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1.
Cell Mol Biol Lett ; 29(1): 66, 2024 May 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724931

The development of compact CRISPR systems has facilitated delivery but has concurrently reduced gene editing efficiency, thereby limiting the further utilization of CRISPR systems. Enhancing the efficiency of CRISPR systems poses a challenging task and holds significant implications for the advancement of biotechnology. In our work, we report a synthetic dual-antibody system that can stably exist in the intracellular environment, specifically inhibiting the functions of NF-κB and ß-catenin. This not only elevates the transgenic expression of the CRISPR system by suppressing the innate immune response within cells to enhance the gene editing efficiency but also demonstrates a notable tumor inhibitory effect. Based on the specific output expression regulation of CRISPR-CasΦ, we constructed a CRISPR-based gene expression platform, which includes sensor modules for detecting intracellular ß-catenin and NF-κB, as well as an SDA module to enhance overall efficiency. In vitro experiments revealed that the CRISPR-based gene expression platform exhibited superior CDK5 expression inhibition efficiency and specific cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. In vitro experiments, we found that CRISPR-based gene expression platforms can selectively kill bladder cancer cells through T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our design holds significant assistant potential of transgene therapy and may offer the capability to treat other diseases requiring transgene therapy.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Gene Editing , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/therapy , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism , Humans , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Editing/methods , beta Catenin/metabolism , beta Catenin/genetics , NF-kappa B/metabolism , NF-kappa B/genetics , Gene Expression/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
2.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0302264, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38723038

CRISPR/Cas9 is a recently discovered genomic editing technique that altered scientist's sight in studying genes function. Cas9 is controlled via guide (g) RNAs, which match the DNA targeted in cleavage to modify the respective gene. The development in prostate cancer (PC) modeling directed not only to novel resources for recognizing the signaling pathways overriding prostate cell carcinoma, but it has also created a vast reservoir for complementary tools to examine therapies counteracting this type of cancer. Various cultured somatic rat models for prostate cancer have been developed that nearly mimic human prostate cancer. Nano-medicine can passively target cancer cells via increasing bioavailability and conjugation via specific legend, contributing to reduced systemic side-effects and increased efficacy. This article highlights liposomal loaded Nano-medicine as a potential treatment for prostate cancer and clarifies the CRISPR/Cas9 variation accompanied with prostate cancer. PC is induced experimentally in western rat model via ethinyl estradiol for 4 weeks and SC. dose of 3, 2'- dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl estradiol (DAE) (50mg/kg) followed by treatment via targeted liposomal-coated compounds such as liposomal dexamethasone (DXM), liposomal doxorubicin (DOX) and liposomal Turmeric (TUR) (3mg/kg IP) for four weeks in a comparative study to their non-targeted analogue dexamethasone, doxorubicin and Turmeric. 3, 2'- dimethyl-4-aminobiphenylestradiol elicit prostate cancer in western rats within 5 months. Simultaneous supplementations with these liposomal compounds influence on prostate cancer; tumor markers were investigated via prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Nitric oxide (NOX) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Several long non-coding RNAs were reported to be deregulated in prostate cell carcinoma, including MALAT1. On the other hand, gene expression of apoptotic biomarkers focal adhesion kinase (AKT-1), phosphatidylinistol kinase (PI3K) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was also investigated and further confirming these results via histopathological examination. Liposomal loaded dexamethasone; doxorubicin and Turmeric can be considered as promising therapeutic agents for prostate cancer via modulating CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and long non coding gene MALAT1.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Liposomes , Prostatic Neoplasms , RNA, Long Noncoding , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Animals , Rats , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Humans , Gene Editing/methods
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10636, 2024 05 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724644

Gene-knockout animal models with organ-deficient phenotypes used for blastocyst complementation are generally not viable. Animals need to be maintained as heterozygous mutants, and homozygous mutant embryos yield only one-fourth of all embryos. In this study, we generated organ-deficient embryos using the CRISPR-Cas9-sgRNAms system that induces cell death with a single-guide RNA (sgRNAms) targeting multiple sites in the genome. The Cas9-sgRNAms system interrupted cell proliferation and induced cell ablation in vitro. The mouse model had Cas9 driven by the Foxn1 promoter with a ubiquitous expression cassette of sgRNAms at the Rosa26 locus (Foxn1Cas9; Rosa26_ms). It showed an athymic phenotype similar to that of nude mice but was not hairless. Eventually, a rat cell-derived thymus in an interspecies chimera was generated by blastocyst complementation of Foxn1Cas9; Rosa26_ms mouse embryos with rat embryonic stem cells. Theoretically, a half of the total embryos has the Cas9-sgRNAms system because Rosa26_ms could be maintained as homozygous.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Forkhead Transcription Factors , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems , Animals , Mice , Rats , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics , Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism , Thymus Gland/metabolism , Models, Animal , Blastocyst/metabolism
4.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3937, 2024 May 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38729924

Human natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies are under assessment for treating various cancers, but cryopreservation reduces both the recovery and function of NK cells, thereby limiting their therapeutic feasibility. Using cryopreservation protocols optimized for T cells, here we find that ~75% of NK cells die within 24 h post-thaw, with the remaining cells displaying reduced cytotoxicity. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and confocal microscopy, we find that cryopreserved NK cells largely die via apoptosis initiated by leakage of granzyme B from cytotoxic vesicles. Pretreatment of NK cells with a combination of Interleukins-15 (IL-15) and IL-18 prior to cryopreservation improves NK cell recovery to ~90-100% and enables equal tumour control in a xenograft model of disseminated Raji cell lymphoma compared to non-cryopreserved NK cells. The mechanism of IL-15 and IL-18-induced protection incorporates two mechanisms: a transient reduction in intracellular granzyme B levels via degranulation, and the induction of antiapoptotic genes.


Apoptosis , Cryopreservation , Granzymes , Interleukin-15 , Interleukin-18 , Killer Cells, Natural , Granzymes/metabolism , Interleukin-15/metabolism , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Humans , Interleukin-18/metabolism , Animals , Cryopreservation/methods , Mice , Cell Line, Tumor , CRISPR-Cas Systems
5.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731837

Chromatin architecture is critical for the temporal and tissue-specific activation of genes that determine eukaryotic development. The functional interaction between enhancers and promoters is controlled by insulators and tethering elements that support specific long-distance interactions. However, the mechanisms of the formation and maintenance of long-range interactions between genome regulatory elements remain poorly understood, primarily due to the lack of convenient model systems. Drosophila became the first model organism in which architectural proteins that determine the activity of insulators were described. In Drosophila, one of the best-studied DNA-binding architectural proteins, Su(Hw), forms a complex with Mod(mdg4)-67.2 and CP190 proteins. Using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and attP-dependent integration technologies, we created a model system in which the promoters and enhancers of two reporter genes are separated by 28 kb. In this case, enhancers effectively stimulate reporter gene promoters in cis and trans only in the presence of artificial Su(Hw) binding sites (SBS), in both constructs. The expression of the mutant Su(Hw) protein, which cannot interact with CP190, and the mutation inactivating Mod(mdg4)-67.2, lead to the complete loss or significant weakening of enhancer-promoter interactions, respectively. The results indicate that the new model system effectively identifies the role of individual subunits of architectural protein complexes in forming and maintaining specific long-distance interactions in the D. melanogaster model.


Drosophila Proteins , Enhancer Elements, Genetic , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Drosophila Proteins/metabolism , Drosophila Proteins/genetics , Animals , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolism , CRISPR-Cas Systems , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Chromatin/metabolism , Chromatin/genetics , Insulator Elements/genetics , Binding Sites , Protein Binding , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Gene Editing/methods , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Microtubule-Associated Proteins
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38732031

Skeletal muscle myogenesis hinges on gene regulation, meticulously orchestrated by molecular mechanisms. While the roles of transcription factors and non-coding RNAs in myogenesis are widely known, the contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has remained unclear until now. Therefore, to investigate the functions of post-transcriptional regulators in myogenesis and uncover new functional RBPs regulating myogenesis, we employed CRISPR high-throughput RBP-KO (RBP-wide knockout) library screening. Through this approach, we successfully identified Eef1a1 as a novel regulatory factor in myogenesis. Using CRISPR knockout (CRISPRko) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technologies, we successfully established cellular models for both CRISPRko and CRISPRi. Our findings demonstrated that Eef1a1 plays a crucial role in promoting proliferation in C2C12 myoblasts. Through siRNA inhibition and overexpression methods, we further elucidated the involvement of Eef1a1 in promoting proliferation and suppressing differentiation processes. RIP (RNA immunoprecipitation), miRNA pull-down, and Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-133a-3p targets Eef1a1. Co-transfection experiments indicated that miR-133a-3p can rescue the effect of Eef1a1 on C2C12 myoblasts. In summary, our study utilized CRISPR library high-throughput screening to unveil a novel RBP, Eef1a1, involved in regulating myogenesis. Eef1a1 promotes the proliferation of myoblasts while inhibiting the differentiation process. Additionally, it acts as an antagonist to miR-133a-3p, thus modulating the process of myogenesis.


Cell Differentiation , Cell Proliferation , Muscle Development , Myoblasts , Peptide Elongation Factor 1 , Muscle Development/genetics , Peptide Elongation Factor 1/genetics , Peptide Elongation Factor 1/metabolism , Animals , Mice , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Myoblasts/metabolism , Myoblasts/cytology , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Cell Line , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Humans , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
7.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1338218, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38742109

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) motility is an important feature of effective CTL responses and is impaired when CTLs become exhausted, e.g. during chronic retroviral infections. A prominent T cell exhaustion marker is programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and antibodies against the interaction of PD-1 and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are known to improve CTL functions. However, antibody blockade affects all PD-1/PD-L1-expressing cell types, thus, the observed effects cannot be attributed selectively to CTLs. To overcome this problem, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 based knockout of the PD-1 coding gene PDCD1 in naïve Friend Retrovirus (FV)-specific CTLs. We transferred 1,000 of these cells into mice where they proliferated upon FV-infection. Using intravital two-photon microscopy we visualized CTL motility in the bone marrow and evaluated cytotoxic molecule expression by flow cytometry. Knockout of PDCD1 improved the CTL motility at 14 days post infection and enhanced the expression of cytotoxicity markers. Our data show the potential of genetic tuning of naive antiviral CTLs and might be relevant for future designs of improved T cell-mediated therapies.


Cell Movement , Mice, Knockout , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor , Retroviridae Infections , T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic , Animals , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/genetics , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology , Mice , Cell Movement/genetics , Retroviridae Infections/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Friend murine leukemia virus/immunology , Gene Knockout Techniques , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
8.
Mol Cancer ; 23(1): 101, 2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38745269

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have surpassed the number of protein-coding genes, yet the majority have no known function. We previously discovered 844 lncRNAs that were genetically linked to breast cancer through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Here, we show that a subset of these lncRNAs alter breast cancer risk by modulating cell proliferation, and provide evidence that a reduced expression on one lncRNA increases breast cancer risk through aberrant DNA replication and repair. METHODS: We performed pooled CRISPR-Cas13d-based knockdown screens in breast cells to identify which of the 844 breast cancer-associated lncRNAs alter cell proliferation. We selected one of the lncRNAs that increased cell proliferation, KILR, for follow-up functional studies. KILR pull-down followed by mass spectrometry was used to identify binding proteins. Knockdown and overexpression studies were performed to assess the mechanism by which KILR regulates proliferation. RESULTS: We show that KILR functions as a tumor suppressor, safeguarding breast cells against uncontrolled proliferation. The half-life of KILR is significantly reduced by the risk haplotype, revealing an alternative mechanism by which variants alter cancer risk. Mechanistically, KILR sequesters RPA1, a subunit of the RPA complex required for DNA replication and repair. Reduced KILR expression promotes breast cancer cell proliferation by increasing the available pool of RPA1 and speed of DNA replication. Conversely, KILR overexpression promotes apoptosis in breast cancer cells, but not normal breast cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm lncRNAs as mediators of breast cancer risk, emphasize the need to annotate noncoding transcripts in relevant cell types when investigating GWAS variants and provide a scalable platform for mapping phenotypes associated with lncRNAs.


Breast Neoplasms , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Cell Proliferation , DNA Repair , DNA Replication , RNA, Long Noncoding , Humans , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Female , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genome-Wide Association Study
9.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3813, 2024 May 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714682

Innate antiviral factors are essential for effective defense against viral pathogens. However, the identity of major restriction mechanisms remains elusive. Current approaches to discover antiviral factors usually focus on the initial steps of viral replication and are limited to a single round of infection. Here, we engineered libraries of >1500 replication-competent HIV-1 constructs each expressing a single gRNAs to target >500 cellular genes for virus-driven discovery of antiviral factors. Passaging in CD4+ T cells robustly enriched HIV-1 encoding sgRNAs against GRN, CIITA, EHMT2, CEACAM3, CC2D1B and RHOA by >50-fold. Using an HIV-1 library lacking the accessory nef gene, we identified IFI16 as a Nef target. Functional analyses in cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells support that the HIV-driven CRISPR screen identified restriction factors targeting virus entry, transcription, release and infectivity. Our HIV-guided CRISPR technique enables sensitive discovery of physiologically relevant cellular defense factors throughout the entire viral replication cycle.


CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes , HIV-1 , Virus Replication , nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus , Humans , HIV-1/genetics , HIV-1/physiology , Virus Replication/genetics , nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics , nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/metabolism , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , HEK293 Cells , CRISPR-Cas Systems , HIV Infections/virology , HIV Infections/genetics , HIV Infections/immunology , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism , Phosphoproteins/metabolism , Phosphoproteins/genetics , rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism , rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/genetics , Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics , Virus Internalization
10.
Cell Mol Biol Lett ; 29(1): 65, 2024 May 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714951

The engineered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system is currently widely applied in genetic editing and transcriptional regulation. The catalytically inactivated CasRx (dCasRx) has the ability to selectively focus on the mRNA coding region without disrupting transcription and translation, opening up new avenues for research on RNA modification and protein translation control. This research utilized dCasRx to create a translation-enhancement system for mammals called dCasRx-eIF4GI, which combined eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4GI) to boost translation levels of the target gene by recruiting ribosomes, without affecting mRNA levels, ultimately increasing translation levels of different endogenous proteins. Due to the small size of dCasRx, the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system was integrated into a single viral vector, thus optimizing the delivery and transfection efficiency in subsequent applications. Previous studies reported that ferroptosis, mediated by calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, significantly promotes stone formation. In order to further validate its developmental potential, it was applied to a kidney stone model in vitro and in vivo. The manipulation of the ferroptosis regulatory gene FTH1 through single-guide RNA (sgRNA) resulted in a notable increase in FTH1 protein levels without affecting its mRNA levels. This ultimately prevented intracellular ferroptosis and protected against cell damage and renal impairment caused by CaOx crystals. Taken together, this study preliminarily validated the effectiveness and application prospects of the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system in mammalian cell-based disease models, providing novel insights and a universal tool platform for protein translation research and future therapeutic approaches for nephrolithiasis.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Calcium Oxalate , Kidney , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Calcium Oxalate/metabolism , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4G/metabolism , Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4G/genetics , Ferritins , Ferroptosis/genetics , Gene Editing/methods , HEK293 Cells , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Calculi/genetics , Kidney Calculi/metabolism , Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Oxidoreductases/genetics , Protein Biosynthesis/genetics , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
11.
Mol Plant Pathol ; 25(5): e13460, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38695626

Reverse genetic approaches are common tools in genomics for elucidating gene functions, involving techniques such as gene deletion followed by screening for aberrant phenotypes. If the generation of gene deletion mutants fails, the question arises whether the failure stems from technical issues or because the gene of interest (GOI) is essential, meaning that the deletion causes lethality. In this report, we introduce a novel method for assessing gene essentiality using the phytopathogenic ascomycete Magnaporthe oryzae. The method is based on the observation that telomere vectors are lost in transformants during cultivation without selection pressure. We tested the hypothesis that essential genes can be identified in deletion mutants co-transformed with a telomere vector. The M. oryzae gene MoPKC, described in literature as essential, was chosen as GOI. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology transformants with deleted GOI were generated and backed up by a telomere vector carrying a copy of the GOI and conferring fenhexamid resistance. Transformants in which the GOI deletion in the genome was not successful lost the telomere vector on media without fenhexamid. In contrast, transformants with confirmed GOI deletion retained the telomere vector even in absence of fenhexamid selection. In the latter case, the maintenance of the telomere indicates that the GOI is essential for the surveillance of the fungi, as it would have been lost otherwise. The method presented here allows to test for essentiality of genes when no mutants can be obtained from gene deletion approaches, thereby expanding the toolbox for studying gene function in ascomycetes.


Ascomycota , Genes, Essential , Genetic Vectors , Phenotype , Telomere , Telomere/genetics , Genetic Vectors/genetics , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Genes, Fungal/genetics , Gene Deletion , Magnaporthe/genetics , Magnaporthe/pathogenicity
12.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(21): e2403685121, 2024 May 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38743625

The tumor suppressor LKB1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is frequently mutated in human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). LKB1 regulates a complex signaling network that is known to control cell polarity and metabolism; however, the pathways that mediate the tumor-suppressive activity of LKB1 are incompletely defined. To identify mechanisms of LKB1-mediated growth suppression, we developed a spheroid-based cell culture assay to study LKB1-dependent growth. We then performed genome-wide CRISPR screens in spheroidal culture and found that LKB1 suppresses growth, in part, by activating the PIKFYVE lipid kinase. Finally, we used chemical inhibitors and a pH-sensitive reporter to determine that LKB1 impairs growth by promoting the internalization of wild-type EGFR in a PIKFYVE-dependent manner.


AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Spheroids, Cellular , Humans , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/metabolism , AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/genetics , Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics , Cell Proliferation , Cell Line, Tumor , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
14.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2300676, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38730523

Genetic diseases can be caused by monogenic diseases, which result from a single gene mutation in the DNA sequence. Many innovative approaches have been developed to cure monogenic genetic diseases, namely by genome editing. A specific type of genomic editing, prime editing, has the potential advantage to edit the human genome without requiring double-strand breaks or donor DNA templates for editing. Additionally, prime editing does not require a precisely positioned protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence, which offers flexible target and more precise genomic editing. Here we detail a novel construction of a prime editing extended guide RNA (pegRNA) to target mutated leptin receptors in B6.BKS(D)-Leprdb/J mice (db/db mice). The pegRNA was then injected into the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle of db/db mice to demonstrate in vivo efficacy, which resulted in pegRNA mediated base transversion at endogenous base transversion. Genomic DNA sequencing confirmed that prime editing could correct the mutation of leptin receptor gene in db/db mice. Furthermore, prime editing treated skeletal muscle exhibited enhanced leptin receptor signals. Thus, the current study showed in vivo efficacy of prime editing to correct mutant protein and rescue the physiology associated with functional protein.


Gene Editing , Receptors, Leptin , Animals , Receptors, Leptin/genetics , Receptors, Leptin/metabolism , Gene Editing/methods , Mice , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Mutation , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Mice, Inbred C57BL
15.
Signal Transduct Target Ther ; 9(1): 111, 2024 May 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38735995

CRISPR‒Cas7-11 is a Type III-E CRISPR-associated nuclease that functions as a potent RNA editing tool. Tetratrico-peptide repeat fused with Cas/HEF1-associated signal transducer (TPR-CHAT) acts as a regulatory protein that interacts with CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-bound Cas7-11 to form a CRISPR-guided caspase complex (Craspase). However, the precise modulation of Cas7-11's nuclease activity by TPR-CHAT to enhance its utility requires further study. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Desulfonema ishimotonii (Di) Cas7-11-crRNA, complexed with or without the full length or the N-terminus of TPR-CHAT. These structures unveil the molecular features of the Craspase complex. Structural analysis, combined with in vitro nuclease assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, reveals that DiTPR-CHAT negatively regulates the activity of DiCas7-11 by preventing target RNA from binding through the N-terminal 65 amino acids of DiTPR-CHAT (DiTPR-CHATNTD). Our work demonstrates that DiTPR-CHATNTD can function as a small unit of DiCas7-11 regulator, potentially enabling safe applications to prevent overcutting and off-target effects of the CRISPR‒Cas7-11 system.


CRISPR-Associated Proteins , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Cryoelectron Microscopy , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics , CRISPR-Associated Proteins/chemistry , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/chemistry , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
16.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0288578, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739603

As a versatile genome editing tool, the CRISPR-Cas9 system induces DNA double-strand breaks at targeted sites to activate mainly two DNA repair pathways: HDR which allows precise editing via recombination with a homologous template DNA, and NHEJ which connects two ends of the broken DNA, which is often accompanied by random insertions and deletions. Therefore, how to enhance HDR while suppressing NHEJ is a key to successful applications that require precise genome editing. Histones are small proteins with a lot of basic amino acids that generate electrostatic affinity to DNA. Since H2A.X is involved in DNA repair processes, we fused H2A.X to Cas9 and found that this fusion protein could improve the HDR/NHEJ ratio by suppressing NHEJ. As various post-translational modifications of H2A.X play roles in the regulation of DNA repair, we also fused H2A.X mimicry variants to replicate these post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, methylation, and acetylation. However, none of them were effective to improve the HDR/NHEJ ratio. We further fused other histone variants to Cas9 and found that H2A.1 suppressed NHEJ better than H2A.X. Thus, the fusion of histone variants to Cas9 is a promising option to enhance precise genome editing.


CRISPR-Associated Protein 9 , CRISPR-Cas Systems , DNA End-Joining Repair , Gene Editing , Histones , Histones/metabolism , Histones/genetics , Humans , CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism , CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics , Gene Editing/methods , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , HEK293 Cells , Acetylation
17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10905, 2024 05 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38740939

Cancer-derived cell lines are useful tools for studying cellular metabolism and xenobiotic toxicity, but they are not suitable for modeling the biological effects of food contaminants or natural biomolecules on healthy colonic epithelial cells in a normal genetic context. The toxicological properties of such compounds may rely on their oxidative properties. Therefore, it appears to be necessary to develop a dual-cell model in a normal genetic context that allows to define the importance of oxidative stress in the observed toxicity. Given that the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be the master regulator of antioxidant defenses, our aim was to develop a cellular model comparing normal and Nrf2-depleted isogenic cells to qualify oxidative stress-related toxicity. We generated these cells by using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Whole-genome sequencing enabled us to confirm that our cell lines were free of cancer-related mutations. We used 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a lipid peroxidation product closely related to oxidative stress, as a model molecule. Here we report significant differences between the two cell lines in glutathione levels, gene regulation, and cell viability after HNE treatment. The results support the ability of our dual-cell model to study the role of oxidative stress in xenobiotic toxicity.


Epithelial Cells , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Oxidative Stress , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics , Animals , Mice , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Epithelial Cells/drug effects , Aldehydes/metabolism , Glutathione/metabolism , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Line , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects
18.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10852, 2024 05 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741006

Hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) transplantation using a donor with a homozygous mutation in the HIV co-receptor CCR5 (CCR5Δ32/Δ32) holds great promise as a cure for HIV-1. Previously, there were three patients that had been reported to be completely cured from HIV infection by this approach. However, finding a naturally suitable Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-matched homozygous CCR5Δ32 donor is very difficult. The prevalence of this allele is only 1% in the Caucasian population. Therefore, additional sources of CCR5Δ32/Δ32 HSCs are required. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is one method to mediate CCR5 knockout in HSCs that has been successfully employed as a gene editing tool in clinical trials. Additional anti-HIV-1 strategies are still required for broad-spectrum inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Here in this study, we combined an additional anti-HIV-1 therapy, which is C46, a cell membrane-anchored HIV-1 fusion inhibitor with the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout CCR5. The combined HIV-1 therapeutic genes were investigated for the potential prevention of both CCR5 (R5)- and CXCR4 (X4)-tropic HIV-1 infections in the MT4CCR5 cell line. The combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 therapies were superior compared to single method therapy for achieving the HIV-1 cure strategy and shows potential for future applications.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Gene Editing , HIV Fusion Inhibitors , HIV Infections , HIV-1 , Receptors, CCR5 , Receptors, CCR5/genetics , Receptors, CCR5/metabolism , Gene Editing/methods , Humans , HIV-1/genetics , HIV-1/drug effects , HIV Infections/genetics , HIV Infections/virology , HIV Infections/therapy , HIV Fusion Inhibitors/pharmacology , Cell Line , Virus Replication/drug effects , Recombinant Fusion Proteins
19.
Anal Chim Acta ; 1307: 342641, 2024 Jun 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719418

The article details a groundbreaking platform for detecting microRNAs (miRNAs), crucial biomolecules involved in gene regulation and linked to various diseases. This innovative platform combines the CRISPR-Cas13a system's precise ability to specifically target and cleave RNA molecules with the amplification capabilities of the hybridization chain reaction (HCR). HCR aids in signal enhancement by creating branched DNA structures. Additionally, the platform employs electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for detection, noted for its high sensitivity and low background noise, making it particularly effective. A key application of this technology is in the detection of miR-17, a biomarker associated with multiple cancer types. It exhibits remarkable detection capabilities, characterized by low detection limits (14.38 aM) and high specificity. Furthermore, the platform's ability to distinguish between similar miRNA sequences and accurately quantify miR-17 in cell lysates underscores its significant potential in clinical and biomedical fields. This combination of precise targeting, signal amplification, and sensitive detection positions the platform as a powerful tool for miRNA analysis in medical diagnostics and research.


CRISPR-Cas Systems , Electrochemical Techniques , Luminescent Measurements , MicroRNAs , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , MicroRNAs/analysis , MicroRNAs/genetics , Humans , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Electrochemical Techniques/methods , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Limit of Detection
20.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2400178, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719574

Sucrose isomerase (SIase) catalyzes the hydrolysis and isomerization of sucrose into isomaltulose, a functional sugar extensively used in the food industry. However, the lack of safe and efficient heterologous expression systems for SIase has constrained its production and application. In this study, an engineered Bacillus subtilis strain for antibiotic-free SIase production was developed via a food-grade expression system. First, the B. subtilis strain TEA was modified through the CRISPR/Cas9 system, resulting in a mutant strain TEA4, which exhibited enhanced capabilities for recombinant protein expression. For efficient and safe production of SIase, different constitutive and inducible promoters were evaluated. The maltose-inducible promoter Poglv was found to have an extracellular SIase activity of 21.7 U mL-1 in engineered strain TEA4. Subsequent optimization of the culture medium further increased SIase activity to 26.4 U mL-1 during shake flask cultivation. Eventually, using the crude enzyme solution of the engineered strain in biotransformation reactions resulted in a high yield of isomaltulose under high concentrations sucrose, achieving a maximum yield of 83.1%. These findings demonstrated an engineered B. subtilis strain for antibiotic-free SIase production, paving the way for its scale-up industrial production and application.


Bacillus subtilis , Glucosyltransferases , Isomaltose , Recombinant Proteins , Sucrose , Bacillus subtilis/genetics , Bacillus subtilis/enzymology , Bacillus subtilis/metabolism , Isomaltose/metabolism , Isomaltose/analogs & derivatives , Glucosyltransferases/genetics , Glucosyltransferases/metabolism , Sucrose/metabolism , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/metabolism , Metabolic Engineering/methods , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
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