scholarly journals Systematic characterization of genome editing in primary T cells reveals proximal genomic insertions and enables machine learning prediction of CRISPR-Cas9 DNA repair outcomes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan T. Leenay ◽  
Amirali Aghazadeh ◽  
Joseph Hiatt ◽  
David Tse ◽  
Judd F. Hultquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Dna Repair ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Dna Cleavage ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Ribonucleoprotein Complexes ◽  
Break Site ◽  
Nucleotide Insertions

AbstractThe Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) nuclease has become a ubiquitous genome editing tool due to its ability to target almost any location in DNA and create a double-stranded break1,2. After DNA cleavage, the break is fixed with endogenous DNA repair machinery, either by non-templated mechanisms (e.g. non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ)), or homology directed repair (HDR) using a complementary template sequence3,4. Previous work has shown that the distribution of repair outcomes within a cell population is non-random and dependent on the targeted sequence, and only recent efforts have begun to investigate this further5–11. However, no systematic work to date has been validated in primary human cells5,7. Here, we report DNA repair outcomes from 1,521 unique genomic locations edited with SpCas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) in primary human CD4+ T cells isolated from multiple healthy blood donors. We used targeted deep sequencing to measure the frequency distribution of repair outcomes for each guide RNA and discovered distinct features that drive individual repair outcomes after SpCas9 cleavage. Predictive features were combined into a new machine learning model, CRISPR Repair OUTcome (SPROUT), that predicts the length and probability of nucleotide insertions and deletions with R2 greater than 0.5. Surprisingly, we also observed large insertions at more than 90% of targeted loci, albeit at a low frequency. The inserted sequences aligned to diverse regions in the genome, and are enriched for sequences that are physically proximal to the break site due to chromatin interactions. This suggests a new mechanism where sequences from three-dimensionally neighboring regions of the genome can be inserted during DNA repair after Cas9-induced DNA breaks. Together, these findings provide powerful new predictive tools for Cas9-dependent genome editing and reveal new outcomes that can result from genome editing in primary T cells.

scholarly journals Evidence for Replicative Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks Leading to Oncogenic Translocation and Gene Amplification

2002 ◽  
Vol 196 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Difilippantonio ◽  
Simone Petersen ◽  
Hua Tang Chen ◽  
Roger Johnson ◽  
Maria Jasin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Dna Cleavage ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Telomere Capture ◽  
Culture Models ◽  
Recombination Activating Gene ◽  
Dna Repair Protein ◽  
Break Induced Replication

Nonreciprocal translocations and gene amplifications are commonly found in human tumors. Although little is known about the mechanisms leading to such aberrations, tissue culture models predict that they can arise from DNA breakage, followed by cycles of chromatid fusion, asymmetric mitotic breakage, and replication. Mice deficient in both a nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair protein and the p53 tumor suppressor develop lymphomas at an early age harboring amplification of an IgH/c-myc fusion. Here we report that these chromosomal rearrangements are initiated by a recombination activating gene (RAG)-induced DNA cleavage. Subsequent DNA repair events juxtaposing IgH and c-myc are mediated by a break-induced replication pathway. Cycles of breakage-fusion-bridge result in amplification of IgH/c-myc while chromosome stabilization occurs through telomere capture. Thus, mice deficient in NHEJ provide excellent models to study the etiology of unbalanced translocations and amplification events during tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Double-strand DNA breaks recruit the centromeric histone CENP-A

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (37) ◽  
pp. 15762-15767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha G. Zeitlin ◽  
Norman M. Baker ◽  
Brian R. Chapados ◽  
Evi Soutoglou ◽  
Jean Y. J. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Cleavage ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Double Strand Dna Breaks ◽  
Histone H3 Variant ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

The histone H3 variant CENP-A is required for epigenetic specification of centromere identity through a loading mechanism independent of DNA sequence. Using multiphoton absorption and DNA cleavage at unique sites by I-SceI endonuclease, we demonstrate that CENP-A is rapidly recruited to double-strand breaks in DNA, along with three components (CENP-N, CENP-T, and CENP-U) associated with CENP-A at centromeres. The centromere-targeting domain of CENP-A is both necessary and sufficient for recruitment to double-strand breaks. CENP-A accumulation at DNA breaks is enhanced by active non-homologous end-joining but does not require DNA-PKcs or Ligase IV, and is independent of H2AX. Thus, induction of a double-strand break is sufficient to recruit CENP-A in human and mouse cells. Finally, since cell survival after radiation-induced DNA damage correlates with CENP-A expression level, we propose that CENP-A may have a function in DNA repair.

scholarly journals An essential role for the DNA breakage-repair protein Ku80 in programmed DNA rearrangements in Tetrahymena thermophila

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2213-2225 ◽  
Author(s):  
I-Ting Lin ◽  
Ju-Lan Chao ◽  
Meng-Chao Yao
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Dna Cleavage ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Tetrahymena Thermophila ◽  
Chromosome Breakage ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dna Rearrangements ◽  
Conjugation Process

Programmed DNA rearrangements are important processes present in many organisms. In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, DNA rearrangements occur during the sexual conjugation process and lead to the deletion of thousands of specific DNA segments and fragmentation of the chromosomes. In this study, we found that the Ku80 homologue, a conserved component of the nonhomologous end-joining process of DNA repair, was essential for these two processes. During conjugation, TKU80 was highly expressed and localized to the new macronucleus, where DNA rearrangements occur. Homokaryon TKU80-knockout mutants are unable to complete conjugation and produce progeny and are arrested at the two-micronuclei/two-macronuclei stage. Analysis of their DNA revealed failure to complete DNA deletion. However, the DNA-cutting step appeared to have occurred, as evidenced by the presence of circularized excised DNA. Moreover, chromosome breakage or de novo telomere addition was affected. The mutant appears to accumulate free DNA ends detectable by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays that led to the degradation of most DNA in the developing macronucleus. These findings suggest that Tku80p may serve an end-protective role after DNA cleavage has occurred. Unexpectedly, the large heterochromatin structures that normally associate with DNA rearrangements failed to form without TKU80. Together the results suggest multiple roles for Tku80p and indicate that a Ku-dependent DNA-repair pathway is involved in programmed DNA rearrangements in Tetrahymena.

scholarly journals The tale of a tail: histone H4 acetylation and the repair of DNA breaks

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1731) ◽  
pp. 20160284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surbhi Dhar ◽  
Ozge Gursoy-Yuzugullu ◽  
Ramya Parasuram ◽  
Brendan D. Price
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Open Chromatin ◽  
Histone H4 ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Histone H4 Acetylation ◽  
Break Site ◽  
Bromodomain Proteins ◽  
Complex Architecture

The ability of cells to detect and repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) within the complex architecture of the genome requires co-ordination between the DNA repair machinery and chromatin remodelling complexes. This co-ordination is essential to process damaged chromatin and create open chromatin structures which are required for repair. Initially, there is a PARP-dependent recruitment of repressors, including HP1 and several H3K9 methyltransferases, and exchange of histone H2A.Z by the NuA4-Tip60 complex. This creates repressive chromatin at the DSB in which the tail of histone H4 is bound to the acidic patch on the nucleosome surface. These repressor complexes are then removed, allowing rapid acetylation of the H4 tail by Tip60. H4 acetylation blocks interaction between the H4 tail and the acidic patch on adjacent nucleosomes, decreasing inter-nucleosomal interactions and creating open chromatin. Further, the H4 tail is now free to recruit proteins such as 53BP1 to DSBs, a process modulated by H4 acetylation, and provides binding sites for bromodomain proteins, including ZMYND8 and BRD4, which are important for DSB repair. Here, we will discuss how the H4 tail functions as a dynamic hub that can be programmed through acetylation to alter chromatin packing and recruit repair proteins to the break site. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.

scholarly journals Mechanistic and genetic basis of single-strand templated repair at Cas12a-induced DNA breaks in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aron Ferenczi ◽  
Yen Peng Chew ◽  
Erika Kroll ◽  
Charlotte von Koppenfels ◽  
Andrew Hudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Single Strand ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractSingle-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) are widely used as DNA repair templates in CRISPR/Cas precision genome editing. However, the underlying mechanisms of single-strand templated DNA repair (SSTR) are inadequately understood, constraining rational improvements to precision editing. Here we study SSTR at CRISPR/Cas12a-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the eukaryotic model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We demonstrate that ssODNs physically incorporate into the genome during SSTR at Cas12a-induced DSBs. This process is genetically independent of the Rad51-dependent homologous recombination and Fanconi anemia pathways, is strongly antagonized by non-homologous end-joining, and is mediated almost entirely by the alternative end-joining enzyme polymerase θ. These findings suggest differences in SSTR between C. reinhardtii and animals. Our work illustrates the promising potentially of C. reinhardtii as a model organism for studying nuclear DNA repair.

scholarly journals CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in human cells works via the Fanconi Anemia pathway

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris D Richardson ◽  
Katelynn R Kazane ◽  
Sharon J Feng ◽  
Nicholas L Bray ◽  
Axel J Schäfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Fanconi Anemia ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Individual Gene ◽  
Break Site ◽  
Repair Pathways

AbstractCRISPR-Cas9 genome editing creates targeted double strand breaks (DSBs) in eukaryotic cells that are processed by cellular DNA repair pathways. Co-administration of single stranded oligonucleotide donor DNA (ssODN) during editing can result in high-efficiency (>20%) incorporation of ssODN sequences into the break site. This process is commonly referred to as homology directed repair (HDR) and here referred to as single stranded template repair (SSTR) to distinguish it from repair using a double stranded DNA donor (dsDonor). The high efficacy of SSTR makes it a promising avenue for the treatment of genetic diseases1,2, but the genetic basis of SSTR editing is still unclear, leaving its use a mostly empiric process. To determine the pathways underlying SSTR in human cells, we developed a coupled knockdown-editing screening system capable of interrogating multiple editing outcomes in the context of thousands of individual gene knockdowns. Unexpectedly, we found that SSTR requires multiple components of the Fanconi Anemia (FA) repair pathway, but does not require Rad51-mediated homologous recombination, distinguishing SSTR from repair using dsDonors. Knockdown of FA genes impacts SSTR without altering break repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in multiple human cell lines and in neonatal dermal fibroblasts. Our results establish an unanticipated and central role for the FA pathway in templated repair from single stranded DNA by human cells. Therapeutic genome editing has been proposed to treat genetic disorders caused by deficiencies in DNA repair, including Fanconi Anemia. Our data imply that patient genotype and/or transcriptome profoundly impact the effectiveness of gene editing treatments and that adjuvant treatments to bias cells towards FA repair pathways could have considerable therapeutic value.

scholarly journals Nonhomologous DNA End-Joining in Plants: Genes and Mechanisms

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford F. Weil ◽  
Anne B. Britt ◽  
Avraham Levy
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Plant Genome ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Modified Dna ◽  
Nonhomologous Dna End Joining ◽  
The U.S

Repair of DNA breaks is an essential function in plant cells as well as a crucial step in addition of modified DNA to plant cells. In addition, our inability to introduce modified DNA to its appropriate locus in the plant genome remains an important hurdle in genetically engineering crop species.We have taken a combined forward and reverse genetics approach to examining DNA double strand break repair in plants, focusing primarily on nonhomologous DNA end-joining. The forward approach utilizes a gamma-plantlet assay (miniature plants that are metabolically active but do not undergo cell division, due to cell cycle arrest) and has resulted in identification of five Arabidopsis mutants, including a new one defective in the homolog of the yeast RAD10 gene. The reverse genetics approach has identified knockouts of the Arabidopsis homologs for Ku80, DNA ligase 4 and Rad54 (one gene in what proves to be a gene family involved in DNA repair as well as chromatin remodeling and gene silencing)). All these mutants have phenotypic defects in DNA repair but are otherwise healthy and fertile. Additional PCR based screens are in progress to find knockouts of Ku70, Rad50, and Mre11, among others. Two DNA end-joining assays have been developed to further our screens and our ability to test candidate genes. One of these involves recovering linearized plasmids that have been added to and then rejoined in plant cells; plasmids are either recovered directly or transformed into E. coli and recovered. The products recovered from various mutant lines are then compared. The other assay involves using plant transposon excision to create DNA breaks in yeast cells and then uses the yeast cell as a system to examine those genes involved in the repair and to screen plant genes that might be involved as well. This award supported three graduate students, one in Israel and two in the U.S., as well as a technician in the U.S., and is ultimately expected to result directly in five publications and one Masters thesis.

scholarly journals Biasing genome-editing events toward precise length deletions with an RNA-guided TevCas9 dual nuclease

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (52) ◽  
pp. 14988-14993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Wolfs ◽  
Thomas A. Hamilton ◽  
Jeremy T. Lant ◽  
Marcon Laforet ◽  
Jenny Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Editing ◽  
Homing Endonuclease ◽  
Target Site ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Minimal Processing ◽  
Gene Knockouts ◽  
Alternative Nhej ◽  
Dna Ends

The CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease is commonly used to make gene knockouts. The blunt DNA ends generated by cleavage can be efficiently ligated by the classical nonhomologous end-joining repair pathway (c-NHEJ), regenerating the target site. This repair creates a cycle of cleavage, ligation, and target site regeneration that persists until sufficient modification of the DNA break by alternative NHEJ prevents further Cas9 cutting, generating a heterogeneous population of insertions and deletions typical of gene knockouts. Here, we develop a strategy to escape this cycle and bias events toward defined length deletions by creating an RNA-guided dual active site nuclease that generates two noncompatible DNA breaks at a target site, effectively deleting the majority of the target site such that it cannot be regenerated. The TevCas9 nuclease, a fusion of the I-TevI nuclease domain to Cas9, functions robustly in HEK293 cells and generates 33- to 36-bp deletions at frequencies up to 40%. Deep sequencing revealed minimal processing of TevCas9 products, consistent with protection of the DNA ends from exonucleolytic degradation and repair by the c-NHEJ pathway. Directed evolution experiments identified I-TevI variants with broadened targeting range, making TevCas9 an easy-to-use reagent. Our results highlight how the sequence-tolerant cleavage properties of the I-TevI homing endonuclease can be harnessed to enhance Cas9 applications, circumventing the cleavage and ligation cycle and biasing genome-editing events toward defined length deletions.

scholarly journals Tissue Specific DNA Repair Outcomes Shape the Landscape of Genome Editing

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Meyenberg ◽  
Joana Ferreira da Silva ◽  
Joanna I. Loizou
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Dna Damage And Repair ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
Repair Processes ◽  
Recent Developments

The use of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 has moved from bench to bedside in less than 10years, realising the vision of correcting disease through genome editing. The accuracy and safety of this approach relies on the precise control of DNA damage and repair processes to achieve the desired editing outcomes. Strategies for modulating pathway choice for repairing CRISPR-mediated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) have advanced the genome editing field. However, the promise of correcting genetic diseases with CRISPR-Cas9 based therapies is restrained by a lack of insight into controlling desired editing outcomes in cells of different tissue origin. Here, we review recent developments and urge for a greater understanding of tissue specific DNA repair processes of CRISPR-induced DNA breaks. We propose that integrated mapping of tissue specific DNA repair processes will fundamentally empower the implementation of precise and safe genome editing therapies for a larger variety of diseases.

scholarly journals Efficient Generation of Knock-In Zebrafish Models for Inherited Disorders Using CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9429
Author(s):  
Erik de Vrieze ◽  
Suzanne E. de Bruijn ◽  
Janine Reurink ◽  
Sanne Broekman ◽  
Vince van de Riet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Repair Pathway ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Inherited Disorders ◽  
Ribonucleoprotein Complexes ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-editing is a highly efficient and cost-effective method to generate zebrafish loss-of-function alleles. However, introducing patient-specific variants into the zebrafish genome with CRISPR-Cas9 remains challenging. Targeting options can be limited by the predetermined genetic context, and the efficiency of the homology-directed DNA repair pathway is relatively low. Here, we illustrate our efficient approach to develop knock-in zebrafish models using two previously variants associated with hereditary sensory deficits. We employ sgRNA-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes that are micro-injected into the first cell of fertilized zebrafish eggs together with an asymmetric, single-stranded DNA template containing the variant of interest. The introduction of knock-in events was confirmed by massive parallel sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from a pool of injected embryos. Simultaneous morpholino-induced blocking of a key component of the non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway, Ku70, improved the knock-in efficiency for one of the targets. Our use of RNP complexes provides an improved knock-in efficiency as compared to previously published studies. Correct knock-in events were identified in 3–8% of alleles, and 30–45% of injected animals had the target variant in their germline. The detailed technical and procedural insights described here provide a valuable framework for the efficient development of knock-in zebrafish models.

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