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Genome Editing

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2016) | Viewed by 165892

Special Issue Editor

Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
Interests: genome editing; epigenome editing; epigenetics; genomics; microRNA; genomic imprinting; obesity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Conventional gene targeting methods using homologous recombination are generally used for making knockout mice. However, the efficiency of this technology is not high. Therefore, the method requires embryonic stem cells. A recent breakthrough is the development of site-specific endonucleases for selective genome cleavage. Because of this method’s high efficiency, these endonucleases make it possible to direct gene targeting using fertilized eggs. These enzymes include zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), and Cas9 nucleases. The technology using these nucleases is called “genome editing.” By using these technologies, we can make knockout organisms, including for most animals and plants, which cannot be created via conventional methods. Through combination with other technologies, genome editing can generate many new technologies, such as epigenome editing, live imaging, and genome-wide screening. The field of genome editing is growing at a surprisingly rapid rate and has had a great impact on basic science, clinical applications, and breeding technologies. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to provide an open-source sharing of significant works in the field of genome editing, so as to archive new technological developments and applications.

Prof. Dr. Izuho Hatada
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • genome editing
  • ZFN
  • TALEN
  • CRISPR/Cas
  • Cas9
  • crystallography
  • target design
  • knockout
  • knockin
  • homology-directed repair (HDR)
  • epigenome editing
  • live imaging
  • enChIP
  • genome-wide screening
  • pluripotent stem cells
  • iPS cells
  • gene therapy

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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3527 KiB  
Article
Targeted Gene Knockin in Porcine Somatic Cells Using CRISPR/Cas Ribonucleoproteins
by Ki-Eun Park, Chi-Hun Park, Anne Powell, Jessica Martin, David M. Donovan and Bhanu P. Telugu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(6), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17060810 - 26 May 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7204
Abstract
The pig is an ideal large animal model for genetic engineering applications. A relatively short gestation interval and large litter size makes the pig a conducive model for generating and propagating genetic modifications. The domestic pig also shares close similarity in anatomy, physiology, [...] Read more.
The pig is an ideal large animal model for genetic engineering applications. A relatively short gestation interval and large litter size makes the pig a conducive model for generating and propagating genetic modifications. The domestic pig also shares close similarity in anatomy, physiology, size, and life expectancy, making it an ideal animal for modeling human diseases. Often, however, the technical difficulties in generating desired genetic modifications such as targeted knockin of short stretches of sequences or transgenes have impeded progress in this field. In this study, we have investigated and compared the relative efficiency of CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoproteins in engineering targeted knockin of pseudo attP sites downstream of a ubiquitously expressed COL1A gene in porcine somatic cells and generated live fetuses by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). By leveraging these knockin pseudo attP sites, we have demonstrated subsequent phiC31 integrase mediated integration of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene into the site. This work for the first time created an optimized protocol for CRISPR/Cas mediated knockin in porcine somatic cells, while simultaneously creating a stable platform for future transgene integration and generating transgenic animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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2010 KiB  
Article
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Rapid Generation of Multiple Mouse Lines Identified Ccdc63 as Essential for Spermiogenesis
by Samantha A. M. Young, Haruhiko Miyata, Yuhkoh Satouh, Hirotaka Kato, Kaori Nozawa, Ayako Isotani, R. John Aitken, Mark A. Baker and Masahito Ikawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(10), 24732-24750; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161024732 - 16 Oct 2015
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8016
Abstract
Spermatozoa are flagellated cells whose role in fertilization is dependent on their ability to move towards an oocyte. The structure of the sperm flagella is highly conserved across species, and much of what is known about this structure is derived from studies utilizing [...] Read more.
Spermatozoa are flagellated cells whose role in fertilization is dependent on their ability to move towards an oocyte. The structure of the sperm flagella is highly conserved across species, and much of what is known about this structure is derived from studies utilizing animal models. One group of proteins essential for the movement of the flagella are the dyneins. Using the advanced technology of CRISPR/Cas9 we have targeted three dynein group members; Dnaic1, Wdr63 and Ccdc63 in mice. All three of these genes are expressed strongly in the testis. We generated mice with amino acid substitutions in Dnaic1 to analyze two specific phosphorylation events at S124 and S127, and generated simple knockouts of Wdr63 and Ccdc63. We found that the targeted phosphorylation sites in Dnaic1 were not essential for male fertility. Similarly, Wdr63 was not essential for male fertility; however, Ccdc63 removal resulted in sterile male mice due to shortened flagella. This study demonstrates the versatility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate animal models of a highly complex system by introducing point mutations and simple knockouts in a fast and efficient manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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3189 KiB  
Article
Homologous Recombination-Independent Large Gene Cassette Knock-in in CHO Cells Using TALEN and MMEJ-Directed Donor Plasmids
by Tetsushi Sakuma, Mitsumasa Takenaga, Yoshinori Kawabe, Takahiro Nakamura, Masamichi Kamihira and Takashi Yamamoto
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(10), 23849-23866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161023849 - 09 Oct 2015
Cited by 64 | Viewed by 10716
Abstract
Gene knock-in techniques have rapidly evolved in recent years, along with the development and maturation of genome editing technology using programmable nucleases. We recently reported a novel strategy for microhomology-mediated end-joining-dependent integration of donor DNA by using TALEN or CRISPR/Cas9 and optimized targeting [...] Read more.
Gene knock-in techniques have rapidly evolved in recent years, along with the development and maturation of genome editing technology using programmable nucleases. We recently reported a novel strategy for microhomology-mediated end-joining-dependent integration of donor DNA by using TALEN or CRISPR/Cas9 and optimized targeting vectors, named PITCh (Precise Integration into Target Chromosome) vectors. Here we describe TALEN and PITCh vector-mediated integration of long gene cassettes, including a single-chain Fv-Fc (scFv-Fc) gene, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, with comparison of targeting and cloning efficiency among several donor design and culture conditions. We achieved 9.6-kb whole plasmid integration and 7.6-kb backbone-free integration into a defined genomic locus in CHO cells. Furthermore, we confirmed the reasonable productivity of recombinant scFv-Fc protein of the knock-in cells. Using our protocol, the knock-in cell clones could be obtained by a single transfection and a single limiting dilution using a 96-well plate, without constructing targeting vectors containing long homology arms. Thus, the study described herein provides a highly practical strategy for gene knock-in of large DNA in CHO cells, which accelerates high-throughput generation of cell lines stably producing any desired biopharmaceuticals, including huge antibody proteins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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3041 KiB  
Communication
Direct Injection of CRISPR/Cas9-Related mRNA into Cytoplasm of Parthenogenetically Activated Porcine Oocytes Causes Frequent Mosaicism for Indel Mutations
by Masahiro Sato, Miyu Koriyama, Satoshi Watanabe, Masato Ohtsuka, Takayuki Sakurai, Emi Inada, Issei Saitoh, Shingo Nakamura and Kazuchika Miyoshi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(8), 17838-17856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160817838 - 03 Aug 2015
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 10653
Abstract
Some reports demonstrated successful genome editing in pigs by one-step zygote microinjection of mRNA of CRISPR/Cas9-related components. Given the relatively long gestation periods and the high cost of housing, the establishment of a single blastocyst-based assay for rapid optimization of the above system [...] Read more.
Some reports demonstrated successful genome editing in pigs by one-step zygote microinjection of mRNA of CRISPR/Cas9-related components. Given the relatively long gestation periods and the high cost of housing, the establishment of a single blastocyst-based assay for rapid optimization of the above system is required. As a proof-of-concept, we attempted to disrupt a gene (GGTA1) encoding the α-1,3-galactosyltransferase that synthesizes the α-Gal epitope using parthenogenetically activated porcine oocytes. The lack of α-Gal epitope expression can be monitored by staining with fluorescently labeled isolectin BS-I-B4 (IB4), which binds specifically to the α-Gal epitope. When oocytes were injected with guide RNA specific to GGTA1 together with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and human Cas9 mRNAs, 65% (24/37) of the developing blastocysts exhibited green fluorescence, although almost all (96%, 23/24) showed a mosaic fluorescent pattern. Staining with IB4 revealed that the green fluorescent area often had a reduced binding activity to IB4. Of the 16 samples tested, six (five fluorescent and one non-fluorescent blastocysts) had indel mutations, suggesting a correlation between EGFP expression and mutation induction. Furthermore, it is suggested that zygote microinjection of mRNAs might lead to the production of piglets with cells harboring various mutation types. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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Review

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982 KiB  
Review
Biased and Unbiased Methods for the Detection of Off-Target Cleavage by CRISPR/Cas9: An Overview
by Francisco Martin, Sabina Sánchez-Hernández, Alejandra Gutiérrez-Guerrero, Javier Pinedo-Gomez and Karim Benabdellah
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(9), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17091507 - 08 Sep 2016
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 9850
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 endonuclease (Cas9) derived from bacterial adaptive immune systems is a revolutionary tool used in both basic and applied science. It is a versatile system that enables the genome of different species to be [...] Read more.
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 endonuclease (Cas9) derived from bacterial adaptive immune systems is a revolutionary tool used in both basic and applied science. It is a versatile system that enables the genome of different species to be modified by generating double strand breaks (DSBs) at specific locations. However, all of the CRISPR/Cas9 systems can also produce DSBs at off-target sites that differ substantially from on-target sites. The generation of DSBs in locations outside the intended site can produce mutations that need to be carefully monitored, especially when using these tools for therapeutic purposes. However, off-target analyses of the CRISPR/Cas9 system have been very challenging, particularly when performed directly in cells. In this manuscript, we review the different strategies developed to identify off-targets generated by CRISPR/cas9 systems and other specific nucleases (ZFNs, TALENs) in real target cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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862 KiB  
Review
Site-Specific Genome Engineering in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
by Sylvia Merkert and Ulrich Martin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(7), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17071000 - 24 Jun 2016
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 10993
Abstract
The possibility to generate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers an unprecedented potential of applications in clinical therapy and medical research. Human iPSCs and their differentiated derivatives are tools for diseases modelling, drug discovery, safety pharmacology, and toxicology. Moreover, they allow for [...] Read more.
The possibility to generate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers an unprecedented potential of applications in clinical therapy and medical research. Human iPSCs and their differentiated derivatives are tools for diseases modelling, drug discovery, safety pharmacology, and toxicology. Moreover, they allow for the engineering of bioartificial tissue and are promising candidates for cellular therapies. For many of these applications, the ability to genetically modify pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is indispensable, but efficient site-specific and safe technologies for genetic engineering of PSCs were developed only recently. By now, customized engineered nucleases provide excellent tools for targeted genome editing, opening new perspectives for biomedical research and cellular therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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3307 KiB  
Review
Site-Specific Integration of Exogenous Genes Using Genome Editing Technologies in Zebrafish
by Atsuo Kawahara, Yu Hisano, Satoshi Ota and Kiyohito Taimatsu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(5), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17050727 - 13 May 2016
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 10032
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an ideal vertebrate model to investigate the developmental molecular mechanism of organogenesis and regeneration. Recent innovation in genome editing technologies, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and the clustered regularly interspaced [...] Read more.
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an ideal vertebrate model to investigate the developmental molecular mechanism of organogenesis and regeneration. Recent innovation in genome editing technologies, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) system, have allowed researchers to generate diverse genomic modifications in whole animals and in cultured cells. The CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN techniques frequently induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the targeted gene, resulting in frameshift-mediated gene disruption. As a useful application of genome editing technology, several groups have recently reported efficient site-specific integration of exogenous genes into targeted genomic loci. In this review, we provide an overview of TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific integration of exogenous genes in zebrafish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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2240 KiB  
Review
In Vivo Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Genome Editing
by Luyao Wang, Fangfei Li, Lei Dang, Chao Liang, Chao Wang, Bing He, Jin Liu, Defang Li, Xiaohao Wu, Xuegong Xu, Aiping Lu and Ge Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(5), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17050626 - 27 Apr 2016
Cited by 79 | Viewed by 10925
Abstract
Therapeutic genome editing technology has been widely used as a powerful tool for directly correcting genetic mutations in target pathological tissues and cells to cure of diseases. The modification of specific genomic sequences can be achieved by utilizing programmable nucleases, such as Meganucleases, [...] Read more.
Therapeutic genome editing technology has been widely used as a powerful tool for directly correcting genetic mutations in target pathological tissues and cells to cure of diseases. The modification of specific genomic sequences can be achieved by utilizing programmable nucleases, such as Meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated nuclease Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9). However, given the properties, such as large size, negative charge, low membrane penetrating ability, as well as weak tolerance for serum, and low endosomal escape, of these nucleases genome editing cannot be successfully applied unless in vivo delivery of related programmable nucleases into target organisms or cells is achieved. Here, we look back at delivery strategies having been used in the in vivo delivery of three main genome editing nucleases, followed by methodologies currently undergoing testing in clinical trials, and potential delivery strategies provided by analyzing characteristics of nucleases and commonly used vectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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736 KiB  
Review
Genome Editing in C. elegans and Other Nematode Species
by Takuma Sugi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17030295 - 26 Feb 2016
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8168
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1 mm long free-living nematode, is a popular model animal that has been widely utilized for genetic investigations of various biological processes. Characteristic features that make C. elegans a powerful model of choice for eukaryotic genetic studies include its [...] Read more.
Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1 mm long free-living nematode, is a popular model animal that has been widely utilized for genetic investigations of various biological processes. Characteristic features that make C. elegans a powerful model of choice for eukaryotic genetic studies include its rapid life cycle (development from egg to adult in 3.5 days at 20 °C), well-annotated genome, simple morphology (comprising only 959 somatic cells in the hermaphrodite), and transparency (which facilitates non-invasive fluorescence observations). However, early approaches to introducing mutations in the C. elegans genome, such as chemical mutagenesis and imprecise excision of transposons, have required large-scale mutagenesis screens. To avoid this laborious and time-consuming procedure, genome editing technologies have been increasingly used in nematodes including C. briggsae and Pristionchus pacificus, thereby facilitating their genetic analyses. Here, I review the recent progress in genome editing technologies using zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcriptional activator-like nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 in nematodes and offer perspectives on their use in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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893 KiB  
Review
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology to HBV
by Guigao Lin, Kuo Zhang and Jinming Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(11), 26077-26086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161125950 - 02 Nov 2015
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 13484
Abstract
More than 240 million people around the world are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon are the only two families of drugs to treat HBV currently. However, none of these anti-virals directly target the stable nuclear covalently closed [...] Read more.
More than 240 million people around the world are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon are the only two families of drugs to treat HBV currently. However, none of these anti-virals directly target the stable nuclear covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which acts as a transcription template for viral mRNA and pre-genomic RNA synthesis and secures virus persistence. Thus, the fact that only a small number of patients treated achieve sustained viral response (SVR) or cure, highlights the need for new therapies against HBV. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing system can specifically target the conserved regions of the HBV genome. This results in robust viral suppression and provides a promising tool for eradicating the virus. In this review, we discuss the function and application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a novel therapy for HBV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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607 KiB  
Review
Minimizing off-Target Mutagenesis Risks Caused by Programmable Nucleases
by Kentaro Ishida, Peter Gee and Akitsu Hotta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(10), 24751-24771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161024751 - 16 Oct 2015
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9528
Abstract
Programmable nucleases, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats associated protein-9 (CRISPR-Cas9), hold tremendous potential for applications in the clinical setting to treat genetic diseases or prevent infectious diseases. However, because [...] Read more.
Programmable nucleases, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats associated protein-9 (CRISPR-Cas9), hold tremendous potential for applications in the clinical setting to treat genetic diseases or prevent infectious diseases. However, because the accuracy of DNA recognition by these nucleases is not always perfect, off-target mutagenesis may result in undesirable adverse events in treated patients such as cellular toxicity or tumorigenesis. Therefore, designing nucleases and analyzing their activity must be carefully evaluated to minimize off-target mutagenesis. Furthermore, rigorous genomic testing will be important to ensure the integrity of nuclease modified cells. In this review, we provide an overview of available nuclease designing platforms, nuclease engineering approaches to minimize off-target activity, and methods to evaluate both on- and off-target cleavage of CRISPR-Cas9. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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1367 KiB  
Review
Genome Editing Using Mammalian Haploid Cells
by Takuro Horii and Izuho Hatada
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(10), 23604-23614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161023604 - 01 Oct 2015
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 14395
Abstract
Haploid cells are useful for studying gene functions because disruption of a single allele can cause loss-of-function phenotypes. Recent success in generating haploid embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in mice, rats, and monkeys provides a new platform for simple genetic manipulation of the mammalian [...] Read more.
Haploid cells are useful for studying gene functions because disruption of a single allele can cause loss-of-function phenotypes. Recent success in generating haploid embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in mice, rats, and monkeys provides a new platform for simple genetic manipulation of the mammalian genome. Use of haploid ESCs enhances the genome-editing potential of the CRISPR/Cas system. For example, CRISPR/Cas was used in haploid ESCs to generate multiple knockouts and large deletions at high efficiency. In addition, genome-wide screening is facilitated by haploid cell lines containing gene knockout libraries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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856 KiB  
Review
CRISPR-Cas9: A Revolutionary Tool for Cancer Modelling
by Raul Torres-Ruiz and Sandra Rodriguez-Perales
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(9), 22151-22168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160922151 - 14 Sep 2015
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 10475
Abstract
The cancer-modelling field is now experiencing a conversion with the recent emergence of the RNA-programmable CRISPR-Cas9 system, a flexible methodology to produce essentially any desired modification in the genome. Cancer is a multistep process that involves many genetic mutations and other genome rearrangements. [...] Read more.
The cancer-modelling field is now experiencing a conversion with the recent emergence of the RNA-programmable CRISPR-Cas9 system, a flexible methodology to produce essentially any desired modification in the genome. Cancer is a multistep process that involves many genetic mutations and other genome rearrangements. Despite their importance, it is difficult to recapitulate the degree of genetic complexity found in patient tumors. The CRISPR-Cas9 system for genome editing has been proven as a robust technology that makes it possible to generate cellular and animal models that recapitulate those cooperative alterations rapidly and at low cost. In this review, we will discuss the innovative applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate new models, providing a new way to interrogate the development and progression of cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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708 KiB  
Review
Isolation of Specific Genomic Regions and Identification of Their Associated Molecules by Engineered DNA-Binding Molecule-Mediated Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (enChIP) Using the CRISPR System and TAL Proteins
by Hodaka Fujii and Toshitsugu Fujita
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(9), 21802-21812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160921802 - 09 Sep 2015
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8561
Abstract
Comprehensive understanding of genome functions requires identification of molecules (proteins, RNAs, genomic regions, etc.) bound to specific genomic regions of interest in vivo. To perform biochemical and molecular biological analysis of specific genomic regions, we developed engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation [...] Read more.
Comprehensive understanding of genome functions requires identification of molecules (proteins, RNAs, genomic regions, etc.) bound to specific genomic regions of interest in vivo. To perform biochemical and molecular biological analysis of specific genomic regions, we developed engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (enChIP) to purify genomic regions of interest. In enChIP, specific genomic regions are tagged for biochemical purification using engineered DNA-binding molecules, such as transcription activator-like (TAL) proteins and a catalytically inactive form of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system. enChIP is a comprehensive approach that emphasizes non-biased search using next-generation sequencing (NGS), microarrays, mass spectrometry (MS), and other methods. Moreover, this approach is not restricted to cultured cell lines and can be easily extended to organisms. In this review, we discuss applications of enChIP to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying genome functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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888 KiB  
Review
Single-Base Pair Genome Editing in Human Cells by Using Site-Specific Endonucleases
by Hiroshi Ochiai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(9), 21128-21137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160921128 - 03 Sep 2015
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6598
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human diseases or phenotypes. However, causal relationships between most SNPs and the associated disease have not been established, owing to technical challenges such as unavailability of suitable cell lines. Recently, efficient editing [...] Read more.
Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human diseases or phenotypes. However, causal relationships between most SNPs and the associated disease have not been established, owing to technical challenges such as unavailability of suitable cell lines. Recently, efficient editing of a single base pair in the genome was achieved using programmable site-specific nucleases. This technique enables experimental confirmation of the causality between SNPs and disease, and is potentially valuable in clinical applications. In this review, I introduce the molecular basis and describe examples of single-base pair editing in human cells. I also discuss the challenges associated with the technique, as well as possible solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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1382 KiB  
Review
The Potential of the Combination of CRISPR/Cas9 and Pluripotent Stem Cells to Provide Human Organs from Chimaeric Pigs
by Wanyou Feng, Yifan Dai, Lisha Mou, David K. C. Cooper, Deshun Shi and Zhiming Cai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16(3), 6545-6556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16036545 - 23 Mar 2015
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 15200
Abstract
Clinical organ allotransplantation is limited by the availability of deceased human donors. However, the transplantation of human organs produced in other species would provide an unlimited number of organs. The pig has been identified as the most suitable source of organs for humans [...] Read more.
Clinical organ allotransplantation is limited by the availability of deceased human donors. However, the transplantation of human organs produced in other species would provide an unlimited number of organs. The pig has been identified as the most suitable source of organs for humans as organs of any size would be available. Genome editing by RNA-guided endonucleases, also known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), in combination with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), may have the potential to enable the creation of human organs from genetically-modified chimaeric pigs. These could potentially provide an unlimited supply of organs that would not be rejected by the recipient’s immune system. However, substantial research is needed to prove that this approach will work. Genetic modification of chimaeric pigs could also provide useful models for developing therapies for various human diseases, especially in relation to drug development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genome Editing)
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