Target Nuclease Research Articles

SiRNA-mediated targeting of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the Norovirus genome

Background Human noroviruses are a major cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis worldwide and can chronically infect immunocompromised patients. Efforts to develop effective vaccines and antivirals have been hindered by the uncultivable nature and extreme genetic diversity of human noroviruses [1]. Previous therapies have focused on targeting nucleases and structural proteins. The norovirus RNA genome or viral transcripts also constitute an important target to inhibit the replication of norovirus. Finding a conserved component of the Norovirus genome would make it an ideal target that could overcome the genetic diversity of strains [2]. Gene-based therapy is the intentional modulation of gene expression in specific cells to treat pathological conditions. This modulation is accomplished by introducing exogenous nucleic acids such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Given the large size and negative charge of this macromolecule, its delivery is typically mediated by carriers or vectors. Targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents a promising strategy for local or systemic delivery of gene-based therapeutics [3].

Polyamine-oligonucleotide conjugates: a promising direction for nucleic acid tools and therapeutics.

Chemical modification and/or the conjugation of small functional molecules to oligonucleotides have significantly improved their biological and biophysical properties, addressing issues such as poor cell penetration, stability to nucleases and low affinity for their targets. Here, the authors review the literature reporting on the biophysical, biochemical and biological properties of one particular class of modification - polyamine-oligonucleotide conjugates. Naturally derived and synthetic polyamines have been grafted onto a variety of oligonucleotide formats, including antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs. In many cases this has had beneficial effects on their properties such as target hybridization, nuclease resistance, cellular uptake and activity. Polyamine-oligonucleotide conjugation, therefore, represents a promising direction for the further development of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and tools.

CRISPR-STAT: an easy and reliable PCR-based method to evaluate target-specific sgRNA activity.

CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as a versatile genome-engineering tool that relies on a single guide RNA (sgRNA) and the Cas9 enzyme for genome editing. Simple, fast and economical methods to generate sgRNAs have made targeted mutagenesis routine in cultured cells, mice, zebrafish and other model systems. Pre-screening of sgRNAs for target efficacy is desirable both for successful mutagenesis and minimizing wasted animal husbandry on targets with poor activity. Here, we describe an easy, quick and cost-effective fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method, CRISPR Somatic Tissue Activity Test (CRISPR-STAT), to determine target-specific efficiency of sgRNA. As a proof of principle, we validated our method using 28 sgRNAs with known and varied levels of germline transmission efficiency in zebrafish by analysis of their somatic activity in injected embryos. Our data revealed a strong positive correlation between the fluorescent PCR profiles of the injected embryos and the germline transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the assay was sensitive enough to evaluate multiplex gene targeting. This method is easy to implement by laboratories with access to a capillary sequencer. Although we validated the method using CRISPR/Cas9 and zebrafish, it can be applied to other model systems and other genome targeting nucleases.

Function of the N‐terminal segment of the RecA‐dependent nuclease Ref

The bacteriophage P1 Ref (recombination enhancement function) protein is a RecA-dependent, HNH endonuclease. It can be directed to create targeted double-strand breaks within a displacement loop formed by RecA. The 76 amino acid N-terminal region of Ref is positively charged (25/76 amino acid residues) and inherently unstructured in solution. Our investigation of N-terminal truncation variants shows this region is required for DNA binding, contains a Cys involved in incidental dimerization, and is necessary for efficient Ref-mediated DNA cleavage. Specifically, Ref N-terminal truncation variants lacking between 21 and 47 amino acids are more effective RecA-mediated targeting nucleases. We propose a Ref cleavage model, in which the N-terminal region acts as an anchor and allows rearrangement of the nuclease domain for sequential cleavage of strands in double-stranded DNA.

Function of the N-terminal segment of the RecA-dependent nuclease Ref.

The bacteriophage P1 Ref (recombination enhancement function) protein is a RecA-dependent, HNH endonuclease. It can be directed to create targeted double-strand breaks within a displacement loop formed by RecA. The 76 amino acid N-terminal region of Ref is positively charged (25/76 amino acid residues) and inherently unstructured in solution. Our investigation of N-terminal truncation variants shows this region is required for DNA binding, contains a Cys involved in incidental dimerization and is necessary for efficient Ref-mediated DNA cleavage. Specifically, Ref N-terminal truncation variants lacking between 21 and 47 amino acids are more effective RecA-mediated targeting nucleases. We propose a more refined set of options for the Ref-mediated cleavage mechanism, featuring the N-terminal region as an anchor for at least one of the DNA strand cleavage events.

Genome editing by targeted chromosomal mutagenesis.

The tools for genome engineering have become very powerful and accessible over the last several years. CRISPR/Cas nucleases, TALENs and ZFNs can all be designed to produce highly specific double-strand breaks in chromosomal DNA. These breaks are processed by cellular DNA repair machinery leading to localized mutations and to intentional sequence replacements. Because these repair processes are common to essentially all organisms, the targetable nucleases have been applied successfully to a wide range of animals, plants, and cultured cells. In each case, the mode of delivery of the nuclease, the efficiency of cleavage and the repair outcome depend on the biology of the particular system being addressed. These reagents are being used to introduce favorable characteristics into organisms of economic significance, and the prospects for enhancing human gene therapy appear very bright.

Fulfilling the dream of a perfect genome editing tool.

Adaptive nucleic acid-based immune systems of bacteria and archaea provided new tools for genome editing applications and transcription silencing. Despite the rapid success in developing targetable nucleases based on the clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) enzymes, our understanding of how these ribonucleoprotein complexes recognize and process their DNA targets remains rudimentary. A report in PNAS (1) delves into the mechanism of R-loop formation by two very different CRISPR/Cas systems, Cas9 and Cascade (CRISPR-associated complex for antiviral defense). Our ability to tailor the genomes of various organisms has been revolutionized by the development of targetable nucleases with flexible specificity (2). These powerful reagents generate double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the chromosomal DNA with exquisite specificity. Once generated, the DSB is repaired through nonhomologous end-joining or through homologous recombination. The former often leads to gene inactivation, whereas the latter incorporates the desired genetic alterations by using the information from an exogenously supplied template to introduce, correct, or disrupt specific genes. Three types of targetable nucleases are currently in use: zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the RNA-guided nucleases. Zinc-finger nucleases consist of multiple Zn2+-finger DNA-binding modules selected or engineered to confer specificity for a particular triplet of consecutive base pairs. DNA recognition modules of TALENs are derived from transcription factors found in plant-pathogenic bacteria. Each DNA-binding module of a TALEN specifically interacts with a single base pair, yielding a straightforward recognition code. Two sets of zinc-finger arrays or transcription activator-like effector arrays are engineered to bind the two adjacent DNA sites in a head-to-head orientation, and are fused to the nuclease domains of FokI restriction enzyme. Dimerization activates FokI, allowing it to generate the desired DSB. Requirement for FokI dimerization is an important contributor to cutting specificity, as DSB can only occur when both DNA sequence … [↵][1]1Email: maria-spies{at}uiowa.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1

Genome engineering with TALENs and ZFNs: Repair pathways and donor design

Genome engineering with targetable nucleases depends on cellular pathways of DNA repair after target cleavage. Knowledge of how those pathways work, their requirements and their active factors, can guide experimental design and improve outcomes. While many aspects of both homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) are shared by a broad range of cells and organisms, some features are specific to individual situations. This article reviews the influence of repair mechanisms on the results of gene targeting experiments, with an emphasis on lessons learned from experiments with Drosophila.

Genome engineering with targetable nucleases (467.1)

We are in the midst of a revolution in genome engineering. Using zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR/Cas nucleases, researchers have made targeted genome modifications in nearly 50 different species, with remarkable efficiency. Types of targeted manipulations include local mutagenesis, specific sequence changes, large insertions and deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements. Many model organisms have been successfully targeted, as have crop plants, livestock, and disease vectors. Clinical trials in humans using these reagents are currently under way.This presentation will take a step back and look at the origins of these targetable cleavage reagents ‐ particularly the ZFNs ‐ and the DNA repair pathways they depend on for their efficacy. Specific examples of how nuclease activity has been impeded or enhanced by cell‐ and organism‐specific biology will be provided. My lab has used Drosophila to explore some of the parameters that affect nuclease efficacy. Some of our experience with ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas will be presented, with an emphasis on issues remaining to be resolved.

Genome Engineering with Targetable Nucleases

Current technology enables the production of highly specific genome modifications with excellent efficiency and specificity. Key to this capability are targetable DNA cleavage reagents and cellular DNA repair pathways. The break made by these reagents can produce localized sequence changes through inaccurate nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), often leading to gene inactivation. Alternatively, user-provided DNA can be used as a template for repair by homologous recombination (HR), leading to the introduction of desired sequence changes. This review describes three classes of targetable cleavage reagents: zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR/Cas RNA-guided nucleases (RGNs). As a group, these reagents have been successfully used to modify genomic sequences in a wide variety of cells and organisms, including humans. This review discusses the properties, advantages, and limitations of each system, as well as the specific considerations required for their use in different biological systems.

Crystal Structure of Cas9 in Complex with Guide RNA and Target DNA

The CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas9 can be targeted to specific genomic loci by single guide RNAs (sgRNAs). Here, we report the crystal structure of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 in complex with sgRNA and its target DNA at 2.5Å resolution. The structure revealed a bilobed architecture composed of target recognition and nuclease lobes, accommodating the sgRNA:DNA heteroduplex in a positively charged groove at their interface. Whereas the recognition lobe is essential for binding sgRNA and DNA, the nuclease lobe contains the HNH and RuvC nuclease domains, which are properly positioned for cleavage of the complementary and noncomplementary strands of the target DNA, respectively. The nuclease lobe also contains a carboxyl-terminal domain responsible for the interaction with the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). This high-resolution structure and accompanying functional analyses have revealed the molecular mechanism of RNA-guided DNA targeting by Cas9, thus paving the way for the rational design of new, versatile genome-editing technologies.

Simultaneous Fluorescence Imaging of the Activities of DNases and 3′ Exonucleases in Living Cells with Chimeric Oligonucleotide Probes

Real-time fluorescence imaging of the activity of nucleases in living cells has been a difficult issue because of unintended degradation of the natural oligonucleotides by nontarget nucleases or interactions with other proteins. In this work, we demonstrate two types of highly selective, sensitive, and robust oligonucleotide probes for simultaneous imaging of the activities of two different nucleases in living cells. The probes consist of the desired substrate structure of the target nuclease and partially phosphorothioate modified backbone labeled with fluorophore and quencher for protection from undesired degradation by other nucleases and signal transduction. Upon reaction with the target nuclease, the initially fluorescence quenched probe was cleaved and the fluorophore was separated from the quencher, giving out strong fluorescence signals. Two nucleases, DNase I and Exonuclease III, were employed as model enzymes to demonstrate the concept. In vitro studies proved that the two probes could discriminate their respective target nucleases in serum with high resistance to other coexisting enzymes. The lower limits of detection for DNase I and Exonuclease III were observed to be 40 U/L and 2.0 U/L, respectively. By labeling the two probes with different fluorophores and quenchers, simultaneous visualization of the activities of DNases and 3' exonucleases was achieved in both HeLa cells and the suspension cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. The developed approaches may greatly facilitate the studies on the intracellular functions of the two nucleases and other related biological processes. The probe design concept may also be further adapted to the detection of many other nucleases.

Transcription activator like effector (TALE)-directed piggyBac transposition in human cells

Insertional therapies have shown great potential for combating genetic disease and safer methods would undoubtedly broaden the variety of possible illness that can be treated. A major challenge that remains is reducing the risk of insertional mutagenesis due to random insertion by both viral and non-viral vectors. Targetable nucleases are capable of inducing double-stranded breaks to enhance homologous recombination for the introduction of transgenes at specific sequences. However, off-target DNA cleavages at unknown sites can lead to mutations that are difficult to detect. Alternatively, the piggyBac transposase is able perform all of the steps required for integration; therefore, cells confirmed to contain a single copy of a targeted transposon, for which its location is known, are likely to be devoid of aberrant genomic modifications. We aimed to retarget transposon insertions by comparing a series of novel hyperactive piggyBac constructs tethered to a custom transcription activator like effector DNA-binding domain designed to bind the first intron of the human CCR5 gene. Multiple targeting strategies were evaluated using combinations of both plasmid-DNA and transposase-protein relocalization to the target sequence. We demonstrated user-defined directed transposition to the CCR5 genomic safe harbor and isolated single-copy clones harboring targeted integrations.

Genome Engineering at the Dawn of the Golden Age

Genome engineering--the ability to precisely alter the DNA information in living cells--is beginning to transform human genetics and genomics. Advances in tools and methods have enabled genetic modifications ranging from the "scarless" correction of a single base pair to the deletion of entire chromosomes. Targetable nucleases are leading the advances in this field, providing the tools to modify any gene in seemingly any organism with high efficiency. Targeted gene alterations have now been reported in more than 30 diverse species, ending the reign of mice as the exclusive model of mammalian genetics, and targetable nucleases have been used to modify more than 150 human genes and loci. A nuclease has also already entered clinical trials, signaling the beginning of genome engineering as therapy. The recent dramatic increase in the number of investigators using these techniques signifies a transition away from methods development toward a new age of exciting applications.

Abstract LB-136: Creation of androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines using targeting nucleases.

Abstract Understanding mechanisms by which advanced prostate cancer (PCa) progresses to a castration resistant PCa (CRPC) phenotype is crucial for tailoring targeted therapies for individual patients. Constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) splice variants that lack the ligand binding domain drive androgen independent growth in cell lines and xenograft models of PCa and their overexpression in CRPC metastases is associated with poor prognosis. However, the mechanism of AR splice variant overexpression in CRPC is not completely understood. We have shown that diverse genomic rearrangements within the AR gene are linked to AR splicing alterations in PCa cell lines, xenografts, and CRPC metastases. To test whether these AR gene rearrangements drive AR splice variant synthesis and a CRPC phenotype, we developed transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) for precision genome engineering in androgen-sensitive PCa cells. Engineering of specific AR gene rearrangements induced splicing alterations and efficient expression of AR splice variants. Functionally, these genome-engineered cells displayed constitutive, ligand-independent AR transcriptional activity and an androgen-independent growth profile. These fundamental properties of CRPC were blocked following siRNA-mediated knock-down of truncated AR variants. Overall, these data demonstrate that AR gene rearrangements induce fundamental aspects of the CRPC phenotype including constitutive, ligand-independent, AR splice variant activity. Overall, these data advance the concept of AR splice variants as key drivers of advanced disease, and provide new genome-engineered models that could be used to develop agents targeted to these AR-derived species. Citation Format: Michael D. Nyquist, Yingming Li, Scott M. Dehm. Creation of androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines using targeting nucleases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-136. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-136

A simple strategy for heritable chromosomal deletions in zebrafish via the combinatorial action of targeting nucleases

Precise and effective genome-editing tools are essential for functional genomics and gene therapy. Targeting nucleases have been successfully used to edit genomes. However, whole-locus or element-specific deletions abolishing transcript expression have not previously been reported. Here, we show heritable targeting of locus-specific deletions in the zebrafish nodal-related genes squint (sqt) and cyclops (cyc). Our strategy of heritable chromosomal editing can be used for disease modeling, analyzing gene clusters, regulatory regions, and determining the functions of non-coding RNAs in genomes.

Synthesis of Conformationally Locked Carba-LNAs through Intramolecular Free-Radical Addition to C═N. Electrostatic and Steric Implication of the Carba-LNA Substituents in the Modified Oligos for Nuclease and Thermodynamic Stabilities

The syntheses of the hitherto unavailable parent fully unsubstituted carba-LNA and its C7'-amino and/or C6'-hydroxyl substituted derivatives, have been accomplished by the intramolecular 5-exo free-radical addition to a C4'-tethered C=N to give carba-LNAs with variable hydrophilic substituents at C6'/C7' (amino and/or hydroxyl). They have been introduced into isosequential antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to examine how their relative electrostatic and steric effects in the minor groove of a putative AON-RNA duplex affect the target affinity, nuclease resistance, and RNase H elicitation. We show that 2'-oxygen in LNA is important in stabilizing the DNA/DNA and DNA/RNA duplexes vis-a-vis the unsubstituted carba-LNA and its other derivatives and that hydrophobic groups at C6'/C7' in both carba-LNA and carba-ENA relatively destabilize the AON/DNA duplex more profoundly than those in the AON/RNA duplexes. Two main factors affect the relative stabilities of AON/DNA versus AON/RNA duplexes: (i) hydration in the minor groove depending upon hydrophilicity vis-a-vis hydrophobicity of the substituents, and (ii) the relative size of the minor groove in the AON/DNA versus AON/RNA duplexes dictates the steric clash with the substituents depending upon their relative chiralities. We also show how the chirality and chemical nature of the C6'/C7' substituents affect the nuclease stability as well as the thermal stability and the RNase recruitment by AON/RNA duplexes.

Fine Tuning of Electrostatics around the Internucleotidic Phosphate through Incorporation of Modified 2′,4′-Carbocyclic-LNAs and -ENAs Leads to Significant Modulation of Antisense Properties

In the antisense (AS) and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies, the native single-stranded 2'-deoxyoligonucleotides (for AS) or double-stranded RNA (for RNAi) are chemically modified to bind to the target RNA in order to give improved downregulation of gene expression through inhibition of RNA translation. It is shown here how the fine adjustment of the electrostatic interaction by alteration of the substituents as well as their stereochemical environment around the internucleotidic phosphodiester moiety near the edge of the minor grove of the antisense oligonucleotides (AON)-RNA heteroduplex can lead to the modulation of the antisense properties. This was demonstrated through the synthesis of various modified carbocyclic-locked nucleic acids (LNAs) and -ethylene-bridged nucleic acids (ENAs) with hydroxyl and/or methyl substituents attached at the carbocyclic part and their integration into AONs by solid-phase DNA synthesis. The target affinity toward the complementary RNA and DNA, nuclease resistance, and RNase H elicitation by these modified AONs showed that both the nature of the modification (-OH versus -CH(3)) and their respective stereochemical orientations vis-a-vis vicinal phosphate play a very important role in modulating the AON properties. Whereas the affinity to the target RNA and the enzymatic stability of AONs were not favored by the hydrophobic and sterically bulky modifications in the center of the minor groove, their positioning at the edge of the minor groove near the phosphate linkage resulted in significantly improved nuclease resistance without loss of target affinity. On the other hand, hydrophilic modification, such as a hydroxyl group, close to the phosphate linkage made the internucleotidic phosphodiester especially nucleolytically unstable, and hence was not recommended. The substitutions on the carbocyclic moiety of the carba-LNA and -ENA did not affect significantly the choice of the cleavage sites of RNase H mediated RNA cleavage in the AON/RNA hybrid duplex, but the cleavage rate depended on the modification site in the AON sequence. If the original preferred cleavage site by RNase H was included in the 4-5nt stretch from the 3'-end of the modification site in the AON, decreased cleavage rate was observed. Upon screening of 52 modified AONs, containing 13 differently modified derivatives at C6' and C7' (or C8') of the carba-LNAs and -ENAs, two excellent modifications in the carba-LNA series were identified, which synergistically gave outstanding antisense properties such as the target RNA affinity, nuclease resistance, and RNase H activity and were deemed to be ideal candidates as potential antisense or siRNA therapeutic agents.

Synthesis Of The Bicyclo-[4.3.0]-Thymidyl-Nucleoside Via Pd(Ii)-Mediated Ring Expansion Chemistry

A variety of modified nucleosides to improve antisense oligodeoxynucleotide properties such as target affinity, nuclease resistance, and pharmacokinetics were developed in the last two decades. In the context of conformational restriction we present here the synthesis of the [4.3.0]-bicyclo-DNA thymine monomer via Pd(II)-mediated ring expansion of an intermediate of the tricyclo-DNA synthesis.

Crystal structures of DNA:DNA and DNA:RNA duplexes containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-modified uracils reveal the basis for properties as antigene and antisense molecules

Oligonucleotides containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-modified uracils have promising features for applications as antigene and antisense therapies. Relative to unmodified DNA, oligonucleotides containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-2′-deoxyuridine (NU) or 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-2′-O-methyluridine (NUm), respectively exhibit increased binding affinity for DNA and RNA, and enhanced nuclease resistance. To understand the structural implications of NU and NUm substitutions, we have determined the X-ray crystal structures of DNA:DNA duplexes containing either NU or NUm and of DNA:RNA hybrid duplexes containing NUm. The aminohexyl chains are fixed in the major groove through hydrogen bonds between the carbamoyl amino groups and the uracil O4 atoms. The terminal ammonium cations on these chains could interact with the phosphate oxygen anions of the residues in the target strands. These interactions partly account for the increased target binding affinity and nuclease resistance. In contrast to NU, NUm decreases DNA binding affinity. This could be explained by the drastic changes in sugar puckering and in the minor groove widths and hydration structures seen in the NUm containing DNA:DNA duplex structure. The conformation of NUm, however, is compatible with the preferred conformation in DNA:RNA hybrid duplexes. Furthermore, the ability of NUm to render the duplexes with altered minor grooves may increase nuclease resistance and elicit RNase H activity.