Knock-out of GhPDCT with the CRISPR/Cas9 system increases the oleic acid content in cottonseed oil

Cotton is a pivotal economic crop for natural textile fibers that also serves as an important source of edible oil(Long et al.2023).Cottonseed oil contains approximately14%oleic acid and 59%linoleic acid.An increase in monounsaturated fatty acids,particularly oleic acid,enhances the oxidative stability and nutritional value of edible oil(Chen et al.2021).

A simple and efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system permits ultra-multiplex genome editing in plants

The development and maturation of the CRISPR/Cas genome editing system provides a valuable tool for plant functional genomics and genetic improvement.Currently available genome-editing tools have a limited number of targets,restricting their application in genetic research.In this study,we developed a novel CRISPR/Cas9 plant ultra-multiplex genome editing system consisting of two template vectors,eight donor vectors,four destination vectors,and one primer-design software package.By combining the advantages of Golden Gate cloning to assemble multiple repetitive fragments and Gateway recombination to assemble large fragments and by changing the structure of the amplicons used to assemble sg RNA expression cassettes,the plant ultra-multiplex genome editing system can assemble a single binary vector targeting more than 40 genomic loci.A rice knockout vector containing 49 sg RNA expression cassettes was assembled and a high co-editing efficiency was observed.This plant ultra-multiplex genome editing system advances synthetic biology and plant genetic engineering.

Development of an Agrobacterium-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system in pea(Pisum sativum L.)

Pea(Pisum sativum L.)is an annual cool-season legume crop.Owing to its role in sustainable agriculture as both a rotation and a cash crop,its global market is expanding and increased production is urgently needed.For both technical and regulatory reasons,neither conventional nor transgenic breeding techniques can keep pace with the demand for increased production.In answer to this challenge,CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology has been gaining traction in plant biology and crop breeding in recent years.However,there are currently no reports of the successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in pea.We developed a transient transformation system of hairy roots,mediated by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599,to validate the efficiency of a CRISPR/Cas9 system.Further optimization resulted in an efficient vector,PsU6.3-tRNA-PsPDS3-en35S-PsCas9.We used this optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the pea phytoene desaturase(PsPDS)gene,causing albinism,by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation.This is the first report of successful generation of gene-edited pea plants by this route.

CRISPR/Cas9 systems:Delivery technologies and biomedical applications

The emergence of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9(Cas9)genome-editing system has brought about a significant revolution in the realm of managing human diseases,establishing animal models,and so on.To fully harness the potential of this potent gene-editing tool,ensuring efficient and secure delivery to the target site is paramount.Consequently,developing effective delivery methods for the CRISPR/Cas9 system has become a critical area of research.In this review,we present a comprehensive outline of delivery strategies and discuss their biomedical applications in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.We also provide an indepth analysis of physical,viral vector,and non-viral vector delivery strategies,including plasmid-,mRNA-and protein-based approach.In addition,we illustrate the biomedical applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.This review highlights the key factors affecting the delivery process and the current challenges facing the CRISPR/Cas9 system,while also delineating future directions and prospects that could inspire innovative delivery strategies.This review aims to provide new insights and ideas for advancing CRISPR/Cas9-based delivery strategies and to facilitate breakthroughs in biomedical research and therapeutic applications.

Characterization of SHARPIN knockout Syrian hamsters developed using CRISPR/Cas9 system

Background : SHARPIN (SHANK- associated RH domain interactor) is a component ofthe linear ubiquitination complex that regulates the NF- κB signaling pathway. To betterunderstand the function of SHARPIN, we sought to establish a novel geneticallyengineered Syrian hamster with SHARPIN disruption using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Methods : A single- guide ribonucleic acid targeting exon 1 of SHARPIN gene was designedand constructed. The zygotes generated by cytoplasmic injection of the Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein were transferred into pseudopregnant hamsters. Neonatalmutants were identified by genotyping. SHARPIN protein expression was detectedusing Western blotting assay. Splenic, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and thymicweights were measured, and organ coefficients were calculated. Histopathologicalexamination of the spleen, liver, lung, small intestine, and esophagus was performedindependently by a pathologist. The expression of lymphocytic markers and cytokineswas evaluated using reverse transcriptase- quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results : All the offspring harbored germline- transmitted SHARPIN mutations.Compared with wild- type hamsters, SHARPIN protein was undetectable in SHARPIN −/−hamsters. Spleen enlargement and splenic coefficient elevation were spotted inSHARPIN −/− hamsters, with the descent of MLNs and thymuses. Further, eosinophilinfiltration and structural alteration in spleens, livers, lungs, small intestines, and esophagiwere obvious after the deletion of SHARPIN. Notably, the expression of CD94 and CD22 was downregulated in the spleens of knockout (KO) animals. Nonetheless,the expression of CCR3, CCL11, Il4 , and Il13 was upregulated in the esophagi. Theexpression of NF- κB and phosphorylation of NF- κB and IκB protein significantly diminishedin SHARPIN −/− animals.Conclusions : A novel SHARPIN KO hamster was successfully established using theCRISPR/Cas9 system. Abnormal development of secondary lymphoid organs andeosinophil infiltration in multiple organs reveal its potential in delineating SHARPINfunction and chronic inflammation.

Targeted mutagenesis of amino acid transporter genes for rice quality improvement using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

High grain protein content(GPC) reduces rice eating and cooking quality(ECQ). We generated OsAAP6 and OsAAP10 knockout mutants in three high-yielding japonica varieties and one japonica line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Mutation efficiency varied with genetic background in the T_0 generation, and GPC in the T_1 generation decreased significantly,owing mainly to a reduction in glutelin content. Amylose content was down-regulated significantly in some Osaap6 and all Osaap10 mutants. The increased taste value of these mutants was supported by Rapid Visco Analysis(RVA) profiles, which showed higher peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity and lower setback viscosity than the wild type. There were no significant deficiencies in agronomic traits of the mutants. Targeted mutagenesis of OsAAP6 and OsAAP10, especially OsAAP10, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can rapidly reduce GPC and improve ECQ of rice, providing a new strategy for the breeding cultivars with desired ECQ.

Enhancing gene editing efficiency for cells by CRISPR/Cas9 system-loaded multilayered nanoparticles assembled via microfluidics

Most non-viral carriers for in vitro delivery of nucleic acids suffer from low efficiency of introducing m RNA and other nucleic acids,especially large m RNA.Cas9 protein is the nuclease part of the powerful gene-editing tool,CRISPR/Cas9 system,Cas9 m RNA is particularly large,thus presents a big challenge for delivery.We assembled a multilayered biodegradable nanocarrier to load Cas9 m RNA inside to protect Cas9 m RNA from degradation.We used a microfluidic chip to synthesize a small,positively charged,and degradable core to attract negatively charged Cas9 m RNA.The microfluidic assembly allows the core to be small enough to incorporate into a cationic liposome.The multilayered nanocarriers elevated the delivery efficiency of Cas9 m RNA by over 2 folds and increased the expression by over 5 folds compared to commercially used non-viral carriers.In addition,the multilayered nanocarriers do not require reduced serum medium for transfection.When using the standard complete medium for transfection,the multilayered nanocarriers could increase the expression of Cas9 m RNA by over 15 folds compared to commercially used non-viral carriers.The co-delivery of Cas9 m RNA and sg RNA via LRC elevated the gene-editing efficiency by 3 folds compared to that via commercially used non-viral carriers.Based on the higher transfection efficiency of Cas9 m RNA/sg RNA than commercially used non-viral carriers,these multilayered nanocarriers may have a good prospect as efficient commercial delivery carriers for Cas9 m RNA/sg RNA and other nucleic acids.

Dual gRNAs guided CRISPR/Cas9 system inhibits hepatitis B virus replication

AIM: To screen and investigate the effective g RNAs against hepatitis B virus(HBV) of genotypes A-D.METHODS: A total of 15 g RNAs against HBV of genotypes A-D were designed. Eleven combinations of two above g RNAs(dual-g RNAs) covering the regulatory region of HBV were chosen. The efficiency of each g RNA and 11 dual-g RNAs on the suppression of HBV(genotypes A-D) replication was examined by the measurement of HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) or e antigen(HBe Ag) in the culture supernatant. The destruction of HBV-expressing vector was examined in Hu H7 cells co-transfected with dual-g RNAs and HBVexpressing vector using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and sequencing method, and the destruction of ccc DNAwas examined in Hep AD38 cells using KCl precipitation, plasmid-safe ATP-dependent DNase(PSAD) digestion, rolling circle amplification and quantitative PCR combined method. The cytotoxicity of these g RNAs was assessed by a mitochondrial tetrazolium assay.RESULTS: All of g RNAs could significantly reduce HBs Ag or HBe Ag production in the culture supernatant, which was dependent on the region in which g RNA against. All of dual g RNAs could efficiently suppress HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production for HBV of genotypes A-D, and the efficacy of dual g RNAs in suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production was significantly increased when compared to the single g RNA used alone. Furthermore, by PCR direct sequencing we confirmed that these dual g RNAs could specifically destroy HBV expressing template by removing the fragment between the cleavage sites of the two used g RNAs. Most importantly, g RNA-5 and g RNA-12 combination not only could efficiently suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production, but also destroy the ccc DNA reservoirs in Hep AD38 cells.CONCLUSION: These results suggested that CRISPR/Cas9 system could efficiently destroy HBV expressing templates(genotypes A-D) without apparent cytotoxicity. It may be a potential approach for eradication of persistent HBV ccc DNA in chronic HBV infection patients.

Developing superior alleles of yield genes in rice by artificial mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

Rice yield is an important and complex agronomic trait controlled by multiple genes.In recent decades,dozens of yield-associated genes in rice have been cloned,many of which can increase production in the form of loss or degeneration of function.However,mutations occurring randomly under natural conditions have provided very limited genetic resources for yield increases.In this study,potentially yield-increasing alleles of two genes closely associated with yield were edited artificially.The recently developed CRISPR/Cas9system was used to edit two yield genes:Grain number 1a(Gn1a)and DENSE AND ERECT PANICLE1(DEP1).Several mutants were identified by a target sequence analysis.Phenotypic analysis confirmed one mutant allele of Gn1a and three of DEP1 conferring yield superior to that conferred by other natural high-yield alleles.Our results demonstrate that favorable alleles of the Gnla and DEP1 genes,which are considered key factors in rice yield increases,could be developed by artificial mutagenesis using genome editing technology.

Optimizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genome editing in grape by using grape promoters

The efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in grapevine(Vitis vinifera L.)has been documented,but the optimization of this system,as well as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome editing,has not been explored in this species.Herein,we identified four VvU3 and VvU6 promoters and two ubiquitin(UBQ)promoters in grapevine and demonstrated that the use of the identified VvU3/U6 and UBQ2 promoters could significantly increase the editing efficiency in grape by improving the expression of sgRNA and Cas9,respectively.Furthermore,we conducted multiplex genome editing using the optimized CRISPR/Cas9 vector that contained the conventional multiple sgRNA expression cassettes or the polycistronic tRNA-sgRNA cassette(PTG)by targeting the sugar-related tonoplastic monosaccharide transporter(TMT)family members TMT1 and TMT2,and the overall editing efficiencies were higher than 10%.The simultaneous editing of TMT1 and TMT2 resulted in reduced sugar levels,which indicated the role of these two genes in sugar accumulation in grapes.Moreover,the activities of the VvU3,VvU6,and UBQ2 promoters in tobacco genome editing were demonstrated by editing the phytoene desaturase(PDS)gene in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves.Our study provides materials for the optimization of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.To our knowledge,our simultaneous editing of the grape TMT family genes TMT1 and TMT2 constitutes the first example of multiplex genome editing in grape.The multiplex editing systems described in this manuscript expand the toolbox of grape genome editing,which would facilitate basic research and molecular breeding in grapevine.

Efficient generation of targeted point mutations in the Brassica oleracea var.botrytis genome via a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system

In this study,we used the modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to produce targeted point mutations in cauliflower.Acetolactate synthase(ALS)and Centromere-specific histone H3 variant(CENH3)genes were selected as the base-editing targets and hypocotyls of cauliflower were used as explants.For ALS gene,a C-to-T conversion in the Pro182 codon(CCT)can alter the encoded amino acid,likely resulting in herbicide resistance,and a C-to-T mutation in the Leu133 codon(CTT)in the CENH3 gene may produce a haploid inducer.Results indicated that the transformation efficiency was 1.8%–4.5%and the mutation efficiencies for the ALS and CENH3 genes were approximately 22%and 87%,respectively.The ALS mutant cauliflower showed strong herbicide resistance,with possible immediate implications for broadleaf weed control in cauliflower fields.

Generation of male-sterile soybean lines with the CRISPR/Cas9 system

Soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] provides a rich source of plant protein and oil worldwide. The commercial use of transgenic technology in soybean has become a classical example of the application of biotechnology to crop improvement. Although genetically modified soybeans have achieved commercial success,hybrid soybean breeding is also a potential way to increase soybean yield. Soybean cytoplasmic malesterile(CMS) lines have been used in three-line hybrid breeding systems, but their application to exploiting soybean heterosis has been limited by rare germplasm resource of sterile lines. The generation of various genetic diversity male-sterile soybean lines will help to overcome the shortcoming. In this study,we used targeted editing of AMS homologs in soybean by CRISPR/Cas9 technology for the first time to generate stable male-sterile lines. Targeted editing of GmAMS1 resulted in a male-sterile phenotype,while editing of GmAMS2 failed to produce male-sterile lines. GmAMS1 functions not only in the formation of the pollen wall but also in the controlling the degradation of the soybean tapetum.CRISPR/Cas9 technology could be used to rapidly produce stable male-sterile lines, providing new sterile-line materials for soybean hybrid breeding systems.

The big bang of genome editing technology: development and application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in disease animal models

Targeted genome editing technology has been widely used in biomedical studies. The CRISPR- associated RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9 has become a versatile genome editing tool. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is useful for studying gene function through efficient knock-out, knock-in or chromatin modification of the targeted gene loci in various cell types and organisms. It can be applied in a number of fields, such as genetic breeding, disease treatment and gene functional investigation In this review, we introduce the most recent developments and applications, the challenges, and future directions of Cas9 in generating disease animal model. Derived from the CRISPR adaptive immune system of bacteria, the development trend of Cas9 will inevitably fuel the vital applications from basic research to biotechnology and bio- medicine.

Rapid and user-friendly open-source CRISPR/Cas9 system for single-or multi-site editing of tomato genome

CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing is a powerful tool for studying gene function in a variety of organisms,including plants.Using multi-sgRNAs to target one or more genes is helpful to improve the efficacy of gene editing and facilitate multi-gene editing.Here,we describe a CRISPR/Cas9 system which can be conveniently developed as a CRISPR kit.SgRNA expression cassettes can be rapidly generated by one-step PCR using our CRISPR kit.In our kit,there are two binary vectors pHNCas9 and pHNCas9HT.The binary vector pHNCas9 was constructed to allow to assemble up to eight sgRNA expression cassettes by one-step Golden Gate cloning.Another binary vector pHNCas9HT can be used to generate a large number of single target constructs by directly transforming ligation reactions products into A.tumefaciens without several procedures,such as PCR and plasmid extraction.The two binary vectors are designed according to the principles of standard BioBrick assembly to be used as an open-source tool.For example,we used BioBrick as a visual T-DNA tag.We also developed a primer design aid to complement the system.With this primer design aid,researchers can rapidly obtain primers and GC content,and sgRNA sequence of target site.Our CRISPR/Cas9 system can perform single-and multi-site editing and multiple gene editing to produce various types of mutations in tomato.This rapid and user-friendly CRISPR/Cas9 system for tomato can be potentially used for mutagenesis of important crop species for genetic improvement and is suitable for research into the function of genes.

A Method for Effectively Overcoming Tight Functional Linkage Between Genes in Rice by CRISPR/Cas9 System

Anthocyanins are widely distributed in one or more parts of rice(Oryza sativa L.)plants,including seed coat,stigma,apiculus,leaf sheath and leaf blade,and are the main pigments used in rice to achieve different colors(Hou et al,2009;Aizza and Dornelas,2011).In rice,tissue-specific color traits(especially the color of apiculus,namely the lemma and palea of the spikelet)are not only important for rice variety identification but also important for linkage analysis and rice domestication research(Saitoh et al,2004;Fan et al,2007;Lin et al,2019).The apiculus color is controlled by the complementary functions of three pairs of dominant genes,C,A and P.Gene C(chromogen)is a pigment gene,which is the basic gene for producing pigments.Gene A(activator)activates gene C,converting the chromogen into anthocyanins,and gene P(purple)controls the distribution of anthocyanins in various organs(Reddy,1996;Sakamoto et al,2001).

Studies on the temporal,structural,and interacting features of the clubroot resistance gene Rcr1 using CRISPR/Cas9-based systems

Clubroot disease is a severe threat to Brassica crops globally,particularly in western Canada.Genetic resistance,achieved through pyramiding clubroot resistance(CR)genes with different modes of action,is the most important strategy for managing the disease.However,studies on the CR gene functions are quite limited.In this study,we have conducted investigations into the temporal,structural,and interacting features of a newly cloned CR gene,Rcr1,using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.For temporal functionality,we developed a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based binary vector,pHHIGR-Hsp18.2,to deliver Rcr1 into a susceptible canola line(DH12075)and observed that early expression of Rcr1 is critical for conferring resistance.For structural functionality,several independent mutations in specific domains of Rcr1 resulted in loss-offunction,highlighting their importance for CR phenotype.In the study of the interacting features of Rcr1,a cysteine protease gene and its homologous allele in canola were successfully disrupted via CRISPR/Cas9 as an interacting component with Rcr1 protein,resulting in the conversion from clubroot resistant to susceptible in plants carrying intact Rcr1.These results indicated an indispensable role of these two cysteine proteases in Rcr1-mediated resistance response.This study,the first of its kind,provides valuable insights into the functionality of Rcr1.Further,the new vector p HHIGR-Hsp18.2 demonstrated an inducible feature on the removal of add-on traits,which should be useful for functional genomics and other similar research in brassica crops.

CRISPR/Cas9 system and its applications in nervous system diseases

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9(Cas9)system is an acquired immune system of many bacteria and archaea,comprising CRISPR loci,Cas genes,and its associated proteins.This system can recognize exogenous DNA and utilize the Cas9 protein's nuclease activity to break DNA double-strand and to achieve base insertion or deletion by subsequent DNA repair.In recent years,multiple laboratory and clinical studies have revealed the therapeutic role of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in neurological diseases.This article reviews the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology and its potential for clinical application against neurological diseases.

Corrigendum to‘CRISPR/Cas9 system and its applications in nervous system diseases’[Genes&Diseases 11(2024)675–686]

The authors regret that an error occurred to the affiliations of the first author in the original article.An corrigendum is given as follow:Haibin Jianga,b,Mengyan Tangc,Zidi Xub,Yanan Wangb,Mopu Lib,Shuyin Zhengb,Jianghu Zhua,d,e,f,∗,Zhenlang Lina,d,e,f,∗,Min Zhanga,d,e,f,∗a Department of Pediatrics,the Second School of Medicine,the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University,Wenzhou,Zhejiang 325027,China.

CRISPR/CAS9敲除PD-1的肿瘤浸润T淋巴细胞回输对小鼠结肠癌的治疗作用

目的:探讨应用成簇规律间隔的短回文重复序列及其相关蛋白(CRISPR/Cas9)技术敲除程序性死亡分子-1(PD-1)的肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(TIL)回输对结肠癌小鼠的治疗作用。方法:皮下注射CT26构建小鼠结肠癌模型,从3只模型小鼠肿瘤组织中提取TIL,并提取外周血淋巴细胞;对TIL进行PD-1基因敲除;回输实验分为对照组(Control)、输注淋巴细胞组(Lym)、输注荷瘤小鼠TIL组(TIL)、慢病毒空载对照组(pVSV-G-PX458-NC)组、PX458-PD-1-sgRNA1组(PD-1-sgRNA1),每组10只;测量各组小鼠肿瘤组织质量及肿瘤抑制率;TUNEL法检测各组小鼠肿瘤组织细胞凋亡;ELISA检测各组小鼠肿瘤组织TNF-α和IFN-γ含量;免疫组化检测肿瘤组织CD4+T、CD8+T细胞表达;免疫荧光法检测肿瘤组织细胞增殖核抗原-67(Ki-67)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达;Western blot检测肿瘤组织PD-1及其主要配体PD-L1表达。结果:PD-1-sgRNA1能明显抑制小鼠肿瘤细胞体内生长,抑制肿瘤组织Ki-67和VEGF表达及PD-1、PD-L1表达,提高肿瘤组织细胞凋亡率、TNF-α、IFN-γ含量、CD4+T、CD8+T细胞表达(均P<0.05)。结论:CRISPR/CAS9敲除PD-1的TIL回输能明显抑制结肠癌小鼠肿瘤组织Ki-67和VEGF表达,增加CD4+T、CD8+T细胞,诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡,发挥抑制肿瘤生长作用。

A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site speifillyl cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),the patient's outcome is poor.As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients,dlinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor.In addition,CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the dlinical response of HCC patients.It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer,with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge.Thus,in order to locate recent developments in oncology research,we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database.The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs.Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening although this method is not without limitations.It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy.CRISPR and its applications to tumor research,particularly in HCC,are examined in this study through a review of the literature.