scholarly journals Expansion of CRISPR Targeting Sites Using an Integrated Gene-Editing System in Apis mellifera

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 954
Author(s):  
Liqiang Liang ◽  
Zhenghanqing Li ◽  
Qiufang Li ◽  
Xiuxiu Wang ◽  
Songkun Su ◽  
...  

CRISPR/Cas9, a predominant gene-editing tool, has been utilised to dissect the gene function in Apis mellifera. However, only the genomic region containing NGG PAM could be recognised and edited in A. mellifera, seriously hampering the application of CRISPR technology in honeybees. In this study, we carried out the bioinformatics analysis for genome-wide targeting sites of NGG, TTN, and NNGRRT to determine the potential expansion of the SpCas9, SaCas9, Cpf1, and it was found that the targetable spectrum of the CRISPR editing system could be markedly extended via the integrated gene manipulation system. Meanwhile, the single guide RNA (sgRNA)/crRNA of different novel gene editing systems and the corresponding CRISPR proteins were co-injected into honeybee embryos, and their feasibility was tested in A. mellifera. The sequencing data revealed that both SaCas9 and Cpf1 are capable of mediating mutation in A. mellifera, albeit with relatively lower mutagenesis rates for Cpf1 and unstable editing for SaCas9. To our knowledge, our results provide the first demonstration that SaCas9 and Cpf1 can function to induce genome sequence alternation, which extended the editing scope to the targets with TTN and NNGRRT and enabled CRISPR-based genome research in a broader range in A. mellifera.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 2412-2425
Author(s):  
Suruchi Pacharne ◽  
Oliver M. Dovey ◽  
Jonathan L. Cooper ◽  
Muxin Gu ◽  
Mathias J. Friedrich ◽  
...  

Abstract Advances in cancer genomics have revealed genomic classes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by class-defining mutations, such as chimeric fusion genes or in genes such as NPM1, MLL, and CEBPA. These class-defining mutations frequently synergize with internal tandem duplications in FLT3 (FLT3-ITDs) to drive leukemogenesis. However, ∼20% of FLT3-ITD–positive AMLs bare no class-defining mutations, and mechanisms of leukemic transformation in these cases are unknown. To identify pathways that drive FLT3-ITD mutant AML in the absence of class-defining mutations, we performed an insertional mutagenesis (IM) screening in Flt3-ITD mice, using Sleeping Beauty transposons. All mice developed acute leukemia (predominantly AML) after a median of 73 days. Analysis of transposon insertions in 38 samples from Flt3-ITD/IM leukemic mice identified recurrent integrations at 22 loci, including Setbp1 (20/38), Ets1 (11/38), Ash1l (8/38), Notch1 (8/38), Erg (7/38), and Runx1 (5/38). Insertions at Setbp1 led exclusively to AML and activated a transcriptional program similar, but not identical, to those of NPM1-mutant and MLL-rearranged AMLs. Guide RNA targeting of Setbp1 was highly detrimental to Flt3ITD/+/Setbp1IM+, but not to Flt3ITD/+/Npm1cA/+, AMLs. Also, analysis of RNA-sequencing data from hundreds of human AMLs revealed that SETBP1 expression is significantly higher in FLT3-ITD AMLs lacking class-defining mutations. These findings propose that SETBP1 overexpression collaborates with FLT3-ITD to drive a subtype of human AML. To identify genetic vulnerabilities of these AMLs, we performed genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in Flt3ITD/+/Setbp1IM+ AMLs and identified potential therapeutic targets, including Kdm1a, Brd3, Ezh2, and Hmgcr. Our study gives new insights into epigenetic pathways that can drive AMLs lacking class-defining mutations and proposes therapeutic approaches against such cases.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Chakraborty

‘Prime-editing’ proposes to replace traditional programmable nucleases (CRISPR-Cas9) using a catalytically impaired Cas9 (dCas9) connected to a engineered reverse transcriptase, and a guide RNA encoding both the target site and the desired change. With just a ‘nick’ on one strand, it is hypothe- sized, the negative, uncontrollable effects arising from double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) - translocations, complex proteins, integrations and p53 activation - will be eliminated. However, sequencing data pro- vided (Accid:PRJNA565979) reveal plasmid integration, indicating that DSBs occur. Also, looking at only 16 off-targets is inadequate to assert that Prime-editing is more precise. Integration of plasmid occurs in all three versions (PE1/2/3). Interestingly, dCas9 which is known to be toxic in E. coli and yeast, is shown to have residual endonuclease activity. This also affects studies that use dCas9, like base- editors and de/methylations systems. Previous work using hRad51–Cas9 nickases also show significant integration in on-targets, as well as off-target integration [1]. Thus, we show that cellular response to nicking involves DSBs, and subsequent plasmid/Cas9 integration. This is an unacceptable outcome for any in vivo application in human therapy.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 779
Author(s):  
Man Teng ◽  
Yongxiu Yao ◽  
Venugopal Nair ◽  
Jun Luo

In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing techniques have been well developed and applied widely in several aspects of research in the biological sciences, in many species, including humans, animals, plants, and even in viruses. Modification of the viral genome is crucial for revealing gene function, virus pathogenesis, gene therapy, genetic engineering, and vaccine development. Herein, we have provided a brief review of the different technologies for the modification of the viral genomes. Particularly, we have focused on the recently developed CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing system, detailing its origin, functional principles, and touching on its latest achievements in virology research and applications in vaccine development, especially in large DNA viruses of humans and animals. Future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology in virology research, including the potential shortcomings, are also discussed.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Archana Khadgi ◽  
Courtney A. Weber

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is an expanding high-value berry crop worldwide. The presence of prickles, outgrowths of epidermal tissues lacking vasculature, on the canes, petioles, and undersides of leaves complicates both field management and harvest. The utilization of cultivars with fewer prickles or prickle-free canes simplifies production. A previously generated population segregating for prickles utilizing the s locus between the prickle-free cultivar Joan J (ss) and the prickled cultivar Caroline (Ss) was analyzed to identify the genomic region associated with prickle development in red raspberry. Genotype by sequencing (GBS) was combined with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) to analyze 8474 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and identify significant markers associated with the prickle-free trait. A total of four SNPs were identified on chromosome 4 that were associated with the phenotype and were located near or in annotated genes. This study demonstrates how association genetics can be used to decipher the genetic control of important horticultural traits in Rubus, and provides valuable information about the genomic region and potential genes underlying the prickle-free trait.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1065
Author(s):  
Reinhard Mischke ◽  
Julia Metzger ◽  
Ottmar Distl

Congenital fibrinogen disorders are very rare in dogs. Cases of afibrinogenemia have been reported in Bernese Mountain, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Lhasa Apso, Viszla, and St. Bernard dogs. In the present study, we examined four miniature wire-haired Dachshunds with afibrinogenemia and ascertained their pedigree. Homozygosity mapping and a genome-wide association study identified a candidate genomic region at 50,188,932–64,187,680 bp on CFA15 harboring FGB (fibrinogen beta chain), FGA (fibrinogen alpha chain), and FGG (fibrinogen gamma-B chain). Sanger sequencing of all three fibrinogen genes in two cases and validation of the FGA-associated mutation (FGA:g.6296delT, NC_006597.3:g.52240694delA, rs1152388481) in pedigree members showed a perfect co-segregation with afibrinogenemia-affected phenotypes, obligate carriers, and healthy animals. In addition, the rs1152388481 variant was validated in 393 Dachshunds and samples from 33 other dog breeds. The rs1152388481 variant is predicted to modify the protein sequence of both FGA transcripts (FGA201:p.Ile486Met and FGA-202:p.Ile555Met) leading to proteins truncated by 306 amino acids. The present data provide evidence for a novel FGA truncating frameshift mutation that is very likely to explain the cases of severe bleeding due to afibrinogenemia in a Dachshund family. This mutation has already been spread in Dachshunds through carriers before cases were ascertained. Genetic testing allows selective breeding to prevent afibrinogenemia-affected puppies in the future.


Plant Methods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Ping Zhou ◽  
Tohir A. Bozorov ◽  
Daoyuan Zhang

Abstract Background Xinjiang wild apple is an important tree of the Tianshan Mountains, and in recent years, it has undergone destruction by many biotic and abiotic stress and human activities. It is necessary to use new technologies to research its genomic function and molecular improvement. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has been successfully applied to genetic improvement in many crops, but its editing capability varies depending on the different combinations of the synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 protein expression devices. Results In this study, we used 2 systems of vectors with paired sgRNAs targeting to MsPDS. As expected, we successfully induced the albino phenotype of calli and buds in both systems. Conclusions We conclude that CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful system for editing the wild apple genome and expands the range of plants available for gene editing.


Gene Therapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan O’Keeffe Ahern ◽  
Irene Lara-Sáez ◽  
Dezhong Zhou ◽  
Rodolfo Murillas ◽  
Jose Bonafont ◽  
...  

AbstractRecent advances in molecular biology have led to the CRISPR revolution, but the lack of an efficient and safe delivery system into cells and tissues continues to hinder clinical translation of CRISPR approaches. Polymeric vectors offer an attractive alternative to viruses as delivery vectors due to their large packaging capacity and safety profile. In this paper, we have demonstrated the potential use of a highly branched poly(β-amino ester) polymer, HPAE-EB, to enable genomic editing via CRISPRCas9-targeted genomic excision of exon 80 in the COL7A1 gene, through a dual-guide RNA sequence system. The biophysical properties of HPAE-EB were screened in a human embryonic 293 cell line (HEK293), to elucidate optimal conditions for efficient and cytocompatible delivery of a DNA construct encoding Cas9 along with two RNA guides, obtaining 15–20% target genomic excision. When translated to human recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) keratinocytes, transfection efficiency and targeted genomic excision dropped. However, upon delivery of CRISPR–Cas9 as a ribonucleoprotein complex, targeted genomic deletion of exon 80 was increased to over 40%. Our study provides renewed perspective for the further development of polymer delivery systems for application in the gene editing field in general, and specifically for the treatment of RDEB.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 343
Author(s):  
Manjin Li ◽  
Dan Xing ◽  
Duo Su ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Heting Gao ◽  
...  

Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, can cause dengue fever (DF) and more serious diseases and thus imposes a heavy burden worldwide. As the main vector of DENV, mosquitoes are a serious hazard. After infection, they induce a complex host–pathogen interaction mechanism. Our goal is to further study the interaction mechanism of viruses in homologous, sensitive, and repeatable C6/36 cell vectors. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was applied to the host transcript profiles of C6/36 cells infected with DENV2. Then, bioinformatics analysis was used to identify significant differentially expressed genes and the associated biological processes. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the sequencing data. A total of 1239 DEGs were found by transcriptional analysis of Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells that were infected and uninfected with dengue virus, among which 1133 were upregulated and 106 were downregulated. Further bioinformatics analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as the MAPK, Hippo, FoxO, Wnt, mTOR, and Notch; metabolic pathways and cellular physiological processes such as autophagy, endocytosis, and apoptosis. Downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in DNA replication, pyrimidine metabolism, and repair pathways, including BER, NER, and MMR. The qRT-PCR results showed that the concordance between the RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR data was very high (92.3%). The results of this study provide more information about DENV2 infection of C6/36 cells at the transcriptome level, laying a foundation for further research on mosquito vector–virus interactions. These data provide candidate antiviral genes that can be used for further functional verification in the future.


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