factors for cell reprogramming applications is typically a laborious and low-throughput process. Therefore, we use high-throughput pooled CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) screens to systematically map human neuronal cell fate regulators. We utilize deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-based gene activation to target 1,496 putative transcription factors (TFs) in the human genome. Using a reporter of neuronal commitment, we profile the neurogenic activity of these factors in human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), leading to a curated set of pro-neuronal factors. Activation of pairs of TFs reveals neuronal cofactors, including E2F7, RUNX3, and LHX8, that improve conversion efficiency, subtype specificity, and maturation of neuronal cell types. Finally, using multiplexed gene regulation with orthogonal CRISPR systems, we demonstrate improved neuronal differentiation with concurrent activation and repression of target genes, underscoring the power of CRISPR-based gene regulation for programming complex cellular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sean R McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shataakshi Dube
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tyler S Klann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Grayson A Rice
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shaunak S Adkar
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Scott H Soderling
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Graduate Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Graduate Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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48
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McDonald D, Wu Y, Dailamy A, Tat J, Parekh U, Zhao D, Hu M, Tipps A, Zhang K, Mali P. Defining the Teratoma as a Model for Multi-lineage Human Development. Cell 2020; 183:1402-1419.e18. [PMID: 33152263 PMCID: PMC7704916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We propose that the teratoma, a recognized standard for validating pluripotency in stem cells, could be a promising platform for studying human developmental processes. Performing single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of 179,632 cells across 23 teratomas from 4 cell lines, we found that teratomas reproducibly contain approximately 20 cell types across all 3 germ layers, that inter-teratoma cell type heterogeneity is comparable with organoid systems, and teratoma gut and brain cell types correspond well to similar fetal cell types. Furthermore, cellular barcoding confirmed that injected stem cells robustly engraft and contribute to all lineages. Using pooled CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens, we showed that teratomas can enable simultaneous assaying of the effects of genetic perturbations across all germ layers. Additionally, we demonstrated that teratomas can be sculpted molecularly via microRNA (miRNA)-regulated suicide gene expression to enrich for specific tissues. Taken together, teratomas are a promising platform for modeling multi-lineage development, pan-tissue functional genetic screening, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella McDonald
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amir Dailamy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Justin Tat
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Udit Parekh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dongxin Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ann Tipps
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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49
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Zhang Y, Xie X, Hu J, Afreen KS, Zhang CL, Zhuge Q, Yang J. Prospects of Directly Reprogrammed Adult Human Neurons for Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery: iN vs. iPSCs Models. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:546484. [PMID: 33328842 PMCID: PMC7710799 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.546484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A reliable disease model is critical to the study of specific disease mechanisms as well as for the discovery and development of new drugs. Despite providing crucial insights into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, translation of this information to develop therapeutics in clinical trials have been unsuccessful. Reprogramming technology to convert adult somatic cells to induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) or directly reprogramming adult somatic cells to induced Neurons (iN), has allowed for the creation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. In recent times, iPSC technology has been commonly used for modeling neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery. However, several technological challenges have limited the application of iN. As evidence suggests, iN for the modeling of neurodegenerative disorders is advantageous compared to those derived from iPSCs. In this review, we will compare iPSCs and iN models for neurodegenerative diseases and their potential applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,International Department of The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University (HFI), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Kazi Sabrina Afreen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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50
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Johnstone CP, Wang NB, Sevier SA, Galloway KE. Understanding and Engineering Chromatin as a Dynamical System across Length and Timescales. Cell Syst 2020; 11:424-448. [PMID: 33212016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Connecting the molecular structure and function of chromatin across length and timescales remains a grand challenge to understanding and engineering cellular behaviors. Across five orders of magnitude, dynamic processes constantly reshape chromatin structures, driving spaciotemporal patterns of gene expression and cell fate. Through the interplay of structure and function, the genome operates as a highly dynamic feedback control system. Recent experimental techniques have provided increasingly detailed data that revise and augment the relatively static, hierarchical view of genomic architecture with an understanding of how dynamic processes drive organization. Here, we review how novel technologies from sequencing, imaging, and synthetic biology refine our understanding of chromatin structure and function and enable chromatin engineering. Finally, we discuss opportunities to use these tools to enhance understanding of the dynamic interrelationship of chromatin structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan B Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, 25 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stuart A Sevier
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kate E Galloway
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, 25 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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