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Mohamad Zamberi NN, Abuhamad AY, Low TY, Mohtar MA, Syafruddin SE. dCas9 Tells Tales: Probing Gene Function and Transcription Regulation in Cancer. CRISPR J 2024; 7:73-87. [PMID: 38635328 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing is evolving into an essential tool in the field of biological and medical research. Notably, the development of catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme has substantially broadened its traditional boundaries in gene editing or perturbation. The conjugation of dCas9 with various molecular effectors allows precise control over transcriptional processes, epigenetic modifications, visualization of chromosomal dynamics, and several other applications. This expanded repertoire of CRISPR-Cas9 applications has emerged as an invaluable molecular tool kit that empowers researchers to comprehensively interrogate and gain insights into health and diseases. This review delves into the advancements in Cas9 protein engineering, specifically on the generation of various dCas9 tools that have significantly enhanced the CRISPR-based technology capability and versatility. We subsequently discuss the multifaceted applications of dCas9, especially in interrogating the regulation and function of genes that involve in supporting cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we also delineate the designing and utilization of dCas9-based tools as well as highlighting its current constraints and transformative potentials in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Nadia Mohamad Zamberi
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Asmaa Y Abuhamad
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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2
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Waseem M, Wang BD. Organoids: An Emerging Precision Medicine Model for Prostate Cancer Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1093. [PMID: 38256166 PMCID: PMC10816550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) has been known as the most prevalent cancer disease and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men almost all over the globe. There is an urgent need for establishment of PCa models that can recapitulate the progress of genomic landscapes and molecular alterations during development and progression of this disease. Notably, several organoid models have been developed for assessing the complex interaction between PCa and its surrounding microenvironment. In recent years, PCa organoids have been emerged as powerful in vitro 3D model systems that recapitulate the molecular features (such as genomic/epigenomic changes and tumor microenvironment) of PCa metastatic tumors. In addition, application of organoid technology in mechanistic studies (i.e., for understanding cellular/subcellular and molecular alterations) and translational medicine has been recognized as a promising approach for facilitating the development of potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the application of PCa organoids in the high-throughput screening and establishment of relevant xenografts for developing novel therapeutics for metastatic, castration resistant, and neuroendocrine PCa. These organoid-based studies are expected to expand our knowledge from basic research to clinical applications for PCa diseases. Furthermore, we also highlight the optimization of PCa cultures and establishment of promising 3D organoid models for in vitro and in vivo investigations, ultimately facilitating mechanistic studies and development of novel clinical diagnosis/prognosis and therapies for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Waseem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA;
| | - Bi-Dar Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA;
- Hormone Related Cancers Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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3
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Yang H, Song C, Liu C, Wang P. Synthetic Biology Tools for Engineering Aspergillus oryzae. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38248944 PMCID: PMC10817548 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
For more than a thousand years, Aspergillus oryzae has been used in traditional culinary industries, including for food fermentation, brewing, and flavoring. In recent years, A. oryzae has been extensively used in deciphering the pathways of natural product synthesis and value-added compound bioproduction. Moreover, it is increasingly being used in modern biotechnology industries, such as for the production of enzymes and recombinant proteins. The investigation of A. oryzae has been significantly accelerated through the successive application of a diverse array of synthetic biology techniques and methodologies. In this review, the advancements in biological tools for the synthesis of A. oryzae, including DNA assembly technologies, gene expression regulatory elements, and genome editing systems, are discussed. Additionally, the challenges associated with the heterologous expression of A. oryzae are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chaonan Song
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chengwei Liu
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Pengchao Wang
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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4
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Lee SW, Frankston CM, Kim J. Epigenome editing in cancer: Advances and challenges for potential therapeutic options. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2023; 383:191-230. [PMID: 38359969 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancers are diseases caused by genetic and non-genetic environmental factors. Epigenetic alterations, some attributed to non-genetic factors, can lead to cancer development. Epigenetic changes can occur in tumor suppressors or oncogenes, or they may contribute to global cell state changes, making cells abnormal. Recent advances in gene editing technology show potential for cancer treatment. Herein, we will discuss our current knowledge of epigenetic alterations occurring in cancer and epigenetic editing technologies that can be applied to developing therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Won Lee
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Connor Mitchell Frankston
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jungsun Kim
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Cancer Biology Research Program, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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5
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Abstract
Genomic imprinting disorders are caused by the disruption of genomic imprinting processes leading to a deficit or increase of an active allele. Their unique molecular mechanisms underlying imprinted genes offer an opportunity to investigate epigenetic-based therapy for reactivation of an inactive allele or reduction of an active allele. Current treatments are based on managing symptoms, not targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders. Here, we highlight molecular approaches of therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical studies for individual imprinting disorders. These include the significant progress of discovery and testing of small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR mediated genome editing approaches as new therapeutic strategies. We discuss the significant challenges of translating these promising therapies from the preclinical stage to the clinic, especially for genome editing based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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6
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Buskin A, Scott E, Nelson R, Gaughan L, Robson CN, Heer R, Hepburn AC. Engineering prostate cancer in vitro: what does it take? Oncogene 2023; 42:2417-2427. [PMID: 37438470 PMCID: PMC10403358 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
A key challenge in the clinical management and cause of treatment failure of prostate cancer (PCa) is its molecular, cellular and clinical heterogeneity. Modelling systems that fully recapitulate clinical diversity and resistant phenotypes are urgently required for the development of successful personalised PCa therapies. The advent of the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model has revolutionised preclinical cancer research through reflecting heterogeneity and offering genomic and environmental manipulation that has opened up unparalleled opportunities for applications in disease modelling, high-throughput drug screening and precision medicine. Despite these remarkable achievements of organoid technology, several shortcomings in emulating the complex tumor microenvironment and dynamic process of metastasis as well as the epigenome profile limit organoids achieving true in vivo functionality. Technological advances in tissue engineering have enabled the development of innovative tools to facilitate the design of improved 3D cancer models. In this review, we highlight the current in vitro 3D PCa models with a special focus on organoids and discuss engineering approaches to create more physiologically relevant PCa organoid models and maximise their translational relevance that ultimately will help to realise the transformational power of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Buskin
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Emma Scott
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Ryan Nelson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Craig N Robson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Rakesh Heer
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Anastasia C Hepburn
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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Abstract
The concept of an epigenetic landscape describing potential cellular fates arising from pluripotent cells, first advanced by Conrad Waddington, has evolved in light of experiments showing nondeterministic outcomes of regulatory processes and mathematical methods for quantifying stochasticity. In this Review, we discuss modern approaches to epigenetic and gene regulation landscapes and the associated ideas of entropy and attractor states, illustrating how their definitions are both more precise and relevant to understanding cancer etiology and the plasticity of cancerous states. We address the interplay between different types of regulatory landscapes and how their changes underlie cancer progression. We also consider the roles of cellular aging and intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli in modulating cellular states and how landscape alterations can be quantitatively mapped onto phenotypic outcomes and thereby used in therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Feinberg
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Yale Systems Biology Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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8
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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Enzyme-free targeted DNA demethylation using CRISPR-dCas9-based steric hindrance to identify DNA methylation marks causal to altered gene expression. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2840-2881. [PMID: 36207463 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation involves the enzymatic addition of a methyl group primarily to cytosine residues in DNA. This protocol describes how to produce complete and minimally confounded DNA demethylation of specific sites in the genome of cultured cells by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-dCas9 and without the involvement of an epigenetic-modifying enzyme, the purpose of which is the evaluation of the functional (i.e., gene expression or phenotypic) consequences of DNA demethylation of specific sites that have been previously implicated in particular pathological or physiological contexts. This protocol maximizes the ability of the easily reprogrammable CRISPR-dCas9 system to assess the impact of DNA methylation from a causal rather than correlational perspective: alternative protocols for CRISPR-dCas9-based site-specific DNA methylation or demethylation rely on the recruitment of epigenetic enzymes that exhibit additional nonspecific activities at both the targeted site and throughout the genome, confounding conclusions of causality of DNA methylation. Inhibition or loss of DNA methylation is accomplished by three consecutive lentiviral transductions. The first two lentiviruses establish stable expression of dCas9 and a guide RNA, which will physically obstruct either maintenance or de novo DNA methyltransferase activity at the guide RNA target site. A third lentivirus introduces Cre recombinase to delete the dCas9 transgene, which leads to loss of dCas9 from the target site, allowing transcription factors and/or the transcription machinery to interact with the demethylated target site. This protocol requires 3-8 months to complete owing to prolonged cell passaging times, but there is little hands-on time, and no specific skills beyond basic molecular biology techniques are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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9
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Jiang M, Chen C, Chen T, Zhao C, Wang Z. An international comprehensive benchmarking analysis of synthetic biology in China from 2015 to 2020. Chin J Chem Eng 2022; 48:211-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2021.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Karn V, Sandhya S, Hsu W, Parashar D, Singh HN, Jha NK, Gupta S, Dubey NK, Kumar S. CRISPR/Cas9 system in breast cancer therapy: advancement, limitations and future scope. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:234. [PMID: 35879772 PMCID: PMC9316746 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide, therefore it is considered a major health concern. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer which affects women on a global scale. Various current treatment strategies have been implicated for breast cancer therapy that includes surgical removal, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biological therapy. However, constant effort is being made to introduce novel therapies with minimal toxicity. Gene therapy is one of the promising tools, to rectify defective genes and cure various cancers. In recent years, a novel genome engineering technology, namely the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 (Cas9) has emerged as a gene-editing tool and transformed genome-editing techniques in a wide range of biological domains including human cancer research and gene therapy. This could be attributed to its versatile characteristics such as high specificity, precision, time-saving and cost-effective methodologies with minimal risk. In the present review, we highlight the role of CRISPR/Cas9 as a targeted therapy to tackle drug resistance, improve immunotherapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamika Karn
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, 410221, India
| | - Sandhya Sandhya
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Wayne Hsu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Deepak Parashar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Himanshu Narayan Singh
- Department of System Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India.,Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Navneet Kumar Dubey
- Victory Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Taipei, 114757, Taiwan. .,ShiNeo Technology Co., Ltd., New Taipei City, 24262, Taiwan.
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, India.
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11
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Tuazon JA, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Oldfield LM, Wiscovitch-Russo R, Dunigan-Russell K, Fedulov AV, Oestreich KJ, Gowdy KM. Emerging Insights into the Impact of Air Pollution on Immune-Mediated Asthma Pathogenesis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2022; 22:77-92. [PMID: 35394608 PMCID: PMC9246904 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-022-01034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increases in ambient levels of air pollutants have been linked to lung inflammation and remodeling, processes that lead to the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma. Conventional research has focused on the role of CD4+ T helper 2 (TH2) cells in the pathogenesis of air pollution-induced asthma. However, much work in the past decade has uncovered an array of air pollution-induced non-TH2 immune mechanisms that contribute to allergic airway inflammation and disease. RECENT FINDINGS In this article, we review current research demonstrating the connection between common air pollutants and their downstream effects on non-TH2 immune responses emerging as key players in asthma, including PRRs, ILCs, and non-TH2 T cell subsets. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms by which air pollution increases immune-mediated asthma risk, including pre-existing genetic risk, epigenetic alterations in immune cells, and perturbation of the composition and function of the lung and gut microbiomes. Together, these studies reveal the multifaceted impacts of various air pollutants on innate and adaptive immune functions via genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome-based mechanisms that facilitate the induction and worsening of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Tuazon
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - B Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - L M Oldfield
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Department of Synthetic Genomics, Replay Holdings LLC, San Diego, 92121, USA
| | - R Wiscovitch-Russo
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - K Dunigan-Russell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - A V Fedulov
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - K J Oestreich
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - K M Gowdy
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells represent a breakthrough in personalized cancer therapy. In this strategy, synthetic receptors comprised of antigen recognition, signaling, and costimulatory domains are used to reprogram T-cells to target tumor cells for destruction. Despite the success of this approach in refractory B-cell malignancies, optimal potency of CAR T-cell therapy for many other cancers, particularly solid tumors, has not been achieved. Factors such as T-cell exhaustion, lack of CAR T-cell persistence, cytokine-related toxicities, and bottlenecks in the manufacturing of autologous products have hampered the safety, effectiveness, and availability of this approach. With the ease and accessibility of CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing, it is possible to address many of these limitations. Accordingly, current research efforts focus on precision engineering of CAR T-cells with conventional CRISPR-Cas9 systems or novel editors that can install desired genetic changes with or without introduction of a double-stranded break (DSB) into the genome. These tools and strategies can be directly applied to targeting negative regulators of T-cell function, directing therapeutic transgenes to specific genomic loci, and generating reproducibly safe and potent allogeneic universal CAR T-cell products for on-demand cancer immunotherapy. This review evaluates several of the ongoing and future directions of combining next-generation CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing with synthetic biology to optimize CAR T-cell therapy for future clinical trials toward the establishment of a new cancer treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dimitri
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion Expansion (SPE), Room 9-104, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg. 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-5156, USA.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Friederike Herbst
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Dresden and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joseph A Fraietta
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion Expansion (SPE), Room 9-104, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg. 421, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-5156, USA. .,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Singh M, Thakur M, Mishra M, Yadav M, Vibhuti R, Menon AM, Nagda G, Dwivedi VP, Dakal TC, Yadav V. Gene regulation of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1): A molecule with multiple functions. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:123-136. [PMID: 34715236 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is one of the most extensively studied inducible cell adhesion molecules which is responsible for several immune functions like T cell activation, extravasation, inflammation, etc. The molecule is constitutively expressed over the cell surface and is regulated up / down in response to inflammatory mediators like cellular stress, proinflammatory cytokines, viral infection. These stimuli modulate the expression of ICAM-1 primarily through regulating the ICAM-1 gene transcription. On account of the presence of various binding sites for NF-κB, AP-1, SP-1, and many other transcription factors, the architecture of the ICAM-1 promoter become complex. Transcription factors in union with other transcription factors, coactivators, and suppressors promote their assembly in a stereospecific manner on ICAM-1 promoter which mediates ICAM-1 regulation in response to different stimuli. Along with transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications also play a pivotal role in controlling ICAM-1 expression on different cell types. In this review, we summarize the regulation of ICAM-1 expression both at the transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional level with an emphasis on transcription factors and signaling pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Mony Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana-123031 India
| | - Manish Mishra
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh-160036 India
| | - Manisha Yadav
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh-160036 India
| | - Rajkamal Vibhuti
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana-123031 India
| | - Athira M Menon
- Genome and computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001 India
| | - Girima Nagda
- Department of Zoology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313001 India
| | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Tikam Chand Dakal
- Genome and computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001 India
| | - Vinod Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana-123031 India
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14
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Smith J, Banerjee R, Waly R, Urbano A, Gimenez G, Day R, Eccles MR, Weeks RJ, Chatterjee A. Locus-Specific DNA Methylation Editing in Melanoma Cell Lines Using a CRISPR-Based System. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5433. [PMID: 34771597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA methylation is an important modification of the genome that is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, including cancer. DNA methylation changes can alter the expression of critical genes, predisposing to disease progression. Existing techniques that can modify DNA methylation to investigate disease etiology are severely limited with regard to specificity, which means that establishing a causal link between DNA methylation changes and disease progression is difficult. The advent of CRISPR-based technologies has provided a powerful tool for more specific editing of DNA methylation. Here, we describe a comprehensive protocol for the design and application of a CRISPR-dCas9-based tool for editing DNA methylation at a target locus in human melanoma cell lines alongside protocols for downstream techniques used to evaluate subsequent methylation and gene expression changes in methylation-edited cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate highly efficacious methylation and demethylation of the EBF3 promoter across a panel of melanoma cell lines. Abstract DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, including cancer development and metastasis. Gene promoter methylation changes are widely associated with transcriptional deregulation and disease progression. The advent of CRISPR-based technologies has provided a powerful toolkit for locus-specific manipulation of the epigenome. Here, we describe a comprehensive global workflow for the design and application of a dCas9-SunTag-based tool for editing the DNA methylation locus in human melanoma cells alongside protocols for downstream techniques used to evaluate subsequent methylation and gene expression changes in methylation-edited cells. Using transient system delivery, we demonstrate both highly efficacious methylation and demethylation of the EBF3 promoter, which is a putative epigenetic driver of melanoma metastasis, achieving up to a 304.00% gain of methylation and 99.99% relative demethylation, respectively. Furthermore, we employ a novel, targeted screening approach to confirm the minimal off-target activity and high on-target specificity of our designed guide RNA within our target locus.
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15
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Tong Y, Zhang S, Riddle S, Zhang L, Song R, Yue D. Intrauterine Hypoxia and Epigenetic Programming in Lung Development and Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:944. [PMID: 34440150 PMCID: PMC8394854 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically, intrauterine hypoxia is the foremost cause of perinatal morbidity and developmental plasticity in the fetus and newborn infant. Under hypoxia, deviations occur in the lung cell epigenome. Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA expression) control phenotypic programming and are associated with physiological responses and the risk of developmental disorders, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This developmental disorder is the most frequent chronic pulmonary complication in preterm labor. The pathogenesis of this disease involves many factors, including aberrant oxygen conditions and mechanical ventilation-mediated lung injury, infection/inflammation, and epigenetic/genetic risk factors. This review is focused on various aspects related to intrauterine hypoxia and epigenetic programming in lung development and disease, summarizes our current knowledge of hypoxia-induced epigenetic programming and discusses potential therapeutic interventions for lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Tong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Shuqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Suzette Riddle
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Rui Song
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Dongmei Yue
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
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16
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Rahman MM, Tollefsbol TO. Targeting cancer epigenetics with CRISPR-dCAS9: Principles and prospects. Methods 2021; 187:77-91. [PMID: 32315755 PMCID: PMC7572534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutics is an ever-evolving field due to incessant demands for effective and precise treatment options. Over the last few decades, cancer treatment strategies have shifted somewhat from surgery to targeted precision medicine. CRISPR-dCas9 is an emerging version of precision cancer therapy that has been adapted from the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas system. Once ligated to epigenetic effectors (EE), CRISPR-dCas9 can function as an epigenetic editing tool and CRISPR-dCas9-EE complexes could be exploited to alter cancerous epigenetic features associated with different cancer hallmarks. In this article, we discuss the rationale of epigenetic editing as a therapeutic strategy against cancer. We also outline how sgRNA-dCas9 was derived from the CRISPR-Cas system. In addition, the current status of sgRNA-dCas9 use (in vivo and in vitro) in cancer is updated with a molecular illustration of CRISPR-dCas9-mediated epigenetic and transcriptional modulation. As sgRNA-dCas9 is still at the developmental phase, challenges are inherent to its use. We evaluate major challenges in targeting cancer with sgRNA-dCas9 such as off-target effects, lack of sgRNA designing rubrics, target site selection dilemmas and deficient sgRNA-dCas9 delivery systems. Finally, we appraise the sgRNA-dCas9 as a prospective cancer therapeutic by summarizing ongoing improvements of sgRNA-dCas9 methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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17
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Martella A, Fisher DI. Regulation of Gene Expression and the Elucidative Role of CRISPR-Based Epigenetic Modifiers and CRISPR-Induced Chromosome Conformational Changes. CRISPR J 2021; 4:43-57. [PMID: 33616442 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In complex multicellular systems, gene expression is regulated at multiple stages through interconnected complex molecular pathways and regulatory networks. Transcription is the first step in gene expression and is subject to multiple layers of regulation in which epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and chromosomal conformation play an essential role. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 systems have been employed to unearth this complexity and provide new insights on the contribution of chromatin dysregulation in the development of genetic diseases, as well as new tools to prevent or reverse this dysregulation. In this review, we outline the recent development of a variety of CRISPR-based epigenetic editors for targeted DNA methylation/demethylation, histone modification, and three-dimensional DNA conformational change, highlighting their relative performance and impact on gene regulation. Finally, we provide insights on the future developments aimed to accelerate our understanding of the causal relationship between epigenetic marks, genome organization, and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martella
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David I Fisher
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Ansari I, Chaturvedi A, Chitkara D, Singh S. CRISPR/Cas mediated epigenome editing for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:570-583. [PMID: 33421620 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the relationship between epigenetic alterations, their effects on gene expression and the knowledge that these epigenetic alterations are reversible, have opened up new therapeutic pathways for treating various diseases, including cancer. This has led the research for a better understanding of the mechanism and pathways of carcinogenesis and provided the opportunity to develop the therapeutic approaches by targeting such pathways. Epi-drugs, DNA methyl transferase (DNMT) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are the best examples of epigenetic therapies with clinical applicability. Moreover, precise genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas has proven their efficacy in epigenome editing, including the alteration of epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation or histone modification. The main disadvantage with DNA gene editing technologies is off-target DNA sequence alteration, which is not an issue with epigenetic editing. It is known that cancer is linked with epigenetic alteration, and thus CRISPR/Cas system shows potential for cancer therapy via epigenome editing. This review outlines the epigenetic therapeutic approach for cancer therapy using CRISPR/Cas, from the basic understanding of cancer epigenetics to potential applications of CRISPR/Cas in treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ansari
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS)-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS)-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, 333 031, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Saurabh Singh
- Novartis Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India.
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19
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Maroufi F, Maali A, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Ahmadi MH, Azad M. CRISPR-mediated modification of DNA methylation pattern in the new era of cancer therapy. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1845-1859. [PMID: 33185489 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 2 decades, a wide variety of studies have been conducted on epigenetics and its role in various cancers. A major mechanism of epigenetic regulation is DNA methylation, including aberrant DNA methylation variations such as hypermethylation and hypomethylation in the promoters of critical genes, which are commonly detected in tumors and mark the early stages of cancer development. Therefore, epigenetic therapy has been of special importance in the last decade for cancer treatment. In epigenetic therapy, all efforts are made to modulate gene expression to the normal status. Importantly, recent studies have shown that epigenetic therapy is focusing on the new gene editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9. This tool was found to be able to effectively modulate gene expression and alter almost any sequence in the genome of cells, resulting in events such as a change in acetylation, methylation, or histone modifications. Of note, the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used for the treatment of cancers caused by epigenetic alterations. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has greater advantages than other available methods, including potent activity, easy design and high velocity as well as the ability to target any DNA or RNA site. In this review, we described epigenetic modulators, which can be used in the CRISPR-Cas9 system, as well as their functions in gene expression alterations that lead to cancer initiation and progression. In addition, we surveyed various species of CRISPR-dead Cas9 (dCas9) systems, a mutant version of Cas9 with no endonuclease activity. Such systems are applicable in epigenetic therapy for gene expression modulation through chemical group editing on nucleosomes and chromatin remodeling, which finally return the cell to the normal status and prevent cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Maroufi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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20
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Neja SA. Site-Specific DNA Demethylation as a Potential Target for Cancer Epigenetic Therapy. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720964808. [PMID: 35036833 PMCID: PMC8756105 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720964808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI) attract DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) that hypermethylates and silence the genes. As epigenetic alterations are potentially reversible, they make attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The currently used decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA) are DNMT inhibitors that follow the passive demethylation pathway. However, they lead to genome-wide demethylation of CpGs in cells, which makes difficult to use it for causal effect analysis and treatment of specific epimutations. Demethylation through specific demethylase enzymes is thus critical for epigenetic resetting of silenced genes and modified chromatins. Yet DNA-binding factors likely play a major role to guide the candidate demethylase enzymes upon its fusion. Before the advent of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), both zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) and transcription activator-like effector protein (TALEs) were used as binding platforms for ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and both systems were able to induce transcription at targeted loci in an in vitro as well as in vivo model. Consequently, the development of site-specific and active demethylation molecular trackers becomes more than hypothetical to makes a big difference in the treatment of cancer in the future. This review is thus to recap the novel albeit distinct studies on the potential use of site-specific demethylation for the development of epigenetic based cancer therapy.
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21
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Wang J, Yang J, Li D, Li J. Technologies for targeting DNA methylation modifications: Basic mechanism and potential application in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188454. [PMID: 33075468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation abnormalities are regarded as critical event for cancer initiation and development. Tumor-associated genes encompassing aberrant DNA methylation alterations at specific locus are correlated with chromatin remodeling and dysregulation of gene expression in various malignancies. Thus, technologies designed to manipulate DNA methylation at specific loci of genome are necessary for the functional study and therapeutic application in the context of cancer management. Traditionally, the method for DNA methylation modifications demonstrates an unspecific feature, adversely causing global-genome epigenetic alterations and confusing the function of desired gene. Novel approaches for targeted DNA methylation regulation have a great advantage of manipulating gene epigenetic alterations in a more specific and efficient method. In this review, we described different targeting DNA methylation techniques, including both their advantages and limitations. Through a comprehensive understanding of these targeting tools, we hope to open a new perspective for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, P.R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, P.R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, P.R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, P.R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China.
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22
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Sung CK, Yim H. CRISPR-mediated promoter de/methylation technologies for gene regulation. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:705-13. [PMID: 32725389 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation on cytosines of CpG dinucleotides is well established as a basis of epigenetic regulation in mammalian cells. Since aberrant regulation of DNA methylation in promoters of tumor suppressor genes or proto-oncogenes may contribute to the initiation and progression of various types of human cancer, sequence-specific methylation and demethylation technologies could have great clinical benefit. The CRISPR-Cas9 protein with a guide RNA can target DNA sequences regardless of the methylation status of the target site, making this system superb for precise methylation editing and gene regulation. Targeted methylation-editing technologies employing the dCas9 fusion proteins have been shown to be highly effective in gene regulation without altering the DNA sequence. In this review, we discuss epigenetic alterations in tumorigenesis as well as various dCas9 fusion technologies and their usages in site-specific methylation editing and gene regulation.
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23
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Sachdeva A, Gouge J, Kontovounisios C, Nikolaou S, Ashworth A, Lim K, Chong I. Klotho and the Treatment of Human Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061665. [PMID: 32585905 PMCID: PMC7352559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Klotho was first discovered as an anti-ageing protein linked to a number of age-related disease processes, including cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, and neurodegenerative conditions. Emerging research has also demonstrated a potential therapeutic role for Klotho in cancer biology, which is perhaps unsurprising given that cancer and ageing share similar molecular hallmarks. In addition to functioning as a tumour suppressor in numerous solid tumours and haematological malignancies, Klotho represents a candidate therapeutic target for patients with these diseases, the majority of whom have limited treatment options. Here, we examine contemporary evidence evaluating the anti-neoplastic effects of Klotho and describe the modulation of downstream oncogenic signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, FGF, IGF1, PIK3K/AKT, TGFβ, and the Unfolded Protein Response. We also discuss possible approaches to developing therapeutic Klotho and consider technological advances that may facilitate the delivery of Klotho through gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishani Sachdeva
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Jerome Gouge
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London WC1E 7HX, UK;
| | - Christos Kontovounisios
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Stella Nikolaou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Alan Ashworth
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Kenneth Lim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5181, USA;
| | - Irene Chong
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK; (A.S.); (C.K.)
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
- Correspondence:
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24
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Padayachee J, Singh M. Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in breast cancer and delivery potential of gold nanomaterials. Nanobiomedicine (Rij) 2020; 7:1849543520983196. [PMID: 33488814 PMCID: PMC7768851 DOI: 10.1177/1849543520983196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, approximately 1 in 4 cancers in women are diagnosed as breast cancer (BC). Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and therapy BCs, many patients develop metastases or relapses. Hence, novel therapeutic strategies are required, that can selectively and efficiently kill malignant cells. Direct targeting of the genetic and epigenetic aberrations that occur in BC development is a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of current therapies, which target the tumour phenotype. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system, composed of only an easily modifiable single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequence bound to a Cas9 nuclease, has revolutionised genome editing due to its simplicity and efficiency compared to earlier systems. CRISPR/Cas9 and its associated catalytically inactivated dCas9 variants facilitate the knockout of overexpressed genes, correction of mutations in inactivated genes, and reprogramming of the epigenetic landscape to impair BC growth. To achieve efficient genome editing in vivo, a vector is required to deliver the components to target cells. Gold nanomaterials, including gold nanoparticles and nanoclusters, display many advantageous characteristics that have facilitated their widespread use in theranostics, as delivery vehicles, and imaging and photothermal agents. This review highlights the therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in treating BCs, and briefly describes gold nanomaterials and their potential in CRISPR/Cas9 delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moganavelli Singh
- Nano-Gene and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Durban, South Africa
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25
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Urbano A, Smith J, Weeks RJ, Chatterjee A. Gene-Specific Targeting of DNA Methylation in the Mammalian Genome. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101515. [PMID: 31600992 PMCID: PMC6827012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most widely-studied epigenetic modification, playing a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of DNA methylation is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. For example, aberrant DNA methylation in promoter regions of tumor-suppressor genes has been strongly associated with the development and progression of many different tumors. Accordingly, technologies designed to manipulate DNA methylation at specific genomic loci are very important, especially in the context of cancer therapy. Traditionally, epigenomic editing technologies have centered around zinc finger proteins (ZFP)- and transcription activator-like effector protein (TALE)-based targeting. More recently, however, the emergence of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-based editing systems have shown to be a more specific and efficient method for the targeted manipulation of DNA methylation. Here, we describe the regulation of the DNA methylome, its significance in cancer and the current state of locus-specific editing technologies for altering DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Urbano
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Jim Smith
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Robert J Weeks
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 56 Hanover Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, 3A Symonds Street, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
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26
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Liu A, Sun Y, Wang X, Ihsan A, Tao Y, Chen D, Peng D, Wu Q, Wang X, Yuan Z. DNA methylation is involved in pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in T-2 toxin-induced liver injury. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 132:110661. [PMID: 31279042 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Currently, T-2 toxin has been reported to cause liver toxicity with the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation; however, the underlying mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced liver injury is not fully understood. Increasing lines of evidence show that DNA methylation affects the expression of inflammatory cytokine, and plays a crucial role in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the potential role of DNA methylation in the hepatotoxicity of T-2 toxin has not been explored. In this study, female Wistar rats were given a single dose of T-2 toxin at 2 mg/kg b.w. and were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 7 days post-exposure. In vitro, a normal rat liver cell line (BRL) was exposed to different concentrations of T-2 toxin. Histopathological analysis was used to investigate damage to the liver, which was detected at the molecular level by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical assays, methylation-specific PCR (MSP), bisulfite sequencing (BSP), and flow cytometry. The results showed that T-2 toxin significantly increased the levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A), which were mainly concentrated at the site of liver injury. The 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) level of genomic DNA was also raised in T-2 toxin-treated rat livers. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-11, IL-1α, and TNF-α) increased both in vivo and in vitro under T-2 toxin treatment. Notably, DNA demethylation directly increased the expression of cytokines IL-11, IL-6, IL-α, and TNF-α under T-2 toxin exposure. DNA methylation inhibitors combined with T-2 toxin directly or indirectly induced the production of inflammatory cytokines and aggravate cell apoptosis. Our study uncovered for the first time that DNA methylation is related to the expression of inflammatory cytokines in T-2 toxin-induced liver injury. These findings suggested that DNA methylation is a potential mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yaqi Sun
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Awais Ihsan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan
| | - Yanfei Tao
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Dapeng Peng
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic.
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Zonghui Yuan
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
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