Programmable RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification of cellular RNAs by dCasRx conjugated methyltransferase and demethylase

5-Methylcytosine (m5C), an abundant RNA modification, plays a crucial role in regulating RNA fate and gene expression. While recent progress has been made in understanding the biological roles of m5C, the inability to introduce m5C at specific sites within transcripts has hindered efforts to elucidate direct links between specific m5C and phenotypic outcomes. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas13d-based tool, named reengineered m5C modification system (termed 'RCMS'), for targeted m5C methylation and demethylation in specific transcripts. The RCMS editors consist of a nuclear-localized dCasRx conjugated to either a methyltransferase, NSUN2/NSUN6, or a demethylase, the catalytic domain of mouse Tet2 (ten-eleven translocation 2), enabling the manipulation of methylation events at precise m5C sites. We demonstrate that the RCMS editors can direct site-specific m5C incorporation and demethylation. Furthermore, we confirm their effectiveness in modulating m5C levels within transfer RNAs and their ability to induce changes in transcript abundance and cell proliferation through m5C-mediated mechanisms. These findings collectively establish RCMS editors as a focused epitranscriptome engineering tool, facilitating the identification of individual m5C alterations and their consequential effects.

Precise large-fragment deletions in mammalian cells and mice generated by dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3

Currently, the Cas9 and Cas12a systems are widely used for genome editing, but their ability to precisely generate large chromosome fragment deletions is limited. Type I-E CRISPR mediates broad and unidirectional DNA degradation, but controlling the size of Cas3-mediated DNA deletions has proven elusive thus far. Here, we demonstrate that the endonuclease deactivation of Cas9 (dCas9) can precisely control Cas3-mediated large-fragment deletions in mammalian cells. In addition, we report the elimination of the Y chromosome and precise retention of the Sry gene in mice using CRISPR/Cas3 and dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3, respectively. In conclusion, dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3-mediated precise large-fragment deletion provides an approach for establishing animal models by chromosome elimination. This method also holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating fragment mutations or human aneuploidy diseases that involve additional chromosomes.

The Influence of B4C Film Density on Damage Threshold Based on Monte Carlo Method for X-ray Mirror

The uniformity and consistency of X-ray mirror film materials prepared by experimental methods are difficult to guarantee completely. These factors directly affect the service life of free electron laser devices in addition to its own optical properties. Therefore, the quality of the film material, especially the density, has a critical effect on its application. Boron carbide film and monocrystalline silicon substrate were suitable examples to explore their influence of density on the damage threshold based on Monte Carlo and heat-conduction methods. Through simulation results, it was found that the change in film density could affect the energy deposition depth and damage threshold. When the film density was 2.48 g/cm3, it had relatively high damage threshold in all energy ranges. And then the specific incident parameter for practical application was investigated. It was found that the damage mechanism of the B4C/Si was the melting of the interface. And the damage threshold was also higher with the film density of 2.48 g/cm3. Therefore, it was recommended to maintain the density at this value as far as possible when preparing the film, and to ensure the uniformity and consistency of the film material.

Targeted mutagenesis in mice via an engineered AsCas12f1 system

SpCas9 and AsCas12a are widely utilized as genome editing tools in human cells, but their applications are largely limited by their bulky size. Recently, AsCas12f1 protein, with a small size (422 amino acids), has been demonstrated to be capable of cleaving double-stranded DNA protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). However, low editing efficiency and large differences in activity against different genomic loci have been a limitation in its application. Here, we show that engineered AsCas12f1 sgRNA has significantly improved the editing efficiency in human cells and mouse embryos. Moreover, we successfully generated three stable mouse mutant disease models using the engineered CRISPR-AsCas12f1 system in this study. Collectively, our work uncovers the engineered AsCas12f1 system expands mini CRISPR toolbox, providing a remarkable promise for therapeutic applications.

A strategy for Cas13 miniaturization based on the structure and AlphaFold

The small size of the Cas nuclease fused with various effector domains enables a broad range of function. Although there are several ways of reducing the size of the Cas nuclease complex, no efficient or generalizable method has been demonstrated to achieve protein miniaturization. In this study, we establish an Interaction, Dynamics and Conservation (IDC) strategy for protein miniaturization and generate five compact variants of Cas13 with full RNA binding and cleavage activity comparable the wild-type enzymes based on a combination of IDC strategy and AlphaFold2. In addition, we construct an RNA base editor, mini-Vx, and a single AAV (adeno-associated virus) carrying a mini-RfxCas13d and crRNA expression cassette, which individually shows efficient conversion rate and RNA-knockdown activity. In summary, these findings highlight a feasible strategy for generating downsized CRISPR/Cas13 systems based on structure predicted by AlphaFold2, enabling targeted degradation of RNAs and RNA editing for basic research and therapeutic applications.

Constructing abundant interfaces by decorating MoP quantum dots on CoP nanowires to induce electronic structure modulation for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

Interface engineering is a method of enhancing catalytic activity while maintaining a material's surface properties. Thus, we explored the interface effect mechanism via a hierarchical structure of MoP/CoP/Cu3P/CF. Remarkably, the heterostructure MoP/CoP/Cu3P/CF demonstrates an outstanding overpotential of 64.6 mV at 10 mA cm-2 with a Tafel slope of 68.2 mV dec-1 in 1 M KOH. DFT calculations indicate that the MoP/CoP interface in the catalyst exhibited the most favorable H* adsorption characteristics (-0.08 eV) compared to the pure phases of CoP (0.55 eV) and MoP (0.22 eV). This result can be attributed to the apparent modulation of electronic structures within the interface domains. Additionally, the CoCH/Cu(OH)2/CF‖MoP/CoP/Cu3P/CF electrolyzer demonstrates excellent overall water splitting performance, achieving 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH solution with a modest voltage of only 1.53 V. This electronic structure adjustment via interface effects provides a new and efficient approach to prepare high-performance hydrogen production catalysts.

Development of Woolly Hair and Hairlessness in a CRISPR-Engineered Mutant Mouse Model with KRT71 Mutations

Hypotrichosis simplex (HS) and woolly hair (WH) are rare and monogenic disorders of hair loss. HS, characterized by a diffuse loss of hair, usually begins in early childhood and progresses into adulthood. WH displays strong coiled hair involving a localized area of the scalp or covering the entire side. Mutations in the keratin K71(KRT71) gene have been reported to underlie HS and WH. Here, we report the generation of a mouse model of HS and WH by the co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA, targeting exon6 into mouse zygotes. The Krt71-knockout (KO) mice displayed the typical phenotypes, including Krt71 protein expression deletion and curly hair in their full body. Moreover, we found that mice in 3-5 weeks showed a new phenomenon of the complete shedding of hair, which was similar to nude mice. However, we discovered that the mice exhibited no immune deficiency, which was a typical feature of nude mice. To our knowledge, this novel mouse model generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimicked woolly hair and could be valuable for hair disorder studies.

Unique progerin C-terminal peptide ameliorates Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome phenotype by rescuing BUBR1

An accumulating body of evidence indicates an association between mitotic defects and the aging process in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), which is a premature aging disease caused by progerin accumulation. Here, we found that BUBR1, a core component of the spindle assembly checkpoint, was downregulated during HGPS cellular senescence. The remaining BUBR1 was anchored to the nuclear membrane by binding with the C terminus of progerin, thus further limiting the function of BUBR1. Based on this, we established a unique progerin C-terminal peptide (UPCP) that effectively blocked the binding of progerin and BUBR1 and enhanced the expression of BUBR1 by interfering with the interaction between PTBP1 and progerin. Finally, UPCP significantly inhibited HGPS cellular senescence and ameliorated progeroid phenotypes, extending the lifespan of Lmna^G609G/G609G mice. Our findings reveal an essential role for the progerin-PTBP1-BUBR1 axis in HGPS. Therapeutics designed around UPCP may be a beneficial strategy for HGPS treatment.

Anti-hsa-miR-59 alleviates premature senescence associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome in mice

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a lethal premature aging disorder without an effective therapeutic regimen. Because of their targetability and influence on gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive therapeutic tools to treat diseases. Here we identified that hsa-miR-59 (miR-59) was markedly upregulated in HGPS patient cells and in multiple tissues of an HGPS mouse model (Lmna^G609G/G609G ), which disturbed the interaction between RNAPII and TFIIH, resulting in abnormal expression of cell cycle genes by targeting high-mobility group A family HMGA1 and HMGA2. Functional inhibition of miR-59 alleviated the cellular senescence phenotype of HGPS cells. Treatment with AAV9-mediated anti-miR-59 reduced fibrosis in the quadriceps muscle, heart, and aorta, suppressed epidermal thinning and dermal fat loss, and yielded a 25.5% increase in longevity of Lmna^G609G/G609G mice. These results identify a new strategy for the treatment of HGPS and provide insight into the etiology of HGPS disease.

Fucosyltransferase 2: A Genetic Risk Factor for Intestinal Diseases

The fucosyltransferase 2 gene (FUT2) mediates the synthesis of histoblood group antigens (HBGA) that occur in vivo from multiple organs, particularly on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells and body fluids. To date, many studies have demonstrated that the interaction of HBGA with the host microbiota is the cause of pathogenesis of intestinal diseases, making FUT2 non-secretor a risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to the lack of HBGA. As HBGA also acts as an attachment site for norovirus (NoV) and rotavirus (RV), the non-secretor becomes a protective factor for both viral infections. In addition, the interaction of norovirus and rotavirus with symbiotic bacteria has been found to play an important role in regulating enteroviral infection in IBD. Given the current incomplete understanding of the complex phenomenon and the underlying pathogenesis of intestinal diseases such as IBD, it has recently been hypothesized that the FUT2 gene regulates intestinal bacteria through attachment sites, may help to unravel the role of FUT2 and intestinal flora in the mechanism of intestinal diseases in the future, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases through more in-depth studies.

Live imaging of RNA and RNA splicing in mammalian cells via the dcas13a-SunTag-BiFC system

Dynamic tracking of the localization of RNA molecules (nucleus and/or cytoplasm) and RNA splicing in living cells plays an important role in understanding their functions. However, a lack of dynamic imaging and high background fluorescence have been reported in the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Here, we developed a new tool, the dcas13a-SunTag-BiFC system, which fused the dLwacas13a and SunTag systems. dLwacas13a is used as a tracker to target specific RNAs, while SunTag recruits split Venus fluorescent proteins to label targeted RNAs. Our results showed that 4 × NLS-dCas13a-24 × SunTag-BiFC and 2 × NLS- dCas13a-24 × SunTag-BiFC systems can be used for imaging of endogenous RNA foci in the nucleus (Xist) and cytoplasm (Ppib and stress granules) in living cells, respectively. Compared to 12x MS2-MCP system, the dcas13a-SunTag-BiFC system showed a better performance of mRNA foci tracking in live cells. Furthermore, we confirmed the premature termination codon (PTC)-induced exon skipping of Oxt RNA using the dcas13a-SunTag-BiFC and MS2-MCP systems in the nucleus. Thus, the dcas13a-SunTag-BiFC system will facilitate the study of RNA localization in living cells and provide new insights into RNA translocation and splicing.

Hybrid Density Functional Theory Calculation for the Electronic and Optical Properties of Fe3+ doped KDP Crystal

The Fe3+ ion is the most common impurity ions in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and it can combine with hydrogen vacancies to form cluster defects which may lead to optical...

A study on the classification of vegetation point cloud based on random forest in the straw checkerboard barriers area

Aiming at the problem of automatic classification of point cloud in the investigation of vegetation resources in the straw checkerboard barriers region, an improved random forest point cloud classification algorithm was proposed. According to the problems of decision tree redundancy and absolute majority voting in the existing random forest algorithm, first the similarity of the decision tree was calculated based on the tree edit distance, further clustered reduction based on the maximum and minimum distance algorithm, and then introduced classification accuracy of decision tree to construct weight matrix to implement weighted voting at the voting stage. Before random forest classification, based on the characteristics of point cloud data, a total of 20 point cloud single-point features and multi-point statistical features were selected to participate in point cloud classification, based on the point cloud data spatial distribution characteristics, three different scales for selecting point cloud neighborhoods were set based on the point cloud density, point cloud classification feature sets at different scales were constructed, optimizing important features of point cloud to participate in point cloud classification calculation after variable importance scored. The experimental results showed that the point cloud classification based on the optimized random forest algorithm in this paper achieved a total classification accuracy of 94.15% in dataset 1 acquired by lidar, the overall accuracy of classification on dataset 2 obtained by dense matching reaches 92.03%, both were higher than the unoptimized random forest algorithm and MRF, SVM point cloud classification method, and dimensionality reduction through feature optimization can greatly improve the efficiency of the algorithm.

No apparent p53 activation in CRISPR-engineered gene-edited rabbits

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats‐CRISPR‐associated 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) and base editors (BEs) are revolutionary gene‐editing technology that has been widely utilized in biology, biotechnology and medicine. However, recent reports show that CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing can induce a p53‐mediated stress response and cell cycle arrest in human cells, while not illustrated in gene‐editing animals. In the study, to verify whether there is a phenomenon of p53 activation, by analysing nine gene‐edited rabbits using CRISPR‐Cas9 and BEs, we provide the first evidence that no apparent p53 expression changes in those rabbits generated by Cas9 or BE‐edited, suggesting that p53 may not need to consider for application in gene‐edited animals.

Reduced off-target effect of NG-BE4max by using NG-HiFi system

Recently, a rationally engineered SpCas9 variant (SpCas9-NG) that can recognize a minimal NG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) was reported to expand the targeting scope in genome editing. However, increased genome-wide off-target mutations with this variant compared with SpCas9 were reported in previous studies. In addition, lower base editing frequencies and higher unintended off-target mutations were also found in Hoxc13-ablated rabbits generated by NG-BE4max in our study. Here, a high-fidelity base editor, NG-HiFi, in comparison to NG-BE4max, showed retention of on-target activity while exhibiting significantly decreased off-target activity in Hoxc13-ablated rabbits. Collectively, the improved specificity and reduced off-target effect of SpCas9-NG assisted in cytidine base editing with the NG-HiFi system, providing a promising tool to precisely model human diseases in rabbits.

Study on burgers vector of dislocations in KDP (010) faces and screw dislocation growth mechanism of (101) faces

We modified the conventional etching-optical method to measure dislocation direction in a KDP crystal. As burgers vector of dislocation in the KDP crystal must match the minimum periodic vector of the crystal lattice, we suggest that dislocations with a burgers vector of [101], [102] and [103] exist. Atomic force microscopy was employed to characterize the morphology of growth spirals on the hillock of (101) faces. Multi-spirals consisting of more than two element steps with a height of 0.5 nm which is equal to (101) face interplanar distances were observed. We propose the multi-spiral structure is determined by the burgers vector of the corresponding dislocation, and constructed a geometric model of the crystal with screw dislocation to derive the relationship. Growth spirals on the (101) face present a particular triangular morphology and we proved that the triangle structure is formed by connected steps in the 1/2[111] and [010] direction. Micropipes form when the magnitude of the dislocation's burgers vector exceeds 1 nm, as predicted by BCF theory. Interaction between dislocations was observed also.

Hybrid density functional theory for the stability and electronic properties of Fe-doped cluster defects in KDP crystal

The defect state induced by FeP2− + VO2+ cluster defects strengthens the charge transfer along the direction of x in KDP crystal.

Genetic deletion of a short fragment of glucokinase in rabbit by CRISPR/Cas9 leading to hyperglycemia and other typical features seen in MODY-2

Glucokinase (GCK) is a key enzyme in glucose sensing and glycemic regulation. In humans, mutations in the GCK gene cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young 2 (MODY-2), a disease that is characterized by an early-onset and persistent hyperglycemia. It is known that Gck knockout (KO) is lethal in mice with Gck KO mice dying within 2 weeks after birth. Therefore, Gck KO mice are not suitable for preclinical study and have limited suitability to study the pathophysiological role of glucokinase in vivo. Here, we report the generation of a novel rabbit with a non-frameshift mutation of GCK gene (GCK-NFS) by cytoplasm microinjection of Cas9 mRNA and gRNA. These GCK-NFS rabbits showed typical features of MODY-2 including hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance with similar survival rate and weight compared to wild-type (WT) rabbits. The diabetic phenotype including pancreatic and renal dysfunction was also found in the F1-generation rabbits, indicating that the genetic modification is germline transmissible. Treatment of GCK-NFS rabbit with glimepiride successfully reduced the fasting blood glucose drastically and improved its islet function. In conclusion, this novel GCK mutant rabbit generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimics most, if not all, histopathological and functional defects seen in MODY-2 patients such as hyperglycemia and will be a valuable rabbit model for preclinical studies and drug screening for diabetes as well as for studying the pathophysiological role of glucokinase.

AcrIIA5 Suppresses Base Editors and Reduces Their Off-Target Effects

The CRISPR/nCas9-based cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) are capable of catalyzing C•G to T•A or A•T to G•C conversions, respectively, and have become new, powerful tools for achieving precise genetic changes in a wide range of organisms. These base editors hold great promise for correcting pathogenic mutations and for being used for therapeutic applications. However, the recognition of cognate DNA sequences near their target sites can cause severe off-target effects that greatly limit their clinical applications, and this is an urgent problem that needs to be resolved for base editing systems. The recently discovered phage-derived proteins, anti-CRISPRs, which can suppress the natural CRISPR nuclease activity, may be able to ameliorate the off-target effects of base editing systems. Here, we confirm for the first time that AcrIIA2, AcrIIA4, and AcrIIA5 efficiently inhibit base editing systems in human cells. In particular, AcrIIA5 has a significant inhibitory effect on all base editing variant systems tested in our study. We further show that the off-target effects of BE3 and ABE7.10 were significantly reduced in AcrIIA5 treated cells. This study suggests that AcrIIA5 should be widely used for the precise control of base editing and to thoroughly “shut off” nuclease activity of both CBE and ABE systems.

Study on defect-induced damage behaviors of ADP crystals by 355 nm pulsed laser

High-quality ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄, ADP) crystals were grown in Z direction and in defined crystallographic direction (θ=90°, φ=45°) by the rapid growth method, respectively. Defect-induced damage behavior in 355 nm of three types of ADP samples cutting in type-II matching and third harmonic generation direction from the as-grown crystals were investigated, including the initial laser induced damage (LID) characteristics and the physical and chemical properties of defects which serve as the damage precursors. The evaluations of damage behaviors include the "sampling" laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) by 1-on-1 and R-on-1 methods, bulk damage growth and bulk damage morphology. UV-visible transmittance spectrum, ultraviolet absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, positron annihilation spectrum and the online light scattering measurements were carried out to investigate the defect-induced damage behavior in ADP crystals. The study will provide a reference for the investigations on laser induced damage properties of ADP crystals in short wavelength.

The minimal promoter (P1) of Xist is non-essential for X chromosome inactivation

The previous report shows the minimal promoter (P1) contributes to the Xist RNA activation in cells, while the role of the Xist P1 has not yet been investigated in animal individuals. Here, female Xist P1 knockout rabbits (Xist P1^-/-) were generated for the studies. The results showed that there is no significant difference in transmission ratio, Xist and X-linked genes expression, and Xist RNA localization between the female wild type (WT) and Xist P1^-/- rabbits, suggesting that P1 is non-essential for Xist expression and XCI in rabbits. Our study has explored the function of Xist P1 in animal level for the first time, and the results provide new ideas for future studies of XCI mechanisms.

The enhancing effect of incongruent verbal priming stimuli on the CIT effect with pictorial probes in the P300-based complex trial protocol

Previous research (Herring et al., 2011) indicated that certain types of incongruent verbal priming enhance responding to the subsequent (primed) stimuli. By priming participants in a P300-based Concealed Information Test (CIT), we examined the possible enhancement effects of priming stimuli in the P300 based Complex Trial Protocol (CTP) for face recognition. Participants were divided into two groups: one group with priming and one control group without. The probe (Pr) and irrelevants (Iall) of the two groups were faces, namely, pictures of the actor Tom Cruise (Pr) and of other unknown faces (Iall). One group had priming before Pr/Iall and one control group had no priming. The priming group was called the non-identical priming (NIP) group in which the verbal priming item (the name, "Bill Smith") is identical with neither Pr nor any of the Ialls. The group without priming is the control group which is called the non-priming group (NP) that simply experiences the basic Complex Trial Protocol. Results were that non-identical priming produced larger CIT effects than the control group, which is consistent with earlier findings. Also, the amplitude of the probe of the NIP group is larger than that of the NP group, while their irrelevants didn't show any significant difference. This means that the incongruent verbal priming did enhance the P300 CIT effect for the probe, which could further improve the accuracy of CTP for the concealed information test.

Structural stress and extra optical absorption induced by the intrinsic cation defects in KDP and ADP crystals: a theoretical study

V_P⁵⁻ defects are regarded as one of the main sources for the initial structural breakdown in KDP compared with ADP.

A multi-level drill guide template improves the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in lumbar spine

OBJECTIVE

Free-hand technique is widely used in pedicle screw placement for lumbar spine and generally safe; however, screw malposition still occurs. To develop a novel multi-level drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in lumbar spine and evaluate its accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve lumbar cadaveric specimens were randomly allocated into guide template group (n=6) and free-hand group (n=6). Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained for reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) model of each lumbar vertebra, and further an individual guide template was designed. Then the templates and their corresponding vertebra were developed by rapid prototyping (RP) technology. With the guide of the templates, screws were inserted via mini-open Wiltse approach. The positions of the screws were assessed based on postoperative CT images.

RESULTS

In total, 120 pedicle screws inserted (guide template group: n=60 vs. free-hand group: n=60). For all 30 vertebras in the guide template group, all pre-designed personalized drill guide templates can be fitted into the facet joints of each vertebra well. Furthermore, our results revealed a significant improvement for the guide template group in the accuracy rate (p=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Armed with advantages of minimal invasion, enhanced accuracy and safety, the novel technique of multi-level drill guide template can be properly applied in pedicle screw placement for lumbar spine and promises to be a potential option in clinical application.

DMP1 Ablation in the Rabbit Results in Mineralization Defects and Abnormalities in Haversian Canal/Osteon Microarchitecture

DMP1 (dentin matrix protein 1) is an extracellular matrix protein highly expressed in bones. Studies of Dmp1 knockout (KO) mice led to the discovery of a rare autosomal recessive form of hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR) caused by DMP1 mutations. However, there are limitations for using this mouse model to study ARHR, including a lack of Haversian canals and osteons (that occurs only in large mammalian bones), high levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and PTH, in comparison with a moderate elevation of FGF23 and unchanged PTH in human ARHR patients. To better understand this rare disease, we deleted the DMP1 gene in rabbit using CRISPR/Cas9. This rabbit model recapitulated many features of human ARHR, such as the rachitic rosary (expansion of the anterior rib ends at the costochondral junctions), moderately increased FGF23, and normal PTH levels, as well as severe defects in bone mineralization. Unexpectedly, all DMP1 KO rabbits died by postnatal week 8. They developed a severe bone microarchitecture defect: a major increase in the central canal areas of osteons, concurrent with massive accumulation of osteoid throughout all bone matrix (a defect in mineralization), suggesting a new paradigm, where rickets is caused by a combination of a defect in bone microarchitecture and a failure in mineralization. Furthermore, a study of DMP1 KO bones found accelerated chondrogenesis, whereas ARHR has commonly been thought to be involved in reduced chondrogenesis. Our findings with newly developed DMP1 KO rabbits suggest a revised understanding of the mechanism underlying ARHR. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

[Efficacy and safety of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells for the treatment of 22 patients with B-cell lymphoma]

目的

探讨CD19 CAR-T治疗B细胞淋巴瘤的疗效及安全性。

方法

评估2017年2月1日至2018年7月1日CD19 CAR-T治疗22例B细胞淋巴瘤患者的疗效及不良反应情况。

结果

22例患者输注CD19 CAR-T后，总体完全缓解（CR）率为45.5%，部分缓解（PR）率为31.8%，总有效率为77.3%。其中12例复发难治患者9例有效，2例达CR，7例PR；10例微小残留病（MRD）阳性患者，8例MRD转阴。全部患者外周血中均检测到CD19 CAR-T细胞在体内增殖，复发难治患者与MRD阳性患者T细胞增殖的达峰时间分别为治疗后第4.5（1~12）天和治疗后第12（5~19）天，外周血CAR-T细胞分别占总的T淋巴细胞的4.02%（2.23%~28.60%）和10.10%（3.55%~24.74%）。MRD转阴患者持续缓解，中位随访8（3~18）个月均未复发，且此组患者有3例联合PD-1抗体治疗，均达CR。复发难治患者中，7例CAR-T治疗后达PR患者疗效保持时间为1.5~6.0个月，PD-1表达率为25.7%~55.3%，5例CAR-T治疗无效患者PD-1均高表达；共有3例患者联合应用PD-1抗体，其中2例有效；2例CAR-T治疗后达CR患者中1例行异基因造血干细胞移植，另1例随访12个月仍持续缓解。22例患者输注CAR-T细胞后14例发生不同程度的细胞因子释放综合征（CRS），其中9例为1级CRS，4例为2级CRS，其中1例复发难治患者发生3级CRS，经糖皮质激素、IL-6抗体治疗后CRS得到控制。治疗有效的17例患者中14例发生CRS，治疗无效的5例患者均未发生CRS。难治复发患者发生CRS的严重程度高于MRD阳性患者。

结论

CD19 CAR-T在CD19⁺ B细胞淋巴瘤中取得了疗效。CAR-T联合免疫检查点抑制剂的应用能够更好地提高疗效，CAR-T细胞治疗可作为复发难治患者的挽救治疗，清除B细胞淋巴瘤的MRD效果更好且不良反应小。

Comparison of hydrogen vacancies in KDP and ADP crystals: a combination of density functional theory calculations and experiment

The hydrogen vacancy (VH) is the most common point defect that may lead to optical damage of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and its analog ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP), further limiting their practical application in high-power laser systems. In this work, we have grown KDP and ADP crystals by using a rapid growth method, and investigated the physical origin of the different stability of VH as well as the defect-induced electronic structure and optical absorption in KDP and ADP crystals. The inclusion of van der Waals correction to density functional theory calculations is found to have little influence on VH energetics of KDP whereas it largely reduces the charge transition level ε(+/-) of VH by >2 eV in ADP. It is found that hydrogen vacancies mainly contribute to the redshift of the measured absorption edges of both KDP and ADP crystals. Owing to the varied lattice environments and locations, the VH defects exhibit different stability, and electronic and optical properties in KDP and ADP crystals. Notably, the extra optical absorption caused by the positively-charged VH in KDP could be largely reduced by decreasing the defect concentration, whereas ADP exhibits defect-location dependence - the optical damage center of the VH in the NH4+ group could not be eliminated because of electron capture of its neighboring N atoms. The calculation results help us to better understand the origin of laser damage in KDP and ADP crystals.

LMNA-mutated Rabbits: A Model of Premature Aging Syndrome with Muscular Dystrophy and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Premature aging syndromes are rare genetic disorders mimicking clinical and molecular features of aging. Products of the LMNA gene, primarily lamin A and C, are major components of the nuclear lamina. A recently identified group of premature aging syndromes was related to mutations of the LMNA gene. Although LMNA disorders have been identified in premature aging syndromes, affect specifically the skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, and lipodystrophy, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms still need to be elucidated. Here, to establish a rabbit knockout (KO) model of premature aging syndromes, we performed precise LMNA targeting in rabbits via co-injection of Cas9/sgRNA mRNA into zygotes. The LMNA-KO rabbits exhibited reduced locomotion activity with abnormal stiff walking posture and a shortened stature, all of them died within 22 days. In addition, cardiomyopathy, muscular dystrophy, bone and joint abnormalities, as well as lipodystrophy were observed in LMNA-KO rabbits. In conclusion, the novel rabbit LMNA-KO model, displayed typical features of histopathological defects that are observed in premature aging syndromes, and may be utilized as a valuable resource for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of premature aging syndromes and elucidating mysteries of the normal process of aging in humans.

CRISPR-induced exon skipping is dependent on premature termination codon mutations

In previous studies, CRISPR/Cas9 was shown to induce unexpected exon skipping; however, the mechanism by which this phenomenon is triggered is controversial. By analyzing 22 gene-edited rabbit lines generated using CRISPR/Cas9, we provide evidence of exon skipping at high frequency in premature termination codon-mutated rabbits but not in the rabbits with a premature termination codon mutation in exon 1 rabbits with non-frameshift or missense mutations. Our results suggest that CRISPR-mediated exon skipping depends on premature termination codon mutation-induced nonsense-associated altered splicing.

Functional validation of the albinism-associated tyrosinase T373K SNP by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) in rabbits

Background

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by reduced melanin that are caused by mutations in the gene encoding tyrosinase (TYR), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of the pigment melanin. Many studies or meta-analyses have suggested an association between the TYR T373K SNP and OCA1, but there is limited biochemical and genetic evidence to support this association.

Methods

We overexpressed TYR-WT and TYR-T373K mutants on HK293T cells and tested the changes of melanin production and tyrosinase activity. Then we generated TYR-K373T knock-in (KI) rabbits by microinjection of ssDNA and synthesized RNAs targeting C1118A using CRISPR/Cas9-HDR to observe the formation of melanin.

Findings

We demonstrated that the T373K mutation in TYR can reduce tyrosinase activity, leading to an absence of melanin synthesis at the cell-level. The gene-edited TYR-K373T rabbits exhibited rescued melanin production in hair follicles and irises, as inferred from the evident decrease in pigmentation in TYR-T373K rabbits, thus providing functional validation of the albinism-associated T373K SNP at the animal level.

Interpretation

Our study provides the first animal-level functional validation of the albinism-associated TYR K373T SNP in rabbits, and these results will facilitate gene therapy of OCA1 in pre-clinical settings in the future.

Fund

The National Key Research and Development Program of China Stem Cell and Translational Research, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Guangdong Province Science and Technology Plan Project, and the Program for JLU Science and Technology Innovative Research Team.

The disrupted balance between hair follicles and sebaceous glands in Hoxc13-ablated rabbits

Pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia 9 (ECTD-9) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutation of HOXC13 and is characterized by hypotrichosis and nail dystrophy in humans. Unlike patients with ECTD-9, Hoxc13-mutated mice and pigs do not faithfully recapitulate the phenotype of hypotrichosis, so there is a limited understanding of the molecular mechanism of Hoxc13-mediated hypotrichosis in animal models and clinically. Here, the homozygous Hoxc13^-/- rabbits showed complete loss of hair on the head and dorsum, whereas hypotrichosis in the limbs and tail were determined in the Hoxc13^-/- rabbits. In addition, reduced hair follicles (HFs) while the enlarged and increased number of sebaceous glands (SGs) were also found in the Hoxc13^-/- rabbits, showing that the disrupted balance between HFs and SGs may respond to hypotrichosis of ECTD-9 in an animal model and clinically. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that Hoxc13^-/- rabbits can be used as a model for human ECTD-9, especially to understand the pathologic mechanism of hypotrichosis. Moreover, the disrupted balance between HFs and SGs, especially in the Hoxc13^-/- rabbits, can be used as an ideal animal model for dermatology ailments, such as acne and hypotrichosis, in preclinical studies.-Deng, J., Chen, M., Liu, Z., Song, Y., Sui, T., Lai, L., Li, Z. The disrupted balance between hair follicles and sebaceous glands in Hoxc13-ablated rabbits.

Biomechanical strength impact of lateral wall breach on spinal pedicle screw fixation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to make a comparison between the fixation strength of optimum placed pedicle screw (OS) and re-directionally accurate placed pedicle screw (RS) after lateral pedicle breach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 30 fresh lumbar vertebrae (L1-5) were gained from 6 male or female pigs weighing about 100 kg, which were divided into 2 groups according to different ways of pedicle screws placement: OS group (n=30) and RS group (n=30). MTS machine was employed to detect the screw loosening and axial pullout. We examined seating torque, screw-loosening force, the maximal torque and post-loosening axial pullout in each pedicle screw.

RESULTS

Maximal insertion torque of OS was (111.6±8.4) N•cm and RS was (79.0±6.3) N•cm, which indicated a significant difference (Z=3.012, p=0.003). Seating torque of OS and RS were (85.9±5.6) N•cm and (60.3±4.8) N•cm separately, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.799, p=0.006). Screw loosening force of OS and RS were (75.9±7.0) N and (52.4±6.3) N respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.652, p=0.003). Post-loosening axial pullout force of OS and RS were (328.5±11.3) N and (269.1±9.6) N separately, demonstrating that the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.865, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

RS placement is an alternative for remediation following a lateral wall breach evidenced by significantly decreased seating torque, screw loosening force, the maximal torque and post-loosening axial pullout compared with OS.

A novel rabbit model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy generated by CRISPR/Cas9

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, with an incidence of 1 in 3500 in new male births. Mdx mice are widely used as an animal model for DMD. However, these mice do not faithfully recapitulate DMD patients in many aspects, rendering the preclinical findings in this model questionable. Although larger animal models of DMD, such as dogs and pigs, have been generated, usage of these animals is expensive and only limited to several facilities in the world. Here, we report the generation of a rabbit model of DMD by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting exon 51 into rabbit zygotes. The DMD knockout (KO) rabbits exhibit the typical phenotypes of DMD, including severely impaired physical activity, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and progressive muscle necrosis and fibrosis. Moreover, clear pathology was also observed in the diaphragm and heart at 5 months of age, similar to DMD patients. Echocardiography recording showed that the DMD KO rabbits had chamber dilation with decreased ejection fraction and fraction shortening. In conclusion, this novel rabbit DMD model generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimics the histopathological and functional defects in DMD patients, and could be valuable for preclinical studies.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: The DMD KO rabbit engineered by CRISPR genome editing faithfully recapitulates the DMD pathologies, and could be a valuable tool for basic and translational studies to combat this disease.

Truncated C-terminus of fibrillin-1 induces Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy (MPL) syndrome in rabbit

Various clinical differences have been observed between patients with the FBN1 gene mutation and those with the classical Marfan phenotype. Although FBN1 knockout (KO) or dominant-negative mutant mice are widely used as an animal model for Marfan syndrome (MFS), these mice cannot recapitulate the genotype/phenotype relationship of Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy (MPL) syndrome, which is caused by a mutation in the C-terminus of fibrillin-1, the penultimate exon of the FBN1 gene. Here, we describe the generation of a rabbit MPL model with C-terminal truncation of fibrillin-1 using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. FBN1 heterozygous (FBN1 Het) rabbits faithfully recapitulated the phenotypes of MFS, including muscle wasting and impaired connective tissue, ocular syndrome and aortic dilation. Moreover, skin symptoms, lipodystrophy, growth retardation and dysglycemia were also seen in these FBN1 Het rabbits, and have not been reported in other animal models. In conclusion, this novel rabbit model mimics the histopathological changes and functional defects of MPL syndrome, and could become a valuable model for studies of pathogenesis and drug screening for MPL syndrome.

Summary: A novel genetically engineered rabbit model of MPL syndrome, generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of FBN1, mimics the histopathological changes and functional defects of MPL syndrome seen in the clinic.

Multiple homologous genes knockout (KO) by CRISPR/Cas9 system in rabbit

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a highly efficient and convenient genome editing tool, which has been widely used for single or multiple gene mutation in a variety of organisms. Disruption of multiple homologous genes, which have similar DNA sequences and gene function, is required for the study of the desired phenotype. In this study, to test whether the CRISPR/Cas9 system works on the mutation of multiple homologous genes, a single guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting three fucosyltransferases encoding genes (FUT1, FUT2 and SEC1) was designed. As expected, triple gene mutation of FUT1, FUT2 and SEC1 could be achieved simultaneously via a sgRNA mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system. Besides, significantly reduced serum fucosyltransferases enzymes activity was also determined in those triple gene mutation rabbits. Thus, we provide the first evidence that multiple homologous genes knockout (KO) could be achieved efficiently by a sgRNA mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system in mammals, which could facilitate the genotype to phenotype studies of homologous genes in future.

Stability and electronic structure of hydrogen vacancies in ADP: hybrid DFT with vdW correction

The formation energies, charge transition levels, and electronic structures of positively charged, neutral, and negatively charged hydrogen vacancies in the NH₄H₂PO₄ (ADP) crystal are investigated in the framework of density functional theory with local and hybrid exchange–correlation functionals. The inclusion of nonlocal exchange opens the ADP fundamental band gap by nearly 1 eV and well reproduces the experimental value. The van der Waals (vdW) interaction is found to have a major influence on the energetics of charged hydrogen vacancies in ADP. The calculated relative stability of and with vdW interaction could well explain the break point on the measured conductivity curve of the ADP crystal in the high temperature region. On the other hand, a missing H atom in the (H₂PO₄)⁻ group is found to be more energetically preferable than NH₄⁺. It could capture a hole carrier to form a molecular-type polaron with its adjacent two O atoms, and be responsible for the optical absorption under irradiation by a high-intensity laser beam.

Hybrid DFT calculations with vdW correction well explain the defect-induced conductivity break of ADP in the high-temperature region.

Rapid growth of ADP crystal in a defined crystallographic direction

ADP crystals were grown in defined direction (θ = 90°, Φ = 45°) by the “point-seed” rapid growth method.

Association between H19 polymorphisms and osteosarcoma risk

OBJECTIVE

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19, a maternally expressed imprinted gene, has involvement in cancer susceptibility and disease progression. However, the association between H19 polymorphisms and osteosarcoma susceptibility has remained elusive. We designed this case-control study to explore the association between H19 polymorphism and osteosarcoma risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we genotyped 4 tagger SNPs of the H19 gene in a case-control study including 193 osteosarcoma cases and 393 cancer-free controls.

RESULTS

For the main effect analysis, rs217727 (G>A) was associated with osteosarcoma risk (GA/GG: adjusted OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06-2.17, p = 0.024; AA/GG: adjusted OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.23-2.91, p = 0.004; additive model: adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.80, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

This finding indicates that rs217727 polymorphism may play a role in genetic susceptibility to the risk of osteosarcoma, which may improve our understanding of the potential contribution of H19 SNPs to cancer pathogenesis.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Mutation of αA-Crystallin Gene Induces Congenital Cataracts in Rabbits

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate the role of the αA-crystallin gene in inducing congenital cataracts in rabbits and to construct a novel animal model for characterization and pathologic analysis of congenital cataracts for future research.

Methods

We generated αA-crystallin gene knockout rabbits with congenital cataracts by coinjection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA into zygotes. Cataract phenotypes were investigated in a repeated study of 19 F0-generation and 11 F1-generation rabbits with αA-crystallin gene mutations. Heritability was analyzed by PCR, sequencing, slim lamp, hematoxylin eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot.

Results

We found αA-crystallin gene mutations in all 19 F0-generation pups (100%) with indel mutations in the αA-crystallin gene ranging from 3 to 52 bp. Off-target assay revealed that none of the potential off-target sites exhibited mutations, demonstrating that off-target mutagenesis was not induced by cytoplasmic microinjection of in vitro-transcribed Cas9 mRNA. Slim lamp assay revealed that 15 of 19 live pups (78.9%) exhibited typical phenotypes, including congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, obscurity, and early atrophy of the lens, and failed differentiation of lens fibers. Histologic hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that αA-crystallin gene knockout rabbits exhibited smaller lenses. Production of the αA-crystallin protein was determined to be dramatically reduced in αA-crystallin gene knockout rabbits. We induced αA-crystallin gene mutations and phenotypes in F1-generation rabbits.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of the αA-crystallin gene in rabbits recapitulates phenotypes of congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, obscurity, and early atrophy of the lens, and failed differentiation of lens fibers. These findings suggest the possibility of a new animal model of congenital cataracts, which should be used to further investigate the association between mutations in αA-crystallin gene and congenital cataracts in humans.

Strain softening of nano-scale fuzzy interfaces causes Mullins effect in thermoplastic polyurethane

The strain-induced softening of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs), known as the Mullins effect, arises from their multi-phase structure. We used the combination of small- and wide- angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) during in situ repeated tensile loading to elucidate the relationship between molecular architecture, nano-strain, and macro-scale mechanical properties. Insights obtained from our analysis highlight the importance of the ‘fuzzy interface’ between the hard and soft regions that governs the structure evolution at nanometre length scales and leads to macroscopic stiffness reduction. We propose a hierarchical Eshelby inclusion model of phase interaction mediated by the ‘fuzzy interface’ that accommodates the nano-strain gradient between hard and soft regions and undergoes tension-induced softening, causing the Mullins effect that becomes apparent in TPUs even at moderate tensile strains.

D-repeat in the XIST gene is required for X chromosome inactivation

XIST is a long non-coding RNA, which expressed exclusively from the inactive X chromosome. Although it has been revealed that the A-repeat contributes to the X chromosome inactivation (X-inactivation), the role of the longest D-repeat has not yet been investigated. Here, a sgRNA directed CRISPR/Cas9 system which have multiple target sites within repeat D of XIST, were used to generate D-repeat deletion and studied its roles on X-inactivation. The results showed that the deletion of D-repeat caused a significantly decreased expression of XIST, and up regulated expression of X-linked genes, suggesting that the D-repeat may play an important role in the regulation of XIST expression and silencing of the X-linked genes, which could provide a new idea in the molecular mechanisms of X-inactivation.

Investigation of surface damage precursor evolutions and laser-induced damage threshold improvement mechanism during Ion beam etching of fused silica

Surface damage precursor evolution has great influence on laser-induced damage threshold improvement of fused silica surface during Ion beam etching. In this work, a series of ion sputtering experiment are carried out to obtain the evolutions of damage precursors (dot-form microstructures, Polishing-Induced Contamination, Hertz scratches, and roughness). Based on ion sputtering theory, surface damage precursor evolutions are analyzed. The results show that the dot-form microstructures will appear during ion beam etching. But as the ion beam etching depth goes up, the dot-form microstructures can be mitigated. And ion-beam etching can broaden and passivate the Hertz scratches without increasing roughness value. A super-smooth surface (0.238nm RMS) can be obtained finally. The relative content of Fe and Ce impurities both significantly reduce after ion beam etching. The laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica is improved by 34% after ion beam etching for 800nm. Research results can be a reference on using ion beam etching process technology to improve laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica optics.

Investigation of surface damage precursor evolutions and laser-induced damage threshold improvement mechanism during Ion beam etching of fused silica

Surface damage precursor evolution has great influence on laser-induced damage threshold improvement of fused silica surface during Ion beam etching. In this work, a series of ion sputtering experiment are carried out to obtain the evolutions of damage precursors (dot-form microstructures, Polishing-Induced Contamination, Hertz scratches, and roughness). Based on ion sputtering theory, surface damage precursor evolutions are analyzed. The results show that the dot-form microstructures will appear during ion beam etching. But as the ion beam etching depth goes up, the dot-form microstructures can be mitigated. And ion-beam etching can broaden and passivate the Hertz scratches without increasing roughness value. A super-smooth surface (0.238nm RMS) can be obtained finally. The relative content of Fe and Ce impurities both significantly reduce after ion beam etching. The laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica is improved by 34% after ion beam etching for 800nm. Research results can be a reference on using ion beam etching process technology to improve laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica optics.

Efficient dual sgRNA-directed large gene deletion in rabbit with CRISPR/Cas9 system

The CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease gene-targeting system has been extensively used to edit the genome of several organisms. However, most mutations reported to date have been are indels, resulting in multiple mutations and numerous alleles in targeted genes. In the present study, a large deletion of 105 kb in the TYR (tyrosinase) gene was generated in rabbit via a dual sgRNA-directed CRISPR/Cas9 system. The typical symptoms of albinism accompanied significantly decreased expression of TYR in the TYR knockout rabbits. Furthermore, the same genotype and albinism phenotype were found in the F1 generation, suggesting that large-fragment deletions can be efficiently transmitted to the germline and stably inherited in offspring. Taken together, our data demonstrate that mono and biallelic large deletions can be achieved using the dual sgRNA-directed CRISPR/Cas9 system. This system produces no mosaic mutations or off-target effects, making it an efficient tool for large-fragment deletions in rabbit and other organisms.

Tandem repeat knockout utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system in human cells

Tandem repeats have been shown to cause human genetic diseases and contribute significantly to genome variation and instability. Although multi-sgRNAs mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system have used to generate regional deletions previously, in this study we explored a method of generating regional deletions of tandem repeats by taking advantage of the off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas9 in 293FT cells. Our results revealed that generation of large-fragment deletions of tandem repeats located in the MAGEL2 and XIST gene was possible. In summary, we have demonstrated that large-fragment deletions of tandem repeats can be achieved using a sgRNA-directed CRISPR/Cas9 system, facilitating the functional study of tandem repeats in future studies.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of PHEX in rabbit recapitulates human X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH)

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common cause of inheritable rickets, with an incidence of 1/20 000 in humans. Inactivation or mutation of the gene PHEX, a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase, leads to hypophosphatemia and defective bone mineralization in XLH patients. Presently, there is no adequate animal model for safety assessments of physiotherapies and drug screening for XLH rickets. In this study, an XLH model was generated via PHEX gene knockout (KO) through coinjection of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9)/sgRNA mRNA into rabbit zygotes. The typical phenotypes of growth retardation, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum FGF23 and bone mineralization were observed in the PHEX KO rabbits but not in normal controls. In summary, for the first time, we have successfully obtained PHEX KO rabbits and recapitulated human XLH using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This novel XLH rabbit model could be utilized as a drug screening model for XLH prevention and preclinical therapy.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GJA8 knockout in rabbits recapitulates human congenital cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the world, although surgical treatment can restore vision in cataract patients. Until now, there have been no adequate animal models for in vivo studies of artificial lens safety and drug interactions. Genetic studies have demonstrated that GJA8 is involved in maintaining lens opacity and proper lens development. In this study, a cataract model with GJA8 gene knockout was developed via co-injection of Cas9/sgRNA mRNA into rabbit zygotes. Our results showed that gene mutation efficiency in the GJA8 locus reached 98.7% in embryos and 100% in pups, demonstrating that the Cas9/sgRNA system is a highly efficient tool for gene editing in rabbits. In agreement with other studies, our genetic and histology results showed that impaired GJA8 function caused microphthalmia, small lens size and cataracts. In summary, our novel rabbit model of cataracts will be an important drug-screening tool for cataract prevention and treatment.