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RJR: Recommended Bibliography 21 Feb 2026 at 01:46 Created:
CRISPR-Cas
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR, pronounced crisper) are segments of prokaryotic DNA containing short repetitions of base sequences. Each repetition is followed by short segments of "spacer DNA" from previous exposures to foreign DNA (e.g a virus or plasmid). The CRISPR/Cas system is a prokaryotic immune system that confers resistance to foreign genetic elements such as those present within plasmids and phages, and provides a form of acquired immunity. CRISPR associated proteins (Cas) use the CRISPR spacers to recognize and cut these exogenous genetic elements in a manner analogous to RNA interference in eukaryotic organisms. CRISPRs are found in approximately 40% of sequenced bacterial genomes and 90% of sequenced archaea. By delivering the Cas9 nuclease complexed with a synthetic guide RNA (gRNA) into a cell, the cell's genome can be cut at a desired location, allowing existing genes to be removed and/or new ones added. The Cas9-gRNA complex corresponds with the CAS III crRNA complex in the above diagram. CRISPR/Cas genome editing techniques have many potential applications, including altering the germline of humans, animals, and food crops. The use of CRISPR Cas9-gRNA complex for genome editing was the AAAS's choice for breakthrough of the year in 2015.
Created with PubMed® Query: ( "CRISPR.CAS" OR "crispr/cas" ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CRISPR genome editing in plants without tissue culture.
Trends in biotechnology pii:S0167-7799(25)00538-4 [Epub ahead of print].
Conventional plant genome editing relies on tissue culture-mediated somatic cell regeneration, a technically demanding process that limits its application across diverse species. Emerging strategies now circumvent this bottleneck by enabling direct genome editing of meristematic or germline cells. Key advances include (i) genome editing via de novo meristem induction or dormant meristem activation; (ii) germline editing facilitated by graft-mobile tRNA-like sequence systems and haploid induction technologies; and (iii) optimized viral delivery platforms that exploit mobile RNA elements and compact editors such as TnpB to achieve efficient, transgene-free, heritable modifications across a broad range of genotypes and species. The development of robust, tissue culture-free editing platforms promises to revolutionize crop improvement pipelines and accelerate trait development for sustainable agriculture.
Additional Links: PMID-41702797
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41702797,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, C and Mei, D and Cheng, H and Pan, X and Zhang, B},
title = {CRISPR genome editing in plants without tissue culture.},
journal = {Trends in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.12.017},
pmid = {41702797},
issn = {1879-3096},
abstract = {Conventional plant genome editing relies on tissue culture-mediated somatic cell regeneration, a technically demanding process that limits its application across diverse species. Emerging strategies now circumvent this bottleneck by enabling direct genome editing of meristematic or germline cells. Key advances include (i) genome editing via de novo meristem induction or dormant meristem activation; (ii) germline editing facilitated by graft-mobile tRNA-like sequence systems and haploid induction technologies; and (iii) optimized viral delivery platforms that exploit mobile RNA elements and compact editors such as TnpB to achieve efficient, transgene-free, heritable modifications across a broad range of genotypes and species. The development of robust, tissue culture-free editing platforms promises to revolutionize crop improvement pipelines and accelerate trait development for sustainable agriculture.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-17
Structural basis for Cas9-directed spacer acquisition in type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems.
Molecular cell pii:S1097-2765(26)00066-3 [Epub ahead of print].
CRISPR-Cas systems confer prokaryotic immunity by integrating foreign DNA (prespacers) into host arrays. Type II-A systems employ Cas9 for protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) recognition and coordinate with Csn2 and the Cas1-Cas2 integrase during spacer acquisition, yet their structural basis remains unresolved. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the Enterococcus faecalis Cas9-Csn2-Cas1-Cas2 supercomplex in apo and DNA-bound states. The apo state (Cas92-Csn28-Cas18-Cas24) is a resting complex, while DNA binding forms a prespacer-catching complex threading DNA through Csn2's channel, enabling Cas9 to interrogate the PAM sequence while sliding along the DNA. Cas9 and Csn2 jointly define a 30-bp DNA segment matching the prespacer length. Cas9 dissociation triggers structural reconfiguration of the Csn2-Cas1-Cas2 assembly. This exposes the PAM-proximal DNA, allowing Cas1-Cas2 to bind the exposed site for subsequent prespacer processing and directional integration. These findings reveal how Cas9, Csn2, and Cas1-Cas2 couple PAM recognition with prespacer selection, ensuring fidelity during adaptation.
Additional Links: PMID-41702404
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41702404,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Li, Y and Kong, J and Wu, Q and Huang, P and Zhang, Y and Wu, W and Chen, M and Liu, Y and Lin, H and Hou, L and Liu, G and Zeng, T and He, Y and Hu, C and Yang, Z and Lu, M and Luo, M and Xiao, Y},
title = {Structural basis for Cas9-directed spacer acquisition in type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems.},
journal = {Molecular cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molcel.2026.01.024},
pmid = {41702404},
issn = {1097-4164},
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas systems confer prokaryotic immunity by integrating foreign DNA (prespacers) into host arrays. Type II-A systems employ Cas9 for protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) recognition and coordinate with Csn2 and the Cas1-Cas2 integrase during spacer acquisition, yet their structural basis remains unresolved. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the Enterococcus faecalis Cas9-Csn2-Cas1-Cas2 supercomplex in apo and DNA-bound states. The apo state (Cas92-Csn28-Cas18-Cas24) is a resting complex, while DNA binding forms a prespacer-catching complex threading DNA through Csn2's channel, enabling Cas9 to interrogate the PAM sequence while sliding along the DNA. Cas9 and Csn2 jointly define a 30-bp DNA segment matching the prespacer length. Cas9 dissociation triggers structural reconfiguration of the Csn2-Cas1-Cas2 assembly. This exposes the PAM-proximal DNA, allowing Cas1-Cas2 to bind the exposed site for subsequent prespacer processing and directional integration. These findings reveal how Cas9, Csn2, and Cas1-Cas2 couple PAM recognition with prespacer selection, ensuring fidelity during adaptation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-17
Structural insights into Cas9-mediated prespacer selection in CRISPR-Cas adaptation.
Molecular cell pii:S1097-2765(26)00064-X [Epub ahead of print].
During CRISPR-Cas adaptation, prokaryotic cells become immunized by the insertion of foreign DNA fragments, termed spacers, into the host genome to serve as templates for RNA-guided immunity. Spacer acquisition relies on the Cas1-Cas2 integrase and accessory proteins, which select DNA sequences flanked by the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and insert them into the CRISPR array. It has been shown that in type II-A systems, selection of PAM-proximal prespacers is mediated by the effector nuclease Cas9, which forms a "supercomplex" with the Cas1-Cas2 integrase and the Csn2 protein. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Streptococcus thermophilus type II-A prespacer selection supercomplex in the DNA-scanning and two distinct PAM-bound configurations, providing insights into the mechanism of Cas9-mediated prespacer selection in type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems. Repurposing Cas9 by the CRISPR adaptation machinery for prespacer selection, as characterized here, demonstrates Cas9 plasticity and expands our knowledge of Cas9 biology.
Additional Links: PMID-41702403
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@article {pmid41702403,
year = {2026},
author = {Gaizauskaite, U and Tamulaitiene, G and Silanskas, A and Gasiunas, G and Siksnys, V and Sasnauskas, G},
title = {Structural insights into Cas9-mediated prespacer selection in CRISPR-Cas adaptation.},
journal = {Molecular cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molcel.2026.01.022},
pmid = {41702403},
issn = {1097-4164},
abstract = {During CRISPR-Cas adaptation, prokaryotic cells become immunized by the insertion of foreign DNA fragments, termed spacers, into the host genome to serve as templates for RNA-guided immunity. Spacer acquisition relies on the Cas1-Cas2 integrase and accessory proteins, which select DNA sequences flanked by the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and insert them into the CRISPR array. It has been shown that in type II-A systems, selection of PAM-proximal prespacers is mediated by the effector nuclease Cas9, which forms a "supercomplex" with the Cas1-Cas2 integrase and the Csn2 protein. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Streptococcus thermophilus type II-A prespacer selection supercomplex in the DNA-scanning and two distinct PAM-bound configurations, providing insights into the mechanism of Cas9-mediated prespacer selection in type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems. Repurposing Cas9 by the CRISPR adaptation machinery for prespacer selection, as characterized here, demonstrates Cas9 plasticity and expands our knowledge of Cas9 biology.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CRISPR as a therapeutic tool for inherited retinal degenerations: Advances, challenges, and future directions.
Molecular aspects of medicine, 108:101462 pii:S0098-2997(26)00018-X [Epub ahead of print].
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a genetically diverse group of disorders characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration, leading to vision loss and blindness. With over 320 associated genes and significant phenotypic variability, effective treatment remains challenging. Recent advances in genome editing, particularly CRISPR/Cas-based technologies, have revolutionized therapeutic approaches by enabling precise and customizable DNA and RNA editing. This review explores the application of various CRISPR strategies-such as gene knockout via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), exon skipping using dual-sgRNAs, homology-directed repair (HDR), base editing (BE), prime editing (PE), RNA editing with Cas13, and epigenetic modulation through CRISPRa/i-in preclinical models of IRDs. Emphasis is placed on allele-specific targeting, gene-agnostic approaches, and mutation-independent strategies to address dominant and recessive forms of disease. We also highlight recent clinical milestones, including the first human trial using CRISPR gene editing for CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Finally, we discuss critical challenges, including delivery constraints, immune responses, and off-target effects, along with emerging solutions such as engineered Cas variants, split-intein systems, and advanced off-target detection methods. Together, these advances underscore the transformative potential of CRISPR technologies in treating IRDs and lay the foundation for future clinical translation.
Additional Links: PMID-41702027
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41702027,
year = {2026},
author = {Galdikaite-Braziene, E and Krušnauskas, R and Henderson, E and Bujakowska, KM},
title = {CRISPR as a therapeutic tool for inherited retinal degenerations: Advances, challenges, and future directions.},
journal = {Molecular aspects of medicine},
volume = {108},
number = {},
pages = {101462},
doi = {10.1016/j.mam.2026.101462},
pmid = {41702027},
issn = {1872-9452},
abstract = {Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a genetically diverse group of disorders characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration, leading to vision loss and blindness. With over 320 associated genes and significant phenotypic variability, effective treatment remains challenging. Recent advances in genome editing, particularly CRISPR/Cas-based technologies, have revolutionized therapeutic approaches by enabling precise and customizable DNA and RNA editing. This review explores the application of various CRISPR strategies-such as gene knockout via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), exon skipping using dual-sgRNAs, homology-directed repair (HDR), base editing (BE), prime editing (PE), RNA editing with Cas13, and epigenetic modulation through CRISPRa/i-in preclinical models of IRDs. Emphasis is placed on allele-specific targeting, gene-agnostic approaches, and mutation-independent strategies to address dominant and recessive forms of disease. We also highlight recent clinical milestones, including the first human trial using CRISPR gene editing for CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Finally, we discuss critical challenges, including delivery constraints, immune responses, and off-target effects, along with emerging solutions such as engineered Cas variants, split-intein systems, and advanced off-target detection methods. Together, these advances underscore the transformative potential of CRISPR technologies in treating IRDs and lay the foundation for future clinical translation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 editing of gliotoxin biosynthesis genes in Aspergillus fumigatus reduces pathogenicity in broilers.
Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology], 57(1):55.
Gliotoxin of Aspergillus fumigatus has been extensively studied for its role in pathogenesis in animals and humans. It triggers pathogenesis by its immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effects. Biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) consisting of 13 genes regulates its biosynthesis. We targeted gliZ, gliP and gliA genes of this BGC using CRISPR/Cas9 system in a multigene editing approach to check the pathogenesis in broilers. crRNAs were designed using EuPaGDT and 3 single guide RNAs (sgRNA) were commercially synthesized. Each sgRNA was combined with Cas9 to form ribonucleoprotein complexes which were then used for simultaneously transfecting fungal protoplasts. Thin-layer chromatography showed the absence of gliotoxin on silica plate and DNA sequencing showed various indels in target genes. These indels caused amino acid substitutions in all three gene products but, the gliP mutation, since it was synonymous, was likely not functionally relevant. Regenerated protoplasts were matured to form fungal hyphae and spore production was induced. These spores were inoculated intra-air sac in broiler chicks. During one-week infection trial, birds infected with the wild-type spores (group 1) showed morbidity and their mortality rate was 30%. Birds inoculated with RNP-treated spores (group 2) showed mild clinical signs and no mortality. No morbidity or mortality was recorded in birds in negative control group (group 3). Histopathological analysis of lungs showed necrosis and congestion, and presence of mixed population of inflammatory cells in wild-type infected birds, while no such lesions were seen in birds infected with RNP-treated spores. These results show that multigene editing approach was successful in creating indels simultaneously in 3 gliotoxin genes which resulted in amino acid substitution which negatively impacted gliotoxin biosynthesis and export. In vivo experiment results show that RNP-treated fungal spores were unable to cause A. fumigatus pathogenicity in broiler. Targeting gliotoxin biosynthesis could thus be a promising approach to develop antifungal therapy.
Additional Links: PMID-41699368
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@article {pmid41699368,
year = {2026},
author = {Khalid, M and Ishaq, A and Arshad, M and Kaul, H and Majeed, M},
title = {Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 editing of gliotoxin biosynthesis genes in Aspergillus fumigatus reduces pathogenicity in broilers.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {55},
pmid = {41699368},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {13224/2020//Higher Education Commision, Pakistan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aspergillus fumigatus/genetics/pathogenicity/metabolism ; *Gliotoxin/biosynthesis ; Chickens ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Gene Editing ; *Aspergillosis/veterinary/microbiology/pathology ; *Poultry Diseases/microbiology/pathology ; Virulence ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Spores, Fungal/genetics ; },
abstract = {Gliotoxin of Aspergillus fumigatus has been extensively studied for its role in pathogenesis in animals and humans. It triggers pathogenesis by its immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effects. Biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) consisting of 13 genes regulates its biosynthesis. We targeted gliZ, gliP and gliA genes of this BGC using CRISPR/Cas9 system in a multigene editing approach to check the pathogenesis in broilers. crRNAs were designed using EuPaGDT and 3 single guide RNAs (sgRNA) were commercially synthesized. Each sgRNA was combined with Cas9 to form ribonucleoprotein complexes which were then used for simultaneously transfecting fungal protoplasts. Thin-layer chromatography showed the absence of gliotoxin on silica plate and DNA sequencing showed various indels in target genes. These indels caused amino acid substitutions in all three gene products but, the gliP mutation, since it was synonymous, was likely not functionally relevant. Regenerated protoplasts were matured to form fungal hyphae and spore production was induced. These spores were inoculated intra-air sac in broiler chicks. During one-week infection trial, birds infected with the wild-type spores (group 1) showed morbidity and their mortality rate was 30%. Birds inoculated with RNP-treated spores (group 2) showed mild clinical signs and no mortality. No morbidity or mortality was recorded in birds in negative control group (group 3). Histopathological analysis of lungs showed necrosis and congestion, and presence of mixed population of inflammatory cells in wild-type infected birds, while no such lesions were seen in birds infected with RNP-treated spores. These results show that multigene editing approach was successful in creating indels simultaneously in 3 gliotoxin genes which resulted in amino acid substitution which negatively impacted gliotoxin biosynthesis and export. In vivo experiment results show that RNP-treated fungal spores were unable to cause A. fumigatus pathogenicity in broiler. Targeting gliotoxin biosynthesis could thus be a promising approach to develop antifungal therapy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Aspergillus fumigatus/genetics/pathogenicity/metabolism
*Gliotoxin/biosynthesis
Chickens
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Gene Editing
*Aspergillosis/veterinary/microbiology/pathology
*Poultry Diseases/microbiology/pathology
Virulence
Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Spores, Fungal/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Fast and Simplified CRISPR-Cas13d Assay for Sensitive Detection of Porcine Deltacoronavirus.
ACS synthetic biology, 15(2):834-845.
Rapid and portable diagnostic technologies are essential for controlling infectious diseases. Here, we describe RAPID (Rapid Automated Portable Integrated Detection), a single-step, extraction-free CRISPR-Cas13d-based assay for sensitive and specific detection of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) RNA. RAPID integrates isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification with EsCas13d-mediated collateral cleavage in a one-pot reaction, enabling sample-to-answer detection within 30 min. A brief room-temperature lysis step allows direct RNA release from unextracted samples, simplifying sample preparation and reducing equipment requirements. Lyophilized reagents enhance stability during refrigerated storage (≤4 °C) and facilitate simplified transportation using conventional cooling measures, thereby reducing reliance on strict cold-chain logistics. The assay operates optimally at 37 °C and remains functional under ambient (∼25 °C) conditions with reduced sensitivity, permitting instrument-free operation when temperature control is unavailable. Detection is achieved via in-tube fluorescence or lateral-flow readouts. Clinical validation using porcine samples showed complete concordance with RT-qPCR, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity. RAPID provides a practical point-of-care diagnostic platform for on-farm surveillance and deployment in resource-limited settings.
Additional Links: PMID-41669836
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@article {pmid41669836,
year = {2026},
author = {Dai, YM and Zhao, L and Xu, T and Duan, JQ and Wang, YM and Yan, YX and Ge, LP and Liu, ZH and Sun, J and Zeng, X and Lai, SY and Ai, YR and Huang, JB and Zhu, L and Xu, ZW},
title = {Fast and Simplified CRISPR-Cas13d Assay for Sensitive Detection of Porcine Deltacoronavirus.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {834-845},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00909},
pmid = {41669836},
issn = {2161-5063},
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Deltacoronavirus/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Viral/genetics/analysis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *Swine Diseases/diagnosis/virology ; },
abstract = {Rapid and portable diagnostic technologies are essential for controlling infectious diseases. Here, we describe RAPID (Rapid Automated Portable Integrated Detection), a single-step, extraction-free CRISPR-Cas13d-based assay for sensitive and specific detection of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) RNA. RAPID integrates isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification with EsCas13d-mediated collateral cleavage in a one-pot reaction, enabling sample-to-answer detection within 30 min. A brief room-temperature lysis step allows direct RNA release from unextracted samples, simplifying sample preparation and reducing equipment requirements. Lyophilized reagents enhance stability during refrigerated storage (≤4 °C) and facilitate simplified transportation using conventional cooling measures, thereby reducing reliance on strict cold-chain logistics. The assay operates optimally at 37 °C and remains functional under ambient (∼25 °C) conditions with reduced sensitivity, permitting instrument-free operation when temperature control is unavailable. Detection is achieved via in-tube fluorescence or lateral-flow readouts. Clinical validation using porcine samples showed complete concordance with RT-qPCR, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity. RAPID provides a practical point-of-care diagnostic platform for on-farm surveillance and deployment in resource-limited settings.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Swine
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Deltacoronavirus/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Viral/genetics/analysis
Sensitivity and Specificity
Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*Swine Diseases/diagnosis/virology
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Protocol for Discovery and Characterization of Miniature Cas12 Systems.
ACS chemical biology, 21(2):401-409.
Efficient delivery remains a major challenge for therapeutic genome editing because many widely used CRISPR nucleases are large and leave limited space for regulatory elements or additional payloads in a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Miniature Cas12 nucleases are particularly appealing, as their reduced size alleviates packaging constraints while preserving RNA-guided DNA cleavage. Here, we outline a workflow that links large-scale sequence mining with phylogenetic and structural filtering, followed by PAM profiling, in vitro cleavage, bacterial genome interference, and genome-editing assays in human cells to confirm activity. This protocol is intended to distill broad sequence collections into a small set of compact Cas12 nucleases with demonstrated functions that can serve as starting points for further engineering in delivery-limited settings.
Additional Links: PMID-41645934
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41645934,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Wang, Y and Ji, Q},
title = {Protocol for Discovery and Characterization of Miniature Cas12 Systems.},
journal = {ACS chemical biology},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {401-409},
doi = {10.1021/acschembio.6c00016},
pmid = {41645934},
issn = {1554-8937},
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Dependovirus/genetics ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Efficient delivery remains a major challenge for therapeutic genome editing because many widely used CRISPR nucleases are large and leave limited space for regulatory elements or additional payloads in a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Miniature Cas12 nucleases are particularly appealing, as their reduced size alleviates packaging constraints while preserving RNA-guided DNA cleavage. Here, we outline a workflow that links large-scale sequence mining with phylogenetic and structural filtering, followed by PAM profiling, in vitro cleavage, bacterial genome interference, and genome-editing assays in human cells to confirm activity. This protocol is intended to distill broad sequence collections into a small set of compact Cas12 nucleases with demonstrated functions that can serve as starting points for further engineering in delivery-limited settings.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
Dependovirus/genetics
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Loss-of-function mutations in the melanocortin-2-receptor (mc2r) lead to skin hyperpigmentation in teleost fish.
Scientific reports, 16(1):.
Melanocortins regulate pigmentation via melanocortin receptors (MCRs), which are highly conserved across vertebrates. Unlike other MCRs, the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) is exclusively activated by ACTH; however, its role in pigmentation remains unclear. Using CRISPR/Cas9-generated mc2r knockout zebrafish, we demonstrated that the loss of mc2r in zebrafish results in impaired interrenal steroidogenesis and pronounced hyperpigmentation characterized by an increased number of melanophores and xanthophores while preserving normal patterning. Transcriptomic analyses revealed the upregulation of genes involved in melanosome formation, melanin synthesis, lipid metabolism, and carotenoid accumulation. These findings demonstrate that, in addition to controlling steroidogenesis, mc2r plays a key role in pigment cell development and metabolic regulation.
Additional Links: PMID-41639367
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@article {pmid41639367,
year = {2026},
author = {Barreiro-Docío, E and Guerrero-Peña, L and Soni, P and Méndez-Martínez, L and Costas-Prado, C and Alvarado, MV and Vázquez, JA and Tort, L and Cerdá-Reverter, JM and Rotllant, J},
title = {Loss-of-function mutations in the melanocortin-2-receptor (mc2r) lead to skin hyperpigmentation in teleost fish.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41639367},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish/genetics/metabolism ; *Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 2/genetics/metabolism ; *Hyperpigmentation/genetics/metabolism ; *Loss of Function Mutation ; *Skin Pigmentation/genetics ; *Zebrafish Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Melanophores/metabolism ; Melanins/biosynthesis ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {Melanocortins regulate pigmentation via melanocortin receptors (MCRs), which are highly conserved across vertebrates. Unlike other MCRs, the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) is exclusively activated by ACTH; however, its role in pigmentation remains unclear. Using CRISPR/Cas9-generated mc2r knockout zebrafish, we demonstrated that the loss of mc2r in zebrafish results in impaired interrenal steroidogenesis and pronounced hyperpigmentation characterized by an increased number of melanophores and xanthophores while preserving normal patterning. Transcriptomic analyses revealed the upregulation of genes involved in melanosome formation, melanin synthesis, lipid metabolism, and carotenoid accumulation. These findings demonstrate that, in addition to controlling steroidogenesis, mc2r plays a key role in pigment cell development and metabolic regulation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Zebrafish/genetics/metabolism
*Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 2/genetics/metabolism
*Hyperpigmentation/genetics/metabolism
*Loss of Function Mutation
*Skin Pigmentation/genetics
*Zebrafish Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Melanophores/metabolism
Melanins/biosynthesis
CRISPR-Cas Systems
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Evaluation of cellular characteristics and genome editing responses in chicken primordial germ cell lines.
Journal of bioscience and bioengineering, 141(4):290-299.
Chicken primordial germ cells (cPGCs) hold great potential for genetic modification and germ cell research in chickens. In this study, we evaluated the cellular characteristics of three cPGC lines: cPGC-1, cPGC-2, and cPGC-3. cPGC-1 and cPGC-2 were derived from male chickens, whereas cPGC-3 was derived from a female chicken. We analyzed and compared cell proliferation rates, marker gene expression, and gonadal colonization abilities. Three different cell culture temperatures were assessed (37 °C, 39 °C, and 41 °C) and proliferation rates were highest for all cPGC lines at 39 °C. Additionally, cPGC-1 demonstrated a higher proliferation rate than cPGC-2. No significant differences were observed between cPGC-1 and cPGC-2 with regard to the expression of germ cell and pluripotency marker genes (Cvh, Dazl, Pou5f3, and Nanog). To assess changes in cellular characteristics before and after genetic modification, we performed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene knock-in using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, followed by site-specific integration of the scFv-Fc gene using the Cre-loxP system. Transplantation experiments revealed that cPGC-2/GFP exhibited higher gonadal colonization efficiency than cPGC-1/GFP. This study demonstrates differences in cellular characteristics among established cPGC lines and highlights the impact of genetic modification on cPGC function. Our findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cell lines and optimizing culture conditions based on cPGC traits to achieve efficient and reproducible production of transgenic chickens. These insights will aid in the conservation of poultry genetic resources and the advancement of transgenic chicken production for both research and industrial applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41571527
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41571527,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaneko, Y and Kawabe, Y and Nishijima, KI and Kamihira, M},
title = {Evaluation of cellular characteristics and genome editing responses in chicken primordial germ cell lines.},
journal = {Journal of bioscience and bioengineering},
volume = {141},
number = {4},
pages = {290-299},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbiosc.2025.12.010},
pmid = {41571527},
issn = {1347-4421},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens/genetics ; *Germ Cells/cytology/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Male ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Female ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Line ; },
abstract = {Chicken primordial germ cells (cPGCs) hold great potential for genetic modification and germ cell research in chickens. In this study, we evaluated the cellular characteristics of three cPGC lines: cPGC-1, cPGC-2, and cPGC-3. cPGC-1 and cPGC-2 were derived from male chickens, whereas cPGC-3 was derived from a female chicken. We analyzed and compared cell proliferation rates, marker gene expression, and gonadal colonization abilities. Three different cell culture temperatures were assessed (37 °C, 39 °C, and 41 °C) and proliferation rates were highest for all cPGC lines at 39 °C. Additionally, cPGC-1 demonstrated a higher proliferation rate than cPGC-2. No significant differences were observed between cPGC-1 and cPGC-2 with regard to the expression of germ cell and pluripotency marker genes (Cvh, Dazl, Pou5f3, and Nanog). To assess changes in cellular characteristics before and after genetic modification, we performed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene knock-in using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, followed by site-specific integration of the scFv-Fc gene using the Cre-loxP system. Transplantation experiments revealed that cPGC-2/GFP exhibited higher gonadal colonization efficiency than cPGC-1/GFP. This study demonstrates differences in cellular characteristics among established cPGC lines and highlights the impact of genetic modification on cPGC function. Our findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cell lines and optimizing culture conditions based on cPGC traits to achieve efficient and reproducible production of transgenic chickens. These insights will aid in the conservation of poultry genetic resources and the advancement of transgenic chicken production for both research and industrial applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Chickens/genetics
*Germ Cells/cytology/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
Male
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Female
Cell Proliferation
Cell Line
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Engineering the MmeFz2-ωRNA system for efficient genome editing through an integrated computational-experimental framework.
Nature communications, 17(1):.
Eukaryotic Fanzor proteins are compact, programmable RNA-guided nucleases with substantial potential for genome editing, although their efficiency in mammalian cells remains suboptimal. Here, we present a combinatorial engineering strategy to optimize a representative Fanzor system, MmeFz2-ωRNA. AlphaFold3-powered rational redesign produced a minimized ωRNA scaffold that is 30% smaller while maintaining up to 82.2% efficiency. Synergistic structure-guided and AI-augmented protein engineering generated two variants, enMmeFz2 and evoMmeFz2, which exhibited an average ~32-fold increase in activity across 38 genomic loci. Moreover, fusion of the non-specific DNA-binding domain HMG-D further enhanced editing performance (enMmeFz2-HMG-D and evoMmeFz2-HMG-D). Notably, evoMmeFz2-HMG-D demonstrated robust in vivo genome editing activity, enabling dystrophin restoration in humanized male Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models via single adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery. This study establishes Fanzor2 as a gene editing platform for genome engineering and therapeutic applications, and underscores the power of AI-guided engineering to accelerate genome editor development while reducing experimental burden.
Additional Links: PMID-41554741
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41554741,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Xu, K and Li, G and Jiang, H and Wu, Z and Gao, P and Yue, Y and Chen, Y and Liu, Z and Zhou, B and Zhou, M and Chen, Y and Liu, X and Wang, X and Wu, Z and Wei, Y},
title = {Engineering the MmeFz2-ωRNA system for efficient genome editing through an integrated computational-experimental framework.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41554741},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32441080, 32301251//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 22207074//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics/therapy ; Male ; Dystrophin/genetics/metabolism ; HEK293 Cells ; Protein Engineering/methods ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dependovirus/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {Eukaryotic Fanzor proteins are compact, programmable RNA-guided nucleases with substantial potential for genome editing, although their efficiency in mammalian cells remains suboptimal. Here, we present a combinatorial engineering strategy to optimize a representative Fanzor system, MmeFz2-ωRNA. AlphaFold3-powered rational redesign produced a minimized ωRNA scaffold that is 30% smaller while maintaining up to 82.2% efficiency. Synergistic structure-guided and AI-augmented protein engineering generated two variants, enMmeFz2 and evoMmeFz2, which exhibited an average ~32-fold increase in activity across 38 genomic loci. Moreover, fusion of the non-specific DNA-binding domain HMG-D further enhanced editing performance (enMmeFz2-HMG-D and evoMmeFz2-HMG-D). Notably, evoMmeFz2-HMG-D demonstrated robust in vivo genome editing activity, enabling dystrophin restoration in humanized male Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models via single adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery. This study establishes Fanzor2 as a gene editing platform for genome engineering and therapeutic applications, and underscores the power of AI-guided engineering to accelerate genome editor development while reducing experimental burden.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Animals
Humans
Mice
Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics/therapy
Male
Dystrophin/genetics/metabolism
HEK293 Cells
Protein Engineering/methods
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
Dependovirus/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Advancing Fast-Track Genome Engineering in Bacillus subtilis Phages.
ACS synthetic biology, 15(2):687-700.
Phage genome engineering methods accelerate the study of phage biology, the discovery of new functions, and the development of innovative genetic engineering tools. Here, we present QuickPhage, a rapid, technically accessible, precise, and cost-effective method for engineering Bacillus subtilis phages. Our approach uses CRISPR-Cas9 as a counter-selection system to isolate mutants of the model lytic siphovirus phage, SPP1. Efficient genome editing was achieved using homologous repair patches as short as 40 nucleotides, enabling streamlined patch construction and parallel engineering, resulting in highly accurate genome edits within a day. We applied QuickPhage to delete both essential and nonessential phage genes and to insert reporter genes. Protein production, such as GFP, was synthetically regulated using inducible systems without significantly affecting phage fitness, achieving induction levels of up to 400-fold. Time-series coinfection experiments with fluorescent protein expressing phages also revealed a highly efficient superinfection arrest mechanism that prevents reinfection as early as 13 min after initial infection. These findings highlight the potential of phages for protein production, opening new opportunities for metabolic engineering. This work also lays the foundation for systematic phage genome refactoring workflows and the development of phage-based tools for efficient DNA delivery, thereby expanding the synthetic biology toolbox for B. subtilis.
Additional Links: PMID-41538882
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41538882,
year = {2026},
author = {Loubat, A and Wolfender, C and Calabre, M and Beaude, N and Tavares, P and Planson, AG and Jules, M},
title = {Advancing Fast-Track Genome Engineering in Bacillus subtilis Phages.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {687-700},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00727},
pmid = {41538882},
issn = {2161-5063},
mesh = {*Bacillus subtilis/virology/genetics ; *Genome, Viral/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Bacillus Phages/genetics ; *Genetic Engineering/methods ; },
abstract = {Phage genome engineering methods accelerate the study of phage biology, the discovery of new functions, and the development of innovative genetic engineering tools. Here, we present QuickPhage, a rapid, technically accessible, precise, and cost-effective method for engineering Bacillus subtilis phages. Our approach uses CRISPR-Cas9 as a counter-selection system to isolate mutants of the model lytic siphovirus phage, SPP1. Efficient genome editing was achieved using homologous repair patches as short as 40 nucleotides, enabling streamlined patch construction and parallel engineering, resulting in highly accurate genome edits within a day. We applied QuickPhage to delete both essential and nonessential phage genes and to insert reporter genes. Protein production, such as GFP, was synthetically regulated using inducible systems without significantly affecting phage fitness, achieving induction levels of up to 400-fold. Time-series coinfection experiments with fluorescent protein expressing phages also revealed a highly efficient superinfection arrest mechanism that prevents reinfection as early as 13 min after initial infection. These findings highlight the potential of phages for protein production, opening new opportunities for metabolic engineering. This work also lays the foundation for systematic phage genome refactoring workflows and the development of phage-based tools for efficient DNA delivery, thereby expanding the synthetic biology toolbox for B. subtilis.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Bacillus subtilis/virology/genetics
*Genome, Viral/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
*Bacillus Phages/genetics
*Genetic Engineering/methods
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Identification and overexpression of genes encoding sugar alcohol transporter and metabolic enzymes for accelerated utilization in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus.
Journal of bioscience and bioengineering, 141(4):221-229.
The yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus assimilates various sugars, including sorbitol and mannitol. However, the metabolic pathways for sugar utilization, including sugar transporters, remain to be elucidated. To identify these genes in this study, first 13 candidate transporter genes were disrupted using a newly developed non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated gene disruption method, combined with targeted digestion using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. While most disruptants exhibited no clear growth defects in various sugar media, a disruptant of the KmMLEV2025 gene (named KmSAT1) failed to grow in either sorbitol or mannitol media, suggesting that it encodes a sugar alcohol transporter. Next, we investigated the candidate dehydrogenase genes crucial for sugar alcohol metabolism, as they are converted to fructose by dehydrogenases. KmXyl2p, a known xylitol dehydrogenase, is a candidate sorbitol dehydrogenase. Disruption of KmXYL2 caused growth defects in sorbitol medium, but not in mannitol medium. We disrupted several genes to identify the mannitol dehydrogenase, revealing that the disruption of KmSOU2, annotated as a sorbose reductase, resulted in a growth defect in the mannitol medium. The identified genes were overexpressed for the efficient utilization of sugar alcohols. The strain overexpressing KmSAT1, but not the dehydrogenase genes, started growing immediately, whereas the wild-type strain exhibited a lag time of several days. Furthermore, the final cell optical densities in both the sorbitol and mannitol media were higher than those observed in the glucose medium. These results indicated that overexpression of a sugar alcohol transporter is a highly effective strategy for biotechnological applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41529994
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41529994,
year = {2026},
author = {Ebe, S and Nakamura, H and Matsuda, M and Terauchi, Y and Akada, R and Hoshida, H},
title = {Identification and overexpression of genes encoding sugar alcohol transporter and metabolic enzymes for accelerated utilization in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus.},
journal = {Journal of bioscience and bioengineering},
volume = {141},
number = {4},
pages = {221-229},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbiosc.2025.12.003},
pmid = {41529994},
issn = {1347-4421},
mesh = {*Kluyveromyces/genetics/metabolism/enzymology/growth & development ; Mannitol/metabolism ; Sorbitol/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus assimilates various sugars, including sorbitol and mannitol. However, the metabolic pathways for sugar utilization, including sugar transporters, remain to be elucidated. To identify these genes in this study, first 13 candidate transporter genes were disrupted using a newly developed non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated gene disruption method, combined with targeted digestion using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. While most disruptants exhibited no clear growth defects in various sugar media, a disruptant of the KmMLEV2025 gene (named KmSAT1) failed to grow in either sorbitol or mannitol media, suggesting that it encodes a sugar alcohol transporter. Next, we investigated the candidate dehydrogenase genes crucial for sugar alcohol metabolism, as they are converted to fructose by dehydrogenases. KmXyl2p, a known xylitol dehydrogenase, is a candidate sorbitol dehydrogenase. Disruption of KmXYL2 caused growth defects in sorbitol medium, but not in mannitol medium. We disrupted several genes to identify the mannitol dehydrogenase, revealing that the disruption of KmSOU2, annotated as a sorbose reductase, resulted in a growth defect in the mannitol medium. The identified genes were overexpressed for the efficient utilization of sugar alcohols. The strain overexpressing KmSAT1, but not the dehydrogenase genes, started growing immediately, whereas the wild-type strain exhibited a lag time of several days. Furthermore, the final cell optical densities in both the sorbitol and mannitol media were higher than those observed in the glucose medium. These results indicated that overexpression of a sugar alcohol transporter is a highly effective strategy for biotechnological applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Kluyveromyces/genetics/metabolism/enzymology/growth & development
Mannitol/metabolism
Sorbitol/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase/genetics/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
A rapid and field-deployable RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in poultry.
BMC veterinary research, 22(1):117.
BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a major pathogen that causes respiratory diseases 14in poultry, resulting in reduced production and severe economic losses. Current MG detection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. Hence, the rapid and accurate detection of MG is critical for effective disease control. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a dual-mode diagnostic assay for sensitive and specific detection of MG by combining recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) with CRISPR/Cas12a technology. Conserved regions of the mgc2 gene were used for primer and CRISPR RNA design, and the reaction conditions were optimized to maximize detection efficiency.
RESULTS: The assay achieved a detection limit of 2 copies/µL and demonstrated high specificity against seven other common avian pathogens. Detection was visualized within 1 h using either fluorescence or lateral flow dipstick. Moreover, clinical validation of chicken samples showed complete concordance with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results. Furthermore, an epidemiological investigation revealed that chickens had the highest positivity rate for MG among chickens, ducks, and pigeons in Hubei Province.
CONCLUSIONS: This simple, rapid, field-deployable method is valuable for timely MG surveillance and effective disease management in poultry production.
Additional Links: PMID-41526975
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41526975,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, Q and Zhang, R and Liu, J and Zhang, W and Liao, X and Guo, Y and Lu, Q and Yang, B and Zhang, T and Zhai, X and Luo, Q},
title = {A rapid and field-deployable RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in poultry.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {117},
pmid = {41526975},
issn = {1746-6148},
support = {2025BEB053//the Hubei Province Technology Innovation Plan Project/ ; 2024BBA004//the Hubei Province Technology Innovation Plan Project/ ; NYWSWZX2025-3432027-04//the Major Special Project for the Development of Agricultural Microbial Industry in Hubei Province/ ; 2023HBSTX4-04//the Hubei Province Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System/ ; CARS-41//the China Agriculture Research System/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Mycoplasma gallisepticum/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Poultry Diseases/diagnosis/microbiology ; *Mycoplasma Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/microbiology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Chickens ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/veterinary/methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Recombinases ; Ducks ; Columbidae ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a major pathogen that causes respiratory diseases 14in poultry, resulting in reduced production and severe economic losses. Current MG detection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. Hence, the rapid and accurate detection of MG is critical for effective disease control. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a dual-mode diagnostic assay for sensitive and specific detection of MG by combining recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) with CRISPR/Cas12a technology. Conserved regions of the mgc2 gene were used for primer and CRISPR RNA design, and the reaction conditions were optimized to maximize detection efficiency.
RESULTS: The assay achieved a detection limit of 2 copies/µL and demonstrated high specificity against seven other common avian pathogens. Detection was visualized within 1 h using either fluorescence or lateral flow dipstick. Moreover, clinical validation of chicken samples showed complete concordance with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results. Furthermore, an epidemiological investigation revealed that chickens had the highest positivity rate for MG among chickens, ducks, and pigeons in Hubei Province.
CONCLUSIONS: This simple, rapid, field-deployable method is valuable for timely MG surveillance and effective disease management in poultry production.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Mycoplasma gallisepticum/isolation & purification/genetics
*Poultry Diseases/diagnosis/microbiology
*Mycoplasma Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/microbiology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Chickens
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/veterinary/methods
Sensitivity and Specificity
Recombinases
Ducks
Columbidae
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Fluoropolymer-Mediated Delivery of a Dual TSHR/IGF1R-Targeting CRISPR-Cas9 System for Localized Therapy in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.
Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), 38(11):e11078.
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), a vision-threatening and disfiguring autoimmune orbital disorder, remains a therapeutic challenge due to the lack of therapies with orbital specificity, sustained efficacy, and minimal side effects. Herein, we present G4F7-CRISPR, a fluoropolymer-based CRISPR-Cas9 delivery platform engineered for localized and efficient disruption of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), two key mediators of TAO pathogenesis. G4F7-CRISPR achieved high insertion/deletion frequencies in primary orbital fibroblasts (Tshr: 37.2%; Igf1r: 42.8%) and mature adipocytes (Tshr: 22.4%; Igf1r: 24.3%), and maintained robust editing efficiency in orbital adipose tissue of TAO mouse models (Tshr: 30.7%; Igf1r: 32.4%). In both TAO mouse models and 3D human orbital organoids, dual-gene editing of Tshr and Igf1r via G4F7-CRISPR significantly suppressed orbital adipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis, demonstrating superior therapeutic efficacy over either single-gene approaches. Comprehensive off-target analyses in both TAO mouse models and orbital organoids revealed minimal off-target activity. Furthermore, G4F7-CRISPR exhibited excellent short- and long-term ocular and systemic safety in TAO mouse models. Notably, it outperformed teprotumumab-the FDA-approved therapy for TAO-in both therapeutic efficacy and safety, highlighting its potential clinical advantages. Collectively, these findings highlight the translational promise of G4F7-CRISPR as a safe, precise, and clinically viable gene therapy for TAO.
Additional Links: PMID-41486850
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41486850,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, M and Yu, P and Liu, L and Cheng, J and Shao, R and Sun, Y and Lv, J and Li, Y and Zheng, Z and Yu, J and Xu, B and Gan, L and Liang, Y and Zhang, Y and Fang, Y and Shen, W and Huang, J and Zhu, X and Hong, J and Ma, R and Wu, L and Cheng, Y and Zhao, C},
title = {Fluoropolymer-Mediated Delivery of a Dual TSHR/IGF1R-Targeting CRISPR-Cas9 System for Localized Therapy in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {38},
number = {11},
pages = {e11078},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202511078},
pmid = {41486850},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {DGF828030-3/005//Clinical Scientist Foundation of Fudan University/ ; pp25014//Clinical Scientist Foundation of Fudan University/ ; U25A20258//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82271126//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics/metabolism ; *Graves Ophthalmopathy/therapy/genetics/pathology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Humans ; Mice ; *Receptors, Thyrotropin/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Editing ; *Polymers/chemistry ; Fibroblasts/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Adipocytes/metabolism ; Genetic Therapy ; Organoids/metabolism ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; },
abstract = {Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), a vision-threatening and disfiguring autoimmune orbital disorder, remains a therapeutic challenge due to the lack of therapies with orbital specificity, sustained efficacy, and minimal side effects. Herein, we present G4F7-CRISPR, a fluoropolymer-based CRISPR-Cas9 delivery platform engineered for localized and efficient disruption of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), two key mediators of TAO pathogenesis. G4F7-CRISPR achieved high insertion/deletion frequencies in primary orbital fibroblasts (Tshr: 37.2%; Igf1r: 42.8%) and mature adipocytes (Tshr: 22.4%; Igf1r: 24.3%), and maintained robust editing efficiency in orbital adipose tissue of TAO mouse models (Tshr: 30.7%; Igf1r: 32.4%). In both TAO mouse models and 3D human orbital organoids, dual-gene editing of Tshr and Igf1r via G4F7-CRISPR significantly suppressed orbital adipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis, demonstrating superior therapeutic efficacy over either single-gene approaches. Comprehensive off-target analyses in both TAO mouse models and orbital organoids revealed minimal off-target activity. Furthermore, G4F7-CRISPR exhibited excellent short- and long-term ocular and systemic safety in TAO mouse models. Notably, it outperformed teprotumumab-the FDA-approved therapy for TAO-in both therapeutic efficacy and safety, highlighting its potential clinical advantages. Collectively, these findings highlight the translational promise of G4F7-CRISPR as a safe, precise, and clinically viable gene therapy for TAO.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics/metabolism
*Graves Ophthalmopathy/therapy/genetics/pathology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Humans
Mice
*Receptors, Thyrotropin/genetics/metabolism
Gene Editing
*Polymers/chemistry
Fibroblasts/metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
Adipocytes/metabolism
Genetic Therapy
Organoids/metabolism
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
Harnessing artificial intelligence to advance CRISPR-based genome editing technologies.
Nature reviews. Genetics, 27(3):212-230.
CRISPR-based genome editing technologies, including nuclease-based editing, base editing and prime editing, have revolutionized biological research and modern medicine by enabling precise, programmable modification of the genome and offering new therapeutic strategies for a wide range of genetic diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning models, is now further advancing the field by accelerating the optimization of gene editors for diverse targets, guiding the engineering of existing tools and supporting the discovery of novel genome-editing enzymes. In this Review, we summarize key AI methodologies underlying these advances and discuss their recent noteworthy applications to genome editing technologies. We also discuss emerging opportunities, such as AI-powered virtual cell models, which can guide genome editing through target selection or prediction of functional outcomes. Finally, we identify key directions where the integration of AI methods is poised to have a substantial impact going forward.
Additional Links: PMID-41254174
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41254174,
year = {2026},
author = {Thomson, T and Li, G and Strilchuk, A and Cui, H and Wang, B and Li, B},
title = {Harnessing artificial intelligence to advance CRISPR-based genome editing technologies.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Genetics},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {212-230},
pmid = {41254174},
issn = {1471-0064},
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Animals ; Machine Learning ; Deep Learning ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-based genome editing technologies, including nuclease-based editing, base editing and prime editing, have revolutionized biological research and modern medicine by enabling precise, programmable modification of the genome and offering new therapeutic strategies for a wide range of genetic diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning models, is now further advancing the field by accelerating the optimization of gene editors for diverse targets, guiding the engineering of existing tools and supporting the discovery of novel genome-editing enzymes. In this Review, we summarize key AI methodologies underlying these advances and discuss their recent noteworthy applications to genome editing technologies. We also discuss emerging opportunities, such as AI-powered virtual cell models, which can guide genome editing through target selection or prediction of functional outcomes. Finally, we identify key directions where the integration of AI methods is poised to have a substantial impact going forward.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Animals
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
RevDate: 2026-02-20
CmpDate: 2026-02-20
CRISPR-GPT for agentic automation of gene-editing experiments.
Nature biomedical engineering, 10(2):245-258.
Performing effective gene-editing experiments requires a deep understanding of both the CRISPR technology and the biological system involved. Meanwhile, despite their versatility and promise, large language models (LLMs) often lack domain-specific knowledge and struggle to accurately solve biological design problems. We present CRISPR-GPT, an LLM agent system to automate and enhance CRISPR-based gene-editing design and data analysis. CRISPR-GPT leverages the reasoning capabilities of LLMs for complex task decomposition, decision-making and interactive human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration. This system incorporates domain expertise, retrieval techniques, external tools and a specialized LLM fine tuned with open-forum discussions among scientists. CRISPR-GPT assists users in selecting CRISPR systems, experiment planning, designing guide RNAs, choosing delivery methods, drafting protocols, designing assays and analysing data. We showcase the potential of CRISPR-GPT by knocking out four genes with CRISPR-Cas12a in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line and epigenetically activating two genes using CRISPR-dCas9 in a human melanoma cell line. CRISPR-GPT enables fully AI-guided gene-editing experiment design and analysis across different modalities, validating its effectiveness as an AI co-pilot in genome engineering.
Additional Links: PMID-40738974
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40738974,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, Y and Huang, K and Yin, M and Zhan, K and Liu, D and Yin, D and Cousins, HC and Johnson, WA and Wang, X and Shah, M and Altman, RB and Zhou, D and Wang, M and Cong, L},
title = {CRISPR-GPT for agentic automation of gene-editing experiments.},
journal = {Nature biomedical engineering},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {245-258},
pmid = {40738974},
issn = {2157-846X},
support = {R35HG011316, 1R01GM141627//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)/ ; 1653435//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Artificial Intelligence ; Automation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; },
abstract = {Performing effective gene-editing experiments requires a deep understanding of both the CRISPR technology and the biological system involved. Meanwhile, despite their versatility and promise, large language models (LLMs) often lack domain-specific knowledge and struggle to accurately solve biological design problems. We present CRISPR-GPT, an LLM agent system to automate and enhance CRISPR-based gene-editing design and data analysis. CRISPR-GPT leverages the reasoning capabilities of LLMs for complex task decomposition, decision-making and interactive human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration. This system incorporates domain expertise, retrieval techniques, external tools and a specialized LLM fine tuned with open-forum discussions among scientists. CRISPR-GPT assists users in selecting CRISPR systems, experiment planning, designing guide RNAs, choosing delivery methods, drafting protocols, designing assays and analysing data. We showcase the potential of CRISPR-GPT by knocking out four genes with CRISPR-Cas12a in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line and epigenetically activating two genes using CRISPR-dCas9 in a human melanoma cell line. CRISPR-GPT enables fully AI-guided gene-editing experiment design and analysis across different modalities, validating its effectiveness as an AI co-pilot in genome engineering.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Artificial Intelligence
Automation
Cell Line, Tumor
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Computation and deep-learning-driven advances in CRISPR genome editing.
Nature structural & molecular biology, 33(2):203-214.
Genome editing with CRISPR-Cas systems is revolutionizing medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology. In this Review, we discuss the contributions of deep learning-based structure prediction algorithms, physics-based simulations, neural networks, graph neural networks and generative models, including diffusion and large language models, in engineering and optimizing CRISPR systems and in understanding their mechanistic basis. We highlight the challenges and limitations to the transformative effects of computational modeling and tools in the context of the development of programmable genome editors for biomedicine and biotechnology.
Additional Links: PMID-41699287
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41699287,
year = {2026},
author = {Pindi, C and Palermo, G},
title = {Computation and deep-learning-driven advances in CRISPR genome editing.},
journal = {Nature structural & molecular biology},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {203-214},
pmid = {41699287},
issn = {1545-9985},
mesh = {*Deep Learning ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Humans ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Algorithms ; },
abstract = {Genome editing with CRISPR-Cas systems is revolutionizing medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology. In this Review, we discuss the contributions of deep learning-based structure prediction algorithms, physics-based simulations, neural networks, graph neural networks and generative models, including diffusion and large language models, in engineering and optimizing CRISPR systems and in understanding their mechanistic basis. We highlight the challenges and limitations to the transformative effects of computational modeling and tools in the context of the development of programmable genome editors for biomedicine and biotechnology.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Deep Learning
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Humans
Neural Networks, Computer
Algorithms
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Computational Optimization of CRISPR-Cas13a sgRNAs Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Gene for SHERLOCK-Based Diagnostics.
Evolutionary bioinformatics online, 22:11769343251414318.
BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global health crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate and rapid diagnostic tools. Modern molecular biology technologies, including CRISPR-Cas systems, provide highly efficient strategies for viral detection. Bioinformatic pipelines are essential for identifying conserved genomic regions and enabling rational single-guide RNA (sgRNA) design.
METHODS: This study aimed to design specific sgRNAs targeting the spike gene of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Iranian patients using the SHERLOCK diagnostic platform. Complete genomes of the RefSeq virus and 470 SARS-CoV-2 isolates, representing all variants of concern (VOCs) detected in Iran, were retrieved from the NCBI and GISAID databases. Multiple sequence alignment with ClustalW identified conserved sequences within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that differ from the RBD of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV RefSeq genomes. Based on these regions, sgRNAs and isothermal amplification primers were designed using ADAPT, OLIGO7, and the UCSC Genome Browser to maximize diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Secondary and tertiary structures of sgRNA-target complexes were analyzed via RNAfold and RNAup to select the most efficient sgRNA-amplicon combination.
RESULTS: Twenty-two-nucleotide sgRNA candidates were initially selected based on sequence alignment, showing high similarity to the SARS-CoV-2 RefSeq and low homology to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV genomes. Analyses of secondary structures, RNA-RNA interactions, and free energy identified 6 sgRNAs with favorable 2-dimensional conformations and strong interaction profiles. Among these, the sgRNA1-Amplicon2 sequence exhibited the most stable 3-dimensional structure and a molecular docking score of -309.67, indicating high sensitivity and specificity for viral detection.
CONCLUSION: This study successfully designed an sgRNA with high sensitivity and specificity for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection using the CRISPR-Cas13a system, informed by genomic analysis of Iranian isolates. The proposed approach provides an efficient framework for the rapid design and deployment of CRISPR-based diagnostic tools applicable to diverse viral pathogens.
Additional Links: PMID-41696049
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41696049,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmadzadeh, M and Akbarian, F and Sanati, MH and Motaharirad, H and Farrokhi, F},
title = {Computational Optimization of CRISPR-Cas13a sgRNAs Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Gene for SHERLOCK-Based Diagnostics.},
journal = {Evolutionary bioinformatics online},
volume = {22},
number = {},
pages = {11769343251414318},
pmid = {41696049},
issn = {1176-9343},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global health crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate and rapid diagnostic tools. Modern molecular biology technologies, including CRISPR-Cas systems, provide highly efficient strategies for viral detection. Bioinformatic pipelines are essential for identifying conserved genomic regions and enabling rational single-guide RNA (sgRNA) design.
METHODS: This study aimed to design specific sgRNAs targeting the spike gene of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Iranian patients using the SHERLOCK diagnostic platform. Complete genomes of the RefSeq virus and 470 SARS-CoV-2 isolates, representing all variants of concern (VOCs) detected in Iran, were retrieved from the NCBI and GISAID databases. Multiple sequence alignment with ClustalW identified conserved sequences within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that differ from the RBD of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV RefSeq genomes. Based on these regions, sgRNAs and isothermal amplification primers were designed using ADAPT, OLIGO7, and the UCSC Genome Browser to maximize diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Secondary and tertiary structures of sgRNA-target complexes were analyzed via RNAfold and RNAup to select the most efficient sgRNA-amplicon combination.
RESULTS: Twenty-two-nucleotide sgRNA candidates were initially selected based on sequence alignment, showing high similarity to the SARS-CoV-2 RefSeq and low homology to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV genomes. Analyses of secondary structures, RNA-RNA interactions, and free energy identified 6 sgRNAs with favorable 2-dimensional conformations and strong interaction profiles. Among these, the sgRNA1-Amplicon2 sequence exhibited the most stable 3-dimensional structure and a molecular docking score of -309.67, indicating high sensitivity and specificity for viral detection.
CONCLUSION: This study successfully designed an sgRNA with high sensitivity and specificity for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection using the CRISPR-Cas13a system, informed by genomic analysis of Iranian isolates. The proposed approach provides an efficient framework for the rapid design and deployment of CRISPR-based diagnostic tools applicable to diverse viral pathogens.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Better data for better predictions: data curation improves deep learning for sgRNA/Cas9 prediction.
PeerJ, 14:e20706.
The Cas9 enzyme along with a single guide RNA molecule is a modular tool for genetic engineering and has shown effectiveness as a species-specific antimicrobial. The ability to accurately predict on-target cleavage is critical as activity varies by target. Using the sgRNA nucleotide sequence and an activity score, predictive models have been developed with the best performance resulting from deep learning architectures. Prior work has emphasized robust and novel architectures to improve predictive performance. Here, we explore the impact of a data-centric approach through optimization of the input target site adjacent nucleotide sequence length and the use of data filtering for read counts in the control conditions to improve input data utility. Using the existing crisprHAL architecture, we develop crisprHAL Tev, a bacterial SpCas9 prediction model with performance that generalizes across related species and across data types. During this process, we also rebuilt two prior Escherichia coli Cas9 datasets, demonstrating the importance of data quality, and resulting in the production of an improved bacterial eSpCas9 prediction model. The crisprHAL models are available through GitHub: https://github.com/tbrowne5/crisprHAL.
Additional Links: PMID-41695711
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41695711,
year = {2026},
author = {Browne, TS and Edgell, DR and Gloor, GB},
title = {Better data for better predictions: data curation improves deep learning for sgRNA/Cas9 prediction.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20706},
pmid = {41695711},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Deep Learning ; *RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; },
abstract = {The Cas9 enzyme along with a single guide RNA molecule is a modular tool for genetic engineering and has shown effectiveness as a species-specific antimicrobial. The ability to accurately predict on-target cleavage is critical as activity varies by target. Using the sgRNA nucleotide sequence and an activity score, predictive models have been developed with the best performance resulting from deep learning architectures. Prior work has emphasized robust and novel architectures to improve predictive performance. Here, we explore the impact of a data-centric approach through optimization of the input target site adjacent nucleotide sequence length and the use of data filtering for read counts in the control conditions to improve input data utility. Using the existing crisprHAL architecture, we develop crisprHAL Tev, a bacterial SpCas9 prediction model with performance that generalizes across related species and across data types. During this process, we also rebuilt two prior Escherichia coli Cas9 datasets, demonstrating the importance of data quality, and resulting in the production of an improved bacterial eSpCas9 prediction model. The crisprHAL models are available through GitHub: https://github.com/tbrowne5/crisprHAL.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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*Deep Learning
*RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Escherichia coli/genetics
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Engineering a human-based translational activator for targeted protein expression restoration.
Nucleic acids research, 54(4):.
Therapeutic modalities to programmably increase protein production are in critical need to address diseases caused by deficient gene expression via haploinsufficiency. Restoring physiological protein levels by increasing translation of their cognate messenger RNA (mRNA) would be an advantageous approach to correct gene expression but has not been evaluated in an in vivo disease model. Here, we investigated whether a translational activator could improve phenotype in a Dravet syndrome mouse model, a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by SCN1a haploinsufficiency, by increasing translation of the SCN1a mRNA. We identify and engineer human proteins capable of increasing mRNA translation using the CRISPR-Cas-inspired RNA-targeting system (CIRTS) platform to enable programmable, guide RNA-directed translational activation with entirely engineered human proteins. We identify a compact (601 amino acid) CIRTS translational activator (CIRTS-4GT3) that can drive targeted, sustained translation increases up to 100% from three endogenous transcripts relevant to epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. AAV-delivery of CIRTS-4GT3 targeting SCN1a mRNA to a Dravet syndrome mouse model led to increased SCN1a translation and improved survivability and seizure threshold-key phenotypic indicators of Dravet syndrome. This work validates a strategy to address SCN1a haploinsufficiency and emphasizes the preclinical potential of targeted translational activation to address neurological haploinsufficiency.
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@article {pmid41693565,
year = {2026},
author = {Sinnott, RW and Solanki, A and Govind, AP and Green, WN and Dickinson, BC},
title = {Engineering a human-based translational activator for targeted protein expression restoration.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41693565},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {FP106237//G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation/ ; //Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust/ ; //Bank of America/ ; /EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; R01-EB035016/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DGE-2022294368//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; *Protein Biosynthesis ; *Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics/therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism ; *NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/genetics/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Protein Engineering/methods ; Haploinsufficiency ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; },
abstract = {Therapeutic modalities to programmably increase protein production are in critical need to address diseases caused by deficient gene expression via haploinsufficiency. Restoring physiological protein levels by increasing translation of their cognate messenger RNA (mRNA) would be an advantageous approach to correct gene expression but has not been evaluated in an in vivo disease model. Here, we investigated whether a translational activator could improve phenotype in a Dravet syndrome mouse model, a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by SCN1a haploinsufficiency, by increasing translation of the SCN1a mRNA. We identify and engineer human proteins capable of increasing mRNA translation using the CRISPR-Cas-inspired RNA-targeting system (CIRTS) platform to enable programmable, guide RNA-directed translational activation with entirely engineered human proteins. We identify a compact (601 amino acid) CIRTS translational activator (CIRTS-4GT3) that can drive targeted, sustained translation increases up to 100% from three endogenous transcripts relevant to epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. AAV-delivery of CIRTS-4GT3 targeting SCN1a mRNA to a Dravet syndrome mouse model led to increased SCN1a translation and improved survivability and seizure threshold-key phenotypic indicators of Dravet syndrome. This work validates a strategy to address SCN1a haploinsufficiency and emphasizes the preclinical potential of targeted translational activation to address neurological haploinsufficiency.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Humans
Mice
*Protein Biosynthesis
*Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics/therapy
Disease Models, Animal
RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism
*NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/genetics/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Protein Engineering/methods
Haploinsufficiency
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Reversing Antibiotic Resistance: Strategies From Adjuvants to Innovative Therapeutics.
MicrobiologyOpen, 15(1):e70233.
The escalating prevalence of antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Meanwhile, the development of novel antibiotics faces substantial challenges, including lengthy research cycles, high costs, and the rapid emergence of bacterial tolerance, making it difficult for new drugs to keep pace with bacterial evolution. In this context, molecular reversal strategies targeting antibiotic resistance genes have emerged as a promising avenue to overcome this impasse. Among them, the use of antibiotic adjuvants, agents that enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics by inhibiting resistance gene function, preventing their horizontal transfer or modulating host defense has gained considerable attention. Furthermore, innovative approaches such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing, photodynamic therapy, nanotechnology, and ecological competition strategies have shown great potential in reversing antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these strategies offer novel insights into addressing the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, paving the way for more effective clinical interventions and ensuring the sustained efficacy of current antibiotic therapies.
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@article {pmid41691452,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, T and Zeng, F and Zhang, J and Zhang, Y and Yin, W},
title = {Reversing Antibiotic Resistance: Strategies From Adjuvants to Innovative Therapeutics.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e70233},
pmid = {41691452},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {H2024201044//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 20231560//The Medical Scientific Research of Hebei Health Commission/ ; },
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/drug effects/genetics ; Gene Editing ; *Bacterial Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Photochemotherapy ; Nanotechnology ; },
abstract = {The escalating prevalence of antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Meanwhile, the development of novel antibiotics faces substantial challenges, including lengthy research cycles, high costs, and the rapid emergence of bacterial tolerance, making it difficult for new drugs to keep pace with bacterial evolution. In this context, molecular reversal strategies targeting antibiotic resistance genes have emerged as a promising avenue to overcome this impasse. Among them, the use of antibiotic adjuvants, agents that enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics by inhibiting resistance gene function, preventing their horizontal transfer or modulating host defense has gained considerable attention. Furthermore, innovative approaches such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing, photodynamic therapy, nanotechnology, and ecological competition strategies have shown great potential in reversing antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these strategies offer novel insights into addressing the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, paving the way for more effective clinical interventions and ensuring the sustained efficacy of current antibiotic therapies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
*Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/drug effects/genetics
Gene Editing
*Bacterial Infections/drug therapy/microbiology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Photochemotherapy
Nanotechnology
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Molecular Genetics as the Leading-Edge Approach in Driving the Development of Live Attenuated Vaccines.
Biotechnology journal, 21(2):e70185.
Molecular genetics has propelled advancements in scientific instrumentation, yielding transformative discoveries from CRISPR-mediated gene editing and detailed protein identification to sophisticated biosensor fabrications. This profound shift has also reshaped the landscape of live attenuated vaccine (LAV) development in contrast to conventional methods. Here we explore how modern molecular strategies have superseded previous empirical approaches, moving toward deliberate genetic modifications that both enhance and balance the aspects of LAV safety, stability, and potent immunogenicity. By detailing the transition from classical approaches to targeted, molecular-driven attenuation, our work reviews how advanced genetic methods address historical limitations and expand the potential for vaccine design. Hence, the current paper bridges the gap between foundational vaccine practices and cutting-edge biotechnology, offering a comprehensive perspective on the progression of molecular genetic strategies on LAV development and its future trajectory. The paper also elaborates on the key challenges of raising LAVs to clinical standards while describing in tandem the genetic approaches to overcome the limitations. Critical performance factors governing the LAV market and clinical deployment, alongside the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in refining LAV rational design, are also further discussed.
Additional Links: PMID-41691442
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@article {pmid41691442,
year = {2026},
author = {Thevendran, R and Maheswaran, S},
title = {Molecular Genetics as the Leading-Edge Approach in Driving the Development of Live Attenuated Vaccines.},
journal = {Biotechnology journal},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e70185},
doi = {10.1002/biot.70185},
pmid = {41691442},
issn = {1860-7314},
support = {//MOHE/ ; },
mesh = {*Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics/immunology ; Humans ; *Vaccine Development/methods ; Gene Editing ; *Molecular Biology/methods ; Animals ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biotechnology ; },
abstract = {Molecular genetics has propelled advancements in scientific instrumentation, yielding transformative discoveries from CRISPR-mediated gene editing and detailed protein identification to sophisticated biosensor fabrications. This profound shift has also reshaped the landscape of live attenuated vaccine (LAV) development in contrast to conventional methods. Here we explore how modern molecular strategies have superseded previous empirical approaches, moving toward deliberate genetic modifications that both enhance and balance the aspects of LAV safety, stability, and potent immunogenicity. By detailing the transition from classical approaches to targeted, molecular-driven attenuation, our work reviews how advanced genetic methods address historical limitations and expand the potential for vaccine design. Hence, the current paper bridges the gap between foundational vaccine practices and cutting-edge biotechnology, offering a comprehensive perspective on the progression of molecular genetic strategies on LAV development and its future trajectory. The paper also elaborates on the key challenges of raising LAVs to clinical standards while describing in tandem the genetic approaches to overcome the limitations. Critical performance factors governing the LAV market and clinical deployment, alongside the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in refining LAV rational design, are also further discussed.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics/immunology
Humans
*Vaccine Development/methods
Gene Editing
*Molecular Biology/methods
Animals
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Biotechnology
RevDate: 2026-02-14
CmpDate: 2026-02-14
Advances in rapid on-site detection techniques for food safety and authenticity.
Advances in food and nutrition research, 118:43-87.
Ensuring food safety and authenticity is a pressing global concern. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of advanced rapid, on-site detection technologies targeting foodborne hazards, including pathogens, toxins, chemical contaminants, and authenticity issues such as adulteration and species fraud. Key aspects of these technologies include signal amplification strategies like catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and nanozyme-enhanced systems, as well as signal output platforms encompassing colorimetric, electrochemical, and fluorescence-based methods. The chapter also explores the emerging role of nanopore-based sensing as a novel signal output platform, emphasizing its single-molecule precision and broad applicability. By integrating laboratory innovations with practical field applications, this chapter underscores the potential of these technologies to address challenges in food safety and authenticity monitoring effectively.
Additional Links: PMID-41690735
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@article {pmid41690735,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, G and Su, Z and Li, F and Liu, J and Shi, Y and Chen, J and Wang, P and Wang, R},
title = {Advances in rapid on-site detection techniques for food safety and authenticity.},
journal = {Advances in food and nutrition research},
volume = {118},
number = {},
pages = {43-87},
doi = {10.1016/bs.afnr.2025.08.004},
pmid = {41690735},
issn = {1043-4526},
mesh = {*Food Safety/methods ; *Food Contamination/analysis ; Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *Food Analysis/methods ; Humans ; Food Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ensuring food safety and authenticity is a pressing global concern. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of advanced rapid, on-site detection technologies targeting foodborne hazards, including pathogens, toxins, chemical contaminants, and authenticity issues such as adulteration and species fraud. Key aspects of these technologies include signal amplification strategies like catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and nanozyme-enhanced systems, as well as signal output platforms encompassing colorimetric, electrochemical, and fluorescence-based methods. The chapter also explores the emerging role of nanopore-based sensing as a novel signal output platform, emphasizing its single-molecule precision and broad applicability. By integrating laboratory innovations with practical field applications, this chapter underscores the potential of these technologies to address challenges in food safety and authenticity monitoring effectively.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Food Safety/methods
*Food Contamination/analysis
Biosensing Techniques/methods
*Food Analysis/methods
Humans
Food Microbiology
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Highly fluorescent copper nanoclusters as programmable reporters for CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection of bacterial DNA.
Biosensors & bioelectronics, 300:118492.
Early and accessible pathogen detection is crucial for global health security and demands diagnostic assays that are rapid, affordable, and suitable for Point-of-Care use. This study presents a cost-effective, rapid, one-pot fluorescence assay for bacterial DNA detection that exploits the unique optical properties of DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs). These nanoclusters offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fluorophores, thanks to their eco-friendly synthesis, high photostability, and large Stokes shift. The assay integrates CuNCs with the CRISPR/Cas12a system to achieve programmable and highly specific target recognition. Upon target binding, activation of the Cas12a/gRNA complex triggers collateral cleavage of rationally designed DNA templates that normally support CuNCs formation, resulting in a marked fluorescence decrease. A panel of hairpin and poly-thymine DNA structures was systematically evaluated to maximize both CuNCs fluorescence and responsiveness to Cas12a/gRNA trans-cleavage, ultimately identifying an AT-rich stem-loop reporter that provided strong signal intensity and complete signal shutdown upon target recognition. The final CRISPR-CuNCs assay achieved picomolar sensitivity, accurately detected E. coli DNA from reference strains, clinical isolates, and serum-spiked samples, and required no fluorophore-quencher probes or multistep procedures. Overall, this work demonstrated that combining the programmability of CRISPR/Cas12a with the versatility and low-cost of DNA-templated CuNCs enables a robust and accessible platform for molecular diagnostics, with strong potential for Point-of-Care deployment.
Additional Links: PMID-41679990
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@article {pmid41679990,
year = {2026},
author = {Carota, AG and Spiaggia, F and Poma, N and Palladino, P and Cuffaro, D and Vivaldi, F and Ravelet, C and Di Francesco, F and Minunni, M},
title = {Highly fluorescent copper nanoclusters as programmable reporters for CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection of bacterial DNA.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {118492},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118492},
pmid = {41679990},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Copper/chemistry ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification/genetics ; Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Humans ; Limit of Detection ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {Early and accessible pathogen detection is crucial for global health security and demands diagnostic assays that are rapid, affordable, and suitable for Point-of-Care use. This study presents a cost-effective, rapid, one-pot fluorescence assay for bacterial DNA detection that exploits the unique optical properties of DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs). These nanoclusters offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fluorophores, thanks to their eco-friendly synthesis, high photostability, and large Stokes shift. The assay integrates CuNCs with the CRISPR/Cas12a system to achieve programmable and highly specific target recognition. Upon target binding, activation of the Cas12a/gRNA complex triggers collateral cleavage of rationally designed DNA templates that normally support CuNCs formation, resulting in a marked fluorescence decrease. A panel of hairpin and poly-thymine DNA structures was systematically evaluated to maximize both CuNCs fluorescence and responsiveness to Cas12a/gRNA trans-cleavage, ultimately identifying an AT-rich stem-loop reporter that provided strong signal intensity and complete signal shutdown upon target recognition. The final CRISPR-CuNCs assay achieved picomolar sensitivity, accurately detected E. coli DNA from reference strains, clinical isolates, and serum-spiked samples, and required no fluorophore-quencher probes or multistep procedures. Overall, this work demonstrated that combining the programmability of CRISPR/Cas12a with the versatility and low-cost of DNA-templated CuNCs enables a robust and accessible platform for molecular diagnostics, with strong potential for Point-of-Care deployment.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Copper/chemistry
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification/genetics
Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry
*Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Humans
Limit of Detection
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Generation of a SV2A knockout human embryonic stem cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Stem cell research, 91:103924.
Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is a ubiquitously expressed brain glycoprotein, localized to synaptic terminals. It regulates vesicle exocytosis, maintains neurotransmitter release, and serves as a receptor for both botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT). It is a target for antiseizure drugs and implicated in epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. We generated a homozygous SV2A-knockout human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line WAe001-A-3F (H1-SV2A[-/-]), using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The SV2A-knockout embryonic stem cell lines provide a precise in vitro model to dissect its roles in synaptic function and disease mechanisms.
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@article {pmid41679028,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, F and Qi, X and Yongli, S and Xiaofen, Z},
title = {Generation of a SV2A knockout human embryonic stem cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 system.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {103924},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103924},
pmid = {41679028},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; *Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics/metabolism/deficiency ; *Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics/metabolism/deficiency ; *Gene Knockout Techniques ; Cell Line ; },
abstract = {Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is a ubiquitously expressed brain glycoprotein, localized to synaptic terminals. It regulates vesicle exocytosis, maintains neurotransmitter release, and serves as a receptor for both botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT). It is a target for antiseizure drugs and implicated in epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. We generated a homozygous SV2A-knockout human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line WAe001-A-3F (H1-SV2A[-/-]), using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The SV2A-knockout embryonic stem cell lines provide a precise in vitro model to dissect its roles in synaptic function and disease mechanisms.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
*Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics/metabolism/deficiency
*Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics/metabolism/deficiency
*Gene Knockout Techniques
Cell Line
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Generation of two tetracycline-inducible NGN2 iN iPSC lines carrying a heterozygous floating-Harbor syndrome SRCAP truncating mutation.
Stem cell research, 91:103922.
Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by truncating variants in the last two exons of the gene encoding the chromatin remodeler SRCAP. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce a monoallelic c.7330C > T (p.Arg2444*) truncating mutation into a published WTC11 iPSC line containing a tetracycline-inducible NGN2 transgene. We characterised two independent lines that maintained a normal karyotype, pluripotency and the ability to differentiate in vitro into all three embryonic germ layers. These lines can be rapidly differentiated into cortical neurons through the addition of doxycycline, making them a useful model for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying FHS.
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@article {pmid41655494,
year = {2026},
author = {Kantor, I and Wright, JL and Amor, DJ and Lockhart, PJ},
title = {Generation of two tetracycline-inducible NGN2 iN iPSC lines carrying a heterozygous floating-Harbor syndrome SRCAP truncating mutation.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {103922},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103922},
pmid = {41655494},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {*Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology/drug effects ; Humans ; *Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Mutation/genetics ; *Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Heterozygote ; Cell Line ; Cell Differentiation ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by truncating variants in the last two exons of the gene encoding the chromatin remodeler SRCAP. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce a monoallelic c.7330C > T (p.Arg2444*) truncating mutation into a published WTC11 iPSC line containing a tetracycline-inducible NGN2 transgene. We characterised two independent lines that maintained a normal karyotype, pluripotency and the ability to differentiate in vitro into all three embryonic germ layers. These lines can be rapidly differentiated into cortical neurons through the addition of doxycycline, making them a useful model for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying FHS.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology/drug effects
Humans
*Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Mutation/genetics
*Tetracycline/pharmacology
Heterozygote
Cell Line
Cell Differentiation
CRISPR-Cas Systems
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Rewriting endogenous human transcripts with dual CRISPR-guided 3' trans-splicing.
Cell systems, 17(2):101487.
Unlike genome editing, RNA editing offers the ability to transiently alter cells with minimal risk from off-target effects. While exon-skipping technologies can influence splice site selection, many desired perturbations to the transcriptome require replacement or addition of exogenous exons to target mRNAs, such as replacing disease-causing exons, repairing truncated proteins, or engineering protein fusions. Here, we report the development of RNA-guided trans-splicing with Cas editor (RESPLICE). RESPLICE uses two orthogonal RNA-targeting CRISPR effectors to co-localize a trans-splicing pre-mRNA and to inhibit the cis-splicing reaction, respectively. We demonstrate efficient, specific, and programmable trans-splicing of RNA cargo (up to 2.1 kb) into 11 endogenous transcripts across 3 cell types, achieving up to 45% trans-splicing efficiency in bulk or 90% when sorting for high effector expression. Our results present RESPLICE as a mode of RNA editing that could provide fine-tuned and transient control of cellular programs.
Additional Links: PMID-41653914
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41653914,
year = {2026},
author = {Chandrasekaran, SS and Tau, C and Fu, BXH and Nemeth, M and Bartie, L and Pawluk, A and Konermann, S and Hsu, PD},
title = {Rewriting endogenous human transcripts with dual CRISPR-guided 3' trans-splicing.},
journal = {Cell systems},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {101487},
doi = {10.1016/j.cels.2025.101487},
pmid = {41653914},
issn = {2405-4720},
mesh = {Humans ; *Trans-Splicing/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; RNA Editing/genetics ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; RNA Precursors/genetics ; Exons/genetics ; },
abstract = {Unlike genome editing, RNA editing offers the ability to transiently alter cells with minimal risk from off-target effects. While exon-skipping technologies can influence splice site selection, many desired perturbations to the transcriptome require replacement or addition of exogenous exons to target mRNAs, such as replacing disease-causing exons, repairing truncated proteins, or engineering protein fusions. Here, we report the development of RNA-guided trans-splicing with Cas editor (RESPLICE). RESPLICE uses two orthogonal RNA-targeting CRISPR effectors to co-localize a trans-splicing pre-mRNA and to inhibit the cis-splicing reaction, respectively. We demonstrate efficient, specific, and programmable trans-splicing of RNA cargo (up to 2.1 kb) into 11 endogenous transcripts across 3 cell types, achieving up to 45% trans-splicing efficiency in bulk or 90% when sorting for high effector expression. Our results present RESPLICE as a mode of RNA editing that could provide fine-tuned and transient control of cellular programs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Trans-Splicing/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
RNA, Messenger/genetics
RNA Editing/genetics
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
HEK293 Cells
RNA Precursors/genetics
Exons/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
CRISPR-Based Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review.
Cellular and molecular neurobiology, 46(1):45.
Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide and is caused by the blockage of cerebral blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and neuronal damage. Given the limitations of existing treatments, CRISPR gene-editing technology has emerged as a promising strategy to precisely target the molecular pathways underlying IS pathophysiology. By enabling intervention in genes regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and repair, CRISPR enables more precise and effective therapies. Various CRISPR delivery systems, including viral vectors, nanocarriers, and extracellular vesicles, play crucial roles in the effective access of this tool to neural cells. Studies have shown that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to modulate key pathogenic pathways, including those governing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, can prevent neuronal damage and improve neurological function. Additionally, targeting ncRNAs and RNA methylation with CRISPR-based systems plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and stress granule formation. The use of CRISPR to modulate cell communication and organelle transfer and correct mitochondrial mutations has also been considered a neuroprotective mechanism. Despite persistent challenges in targeted and safe delivery, substantial preclinical advances, primarily in rodent models, underscore the potential for CRISPR-based therapies to transform future stroke treatment. These findings suggest that CRISPR-based strategies could evolve into precision neurotherapeutics that address root molecular pathologies, potentially complementing or surpassing current stroke interventions.
Additional Links: PMID-41649621
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41649621,
year = {2026},
author = {Alavian, F and Ghasemi, S},
title = {CRISPR-Based Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Cellular and molecular neurobiology},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
pages = {45},
pmid = {41649621},
issn = {1573-6830},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Ischemic Stroke/therapy/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide and is caused by the blockage of cerebral blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and neuronal damage. Given the limitations of existing treatments, CRISPR gene-editing technology has emerged as a promising strategy to precisely target the molecular pathways underlying IS pathophysiology. By enabling intervention in genes regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and repair, CRISPR enables more precise and effective therapies. Various CRISPR delivery systems, including viral vectors, nanocarriers, and extracellular vesicles, play crucial roles in the effective access of this tool to neural cells. Studies have shown that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to modulate key pathogenic pathways, including those governing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, can prevent neuronal damage and improve neurological function. Additionally, targeting ncRNAs and RNA methylation with CRISPR-based systems plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and stress granule formation. The use of CRISPR to modulate cell communication and organelle transfer and correct mitochondrial mutations has also been considered a neuroprotective mechanism. Despite persistent challenges in targeted and safe delivery, substantial preclinical advances, primarily in rodent models, underscore the potential for CRISPR-based therapies to transform future stroke treatment. These findings suggest that CRISPR-based strategies could evolve into precision neurotherapeutics that address root molecular pathologies, potentially complementing or surpassing current stroke interventions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Animals
*Ischemic Stroke/therapy/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
*Genetic Therapy/methods
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
RAA-CRISPR-HCR cascade amplification for ultrasensitive visual detection of African swine fever virus DNA.
Chemical communications (Cambridge, England), 62(14):4329-4332.
An RAA-CRISPR-HCR (RCH) cascade amplification system was developed, which generates an ultrasensitive colorimetric response to low concentrations of African swine fever virus (ASFV) DNA with a detection limit of 1 copy µL[-1]. It demonstrates excellent accuracy and specificity in real samples, facilitating efficient on-site visual early detection of ASFV.
Additional Links: PMID-41645777
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41645777,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, H and Lin, S and Zuo, X and Hua, W and Sun, T and Shao, G and Li, F and Zhao, D and Feng, Z and Zhu, D and Wang, L},
title = {RAA-CRISPR-HCR cascade amplification for ultrasensitive visual detection of African swine fever virus DNA.},
journal = {Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {62},
number = {14},
pages = {4329-4332},
doi = {10.1039/d5cc06815k},
pmid = {41645777},
issn = {1364-548X},
mesh = {*African Swine Fever Virus/genetics/isolation & purification ; *DNA, Viral/analysis/genetics ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Animals ; Colorimetry/methods ; Limit of Detection ; Swine ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; African Swine Fever/diagnosis/virology ; },
abstract = {An RAA-CRISPR-HCR (RCH) cascade amplification system was developed, which generates an ultrasensitive colorimetric response to low concentrations of African swine fever virus (ASFV) DNA with a detection limit of 1 copy µL[-1]. It demonstrates excellent accuracy and specificity in real samples, facilitating efficient on-site visual early detection of ASFV.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*African Swine Fever Virus/genetics/isolation & purification
*DNA, Viral/analysis/genetics
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Animals
Colorimetry/methods
Limit of Detection
Swine
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
African Swine Fever/diagnosis/virology
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Engineered DNA hydrogel paper chip biosensor by cascaded hybridization chain reaction-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a system for sensitive detection of miRNA 622.
Biosensors & bioelectronics, 300:118482.
The integration of DNA hydrogel with electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technology represents a synergistic enhancement through molecular-level precision design and nanoscale coordination. This strategic integration confers biosensors novel functionalities including intelligent responsiveness and environmental adaptability. In this study, a cascaded hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and CRISPR/Cas12a-integrated DNA hydrogel paper chip was engineered for ultrasensitive microRNA 622 (miRNA 622) detection. Target miRNA 622 triggered HCR amplification via hairpin DNA assembly, while Cas12a recognized protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences within the HCR-generated double-stranded products to activate its trans-cleavage ability. The DNA hydrogel was constructed through copolymerization of acrylamide-modified DNA single strands (SA and SB) with Ru (II) complex-functionalized linker DNA. Activated Cas12a cleaved single-stranded DNA within the DNA hydrogel network, thereby releasing Ru (II) complexes. AuPd nanoparticles (AuPd NPs) served as the co-reactant accelerator, amplifying the cathodic ECL signals of the liberated Ru (II) complexes. The developed platform demonstrated a dynamic detection range from 0.001 to 500 pM with a detection limit of 0.33 fM, establishing a groundbreaking approach for detecting miRNA 622 in clinical diagnostics.
Additional Links: PMID-41643424
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41643424,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Li, C and Zhu, L and Liu, K and Jing, L and Xie, L and Guo, H and Ge, S and Yu, J},
title = {Engineered DNA hydrogel paper chip biosensor by cascaded hybridization chain reaction-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a system for sensitive detection of miRNA 622.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {118482},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118482},
pmid = {41643424},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*MicroRNAs/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis ; *Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Hydrogels/chemistry ; Limit of Detection ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Humans ; Paper ; *DNA/chemistry/genetics ; Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry/genetics ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Gold/chemistry ; Electrochemical Techniques ; Bacterial Proteins ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {The integration of DNA hydrogel with electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technology represents a synergistic enhancement through molecular-level precision design and nanoscale coordination. This strategic integration confers biosensors novel functionalities including intelligent responsiveness and environmental adaptability. In this study, a cascaded hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and CRISPR/Cas12a-integrated DNA hydrogel paper chip was engineered for ultrasensitive microRNA 622 (miRNA 622) detection. Target miRNA 622 triggered HCR amplification via hairpin DNA assembly, while Cas12a recognized protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences within the HCR-generated double-stranded products to activate its trans-cleavage ability. The DNA hydrogel was constructed through copolymerization of acrylamide-modified DNA single strands (SA and SB) with Ru (II) complex-functionalized linker DNA. Activated Cas12a cleaved single-stranded DNA within the DNA hydrogel network, thereby releasing Ru (II) complexes. AuPd nanoparticles (AuPd NPs) served as the co-reactant accelerator, amplifying the cathodic ECL signals of the liberated Ru (II) complexes. The developed platform demonstrated a dynamic detection range from 0.001 to 500 pM with a detection limit of 0.33 fM, establishing a groundbreaking approach for detecting miRNA 622 in clinical diagnostics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*MicroRNAs/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis
*Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Hydrogels/chemistry
Limit of Detection
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Humans
Paper
*DNA/chemistry/genetics
Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry/genetics
Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Gold/chemistry
Electrochemical Techniques
Bacterial Proteins
CRISPR-Associated Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Precision detection of rifampicin-resistant rpoB_L378R mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis with CRISPR-Cas12a.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications, 18(7):1442-1453.
Rifampicin is one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, certain strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) have developed resistance to rifampicin, making it crucial to identify alternative drugs for treating rifampicin-resistant MTB infections. Mutations in the rpoB gene play a pivotal role in MTB's resistance to rifampicin. Therefore, identifying these mutations is essential for effectively managing rifampicin-resistant MTB strains. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas12a platform integrated with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and fluorescence detection, which was specifically designed to identify the rpoB_L378R mutation associated with rifampicin resistance in MTB. Our findings indicated that this detection technique exhibited high specificity and did not cross-react with reference samples constructed from the genomes of MTB H37Rv, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium aurum, and Escherichia coli. The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a-based platform established in this research was simple, sensitive, and specific for detecting the rifampicin-resistant MTB strain with the rpoB_L378R mutation. These results suggest its potential applicability in clinical diagnosis for identifying the MTB rpoB_L378R mutation.
Additional Links: PMID-41642051
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41642051,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Yang, L and Ma, H and Zhang, S and Zhu, Y and Zhang, S and Lin, X and La, H and Gu, X and Ma, J and Zhao, S and Yang, Y and Lei, H and Yang, Y},
title = {Precision detection of rifampicin-resistant rpoB_L378R mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis with CRISPR-Cas12a.},
journal = {Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {1442-1453},
doi = {10.1039/d5ay01718a},
pmid = {41642051},
issn = {1759-9679},
mesh = {*Rifampin/pharmacology ; *Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/drug effects ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; *DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics ; Mutation ; Humans ; Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {Rifampicin is one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, certain strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) have developed resistance to rifampicin, making it crucial to identify alternative drugs for treating rifampicin-resistant MTB infections. Mutations in the rpoB gene play a pivotal role in MTB's resistance to rifampicin. Therefore, identifying these mutations is essential for effectively managing rifampicin-resistant MTB strains. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas12a platform integrated with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and fluorescence detection, which was specifically designed to identify the rpoB_L378R mutation associated with rifampicin resistance in MTB. Our findings indicated that this detection technique exhibited high specificity and did not cross-react with reference samples constructed from the genomes of MTB H37Rv, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium aurum, and Escherichia coli. The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a-based platform established in this research was simple, sensitive, and specific for detecting the rifampicin-resistant MTB strain with the rpoB_L378R mutation. These results suggest its potential applicability in clinical diagnosis for identifying the MTB rpoB_L378R mutation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Rifampin/pharmacology
*Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/drug effects
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics
*DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics
Mutation
Humans
Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology
Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
A turn-on CRISPR/Cas12a strategy featuring a sterically-hindered activator for in situ fluorescence imaging of H2O2 in vivo.
Biosensors & bioelectronics, 300:118449.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as a key biomarker of oxidative stress in pathological processes such as cancer and inflammation. However, its in vivo visualization remains challenging due to the lack of sensitive, rapid, and bioorthogonal imaging methods. Here, we present a H2O2-activatable CRISPR/Cas12a strategy, termed A-BO-CRISPR, for real-time fluorescence imaging in living systems. This biosensing strategy employs a 4-bromomethylphenylboronic acid pinacol ester-caged DNA activator whose binding to crRNA is initially blocked by steric hindrance, effectively suppressing Cas12a trans-cleavage activity. Upon encountering endogenous H2O2, the boronate ester is selectively hydrolyzed, restoring activator/crRNA hybridization and triggering amplified fluorescent signal generation via Cas12a-mediated collateral cleavage of a ssDNA reporter. The system achieves a detection limit of 0.64 μM and responds within minutes, enabling real-time monitoring of H2O2 fluxes in living cells and tumor-bearing mice. It exhibits high selectivity and robust stability in complex biological environments. By integrating a chemical gating mechanism with CRISPR-based signal amplification, this work paves the way for potential applications in probing redox biology, imaging-guided diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.
Additional Links: PMID-41638184
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41638184,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Zhang, W and Feng, Z and Liu, Z and Feng, Z and Shi, Y and Zhan, J and Zhang, J},
title = {A turn-on CRISPR/Cas12a strategy featuring a sterically-hindered activator for in situ fluorescence imaging of H2O2 in vivo.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {118449},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118449},
pmid = {41638184},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*Hydrogen Peroxide/isolation & purification/analysis/chemistry ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Mice ; Humans ; *Optical Imaging/methods ; Limit of Detection ; *Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as a key biomarker of oxidative stress in pathological processes such as cancer and inflammation. However, its in vivo visualization remains challenging due to the lack of sensitive, rapid, and bioorthogonal imaging methods. Here, we present a H2O2-activatable CRISPR/Cas12a strategy, termed A-BO-CRISPR, for real-time fluorescence imaging in living systems. This biosensing strategy employs a 4-bromomethylphenylboronic acid pinacol ester-caged DNA activator whose binding to crRNA is initially blocked by steric hindrance, effectively suppressing Cas12a trans-cleavage activity. Upon encountering endogenous H2O2, the boronate ester is selectively hydrolyzed, restoring activator/crRNA hybridization and triggering amplified fluorescent signal generation via Cas12a-mediated collateral cleavage of a ssDNA reporter. The system achieves a detection limit of 0.64 μM and responds within minutes, enabling real-time monitoring of H2O2 fluxes in living cells and tumor-bearing mice. It exhibits high selectivity and robust stability in complex biological environments. By integrating a chemical gating mechanism with CRISPR-based signal amplification, this work paves the way for potential applications in probing redox biology, imaging-guided diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Hydrogen Peroxide/isolation & purification/analysis/chemistry
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Mice
Humans
*Optical Imaging/methods
Limit of Detection
*Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry/genetics
Bacterial Proteins
CRISPR-Associated Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Gene insertion and transcriptional regulation of Escherichia coli based on CRISPR-associated transposases.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 348:149850.
Synthetic biology aims to construct robust microbial cell factories for sustainable biomanufacturing. A major obstacle lies in the difficulty of efficiently integrating large polycistronic expression cassettes into the genome and flexibly regulating gene expression. Here, a programmable tool MUSCULAR-CAST was developed based on type IF CRISPR-associated transposases (CAST) system Tn6677. Using MUSCULAR-CAST, we have achieved efficient genomic integration of various size polycistronic expression cassettes (1-10K). Among these, a human milk oligosaccharide 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) chassis strain was successfully constructed, with similar yields and better growth compared with that of plasmid expression strain, and a plasmid-free cutinase recombinant expression strain was constructed, with enzyme activity higher than that of plasmid containing strain. Meanwhile, we developed a gene repression tool Tn-CRISPRi based on the targeting module of MUSCULAR-CAST, which achieved high single-gene repression across diverse PAM sequences and near-complete dual-gene suppression (98.6-99.8%). Applying Tn-CRISPRi to repress 17 genes competing with 3-FL biosynthesis or nonessential for growth revealed that knockdown of osmoregulated periplasmic glucans biosynthesis protein H (mdoH) and motility protein A (motA) increased 3-FL titers by 2.79- and 4.4-fold, respectively. This study establishes MUSCULAR-CAST and Tn-CRISPRi as efficient tools for genomic integration and transcriptional regulation, providing a scalable framework for advanced chassis strain engineering in synthetic biology.
Additional Links: PMID-41628878
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41628878,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, S and Wang, L and Hou, M and Zhang, M and Zhu, X and Luo, H and Yu, X and Lv, H and Chen, S and Huang, Y and Zhang, K and Wu, J},
title = {Gene insertion and transcriptional regulation of Escherichia coli based on CRISPR-associated transposases.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {348},
number = {},
pages = {149850},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149850},
pmid = {41628878},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {*Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Transposases/genetics/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Transcription, Genetic ; Plasmids/genetics ; },
abstract = {Synthetic biology aims to construct robust microbial cell factories for sustainable biomanufacturing. A major obstacle lies in the difficulty of efficiently integrating large polycistronic expression cassettes into the genome and flexibly regulating gene expression. Here, a programmable tool MUSCULAR-CAST was developed based on type IF CRISPR-associated transposases (CAST) system Tn6677. Using MUSCULAR-CAST, we have achieved efficient genomic integration of various size polycistronic expression cassettes (1-10K). Among these, a human milk oligosaccharide 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) chassis strain was successfully constructed, with similar yields and better growth compared with that of plasmid expression strain, and a plasmid-free cutinase recombinant expression strain was constructed, with enzyme activity higher than that of plasmid containing strain. Meanwhile, we developed a gene repression tool Tn-CRISPRi based on the targeting module of MUSCULAR-CAST, which achieved high single-gene repression across diverse PAM sequences and near-complete dual-gene suppression (98.6-99.8%). Applying Tn-CRISPRi to repress 17 genes competing with 3-FL biosynthesis or nonessential for growth revealed that knockdown of osmoregulated periplasmic glucans biosynthesis protein H (mdoH) and motility protein A (motA) increased 3-FL titers by 2.79- and 4.4-fold, respectively. This study establishes MUSCULAR-CAST and Tn-CRISPRi as efficient tools for genomic integration and transcriptional regulation, providing a scalable framework for advanced chassis strain engineering in synthetic biology.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Escherichia coli/genetics
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Transposases/genetics/metabolism
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Transcription, Genetic
Plasmids/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Engineering next-generation crops through CRISPR-mediated horizontal gene transfer.
The New phytologist, 249(6):2683-2689.
Crops increasingly face overlapping stresses such as heat, drought, salinity, and pathogens that conventional breeding or genome editing rarely overcome in combination. To address this, we propose CRISPR-enabled horizontal gene transfer (CRISPR-HGT) as a programmable framework that recreates the evolutionary process by which plants historically acquired adaptive microbial genes. Microbial genes, refined under extreme environments, provide a naturally preadapted resource for multi-trait resilience. By integrating tools such as Cas12a, CasΦ, RNA-targeting, and dCas-based epigenome editors with AI-guided microbial gene discovery, CRISPR-HGT enables modular and inducible stress regulation. This approach shifts genome editing from allelic modification to evolution-guided design. We outline a conceptual pipeline spanning microbial gene mining to adaptive field deployment, highlighting the ecological, biosafety, and regulatory dimensions, from the European Union's cautious oversight to the UK's product-based framework. CRISPR-HGT thus introduces an evolution-informed paradigm for engineering crops that anticipate stress and sustain yield under climate uncertainty.
Additional Links: PMID-41622828
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41622828,
year = {2026},
author = {Sen, MK and Roy, A and Varshney, RK and Chakraborty, A},
title = {Engineering next-generation crops through CRISPR-mediated horizontal gene transfer.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {249},
number = {6},
pages = {2683-2689},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70951},
pmid = {41622828},
issn = {1469-8137},
mesh = {*Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; Gene Editing ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Genetic Engineering/methods ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; },
abstract = {Crops increasingly face overlapping stresses such as heat, drought, salinity, and pathogens that conventional breeding or genome editing rarely overcome in combination. To address this, we propose CRISPR-enabled horizontal gene transfer (CRISPR-HGT) as a programmable framework that recreates the evolutionary process by which plants historically acquired adaptive microbial genes. Microbial genes, refined under extreme environments, provide a naturally preadapted resource for multi-trait resilience. By integrating tools such as Cas12a, CasΦ, RNA-targeting, and dCas-based epigenome editors with AI-guided microbial gene discovery, CRISPR-HGT enables modular and inducible stress regulation. This approach shifts genome editing from allelic modification to evolution-guided design. We outline a conceptual pipeline spanning microbial gene mining to adaptive field deployment, highlighting the ecological, biosafety, and regulatory dimensions, from the European Union's cautious oversight to the UK's product-based framework. CRISPR-HGT thus introduces an evolution-informed paradigm for engineering crops that anticipate stress and sustain yield under climate uncertainty.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics
Gene Editing
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Genetic Engineering/methods
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Development of a rapid and portable detection method for canine distemper virus based on CRISPR-Cas13a.
Journal of virological methods, 342:115355.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a pathogenic microorganism that severely affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, causing multi-systemic symptoms. It infects nearly all terrestrial carnivores worldwide, particularly the Canidae and Mustelidae families, posing a serious threat to global socio-economic and public health security. Given the importance of etiological treatment and early diagnosis, developing novel detection methods with improved accuracy, rapidity, and user-friendliness is necessary for effective prevention and control of CDV infection. In this study, we established a novel testing method using recombinase-aid amplification (RAA) coupled with CRISPR-Cas13a and optimized the working concentration of CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and Cas13a for the lateral flow detection (LFD) of CDV. The RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a-LFD for CDV did not cross-react against other prevalent canine pathogens and the sensitivity can detect as little as 10[2] copies/μL of CDV cDNA plasmids. Additionally, combined with HUDSON this RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a-LFD method could be used to detect clinical samples within 1.5 h, with performance comparable to that of RT-PCR. The results for the RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a detection could be visualized using either fluorescence or lateral flow strips for in field-deployable viral diagnosis. Overall, our developed method showed good potential in point-of-care testing (POCT) to control and reduce the losses by CDV infection.
Additional Links: PMID-41620031
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@article {pmid41620031,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, Y and Yang, Z and Yang, J and Li, Y and Liu, J and Zhao, L and Ge, J},
title = {Development of a rapid and portable detection method for canine distemper virus based on CRISPR-Cas13a.},
journal = {Journal of virological methods},
volume = {342},
number = {},
pages = {115355},
doi = {10.1016/j.jviromet.2026.115355},
pmid = {41620031},
issn = {1879-0984},
mesh = {Animals ; *Distemper Virus, Canine/isolation & purification/genetics ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Dogs ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Distemper/diagnosis/virology ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a pathogenic microorganism that severely affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, causing multi-systemic symptoms. It infects nearly all terrestrial carnivores worldwide, particularly the Canidae and Mustelidae families, posing a serious threat to global socio-economic and public health security. Given the importance of etiological treatment and early diagnosis, developing novel detection methods with improved accuracy, rapidity, and user-friendliness is necessary for effective prevention and control of CDV infection. In this study, we established a novel testing method using recombinase-aid amplification (RAA) coupled with CRISPR-Cas13a and optimized the working concentration of CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and Cas13a for the lateral flow detection (LFD) of CDV. The RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a-LFD for CDV did not cross-react against other prevalent canine pathogens and the sensitivity can detect as little as 10[2] copies/μL of CDV cDNA plasmids. Additionally, combined with HUDSON this RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a-LFD method could be used to detect clinical samples within 1.5 h, with performance comparable to that of RT-PCR. The results for the RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a detection could be visualized using either fluorescence or lateral flow strips for in field-deployable viral diagnosis. Overall, our developed method showed good potential in point-of-care testing (POCT) to control and reduce the losses by CDV infection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Distemper Virus, Canine/isolation & purification/genetics
Sensitivity and Specificity
Dogs
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Distemper/diagnosis/virology
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods
RNA, Viral/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Engineering hypercompact IscB nucleases for efficient and versatile genome editing in rice.
Genome biology, 27(1):49.
BACKGROUND: IscB (Insertion sequences Cas9-like OrfB) represents a novel class of RNA-guided nucleases, approximately one-third the size of Cas9 proteins. Despite the limited natural efficiency in eukaryotic cells, recent advances have led to the engineering of several IscBs for mammalian genome editing.
RESULTS: In this study, we screen and identify high-activity IscB variants for rice. A version of pIscB-v3, combining enOgeuIscB and ωRNA-v13, demonstrated superior mutagenesis efficiency compared to other systems. The average editing efficiency of pIscB-v3 is 17.61% from ten endogenous targets, and we obtain edited lines in up to 83.33% of T0 generation with 33.33% of homozygous and bi-allelic mutations. Further analysis reveals that pIscB-v3 exhibits high editing specificity and relaxed target-adjacent motif (TAM) compatibility in rice. Beyond gene knockout systems, we develop cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) from pIscB-v3. We find that the ssDNA-targeting SCP1.201 family deaminase Sdd7 outperformed human APOBEC3A in IscB-CBEs for C-to-T conversions in rice. The Sdd7-nIscB achieves precise edits in 22.92% of lines on average, with a maximum frequency of 47.92%. Additionally, TadA8e-nIscB exhibits limited activity. However, fusing an extra copy of TadA-8e to either terminus of TadA8e-nIsc significantly enhances A-to-G conversions.
CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results demonstrate the robust capabilities of IscB to develop an efficient and versatile miniature plant genome editing toolkit to substantially facilitate crop breeding.
Additional Links: PMID-41593699
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@article {pmid41593699,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, J and Li, Y and Yu, C and Huang, W and Chen, J and Liu, X and Qin, R and Li, J and Xu, R and Wei, P},
title = {Engineering hypercompact IscB nucleases for efficient and versatile genome editing in rice.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {49},
pmid = {41593699},
issn = {1474-760X},
mesh = {*Oryza/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Genome, Plant ; *Endonucleases/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: IscB (Insertion sequences Cas9-like OrfB) represents a novel class of RNA-guided nucleases, approximately one-third the size of Cas9 proteins. Despite the limited natural efficiency in eukaryotic cells, recent advances have led to the engineering of several IscBs for mammalian genome editing.
RESULTS: In this study, we screen and identify high-activity IscB variants for rice. A version of pIscB-v3, combining enOgeuIscB and ωRNA-v13, demonstrated superior mutagenesis efficiency compared to other systems. The average editing efficiency of pIscB-v3 is 17.61% from ten endogenous targets, and we obtain edited lines in up to 83.33% of T0 generation with 33.33% of homozygous and bi-allelic mutations. Further analysis reveals that pIscB-v3 exhibits high editing specificity and relaxed target-adjacent motif (TAM) compatibility in rice. Beyond gene knockout systems, we develop cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) from pIscB-v3. We find that the ssDNA-targeting SCP1.201 family deaminase Sdd7 outperformed human APOBEC3A in IscB-CBEs for C-to-T conversions in rice. The Sdd7-nIscB achieves precise edits in 22.92% of lines on average, with a maximum frequency of 47.92%. Additionally, TadA8e-nIscB exhibits limited activity. However, fusing an extra copy of TadA-8e to either terminus of TadA8e-nIsc significantly enhances A-to-G conversions.
CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results demonstrate the robust capabilities of IscB to develop an efficient and versatile miniature plant genome editing toolkit to substantially facilitate crop breeding.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
*Oryza/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Genome, Plant
*Endonucleases/genetics/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Generation and characterization of POMC-tdTomato reporter human pluripotent stem cell lines.
Stem cell research, 91:103905.
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor polypeptide that undergoes extensive, tissue-specific post-translational processing. It is expressed in several tissues, including pituitary gland, hypothalamus, brain stem, and skin. The hypothalamic POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus are major neuronal populations involved in the regulation of body weight. In these neurons, POMC is processed into several peptides, among them the anorexigenic alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Thus, the POMC neurons in the ARC have been named "satiety" neurons and are highly desirable drug targets. Here, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated insertion of tdTomato reporter at the endogenous POMC locus, enabling direct visualization of POMC expression through tdTomato fluorescence in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hypothalamic neurons. This reporter line enables real-time visualization of POMC neuron differentiation, and selective enrichment of these populations for molecular, functional, and pharmacological studies. This line is readily available as new alternative method (NAM) platform, to support disease modeling and drug discovery in metabolic and neuroendocrine disorders within a human context.
Additional Links: PMID-41579593
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@article {pmid41579593,
year = {2026},
author = {Jovanovic, VM and Rausch, R and DeRosa, MC and Castellano, D and McKee, C and Sen, C and Daly, F and Doege, CA and Tristan, CA},
title = {Generation and characterization of POMC-tdTomato reporter human pluripotent stem cell lines.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {103905},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103905},
pmid = {41579593},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism/genetics ; *Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; Neurons/metabolism/cytology ; Cell Line ; Cell Differentiation ; Genes, Reporter ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Red Fluorescent Protein ; },
abstract = {Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor polypeptide that undergoes extensive, tissue-specific post-translational processing. It is expressed in several tissues, including pituitary gland, hypothalamus, brain stem, and skin. The hypothalamic POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus are major neuronal populations involved in the regulation of body weight. In these neurons, POMC is processed into several peptides, among them the anorexigenic alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Thus, the POMC neurons in the ARC have been named "satiety" neurons and are highly desirable drug targets. Here, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated insertion of tdTomato reporter at the endogenous POMC locus, enabling direct visualization of POMC expression through tdTomato fluorescence in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hypothalamic neurons. This reporter line enables real-time visualization of POMC neuron differentiation, and selective enrichment of these populations for molecular, functional, and pharmacological studies. This line is readily available as new alternative method (NAM) platform, to support disease modeling and drug discovery in metabolic and neuroendocrine disorders within a human context.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism/genetics
*Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
Neurons/metabolism/cytology
Cell Line
Cell Differentiation
Genes, Reporter
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Red Fluorescent Protein
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
Generation of a Brachyury reporter cell line (BJNhem20 Brachyury (TBXT)-2A-EGFP) in human embryonic stem cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene targeting.
Stem cell research, 91:103907.
Brachyury is a key transcription factor, which is required for mesoderm lineage development. Here, we have generated a Brachyury/TBXT-2A-EGFP knock-in Reporter line in the BJNhem20 human embryonic stem cell line, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Successful gene editing was verified by DNA sequencing and comparing endogenous gene expression to reporter gene expression. This reporter line represents an important tool for tracking and assessing mesoderm differentiation.
Additional Links: PMID-41546923
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41546923,
year = {2026},
author = {Patil, S and Das, A and Inamdar, MS},
title = {Generation of a Brachyury reporter cell line (BJNhem20 Brachyury (TBXT)-2A-EGFP) in human embryonic stem cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene targeting.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {103907},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103907},
pmid = {41546923},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {Humans ; Brachyury Protein ; *T-Box Domain Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Fetal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; Cell Line ; *Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Genes, Reporter ; Cell Differentiation ; },
abstract = {Brachyury is a key transcription factor, which is required for mesoderm lineage development. Here, we have generated a Brachyury/TBXT-2A-EGFP knock-in Reporter line in the BJNhem20 human embryonic stem cell line, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Successful gene editing was verified by DNA sequencing and comparing endogenous gene expression to reporter gene expression. This reporter line represents an important tool for tracking and assessing mesoderm differentiation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Brachyury Protein
*T-Box Domain Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Fetal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
Cell Line
*Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Genes, Reporter
Cell Differentiation
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
The establishment of a GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-80) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Stem cell research, 91:103910.
The GPD1L gene is located on 3p22.3. It encodes the glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like protein with homology to glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD1L), but the function of this enzyme is unclear. Mutations in GPD1L have been associated with BrS (Brugada syndrome) and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and reduce Na[+] inward current through an unknown mechanism in human cardiomyocytes. Here, a GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell line was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 system. The GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell maintains the pluripotency, differentiation into three germ layers, forming normal EBs.
Additional Links: PMID-41539085
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41539085,
year = {2026},
author = {Dong, T and Zhao, Y and Jin, HF and Pan, HM and Yue, LL and Lin, Y and Shen, L},
title = {The establishment of a GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-80) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {103910},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103910},
pmid = {41539085},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; Cell Line ; *Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase/genetics/metabolism/deficiency ; *Gene Knockout Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; },
abstract = {The GPD1L gene is located on 3p22.3. It encodes the glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like protein with homology to glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD1L), but the function of this enzyme is unclear. Mutations in GPD1L have been associated with BrS (Brugada syndrome) and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and reduce Na[+] inward current through an unknown mechanism in human cardiomyocytes. Here, a GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell line was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 system. The GPD1L knockout human embryonic stem cell maintains the pluripotency, differentiation into three germ layers, forming normal EBs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
Cell Line
*Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase/genetics/metabolism/deficiency
*Gene Knockout Techniques
Cell Differentiation
RevDate: 2026-02-19
CmpDate: 2026-02-19
CRISPR interference in a Streptococcus agalactiae multi-locus sequence type 17 strain.
Journal of bacteriology, 208(2):e0037625.
UNLABELLED: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common colonizer of the human genital and gastrointestinal tracts, is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis, which can lead to severe neurological complications. The hypervirulent serotype III, sequence type 17 (ST-17) strain COH1 is strongly associated with late-onset disease due to its unique set of virulence factors. However, genetic manipulation of ST-17 strains remains challenging, limiting the ability to study key pathogenic genes. In this study, we developed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system utilizing an endogenous catalytically inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) in the COH1 strain, enabling targeted and tunable gene expression knockdown. We confirmed the efficacy of this system through hemolysis assays, qPCR transcriptional analysis, and in vitro infection models using human brain endothelial cells. The CRISPRi system successfully produced phenotypic knockdowns of key virulence genes, including PI-2b, srr2, and iagA, reducing adhesion, invasion, and inflammatory responses at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This platform enables rapid gene knockdowns for functional genomics in ST-17 GBS, enabling high-throughput screening and pathogenesis research.
IMPORTANCE: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the world's leading cause of neonatal meningitis. GBS-host interactions at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are dependent on bacterial factors, including surface factors and two-component systems. Multi-locus sequence type 17 (ST-17) GBS strains are highly associated with neonatal meningitis, and these strains harbor many virulence factors for infection at the BBB. Historically, these factors have been studied using traditional knockout mutagenesis, which has been challenging in the most common ST-17 lab strain, COH1. This study utilizes CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to generate rapid expression knockdown. This study validates a CRISPRi-enabled COH1 dCas9 strain as a versatile tool for probing GBS pathogenesis at the BBB.
Additional Links: PMID-41532790
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41532790,
year = {2026},
author = {Cutts, WD and Flanagan, AW and Gorman, BK and Sweten, A and Estrada, BJ and Subash, VN and Klemp, BT and Seely, KN and Sandobal, AD and Stilen, KR and Vaghela, T and Mehvish, A and Wood, JF and Govert, AM and Hobson, KE and Hillebrand, GH and Hooven, TA and Kim, BJ},
title = {CRISPR interference in a Streptococcus agalactiae multi-locus sequence type 17 strain.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {208},
number = {2},
pages = {e0037625},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00376-25},
pmid = {41532790},
issn = {1098-5530},
support = {R03AI185593//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; R15NS131921/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI177991//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; R01AI182835//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; R21AI178067//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus agalactiae/genetics/pathogenicity ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Streptococcal Infections/microbiology ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Endothelial Cells/microbiology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common colonizer of the human genital and gastrointestinal tracts, is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis, which can lead to severe neurological complications. The hypervirulent serotype III, sequence type 17 (ST-17) strain COH1 is strongly associated with late-onset disease due to its unique set of virulence factors. However, genetic manipulation of ST-17 strains remains challenging, limiting the ability to study key pathogenic genes. In this study, we developed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system utilizing an endogenous catalytically inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) in the COH1 strain, enabling targeted and tunable gene expression knockdown. We confirmed the efficacy of this system through hemolysis assays, qPCR transcriptional analysis, and in vitro infection models using human brain endothelial cells. The CRISPRi system successfully produced phenotypic knockdowns of key virulence genes, including PI-2b, srr2, and iagA, reducing adhesion, invasion, and inflammatory responses at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This platform enables rapid gene knockdowns for functional genomics in ST-17 GBS, enabling high-throughput screening and pathogenesis research.
IMPORTANCE: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the world's leading cause of neonatal meningitis. GBS-host interactions at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are dependent on bacterial factors, including surface factors and two-component systems. Multi-locus sequence type 17 (ST-17) GBS strains are highly associated with neonatal meningitis, and these strains harbor many virulence factors for infection at the BBB. Historically, these factors have been studied using traditional knockout mutagenesis, which has been challenging in the most common ST-17 lab strain, COH1. This study utilizes CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to generate rapid expression knockdown. This study validates a CRISPRi-enabled COH1 dCas9 strain as a versatile tool for probing GBS pathogenesis at the BBB.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Streptococcus agalactiae/genetics/pathogenicity
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Streptococcal Infections/microbiology
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Virulence Factors/genetics
Gene Knockdown Techniques
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Endothelial Cells/microbiology
RevDate: 2026-02-14
Deciphering the role of endolysin LysCPD7 harboring C. perfringens spore binding domain.
Microbiological research, 307:128474 pii:S0944-5013(26)00038-8 [Epub ahead of print].
Due to their potent bactericidal activity, phage-derived endolysins are considered promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Although some endolysins from phages infecting spore-forming bacteria contain a spore binding domain (SBD), their biological function remains unclear. LysCPD7, an endolysin from the Clostridium perfringens phage CPD7, showed high antimicrobial activity, effectively reducing C. perfringens contamination in milk and beef broth. Fluorescence assays and immunogold electron microscopy showed that LysCPD7 lacks a C-terminal cell wall binding domain, but contains a SBD that localizes to the spore cortex layer. We found that an E187K mutation in the SBD resulted in reduced spore binding capacity while retaining lytic activity. Infection with the wild-type CPD7 led to a decrease in sporulation efficiency in C. perfringens, whereas the mutant CPD7 carrying the E187K substitution in the SBD had no impact on sporulation, suggesting that the SBD may play a role in the inhibition of sporulation in C. perfringens. Our findings could contribute to the rational design of effective antimicrobials or diagnostic tools for controlling C. perfringens and provide new insights into the interactions between phages and their spore-forming hosts.
Additional Links: PMID-41690159
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41690159,
year = {2026},
author = {Ha, E and Shin, D and Ryu, S and Kong, M},
title = {Deciphering the role of endolysin LysCPD7 harboring C. perfringens spore binding domain.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {128474},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128474},
pmid = {41690159},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Due to their potent bactericidal activity, phage-derived endolysins are considered promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Although some endolysins from phages infecting spore-forming bacteria contain a spore binding domain (SBD), their biological function remains unclear. LysCPD7, an endolysin from the Clostridium perfringens phage CPD7, showed high antimicrobial activity, effectively reducing C. perfringens contamination in milk and beef broth. Fluorescence assays and immunogold electron microscopy showed that LysCPD7 lacks a C-terminal cell wall binding domain, but contains a SBD that localizes to the spore cortex layer. We found that an E187K mutation in the SBD resulted in reduced spore binding capacity while retaining lytic activity. Infection with the wild-type CPD7 led to a decrease in sporulation efficiency in C. perfringens, whereas the mutant CPD7 carrying the E187K substitution in the SBD had no impact on sporulation, suggesting that the SBD may play a role in the inhibition of sporulation in C. perfringens. Our findings could contribute to the rational design of effective antimicrobials or diagnostic tools for controlling C. perfringens and provide new insights into the interactions between phages and their spore-forming hosts.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Engineered Cas9 exosome vesicles as a novel gene editing tool for targeted ASPN editing in osteoarthritis.
Journal of nanobiotechnology, 24(1):165.
CRISPR-Cas9, an innovative genome-editing technique, holds immense promise in therapeutic applications; nevertheless, the lack of effective delivery methods for in vivo gene editing limits its utility in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Recently, exosomes, naturally derived nanosized vesicles secreted by cells, have attracted significant attention as potential vehicles for therapeutic cargo delivery. This study proposes a bioinspired engineered exosome-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery platform for targeted editing of the Asporin (ASPN) gene as a potential precision therapy for OA. Specifically, chondrocyte affinity peptide (Cap)-modified MSC-derived exosomes were employed as natural, biocompatible carriers to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components specifically to OA-affected chondrocytes, thereby achieving precise and efficient ASPN knockout. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a modification efficiency of 79.1% for Cap, while the encapsulation efficiency of the ASPN-Cas9 plasmid into exosomes reached 9.5% ± 0.6%. Both in vivo and in vitro investigations revealed that this delivery approach markedly improved cellular uptake and gene-editing efficacy, achieving a substantial reduction of ASPN expression by 61.7%. This, in turn, alleviated ferroptosis, improved mitochondrial function, reduced chondrocyte senescence, inhibited inflammation, and enhanced the cartilage microenvironment. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest the promising therapeutic efficacy of this method in OA models, emphasizing its potential as a precise gene-targeting therapeutic intervention for OA.
Additional Links: PMID-41689014
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41689014,
year = {2026},
author = {Lou, C and Wang, J and Dai, C and Wang, J and Yang, J and Fang, Y and Jiang, H and Pan, X and Li, H and Lan, C and Xu, G and Iqbal, S and Bao, J and Cai, L and Zheng, W},
title = {Engineered Cas9 exosome vesicles as a novel gene editing tool for targeted ASPN editing in osteoarthritis.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {165},
pmid = {41689014},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {LQ24H060008//Basic Public Welfare Research Program of Zhejiang Province/ ; 2025HY0585//Zhejiang Medicine Health Science and Technology Program/ ; GY20250280//Wenzhou Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Osteoarthritis/genetics/therapy ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Exosomes/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Chondrocytes/metabolism ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics ; Mice ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas9, an innovative genome-editing technique, holds immense promise in therapeutic applications; nevertheless, the lack of effective delivery methods for in vivo gene editing limits its utility in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Recently, exosomes, naturally derived nanosized vesicles secreted by cells, have attracted significant attention as potential vehicles for therapeutic cargo delivery. This study proposes a bioinspired engineered exosome-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery platform for targeted editing of the Asporin (ASPN) gene as a potential precision therapy for OA. Specifically, chondrocyte affinity peptide (Cap)-modified MSC-derived exosomes were employed as natural, biocompatible carriers to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components specifically to OA-affected chondrocytes, thereby achieving precise and efficient ASPN knockout. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a modification efficiency of 79.1% for Cap, while the encapsulation efficiency of the ASPN-Cas9 plasmid into exosomes reached 9.5% ± 0.6%. Both in vivo and in vitro investigations revealed that this delivery approach markedly improved cellular uptake and gene-editing efficacy, achieving a substantial reduction of ASPN expression by 61.7%. This, in turn, alleviated ferroptosis, improved mitochondrial function, reduced chondrocyte senescence, inhibited inflammation, and enhanced the cartilage microenvironment. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest the promising therapeutic efficacy of this method in OA models, emphasizing its potential as a precise gene-targeting therapeutic intervention for OA.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Osteoarthritis/genetics/therapy
*Gene Editing/methods
*Exosomes/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Chondrocytes/metabolism
Humans
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics
Mice
Male
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-14
Programmable hooded DNA switches for conditional control of CRISPR/Cas12a in multiplexed biosensing.
Journal of nanobiotechnology pii:10.1186/s12951-026-04122-w [Epub ahead of print].
The CRISPR/Cas system has become an indispensable tool for programmable and accurate biosensing, with its performance critically dependent on precise activity control. While most regulatory strategies have focused on engineering Cas proteins or modifying CRISPR RNAs, relatively little attention has been given to the design of substrate probes. Here, we systematically characterize the trans-cleavage activity of split CRISPR/Cas12a on structured substrates and leverage this insight to engineer a tunable "Hooded" probe with switchable properties. This probe architecture confers protection against trans-cleavage, and its activity can be progressively modulated by varying the probe length. Utilizing this design, we constructed a multiplexed logic-gated detection platform for direct and simultaneous analysis of miRNA and PSA, which demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we validated the robust performance of this system for logic-operated imaging in diverse cellular models, confirming its reliability in complex biological settings. Overall, our Hooded probe strategy not only broadens the applicability of CRISPR/Cas12a in molecular diagnostics, but also provides a novel design principle for the multiplexed biosensing.
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@article {pmid41689002,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhong, X and Gong, X and Zeng, N and Xie, T and Wang, S and Xia, Q},
title = {Programmable hooded DNA switches for conditional control of CRISPR/Cas12a in multiplexed biosensing.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12951-026-04122-w},
pmid = {41689002},
issn = {1477-3155},
abstract = {The CRISPR/Cas system has become an indispensable tool for programmable and accurate biosensing, with its performance critically dependent on precise activity control. While most regulatory strategies have focused on engineering Cas proteins or modifying CRISPR RNAs, relatively little attention has been given to the design of substrate probes. Here, we systematically characterize the trans-cleavage activity of split CRISPR/Cas12a on structured substrates and leverage this insight to engineer a tunable "Hooded" probe with switchable properties. This probe architecture confers protection against trans-cleavage, and its activity can be progressively modulated by varying the probe length. Utilizing this design, we constructed a multiplexed logic-gated detection platform for direct and simultaneous analysis of miRNA and PSA, which demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we validated the robust performance of this system for logic-operated imaging in diverse cellular models, confirming its reliability in complex biological settings. Overall, our Hooded probe strategy not only broadens the applicability of CRISPR/Cas12a in molecular diagnostics, but also provides a novel design principle for the multiplexed biosensing.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
The emerging impact of CRISPR and gene editing on global crop improvement.
Transgenic research, 35(1):8.
The advent of CRISPR-based genome editing has revolutionized crop improvement, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in modifying key agronomic traits. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms, applications, and future potential of CRISPR technology in enhancing global crop production. CRISPR-Cas systems, originally identified as adaptive immune mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, have been repurposed for targeted genome editing in plants. The CRISPR-Cas9 system, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool for introducing site-specific double-strand breaks, enabling precise genetic modifications. The three-stage process of adaptation, expression, and interference underlies the CRISPR mechanism, with guide RNAs directing Cas endonucleases to specific genomic loci. Advances in CRISPR technology have expanded its applications beyond gene knockouts, encompassing base editing, prime editing, and epigenome editing. These innovations have facilitated the development of crops with enhanced yield, stress tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional content, and post-harvest quality. However, challenges related to off-target effects, regulatory hurdles, ethical concerns, and public acceptance must be addressed to fully harness the potential of CRISPR in agriculture. Integration of CRISPR with other cutting-edge technologies, such as synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput phenotyping, holds immense promise for accelerating crop improvement efforts. As research continues to refine CRISPR tools and expand their applicability across diverse plant species, this transformative technology is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and productive global food system for future generations.
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@article {pmid41688767,
year = {2026},
author = {Mansi, M and Danai, P},
title = {The emerging impact of CRISPR and gene editing on global crop improvement.},
journal = {Transgenic research},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {41688767},
issn = {1573-9368},
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; *Crops, Agricultural/genetics/growth & development ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/growth & development ; Genome, Plant ; },
abstract = {The advent of CRISPR-based genome editing has revolutionized crop improvement, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in modifying key agronomic traits. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms, applications, and future potential of CRISPR technology in enhancing global crop production. CRISPR-Cas systems, originally identified as adaptive immune mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, have been repurposed for targeted genome editing in plants. The CRISPR-Cas9 system, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool for introducing site-specific double-strand breaks, enabling precise genetic modifications. The three-stage process of adaptation, expression, and interference underlies the CRISPR mechanism, with guide RNAs directing Cas endonucleases to specific genomic loci. Advances in CRISPR technology have expanded its applications beyond gene knockouts, encompassing base editing, prime editing, and epigenome editing. These innovations have facilitated the development of crops with enhanced yield, stress tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional content, and post-harvest quality. However, challenges related to off-target effects, regulatory hurdles, ethical concerns, and public acceptance must be addressed to fully harness the potential of CRISPR in agriculture. Integration of CRISPR with other cutting-edge technologies, such as synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput phenotyping, holds immense promise for accelerating crop improvement efforts. As research continues to refine CRISPR tools and expand their applicability across diverse plant species, this transformative technology is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and productive global food system for future generations.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Gene Editing/methods
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics/growth & development
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/growth & development
Genome, Plant
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screens to define regulators of immune checkpoints.
Methods in cell biology, 202:117-132.
Immune checkpoints, which have emerged as potent target for the treatment of a variety of cancers, are central to tumor immunobiology and deciphering their dynamic regulation will continue to enable therapeutic development. CRISPR-Cas9 screening has recently been leveraged as a powerful tool to systematically interrogate regulators of immune checkpoints. Here, we describe a framework for such screens coupled with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) as a reliable and direct method of isolating and comparing how specific CRISPR perturbations impact the expression and maintenance of immune checkpoints. This approach has provided critical insights into immune checkpoint regulation and interactions in melanoma models and can feasibly be expanded to other systems.
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@article {pmid41688147,
year = {2026},
author = {Mu, M and Melms, JC and Ho, P and Izar, B},
title = {Large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screens to define regulators of immune checkpoints.},
journal = {Methods in cell biology},
volume = {202},
number = {},
pages = {117-132},
doi = {10.1016/bs.mcb.2025.10.011},
pmid = {41688147},
issn = {0091-679X},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Humans ; Flow Cytometry/methods ; *Melanoma/genetics/immunology/pathology ; *Immune Checkpoint Proteins/genetics ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; },
abstract = {Immune checkpoints, which have emerged as potent target for the treatment of a variety of cancers, are central to tumor immunobiology and deciphering their dynamic regulation will continue to enable therapeutic development. CRISPR-Cas9 screening has recently been leveraged as a powerful tool to systematically interrogate regulators of immune checkpoints. Here, we describe a framework for such screens coupled with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) as a reliable and direct method of isolating and comparing how specific CRISPR perturbations impact the expression and maintenance of immune checkpoints. This approach has provided critical insights into immune checkpoint regulation and interactions in melanoma models and can feasibly be expanded to other systems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Humans
Flow Cytometry/methods
*Melanoma/genetics/immunology/pathology
*Immune Checkpoint Proteins/genetics
Animals
Cell Line, Tumor
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Cell-free systems for nanobiomaterials assembly.
Progress in molecular biology and translational science, 219:189-210.
Nanobiomaterials-engineered constructs operating at the 1-100 nm scale-integrate biological macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins with synthetic polymers or inorganic nanocomponents to achieve programmable functionality in biomedical and industrial contexts. Representative systems, including DNA origami-based drug carriers, CRISPR-Cas delivery scaffolds, and artificial protein vesicles, demonstrate subcellular targeting precision exceeding 90 % and up to a fivefold enhancement in intratumoral drug accumulation relative to conventional nanocarriers. Despite these advances, in vivo nanomanufacturing remains constrained by cytotoxicity, intracellular metabolic load, and limited spatiotemporal control over synthetic parameters. Cell-free systems (CFS) mitigate these limitations by utilizing crude lysates from prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that retain functional transcription-translation machinery while eliminating the constraints of cellular viability. Platforms such as the reconstituted PURE system enable high-throughput, template-directed synthesis of nanoscale architectures incorporating noncanonical elements, including synthetic polymers, fluorinated analogs, and unnatural amino acids. This open, tunable environment permits over fivefold increases in yields of cytotoxic or aggregation-prone peptides, accelerates DNA origami prototype fabrication to under 24 h, and supports assembly of hybrid enzyme-polymer conjugates with retained catalytic activity. Distinct CFS sources impart complementary advantages: bacterial extracts offer rapid, cost-effective protein expression; yeast lysates facilitate eukaryote-specific glycosylation for ligand-specific nanocapsules; and mammalian systems enable near-physiological post-translational modification essential for therapeutic nanobiomaterials. Coupling CFS with artificial intelligence-based design optimization and microfluidic automation now underpins a new paradigm of programmable, scalable nanobiomanufacturing. By decoupling molecular construction from living systems, cell-free biofabrication establishes a controllable, high-fidelity platform for the rational engineering of nano-bio hybrid systems in precision medicine, biosensing, and tissue regeneration.
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@article {pmid41688137,
year = {2026},
author = {Mathew, AE and Arivarasan, VK},
title = {Cell-free systems for nanobiomaterials assembly.},
journal = {Progress in molecular biology and translational science},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {189-210},
doi = {10.1016/bs.pmbts.2025.11.002},
pmid = {41688137},
issn = {1878-0814},
mesh = {Cell-Free System ; Humans ; Animals ; *Nanostructures/chemistry ; *Biocompatible Materials/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Nanobiomaterials-engineered constructs operating at the 1-100 nm scale-integrate biological macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins with synthetic polymers or inorganic nanocomponents to achieve programmable functionality in biomedical and industrial contexts. Representative systems, including DNA origami-based drug carriers, CRISPR-Cas delivery scaffolds, and artificial protein vesicles, demonstrate subcellular targeting precision exceeding 90 % and up to a fivefold enhancement in intratumoral drug accumulation relative to conventional nanocarriers. Despite these advances, in vivo nanomanufacturing remains constrained by cytotoxicity, intracellular metabolic load, and limited spatiotemporal control over synthetic parameters. Cell-free systems (CFS) mitigate these limitations by utilizing crude lysates from prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that retain functional transcription-translation machinery while eliminating the constraints of cellular viability. Platforms such as the reconstituted PURE system enable high-throughput, template-directed synthesis of nanoscale architectures incorporating noncanonical elements, including synthetic polymers, fluorinated analogs, and unnatural amino acids. This open, tunable environment permits over fivefold increases in yields of cytotoxic or aggregation-prone peptides, accelerates DNA origami prototype fabrication to under 24 h, and supports assembly of hybrid enzyme-polymer conjugates with retained catalytic activity. Distinct CFS sources impart complementary advantages: bacterial extracts offer rapid, cost-effective protein expression; yeast lysates facilitate eukaryote-specific glycosylation for ligand-specific nanocapsules; and mammalian systems enable near-physiological post-translational modification essential for therapeutic nanobiomaterials. Coupling CFS with artificial intelligence-based design optimization and microfluidic automation now underpins a new paradigm of programmable, scalable nanobiomanufacturing. By decoupling molecular construction from living systems, cell-free biofabrication establishes a controllable, high-fidelity platform for the rational engineering of nano-bio hybrid systems in precision medicine, biosensing, and tissue regeneration.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Cell-Free System
Humans
Animals
*Nanostructures/chemistry
*Biocompatible Materials/chemistry
RevDate: 2026-02-13
Advancing chloroplast bioengineering: Innovations, regulatory challenges, and translational pathways for sustainable agriculture.
International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(26)00799-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Escalating climate instability and rising global food demand necessitate the development of resilient crop systems underpinned by precise, predictable, and rapidly deployable genetic innovations. Chloroplast bioengineering has emerged as a vanguard strategy, offering a uniquely tractable platform characterized by the organelle's distinct plastome, discrete copy number, and predominantly maternal inheritance. Recent advances in plastid transformation and base editing now enable the high-fidelity, multiplex introduction of photosynthetic, osmoprotective, and redox-regulating pathways across diverse plant lineages. Controlled-environment and field-proximal trials demonstrate that chloroplast-engineered metabolic modules enhance CO2 assimilation, stabilize photochemistry under heat and drought stress, and improve osmotic buffering capacity. Beyond trait improvement, chloroplasts function as high-capacity production organelles capable of accumulating oral or mucosal biologics at levels that reduce reliance on cold-chain logistics. However, challenges such as species-level recalcitrance, prolonged timelines for achieving homoplasmy, and limited scalability of current plastid biomanufacturing pipelines continue to constrain broad agricultural and biopharmaceutical deployment. To overcome these barriers, we propose a standardized, empirically testable framework integrating optimized transformation workflows, quantitative trait benchmarking, multi-location field validation, and techno-economic analyses. This framework embeds long-term stewardship principles, including marker-free selection, proactive resistance management, and FAIR-aligned data transparency, while emphasizing equitable access pathways for resource-limited regions. Collectively, this work positions chloroplast engineering as a mechanistically grounded, field-ready platform poised to reshape crop resilience, sustainable bioproduction, and global biologic accessibility amid accelerating climate stress.
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@article {pmid41687992,
year = {2026},
author = {Bulle, M and Rahman, MM and Kota, S and Islam, MR and Keya, SS and Abbagani, S and Kirti, PB},
title = {Advancing chloroplast bioengineering: Innovations, regulatory challenges, and translational pathways for sustainable agriculture.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {150873},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.150873},
pmid = {41687992},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Escalating climate instability and rising global food demand necessitate the development of resilient crop systems underpinned by precise, predictable, and rapidly deployable genetic innovations. Chloroplast bioengineering has emerged as a vanguard strategy, offering a uniquely tractable platform characterized by the organelle's distinct plastome, discrete copy number, and predominantly maternal inheritance. Recent advances in plastid transformation and base editing now enable the high-fidelity, multiplex introduction of photosynthetic, osmoprotective, and redox-regulating pathways across diverse plant lineages. Controlled-environment and field-proximal trials demonstrate that chloroplast-engineered metabolic modules enhance CO2 assimilation, stabilize photochemistry under heat and drought stress, and improve osmotic buffering capacity. Beyond trait improvement, chloroplasts function as high-capacity production organelles capable of accumulating oral or mucosal biologics at levels that reduce reliance on cold-chain logistics. However, challenges such as species-level recalcitrance, prolonged timelines for achieving homoplasmy, and limited scalability of current plastid biomanufacturing pipelines continue to constrain broad agricultural and biopharmaceutical deployment. To overcome these barriers, we propose a standardized, empirically testable framework integrating optimized transformation workflows, quantitative trait benchmarking, multi-location field validation, and techno-economic analyses. This framework embeds long-term stewardship principles, including marker-free selection, proactive resistance management, and FAIR-aligned data transparency, while emphasizing equitable access pathways for resource-limited regions. Collectively, this work positions chloroplast engineering as a mechanistically grounded, field-ready platform poised to reshape crop resilience, sustainable bioproduction, and global biologic accessibility amid accelerating climate stress.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-18
Advancing knock-in approaches for robust genome editing in zebrafish.
Biology open, 15(2):.
Precise genome editing remains a major challenge in functional genomics, particularly for generating knock-in (KI) alleles in model organisms. Here, we introduce the mini-golden system, a versatile Golden Gate-based subcloning platform that enables rapid assembly of donor constructs containing homology arms and a gene of interest. This system offers a library of middle entry vectors including diverse genes, enhancing the preparation of donor minicircles for KI applications. Using the mini-golden system, we efficiently generated a foxd3CreER KI zebrafish line, allowing conditional recombination in neural crest cells. To further improve genome editing precision, we developed a synthetic exon-based donor template strategy combined with fluorescence screening. Using this approach, we successfully engineered a targeted isoleucine-to-valine substitution (Ile-to-Val) in hbaa1.2, one of the two adult hemoglobin alpha genes in zebrafish. Importantly, despite the high sequence similarity between hbaa1.2 and its paralog hbaa1.1, our strategy specifically edited hbaa1.2, demonstrating the effectiveness of the synthetic exon approach. This method minimized undesired recombination and significantly improved the identification of lines carrying the edited genome. Together, we provide a robust toolkit for efficient and precise genome engineering in zebrafish, with broad applicability to other model systems.
Additional Links: PMID-41630603
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@article {pmid41630603,
year = {2026},
author = {Rodriguez-Parks, A and Beezley, EG and Manna, S and Silaban, I and Almutawa, SI and Cao, S and Ahmed, H and Guyer, M and Baker, S and Richards, MP and Kang, J},
title = {Advancing knock-in approaches for robust genome editing in zebrafish.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.062472},
pmid = {41630603},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {R35GM137878/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; GR000042507/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P30CA014520/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R21OD037634/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01HL151522/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 7000320//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2019-67017-29179//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2137434//National Science Foundation/ ; //NIH/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Gene Knock-In Techniques/methods ; Genome ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Genetic Vectors ; Exons ; },
abstract = {Precise genome editing remains a major challenge in functional genomics, particularly for generating knock-in (KI) alleles in model organisms. Here, we introduce the mini-golden system, a versatile Golden Gate-based subcloning platform that enables rapid assembly of donor constructs containing homology arms and a gene of interest. This system offers a library of middle entry vectors including diverse genes, enhancing the preparation of donor minicircles for KI applications. Using the mini-golden system, we efficiently generated a foxd3CreER KI zebrafish line, allowing conditional recombination in neural crest cells. To further improve genome editing precision, we developed a synthetic exon-based donor template strategy combined with fluorescence screening. Using this approach, we successfully engineered a targeted isoleucine-to-valine substitution (Ile-to-Val) in hbaa1.2, one of the two adult hemoglobin alpha genes in zebrafish. Importantly, despite the high sequence similarity between hbaa1.2 and its paralog hbaa1.1, our strategy specifically edited hbaa1.2, demonstrating the effectiveness of the synthetic exon approach. This method minimized undesired recombination and significantly improved the identification of lines carrying the edited genome. Together, we provide a robust toolkit for efficient and precise genome engineering in zebrafish, with broad applicability to other model systems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Zebrafish/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
*Gene Knock-In Techniques/methods
Genome
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Genetic Vectors
Exons
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-18
Changes in EGFR activity following CRISPR/Cas9-editing of the EGF binding domain.
Scientific reports, 16(1):6797.
Elevated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression is observed in most cervical cancers, and it is frequently associated with poor clinical outcomes. The limited efficacy of existing EGFR-targeted therapies in cervical cancer highlights the need for a deeper understanding of EGFR role in this cancer type. To investigate EGFR separately from its interaction with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), we removed the key amino acids from the ligand bindings site. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate a panel of EGFR mutant cell lines and then sequenced and characterized them in detail. Studying the phenotypes of mutant cell clones, we show that a pair of amino acid substitutions L14R and Y45M within Domain I of EGFR protein completely disrupts EGF binding and changes EGFR subcellular distribution. A single substitution Y45M significantly reduced EGF binding but did not lead to subcellular redistribution of EGFR. Upon editing, EGFR mRNA and protein expression were decreased in mutant clones compared to wild type cells. Genome wide profiling of different CRISPR/Cas9 clones confirmed correct editing of EGFR with no off target CRISPR/Cas9 generated mutations. At the same time, spontaneous mutations that could impact cell phenotypes were detected in mutant clones. Disruption of ligand binding domain of EGFR by sequential knock in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing altered subcellular localization and phosphorylation of EGFR in cervical cancer cells. The results presented here provide insights that may accelerate the development of CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies for EGFR-dependent cancers and reinforce the importance of thorough evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9-generated phenotypes.
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@article {pmid41620519,
year = {2026},
author = {Popović, J and Hahut, A and Torres, GE and Vincent, A and Soto-Echevarria, N and Wray, B and Bartom, ET and Paunesku, T and Goodman, CR and Woloschak, GE},
title = {Changes in EGFR activity following CRISPR/Cas9-editing of the EGF binding domain.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {6797},
pmid = {41620519},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {CA221848-07/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; CA221848-07/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *ErbB Receptors/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism ; *Gene Editing ; Protein Binding ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Protein Domains ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/genetics/metabolism ; Mutation ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Female ; Binding Sites ; },
abstract = {Elevated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression is observed in most cervical cancers, and it is frequently associated with poor clinical outcomes. The limited efficacy of existing EGFR-targeted therapies in cervical cancer highlights the need for a deeper understanding of EGFR role in this cancer type. To investigate EGFR separately from its interaction with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), we removed the key amino acids from the ligand bindings site. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate a panel of EGFR mutant cell lines and then sequenced and characterized them in detail. Studying the phenotypes of mutant cell clones, we show that a pair of amino acid substitutions L14R and Y45M within Domain I of EGFR protein completely disrupts EGF binding and changes EGFR subcellular distribution. A single substitution Y45M significantly reduced EGF binding but did not lead to subcellular redistribution of EGFR. Upon editing, EGFR mRNA and protein expression were decreased in mutant clones compared to wild type cells. Genome wide profiling of different CRISPR/Cas9 clones confirmed correct editing of EGFR with no off target CRISPR/Cas9 generated mutations. At the same time, spontaneous mutations that could impact cell phenotypes were detected in mutant clones. Disruption of ligand binding domain of EGFR by sequential knock in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing altered subcellular localization and phosphorylation of EGFR in cervical cancer cells. The results presented here provide insights that may accelerate the development of CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies for EGFR-dependent cancers and reinforce the importance of thorough evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9-generated phenotypes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*ErbB Receptors/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism
*Gene Editing
Protein Binding
Cell Line, Tumor
Protein Domains
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/genetics/metabolism
Mutation
Amino Acid Substitution
Female
Binding Sites
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-18
Coiled-coil heterodimer-mediated split base editing systems enable flexible and robust nucleotide substitutions.
Nature communications, 17(1):1765.
Base editors (BEs) enable precise base substitutions, but their size exceeds the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV), impeding in vivo applications. Here we design a split BE system that recruits deaminases to Cas9 nickase via coiled-coil heterodimers, resulting in various coiled-coil heterodimers-mediated base editors (CC-BEs), including cytidine base editor (CC-CBE), adenine base editor (CC-ABE), and their derivatives. We reveal that CC-BEs maintain and even improve the editing efficiency of the original unsplit BEs across various cell types and editing scopes, achieving maximum enhancements of 9.6-fold in human immortalized cells and 12.4-fold in primary somatic cells for CC-CBE. Using CC-ABE, we validate in vivo editing efficiency and successfully achieve A-to-G conversion in the Pcsk9 and Dmd genes via dual-AAV vectors in mice. Altogether, we develop a simple and universal strategy to address the challenges posed by the large size of BEs without compromising editing efficiency for base substitutions in vivo.
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@article {pmid41547662,
year = {2026},
author = {Mu, S and Li, Q and Chen, M and Li, Z and Ma, Y and Li, Y and Song, Y and Hou, S and Ding, Y and Ju, J and Lin, Y and Zhang, J and Yang, Y and Ren, X and Li, N and Jin, Q and Lai, L and Wang, K and Shi, H},
title = {Coiled-coil heterodimer-mediated split base editing systems enable flexible and robust nucleotide substitutions.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1765},
pmid = {41547662},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32570625//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; Dependovirus/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Proprotein Convertase 9/genetics ; CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics ; Cytidine/metabolism ; Genetic Vectors/genetics ; *Nucleotides/genetics ; },
abstract = {Base editors (BEs) enable precise base substitutions, but their size exceeds the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV), impeding in vivo applications. Here we design a split BE system that recruits deaminases to Cas9 nickase via coiled-coil heterodimers, resulting in various coiled-coil heterodimers-mediated base editors (CC-BEs), including cytidine base editor (CC-CBE), adenine base editor (CC-ABE), and their derivatives. We reveal that CC-BEs maintain and even improve the editing efficiency of the original unsplit BEs across various cell types and editing scopes, achieving maximum enhancements of 9.6-fold in human immortalized cells and 12.4-fold in primary somatic cells for CC-CBE. Using CC-ABE, we validate in vivo editing efficiency and successfully achieve A-to-G conversion in the Pcsk9 and Dmd genes via dual-AAV vectors in mice. Altogether, we develop a simple and universal strategy to address the challenges posed by the large size of BEs without compromising editing efficiency for base substitutions in vivo.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
Animals
Mice
Dependovirus/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
HEK293 Cells
Proprotein Convertase 9/genetics
CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics
Cytidine/metabolism
Genetic Vectors/genetics
*Nucleotides/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-18
Identification of thermotolerant non-canonical PAMs for robust one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection.
Nature communications, 17(1):1771.
The canonical PAM site TTTV (where V = A, G, or C) is widely used in the design of CRISPR-Cas12a systems for both genome editing and diagnostic applications. Although several non-canonical protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAM) have been identified, they generally exhibit weak Cas12a cleavage activity. In this study, we find that increasing the reaction temperature to 45 °C or higher allows the identification of numerous non-canonical PAMs with trans-cleavage activity comparable to that of canonical PAMs, while displaying only weak cis-cleavage activity. Moreover, we observe that combining these non-canonical PAMs with elevated temperatures significantly enhances the Cas12a system's ability to discriminate highly similar sequences. Based on these findings, we develop a non-canonical PAM-mediated, poikilothermal, one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection platform (POP-CRISPR), which demonstrates substantial improvements in sensitivity, specificity, speed, and target adaptability for nucleic acid detection compared to existing methods. These advantages are validated through the reliable detection of clinical samples, including those of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and its drug-resistant strains. Additionally, we show that POP-CRISPR enables rapid, on-site pathogen detection within 20 min, using a fast sample processing protocol and a miniaturized detection device.
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@article {pmid41545355,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, T and Zhang, T and Zhang, W and Qiu, Z and Guo, X and Chen, Y and Lin, M and Qi, W and Shen, Y and Hao, M and Xiao, H and Xiang, B and Pang, F and Song, J and Sun, B and Cheng, M and Zhou, X},
title = {Identification of thermotolerant non-canonical PAMs for robust one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1771},
pmid = {41545355},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32150019//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82502830//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 2023M741238//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Endodeoxyribonucleases/genetics/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; *Thermotolerance ; Nucleotide Motifs/genetics ; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; },
abstract = {The canonical PAM site TTTV (where V = A, G, or C) is widely used in the design of CRISPR-Cas12a systems for both genome editing and diagnostic applications. Although several non-canonical protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAM) have been identified, they generally exhibit weak Cas12a cleavage activity. In this study, we find that increasing the reaction temperature to 45 °C or higher allows the identification of numerous non-canonical PAMs with trans-cleavage activity comparable to that of canonical PAMs, while displaying only weak cis-cleavage activity. Moreover, we observe that combining these non-canonical PAMs with elevated temperatures significantly enhances the Cas12a system's ability to discriminate highly similar sequences. Based on these findings, we develop a non-canonical PAM-mediated, poikilothermal, one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection platform (POP-CRISPR), which demonstrates substantial improvements in sensitivity, specificity, speed, and target adaptability for nucleic acid detection compared to existing methods. These advantages are validated through the reliable detection of clinical samples, including those of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and its drug-resistant strains. Additionally, we show that POP-CRISPR enables rapid, on-site pathogen detection within 20 min, using a fast sample processing protocol and a miniaturized detection device.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Endodeoxyribonucleases/genetics/metabolism
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Humans
*Thermotolerance
Nucleotide Motifs/genetics
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-18
CmpDate: 2026-02-18
Gene Editing of a Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Tetraspanin Impairs Parasite Surface Biogenesis and Extracellular Vesicle Uptake by Human Host Cells.
The Journal of infectious diseases, 233(2):e510-e520.
Opisthorchiasis remains a significant public health concern throughout Southeast Asia. The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini resides within the biliary tract, and chronic infection leads to bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we examined the functions of liver fluke tetraspanins, 4-transmembrane domain proteins expressed on the surface of the fluke tegument, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from this syncytial surface. We undertook CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout (KO) of the O viverrini tetraspanin 2 (Ov-tsp-2) gene and found that Ov-tsp-2-KO flukes had abnormal tegument biogenesis. The tegument of Ov-tsp-2-KO flukes was increasingly vacuolated, and fewer EVs were secreted. EVs that were secreted were deficient in Ov-TSP-2, and their uptake by cholangiocytes was diminished. The findings indicate a critical role for Ov-TSP-2 in maintenance of the tegument, EV production, and uptake by host target cells; they also support the development of this parasite antigen as an anti-infection and anticancer vaccine for opisthorchiasis and opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma.
Additional Links: PMID-40905941
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40905941,
year = {2026},
author = {Chaiyadet, S and Ittiprasert, W and Smout, MJ and Khowawisetsut, L and Ruangsuwast, A and Brindley, PJ and Loukas, A and Laha, T},
title = {Gene Editing of a Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Tetraspanin Impairs Parasite Surface Biogenesis and Extracellular Vesicle Uptake by Human Host Cells.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {233},
number = {2},
pages = {e510-e520},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiaf466},
pmid = {40905941},
issn = {1537-6613},
support = {/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; /NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //National Research Council of Thailand/ ; //Fundamental Fund of Khon Kaen University/ ; //the National Science, Research and Innovation Fund/ ; //National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism ; Animals ; *Opisthorchis/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; *Tetraspanins/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Editing ; *Opisthorchiasis/parasitology ; *Helminth Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Opisthorchiasis remains a significant public health concern throughout Southeast Asia. The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini resides within the biliary tract, and chronic infection leads to bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we examined the functions of liver fluke tetraspanins, 4-transmembrane domain proteins expressed on the surface of the fluke tegument, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from this syncytial surface. We undertook CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout (KO) of the O viverrini tetraspanin 2 (Ov-tsp-2) gene and found that Ov-tsp-2-KO flukes had abnormal tegument biogenesis. The tegument of Ov-tsp-2-KO flukes was increasingly vacuolated, and fewer EVs were secreted. EVs that were secreted were deficient in Ov-TSP-2, and their uptake by cholangiocytes was diminished. The findings indicate a critical role for Ov-TSP-2 in maintenance of the tegument, EV production, and uptake by host target cells; they also support the development of this parasite antigen as an anti-infection and anticancer vaccine for opisthorchiasis and opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism
Animals
*Opisthorchis/genetics/metabolism
Humans
*Tetraspanins/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Editing
*Opisthorchiasis/parasitology
*Helminth Proteins/genetics/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Host-Parasite Interactions
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Editing in FAD2 Gene to Enhance Oil Quality in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill].
PloS one, 21(2):e0342660.
Conventional soybean oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, which reduces oxidative stability and necessitates hydrogenation, leading to trans-fat formation. In this study, 40 Indian soybean genotypes were screened for fatty acid composition, and Gujarat Junagadh Soybean-3 (GJS-3) was selected for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the fatty acid desaturase-2 (FAD2) gene. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation produced 22 regenerated plants, of which 57.1% were PCR-positive for Cas9/sgRNA. Targeted single-nucleotide substitutions were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in three edited lines (T3, T7, and T15), corresponding to an editing efficiency of 13.63%. These lines exhibited a marked increase in oleic acid content (42-45%) compared with the wild type (22%) and a concomitant reduction in linoleic acid (30-32% vs. 54%), resulting in nearly a two-fold improvement in the oleic/linoleic acid ratio. PCR analysis confirmed the absence of Cas9 and U3 sequences, indicating transgene-free edited plants. This study provides the first evidence of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated FAD2 editing in an Indian soybean cultivar and demonstrates its effectiveness in improving oil quality, oxidative stability, and processing efficiency.
Additional Links: PMID-41686883
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41686883,
year = {2026},
author = {Rathod, BU and Rajyaguru, R and Dhawale, RN and Tomar, RS and Sharma, S and Chaskar, MG and Alsaidan, OA and Hajare, ST},
title = {CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Editing in FAD2 Gene to Enhance Oil Quality in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill].},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e0342660},
pmid = {41686883},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Glycine max/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Fatty Acid Desaturases/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Soybean Oil/metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics ; Linoleic Acid/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Conventional soybean oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, which reduces oxidative stability and necessitates hydrogenation, leading to trans-fat formation. In this study, 40 Indian soybean genotypes were screened for fatty acid composition, and Gujarat Junagadh Soybean-3 (GJS-3) was selected for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the fatty acid desaturase-2 (FAD2) gene. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation produced 22 regenerated plants, of which 57.1% were PCR-positive for Cas9/sgRNA. Targeted single-nucleotide substitutions were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in three edited lines (T3, T7, and T15), corresponding to an editing efficiency of 13.63%. These lines exhibited a marked increase in oleic acid content (42-45%) compared with the wild type (22%) and a concomitant reduction in linoleic acid (30-32% vs. 54%), resulting in nearly a two-fold improvement in the oleic/linoleic acid ratio. PCR analysis confirmed the absence of Cas9 and U3 sequences, indicating transgene-free edited plants. This study provides the first evidence of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated FAD2 editing in an Indian soybean cultivar and demonstrates its effectiveness in improving oil quality, oxidative stability, and processing efficiency.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Glycine max/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
*Fatty Acid Desaturases/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Soybean Oil/metabolism
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
Linoleic Acid/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-13
LAMP-coupled CRISPR-Cas12a assays: A promising new tool for molecular diagnosis of leishmaniasis.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 20(2):e0013456 pii:PNTD-D-25-01356 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Tegumentary leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease endemic in the Americas. Its clinical management and control rely on early and accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment. PCR-based molecular diagnostics offer high sensitivity and specificity over microscopy or culture but are less accessible in low-resource settings. New molecular tools for detecting Leishmania infections are needed in rural endemic regions. A promising tool harnessing CRISPR-Cas technology enables highly specific and sensitive detection of nucleic acid targets, offering an exciting potential for portable molecular diagnostics. Previously, we developed CRISPR-Cas12a-based assays coupled to PCR preamplification for Leishmania detection. Here, we adapted our assays, which target the multicopy 18S rDNA and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircles, by replacing PCR with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
LAMP-coupled CRISPR assays were optimized for fluorescence-based and lateral flow readouts. The assays could detect as low as 0.2 genome equivalents per reaction using L. braziliensis M2904 strain genomic DNA. The kDNA assay reliably detected all tested species of the L. (Viannia) subgenus, while the 18S assay showed pan-Leishmania detection capability. There was no cross-reactivity with other protozoan (Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum) and bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) pathogen DNA, nor with human DNA. When applied to 90 clinical samples (skin lesions) from the Cusco region of Peru and compared to kDNA real-time PCR, LAMP-CRISPR assays with a fluorescence readout achieved a sensitivity of 90.9% (95% CI: 80.1-97.0%) for kDNA and 72.7% (95% CI: 59.0-83.9%) for 18S rDNA, both with 100% (95% CI: 90-100%) specificity. Overall, lateral flow strip results agreed with fluorescence-based detection in 18 tested samples, with one discrepancy observed in the 18S assay associated with low parasite load.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These new proof-of-concept LAMP-CRISPR assays, combining high sensitivity, multiple Leishmania species detection capability, and a portable lateral flow readout, hold promise as next-generation molecular tools to improve leishmaniasis diagnosis and surveillance, supporting One Health strategies for disease control.
Additional Links: PMID-41686849
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41686849,
year = {2026},
author = {Dueñas, E and Tirado, I and Huaihua, P and Del Riego, AP and Cabrera-Sosa, L and Nakamoto, JA and Cruz, M and Restrepo, CM and Arévalo, J and Adaui, V},
title = {LAMP-coupled CRISPR-Cas12a assays: A promising new tool for molecular diagnosis of leishmaniasis.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0013456},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0013456},
pmid = {41686849},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tegumentary leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease endemic in the Americas. Its clinical management and control rely on early and accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment. PCR-based molecular diagnostics offer high sensitivity and specificity over microscopy or culture but are less accessible in low-resource settings. New molecular tools for detecting Leishmania infections are needed in rural endemic regions. A promising tool harnessing CRISPR-Cas technology enables highly specific and sensitive detection of nucleic acid targets, offering an exciting potential for portable molecular diagnostics. Previously, we developed CRISPR-Cas12a-based assays coupled to PCR preamplification for Leishmania detection. Here, we adapted our assays, which target the multicopy 18S rDNA and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircles, by replacing PCR with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
LAMP-coupled CRISPR assays were optimized for fluorescence-based and lateral flow readouts. The assays could detect as low as 0.2 genome equivalents per reaction using L. braziliensis M2904 strain genomic DNA. The kDNA assay reliably detected all tested species of the L. (Viannia) subgenus, while the 18S assay showed pan-Leishmania detection capability. There was no cross-reactivity with other protozoan (Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum) and bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) pathogen DNA, nor with human DNA. When applied to 90 clinical samples (skin lesions) from the Cusco region of Peru and compared to kDNA real-time PCR, LAMP-CRISPR assays with a fluorescence readout achieved a sensitivity of 90.9% (95% CI: 80.1-97.0%) for kDNA and 72.7% (95% CI: 59.0-83.9%) for 18S rDNA, both with 100% (95% CI: 90-100%) specificity. Overall, lateral flow strip results agreed with fluorescence-based detection in 18 tested samples, with one discrepancy observed in the 18S assay associated with low parasite load.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These new proof-of-concept LAMP-CRISPR assays, combining high sensitivity, multiple Leishmania species detection capability, and a portable lateral flow readout, hold promise as next-generation molecular tools to improve leishmaniasis diagnosis and surveillance, supporting One Health strategies for disease control.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
A VPS33B CRISPR knockout study: In vitro evidence of an adhesion defect.
PloS one, 21(2):e0343240.
VPS33B is a ubiquitously expressed regulator of vesicular membrane fusion and protein sorting involved in a broad range of cellular functions from organelle biogenesis to the establishment of apicobasal polarity. Loss-of-function mutations in VPS33B cause arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder with multi-organ involvement, including a characteristic proximal tubular dysfunction in the kidney. While VPS33B has been studied in several cell types, its role in proximal tubular epithelial cells remains poorly understood. To investigate its function, a proximal tubular cell line (RPTEC-TERT1) was CRISPR-edited to generate VPS33B knockout (KO) cells. These cells were characterised using brightfield imaging, immunostaining, RNA sequencing, and cell detachment assays, revealing a distinct 'peeling' phenotype and altered adhesion properties. Transcriptional profiling indicated changes in genes linked to cell adhesion. Together, these findings offer preliminary evidence that loss of VPS33B impairs cell-matrix attachment and reveal the first insights into the role of VPS33B within proximal tubular epithelial cells.
Additional Links: PMID-41686830
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41686830,
year = {2026},
author = {Caluianu, M and Owen, KA},
title = {A VPS33B CRISPR knockout study: In vitro evidence of an adhesion defect.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e0343240},
pmid = {41686830},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; *Cell Adhesion/genetics ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism ; Cell Line ; *Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism/cytology ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; },
abstract = {VPS33B is a ubiquitously expressed regulator of vesicular membrane fusion and protein sorting involved in a broad range of cellular functions from organelle biogenesis to the establishment of apicobasal polarity. Loss-of-function mutations in VPS33B cause arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder with multi-organ involvement, including a characteristic proximal tubular dysfunction in the kidney. While VPS33B has been studied in several cell types, its role in proximal tubular epithelial cells remains poorly understood. To investigate its function, a proximal tubular cell line (RPTEC-TERT1) was CRISPR-edited to generate VPS33B knockout (KO) cells. These cells were characterised using brightfield imaging, immunostaining, RNA sequencing, and cell detachment assays, revealing a distinct 'peeling' phenotype and altered adhesion properties. Transcriptional profiling indicated changes in genes linked to cell adhesion. Together, these findings offer preliminary evidence that loss of VPS33B impairs cell-matrix attachment and reveal the first insights into the role of VPS33B within proximal tubular epithelial cells.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Humans
*Cell Adhesion/genetics
Gene Knockout Techniques
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Epithelial Cells/metabolism
Cell Line
*Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism/cytology
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Recent Advancements in Development and Characterization of Phages Targeting Helicobacter pylori.
PHAGE (New Rochelle, N.Y.), 6(4):282-291.
Helicobacter pylori remains a significant global health concern, with rising antibiotic resistance posing challenges for conventional treatments. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and lyse bacterial cells, present a promising alternative therapeutic approach. This review explores the advancements in phage research related to H. pylori, including the isolation, genomic and proteomic characterization, and therapeutic potential of lytic and lysogenic phages. Novel isolation techniques have identified diverse phages from clinical and environmental sources, such as sewage and wastewater, revealing unique genetic and structural adaptations that enhance their effectiveness in targeting H. pylori. Genomic analysis has highlighted the role of prophages in H. pylori evolution, while proteomic studies have uncovered structural features that enable phages to survive the acidic gastric environment. High-throughput technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) systems, and microfluidic platforms, have revolutionized phage discovery and characterization. Furthermore, the potential for phage-antibiotic synergy offers new avenues for combating antibiotic resistance. Despite these advancements, challenges such as H. pylori's genetic diversity, its fastidious growth requirements, and the development of robust delivery mechanisms for gastric application persist. This review highlights the need for further research to optimize phage-based therapies as a viable alternative or adjunct to current treatments for H. pylori infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41685373
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41685373,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanafiah, A and Sukri, A and Asmawi, MA and Yusoff, H and Mohd Puzi, S and Neoh, HM and Lopes, BS},
title = {Recent Advancements in Development and Characterization of Phages Targeting Helicobacter pylori.},
journal = {PHAGE (New Rochelle, N.Y.)},
volume = {6},
number = {4},
pages = {282-291},
pmid = {41685373},
issn = {2641-6549},
abstract = {Helicobacter pylori remains a significant global health concern, with rising antibiotic resistance posing challenges for conventional treatments. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and lyse bacterial cells, present a promising alternative therapeutic approach. This review explores the advancements in phage research related to H. pylori, including the isolation, genomic and proteomic characterization, and therapeutic potential of lytic and lysogenic phages. Novel isolation techniques have identified diverse phages from clinical and environmental sources, such as sewage and wastewater, revealing unique genetic and structural adaptations that enhance their effectiveness in targeting H. pylori. Genomic analysis has highlighted the role of prophages in H. pylori evolution, while proteomic studies have uncovered structural features that enable phages to survive the acidic gastric environment. High-throughput technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) systems, and microfluidic platforms, have revolutionized phage discovery and characterization. Furthermore, the potential for phage-antibiotic synergy offers new avenues for combating antibiotic resistance. Despite these advancements, challenges such as H. pylori's genetic diversity, its fastidious growth requirements, and the development of robust delivery mechanisms for gastric application persist. This review highlights the need for further research to optimize phage-based therapies as a viable alternative or adjunct to current treatments for H. pylori infections.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility and Chemosensitivity to KRAS Modulation.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
KRAS is frequently amplified or overexpressed in ovarian cancer and represents a potential therapeutic target for overcoming chemoresistance. We employed complementary approaches-CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, Tet-ON inducible knockdown, polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpin (PPRH) oligonucleotides, and the pan-KRAS inhibitor BI2865-to investigate whether KRAS modulation enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in ovarian cancer models. CRISPR-mediated KRAS knockdown in SKOV-3 cells dramatically altered three-dimensional spheroid morphology, reducing the average area six-fold, and significantly enhanced sensitivity to both cisplatin and paclitaxel in 3D cultures, where paclitaxel resistance was completely reversed. The Tet-ON system demonstrated dose-dependent chemosensitization with optimal effects at intermediate KRAS knockdown levels (~50-60%). PPRH oligonucleotides at sub-cytotoxic concentrations (50 nM) reduced cisplatin and paclitaxel IC50 values by approximately 50% in 2D cultures. Pharmacological KRAS inhibition with BI2865 produced striking synergy with paclitaxel (several hundred-fold sensitizations in 2D; complete reversal of 3D resistance), and additive effects with cisplatin. In KRAS-amplified Kuramochi cells (representing high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma), BI2865 enhanced paclitaxel efficacy, despite greater baseline chemoresistance. These findings establish KRAS as a promising chemosensitization target in ovarian cancer, with particular potential for taxane-based combination therapies.
Additional Links: PMID-41683990
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@article {pmid41683990,
year = {2026},
author = {Psaras, AM and McKay, SJ and Vasquez Vilela, J and Ospina Sanchez, E and Cintrón, MG and Elder, KK and Brooks, TA},
title = {Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility and Chemosensitivity to KRAS Modulation.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683990},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology/metabolism ; *Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics/drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology ; Cisplatin/pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {KRAS is frequently amplified or overexpressed in ovarian cancer and represents a potential therapeutic target for overcoming chemoresistance. We employed complementary approaches-CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, Tet-ON inducible knockdown, polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpin (PPRH) oligonucleotides, and the pan-KRAS inhibitor BI2865-to investigate whether KRAS modulation enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in ovarian cancer models. CRISPR-mediated KRAS knockdown in SKOV-3 cells dramatically altered three-dimensional spheroid morphology, reducing the average area six-fold, and significantly enhanced sensitivity to both cisplatin and paclitaxel in 3D cultures, where paclitaxel resistance was completely reversed. The Tet-ON system demonstrated dose-dependent chemosensitization with optimal effects at intermediate KRAS knockdown levels (~50-60%). PPRH oligonucleotides at sub-cytotoxic concentrations (50 nM) reduced cisplatin and paclitaxel IC50 values by approximately 50% in 2D cultures. Pharmacological KRAS inhibition with BI2865 produced striking synergy with paclitaxel (several hundred-fold sensitizations in 2D; complete reversal of 3D resistance), and additive effects with cisplatin. In KRAS-amplified Kuramochi cells (representing high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma), BI2865 enhanced paclitaxel efficacy, despite greater baseline chemoresistance. These findings establish KRAS as a promising chemosensitization target in ovarian cancer, with particular potential for taxane-based combination therapies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Female
*Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
*Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology/metabolism
*Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics/drug effects
Cell Line, Tumor
Paclitaxel/pharmacology
Cisplatin/pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Targeted Gene Modification of HMGR Enhances Biosynthesis of Terpenoid and Phenylpropanoid Volatiles in Petunia and Lettuce.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
Terpenoids constitute the largest class of plant-specialized metabolites, playing essential roles throughout the plants' life cycle and having diverse applications for humans in nutrition, medicine, and flavor. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is a rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, producing sesquiterpenes, saponins, and other terpenoids. HMGR is post-translationally regulated by downstream MVA products through its N-terminal regulatory domain, limiting terpenoid production. To overcome this bottleneck, we employed a virus-based CRISPR/Cas9 system to genetically modify the N-terminal regulatory domain of HMGR in petunia (Petunia × hybrida) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In petunia, HMGR1-edited lines exhibited vigorous growth, larger flowers, and increased production of sesquiterpenes. Interestingly, they also showed enhanced production of phenylpropanoid volatiles, revealing a connection between these pathways. Transcript analysis revealed altered expression of genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and gibberellin- and auxin-related pathways, indicating enhanced carbon flux through these metabolic networks. In lettuce, HMGR7-edited plants displayed elevated emission of sesquiterpenes, apocarotenoids, and the phenylpropanoid benzaldehyde. Together, these results establish a transgene-free strategy to enhance the production of terpenoid and phenylpropanoid volatiles, and provide a framework for developing resilient, nutrient-enriched crops.
Additional Links: PMID-41683941
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41683941,
year = {2026},
author = {Skaliter, O and Gura, A and Livneh, Y and Cohen, R and Shklarman, E and Edelbaum, O and Masci, T and Vainstein, A},
title = {Targeted Gene Modification of HMGR Enhances Biosynthesis of Terpenoid and Phenylpropanoid Volatiles in Petunia and Lettuce.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683941},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {1368/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 20-01-0209//Office of the Chief Scientist/ ; },
mesh = {*Petunia/genetics/metabolism ; *Terpenes/metabolism ; *Lactuca/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Editing ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/metabolism ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Terpenoids constitute the largest class of plant-specialized metabolites, playing essential roles throughout the plants' life cycle and having diverse applications for humans in nutrition, medicine, and flavor. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is a rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, producing sesquiterpenes, saponins, and other terpenoids. HMGR is post-translationally regulated by downstream MVA products through its N-terminal regulatory domain, limiting terpenoid production. To overcome this bottleneck, we employed a virus-based CRISPR/Cas9 system to genetically modify the N-terminal regulatory domain of HMGR in petunia (Petunia × hybrida) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In petunia, HMGR1-edited lines exhibited vigorous growth, larger flowers, and increased production of sesquiterpenes. Interestingly, they also showed enhanced production of phenylpropanoid volatiles, revealing a connection between these pathways. Transcript analysis revealed altered expression of genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and gibberellin- and auxin-related pathways, indicating enhanced carbon flux through these metabolic networks. In lettuce, HMGR7-edited plants displayed elevated emission of sesquiterpenes, apocarotenoids, and the phenylpropanoid benzaldehyde. Together, these results establish a transgene-free strategy to enhance the production of terpenoid and phenylpropanoid volatiles, and provide a framework for developing resilient, nutrient-enriched crops.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Petunia/genetics/metabolism
*Terpenes/metabolism
*Lactuca/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Editing
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/metabolism
*Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
From Bench to Bedside: Ethical and Clinical Best Practices for Genome Editing Applications.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
Genome editing (GE) has transformed medicine by allowing precise changes to DNA, offering potential treatments for a range of inherited and acquired disorders. Several technologies support these advances, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based systems, of which the latter has emerged as the most accessible, versatile, and popular. While GE holds great promise, its clinical use requires careful attention to safety, ethics and regulatory standards. Inadvertent on- and off-target DNA alterations and unintended modification of non-target cells pose major technical challenges, while bioethical considerations and the need for harmonized safety standards create regulatory challenges. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), as regulatory agencies for key advanced therapy markets, provide detailed guidance on these aspects, emphasizing rigorous preclinical testing, patient monitoring, ethical consent, and compliance with legal frameworks. This concise review summarizes what is currently published in the scientific literature and recommended by regulatory agencies, providing an overview of the responsible clinical application of GE, with emphasis on patient safety, adherence to regulatory guidance, and ethical practice.
Additional Links: PMID-41683905
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@article {pmid41683905,
year = {2026},
author = {Ortiz-Bueno, M and Zinghirino, F and Serra, PP and Paschoudi, K and Montoliu, L and Atilla, E and Luo, Y and Cavazza, A and Lederer, CW and Benabdellah, K},
title = {From Bench to Bedside: Ethical and Clinical Best Practices for Genome Editing Applications.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683905},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {CA21113//COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)./ ; ProyExcel_00875//Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/ethics/legislation & jurisprudence/methods ; *Genetic Therapy/ethics/methods ; Animals ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Translational Research, Biomedical/ethics ; },
abstract = {Genome editing (GE) has transformed medicine by allowing precise changes to DNA, offering potential treatments for a range of inherited and acquired disorders. Several technologies support these advances, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based systems, of which the latter has emerged as the most accessible, versatile, and popular. While GE holds great promise, its clinical use requires careful attention to safety, ethics and regulatory standards. Inadvertent on- and off-target DNA alterations and unintended modification of non-target cells pose major technical challenges, while bioethical considerations and the need for harmonized safety standards create regulatory challenges. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), as regulatory agencies for key advanced therapy markets, provide detailed guidance on these aspects, emphasizing rigorous preclinical testing, patient monitoring, ethical consent, and compliance with legal frameworks. This concise review summarizes what is currently published in the scientific literature and recommended by regulatory agencies, providing an overview of the responsible clinical application of GE, with emphasis on patient safety, adherence to regulatory guidance, and ethical practice.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Gene Editing/ethics/legislation & jurisprudence/methods
*Genetic Therapy/ethics/methods
Animals
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Translational Research, Biomedical/ethics
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
A Recombinant Targeted Bionanoparticle In Vitro Expressing a Gene-Editing Protein for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutant Lung Cancer.
ACS nano, 20(6):4920-4941.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is a significant driving factor in the occurrence and progression of lung cancer. How to effectively block the abnormal expression of EGFR remains a key issue that urgently needs to be addressed, as it is of vital importance for the effective treatment of this cancer. Here, we report a recombinant targeted bionanoparticle that in vitro expresses Cas9 protein (tBioNP vitro-Cas9) for gene editing of EGFR mutant lung cancer. The nanoparticle was developed by transfection of four plasmids (Gag-Cas9, Gag, sgRNA, VSV-G Azi) into 293T cells to form a type of bionanoparticle and modifying it with a targeted polymer material (DBCO-PEG-FA), and it showed a cancer-targeted property, faster cancer cellular uptake, higher gene editing efficiency with lower off-target effects, and therapy efficacy in mice, indicating a translational prospect. In conclusion, the study provides a recombinant bionanoparticle in vitro expressing a Cas9 gene editing system and offers a potential strategy for gene therapy of EGFR mutant lung cancer.
Additional Links: PMID-41645678
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41645678,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Y and Xu, J and Luo, Q and Li, P and Jiang, M and Cheng, Y and Zhang, H and Wei, D and Bai, W and Liu, S and Wang, G and Xie, Y and Li, J and Lu, W},
title = {A Recombinant Targeted Bionanoparticle In Vitro Expressing a Gene-Editing Protein for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutant Lung Cancer.},
journal = {ACS nano},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {4920-4941},
doi = {10.1021/acsnano.5c17709},
pmid = {41645678},
issn = {1936-086X},
mesh = {*Lung Neoplasms/genetics/therapy/pathology ; *ErbB Receptors/genetics ; Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Animals ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Mice ; Mutation ; HEK293 Cells ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics ; Mice, Nude ; },
abstract = {Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is a significant driving factor in the occurrence and progression of lung cancer. How to effectively block the abnormal expression of EGFR remains a key issue that urgently needs to be addressed, as it is of vital importance for the effective treatment of this cancer. Here, we report a recombinant targeted bionanoparticle that in vitro expresses Cas9 protein (tBioNP vitro-Cas9) for gene editing of EGFR mutant lung cancer. The nanoparticle was developed by transfection of four plasmids (Gag-Cas9, Gag, sgRNA, VSV-G Azi) into 293T cells to form a type of bionanoparticle and modifying it with a targeted polymer material (DBCO-PEG-FA), and it showed a cancer-targeted property, faster cancer cellular uptake, higher gene editing efficiency with lower off-target effects, and therapy efficacy in mice, indicating a translational prospect. In conclusion, the study provides a recombinant bionanoparticle in vitro expressing a Cas9 gene editing system and offers a potential strategy for gene therapy of EGFR mutant lung cancer.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Lung Neoplasms/genetics/therapy/pathology
*ErbB Receptors/genetics
Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
Animals
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Mice
Mutation
HEK293 Cells
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Cell Line, Tumor
Recombinant Proteins/genetics
Mice, Nude
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
CRISPR/Cas13a-Engineered RNA-Based Fluorogenic Biosensor for Label-Free Quantification of RNA in Colorectal Tissues.
Analytical chemistry, 98(6):5076-5084.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to represent a serious threat to global health, and its diagnosis faces significant challenges, especially in the early phases of malignant tumors. Herein, we demonstrate that BRD2 RNA can serve as a potent noninvasive CRC biomarker and construct a CRISPR/Cas13a-engineered RNA-based fluorogenic biosensor for label-free detection of BRD2 RNA in colorectal tissues. In this assay, the specific recognition of BRD2 RNA by the substrate probe activates Cas13a/crRNA, leading to the trans-cleavage of the substrate probe and the generation of the T7 promoter sequence. The resulting T7 promoter subsequently induces efficient transcription amplification to synthesize abundant Pepper RNA aptamers that can light up HBC620. Leveraging the synergistic advantages of Cas13a precision, efficient transcription amplification, and superior signal-to-noise ratio of RNA aptamer-fluorophore complex, this fluorogenic biosensor enables sensitive detection of BRD2 RNA down to 0.39 fM and accurate quantification of its expression at the single-cell level. In addition, this fluorogenic biosensor can successfully distinguish CRC patient tissues from adjacent normal tissues based on distinct BRD2 RNA expression profiles. Importantly, the programmability of crRNA makes this fluorogenic biosensor readily adapted for detecting a broad range of RNA targets (e.g., noncoding RNAs and viral RNAs) by simply modifying the spacer sequence of crRNA, providing a new paradigm for early clinical diagnostics.
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41640077,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, YC and Liu, WJ and Li, CC and Zhang, D and Ma, F and Zhang, CY},
title = {CRISPR/Cas13a-Engineered RNA-Based Fluorogenic Biosensor for Label-Free Quantification of RNA in Colorectal Tissues.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {98},
number = {6},
pages = {5076-5084},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.5c07694},
pmid = {41640077},
issn = {1520-6882},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry ; *RNA/analysis/genetics ; Aptamers, Nucleotide/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to represent a serious threat to global health, and its diagnosis faces significant challenges, especially in the early phases of malignant tumors. Herein, we demonstrate that BRD2 RNA can serve as a potent noninvasive CRC biomarker and construct a CRISPR/Cas13a-engineered RNA-based fluorogenic biosensor for label-free detection of BRD2 RNA in colorectal tissues. In this assay, the specific recognition of BRD2 RNA by the substrate probe activates Cas13a/crRNA, leading to the trans-cleavage of the substrate probe and the generation of the T7 promoter sequence. The resulting T7 promoter subsequently induces efficient transcription amplification to synthesize abundant Pepper RNA aptamers that can light up HBC620. Leveraging the synergistic advantages of Cas13a precision, efficient transcription amplification, and superior signal-to-noise ratio of RNA aptamer-fluorophore complex, this fluorogenic biosensor enables sensitive detection of BRD2 RNA down to 0.39 fM and accurate quantification of its expression at the single-cell level. In addition, this fluorogenic biosensor can successfully distinguish CRC patient tissues from adjacent normal tissues based on distinct BRD2 RNA expression profiles. Importantly, the programmability of crRNA makes this fluorogenic biosensor readily adapted for detecting a broad range of RNA targets (e.g., noncoding RNAs and viral RNAs) by simply modifying the spacer sequence of crRNA, providing a new paradigm for early clinical diagnostics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry
*RNA/analysis/genetics
Aptamers, Nucleotide/genetics/chemistry
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
A CRISPR Switch Integrated with Strand Displacement Amplification for Binary Channel Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Gene Fragments and Infectious Diagnosis.
Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids, 42(6):5070-5078.
The development of sensitive, accurate, and multimodal approaches for the detection of viral gene fragments and the diagnosis of infections is essential for effective pandemic management across various contexts. This study introduces a CRISPR switch integrated with strand displacement amplification (SDA) for the binary channel detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments and the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. In the conventional channel, a specific single gene fragment can directly facilitate the formation of a three-way junction, thereby initiating the SDA process and resulting in the production of a substantial amount of single-stranded DNA. In the logical channel, two gene fragments can first induce the release of a substitute, which subsequently leads to the formation of the three-way junction and the ensuing SDA process. The single-stranded SDA product acts as the target sequence that activates the CRISPR switch, which performs reporter cleavage functions, thereby generating enhanced and detectable fluorescence signals. This method achieves sensitive and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, with limits of detection (LODs) of 1.0 aM for the ORF1ab gene and 0.9 aM for the N gene in the conventional channel and 3.7 aM for simultaneous detection of both ORF1ab and N in the logical channel. Furthermore, accurate detection of these gene fragments in real samples obtained from patients exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms was successfully conducted, along with the corresponding diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Consequently, this method represents a novel binary channel approach for viral gene detection and holds significant promise for clinical diagnosis and potential future epidemic control.
Additional Links: PMID-41634962
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41634962,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, W and Duan, M and Sun, S and Li, J and Wang, M and Zhao, H},
title = {A CRISPR Switch Integrated with Strand Displacement Amplification for Binary Channel Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Gene Fragments and Infectious Diagnosis.},
journal = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {5070-5078},
doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c06262},
pmid = {41634962},
issn = {1520-5827},
mesh = {*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification ; Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/virology ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; },
abstract = {The development of sensitive, accurate, and multimodal approaches for the detection of viral gene fragments and the diagnosis of infections is essential for effective pandemic management across various contexts. This study introduces a CRISPR switch integrated with strand displacement amplification (SDA) for the binary channel detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments and the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. In the conventional channel, a specific single gene fragment can directly facilitate the formation of a three-way junction, thereby initiating the SDA process and resulting in the production of a substantial amount of single-stranded DNA. In the logical channel, two gene fragments can first induce the release of a substitute, which subsequently leads to the formation of the three-way junction and the ensuing SDA process. The single-stranded SDA product acts as the target sequence that activates the CRISPR switch, which performs reporter cleavage functions, thereby generating enhanced and detectable fluorescence signals. This method achieves sensitive and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, with limits of detection (LODs) of 1.0 aM for the ORF1ab gene and 0.9 aM for the N gene in the conventional channel and 3.7 aM for simultaneous detection of both ORF1ab and N in the logical channel. Furthermore, accurate detection of these gene fragments in real samples obtained from patients exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms was successfully conducted, along with the corresponding diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Consequently, this method represents a novel binary channel approach for viral gene detection and holds significant promise for clinical diagnosis and potential future epidemic control.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification
Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/virology
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Multicolor Amplification-Free RNA Detection with Cas13a and Cas13b.
Analytical chemistry, 98(6):4705-4714.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recurring outbreaks of infectious diseases underscore the urgent demand for multiplex diagnostics capable of rapid and accurate pathogen identification. Although multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are widely used for diagnosing diverse infectious diseases, their inherent amplification bias and long turnaround times highlight the demand for faster and reliable alternatives. Here, we present multicolor SATORI (mSATORI), an amplification-free single-molecule genetic test that leverages the complementary activities of CRISPR-Cas13a and Cas13b to achieve simultaneous detection of dual RNA targets. mSATORI identified Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 RNAs within ∼10 min, with analytical limits of detection (LoD) of 86 aM and 52 aM, respectively. Validation using clinical specimens demonstrated robust diagnostic performance, achieving femtomolar limits of detection (550 aM for Influenza A and 640 aM for SARS-CoV-2), along with sensitivities exceeding 80% and specificities of 100%. Collectively, these results establish mSATORI as a platform for next-generation molecular diagnostics, with broad implications for clinical implementation, outbreak preparedness, and global infectious disease surveillance.
Additional Links: PMID-41632863
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41632863,
year = {2026},
author = {Shinoda, H and Makino, A and Yoshimura, M and Minagawa, N and Iida, T and Nakano, M and Noda, T and Toyoda, M and Watanabe, R},
title = {Multicolor Amplification-Free RNA Detection with Cas13a and Cas13b.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {98},
number = {6},
pages = {4705-4714},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06305},
pmid = {41632863},
issn = {1520-6882},
mesh = {*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification ; Humans ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *RNA, Viral/analysis/genetics ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; Influenza A virus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Limit of Detection ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Influenza, Human/diagnosis ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and recurring outbreaks of infectious diseases underscore the urgent demand for multiplex diagnostics capable of rapid and accurate pathogen identification. Although multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are widely used for diagnosing diverse infectious diseases, their inherent amplification bias and long turnaround times highlight the demand for faster and reliable alternatives. Here, we present multicolor SATORI (mSATORI), an amplification-free single-molecule genetic test that leverages the complementary activities of CRISPR-Cas13a and Cas13b to achieve simultaneous detection of dual RNA targets. mSATORI identified Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 RNAs within ∼10 min, with analytical limits of detection (LoD) of 86 aM and 52 aM, respectively. Validation using clinical specimens demonstrated robust diagnostic performance, achieving femtomolar limits of detection (550 aM for Influenza A and 640 aM for SARS-CoV-2), along with sensitivities exceeding 80% and specificities of 100%. Collectively, these results establish mSATORI as a platform for next-generation molecular diagnostics, with broad implications for clinical implementation, outbreak preparedness, and global infectious disease surveillance.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification
Humans
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*RNA, Viral/analysis/genetics
*COVID-19/diagnosis
Influenza A virus/genetics/isolation & purification
Limit of Detection
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Influenza, Human/diagnosis
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Impacts of DNA Supercoiling on the Sequence-Dependent Nuclease Activity of CRISPR-Cas9 with Truncated Guides.
Biochemistry, 65(4):371-384.
CRISPR-Cas9 is natively present in the adaptive immune systems of a multitude of bacteria and has been adapted as an effective genome engineering tool. The Cas9 effector enzyme, which is composed of a single Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA), identifies and cleaves double-stranded DNA targets through a series of conformational changes that require DNA distortion and unwinding. While most studies of Cas9 specificity have focused on the DNA sequence, the role of intrinsic DNA physical properties ("DNA shape") in modulating Cas9 activity remains insufficiently defined. We previously showed that with a 16-nucleotide (-nt) truncated guide, the intrinsic DNA duplex dissociation energy at the PAM+(17-20) segment beyond the RNA-DNA hybrid tunes Cas9 cleavage rates of linear substrates. Here, we examined the impact of DNA supercoiling on Cas9 cleavage with the 16-nt truncated guide. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that PAM+(17-20) DNA sequences beyond the RNA/DNA hybrid preserve their effects on Cas9 cleavage in the supercoiled state. Furthermore, combining a novel asymmetric hairpin construct with a parallel-sequential kinetics model, rates for first-step nicking and second-step cleavage by Cas9 were obtained for both supercoiled and linear substrates. With both topologies, it was found that first-step nicking is clearly impacted by PAM+(17-20) DNA sequences, and the effects can be correlated with DNA unwinding, which dictates R-loop dynamics. This work expands our understanding of DNA target recognition by Cas9, and the methods developed, in particular those for analyzing the progression of Cas9-induced nicks, will aid in further in-depth mechanistic investigation.
Additional Links: PMID-41626798
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41626798,
year = {2026},
author = {Schuster, I and Shlipak, KK and Qin, PZ},
title = {Impacts of DNA Supercoiling on the Sequence-Dependent Nuclease Activity of CRISPR-Cas9 with Truncated Guides.},
journal = {Biochemistry},
volume = {65},
number = {4},
pages = {371-384},
pmid = {41626798},
issn = {1520-4995},
support = {R35 GM145341/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/chemistry/metabolism ; *DNA, Superhelical/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Kinetics ; DNA Cleavage ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; Base Sequence ; DNA/chemistry/metabolism ; Gene Editing ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas9 is natively present in the adaptive immune systems of a multitude of bacteria and has been adapted as an effective genome engineering tool. The Cas9 effector enzyme, which is composed of a single Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA), identifies and cleaves double-stranded DNA targets through a series of conformational changes that require DNA distortion and unwinding. While most studies of Cas9 specificity have focused on the DNA sequence, the role of intrinsic DNA physical properties ("DNA shape") in modulating Cas9 activity remains insufficiently defined. We previously showed that with a 16-nucleotide (-nt) truncated guide, the intrinsic DNA duplex dissociation energy at the PAM+(17-20) segment beyond the RNA-DNA hybrid tunes Cas9 cleavage rates of linear substrates. Here, we examined the impact of DNA supercoiling on Cas9 cleavage with the 16-nt truncated guide. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that PAM+(17-20) DNA sequences beyond the RNA/DNA hybrid preserve their effects on Cas9 cleavage in the supercoiled state. Furthermore, combining a novel asymmetric hairpin construct with a parallel-sequential kinetics model, rates for first-step nicking and second-step cleavage by Cas9 were obtained for both supercoiled and linear substrates. With both topologies, it was found that first-step nicking is clearly impacted by PAM+(17-20) DNA sequences, and the effects can be correlated with DNA unwinding, which dictates R-loop dynamics. This work expands our understanding of DNA target recognition by Cas9, and the methods developed, in particular those for analyzing the progression of Cas9-induced nicks, will aid in further in-depth mechanistic investigation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/chemistry/metabolism
*DNA, Superhelical/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Kinetics
DNA Cleavage
Nucleic Acid Conformation
Base Sequence
DNA/chemistry/metabolism
Gene Editing
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
An allosteric key strand controlled adaptable CRISPR/Cas12a biosensing platform for point-of-care testing of multiple types of targets.
Lab on a chip, 26(4):917-929.
Currently, the CRISPR/Cas12a based sensor has become a powerful tool for gene editing and molecular diagnostics. However, most CRISPR/Cas12a sensors are primarily limited to the detection of a single target type, due to their strict dependence on the specific recognition of the PAM sequence within a precisely designed double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and crRNA for cleavage activity regulation. Herein, we designed an allosteric key strand (KS) controlled CRISPR/Cas12a biosensor via toehold-based strand displacement reaction (TSDR). By simply reconfiguring KS into different conformations with functional nucleic acid structures, this sensor could selectively respond to various target molecules from nucleic acids to non-nucleic acid molecules without changing the sequence of crRNA and targeted PAM-dsDNA. The trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a could be triggered through leveraging proximity-based TSDR in response to target binding. The proposed sensor achieved sensitive and specific detection of various targets, including nucleic acids (HPV-16), small molecules (kanamycin), and enzymes (uracil-DNA glycosylase). Furthermore, by integrating lateral flow assay technology, this CRISPR/Cas12a-based system enabled point-of-care testing (POCT) for the detection of multiple target types. This approach can overcome the sequence-specific limitations, thereby improving the versatility of CRISPR/Cas12a sensors for extending more target types detection. We anticipate this innovative technology will serve as a flexible and accessible sensing platform, facilitating rapid diagnosis in the field of POCT and enabling its broader application across diverse biotechnological domains.
Additional Links: PMID-41603277
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41603277,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Shao, T and Cao, XJ and Wang, YX and Kong, DM},
title = {An allosteric key strand controlled adaptable CRISPR/Cas12a biosensing platform for point-of-care testing of multiple types of targets.},
journal = {Lab on a chip},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {917-929},
doi = {10.1039/d5lc01029b},
pmid = {41603277},
issn = {1473-0189},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Point-of-Care Testing ; DNA/genetics/chemistry/analysis ; Humans ; Allosteric Regulation ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {Currently, the CRISPR/Cas12a based sensor has become a powerful tool for gene editing and molecular diagnostics. However, most CRISPR/Cas12a sensors are primarily limited to the detection of a single target type, due to their strict dependence on the specific recognition of the PAM sequence within a precisely designed double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and crRNA for cleavage activity regulation. Herein, we designed an allosteric key strand (KS) controlled CRISPR/Cas12a biosensor via toehold-based strand displacement reaction (TSDR). By simply reconfiguring KS into different conformations with functional nucleic acid structures, this sensor could selectively respond to various target molecules from nucleic acids to non-nucleic acid molecules without changing the sequence of crRNA and targeted PAM-dsDNA. The trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a could be triggered through leveraging proximity-based TSDR in response to target binding. The proposed sensor achieved sensitive and specific detection of various targets, including nucleic acids (HPV-16), small molecules (kanamycin), and enzymes (uracil-DNA glycosylase). Furthermore, by integrating lateral flow assay technology, this CRISPR/Cas12a-based system enabled point-of-care testing (POCT) for the detection of multiple target types. This approach can overcome the sequence-specific limitations, thereby improving the versatility of CRISPR/Cas12a sensors for extending more target types detection. We anticipate this innovative technology will serve as a flexible and accessible sensing platform, facilitating rapid diagnosis in the field of POCT and enabling its broader application across diverse biotechnological domains.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Point-of-Care Testing
DNA/genetics/chemistry/analysis
Humans
Allosteric Regulation
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen reveals novel positive regulators of FTY720 sensitivity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
BMC research notes, 19(1):75.
OBJECTIVE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood cancer. Fingolimod (FTY720) is a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist that prevents lymphocytes from egressing from lymphoid tissues and has shown a cytotoxic effect on T-cell ALL (T-ALL) cells. However, the mechanism of action of FTY720 cytotoxicity in hematological malignancies is still unclear, and cell-specific effects have been reported. Here, we investigated the mechanism of cytotoxicity of FTY720 in T-ALL cells using a CRISPR-Cas9 genomic screening. Our goal was to identify novel positive regulators for the cytotoxic effect of FTY720 in T-ALL.
RESULTS: Cells treated with FTY720 were enriched for single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) such as ZNF575, GPX3, FBXL15, DNAJB5, UBE2D1, ATXN7, C6orf201, RIC8A, RAB13, and C10orf12 when compared to the DMSO (vehicle control) samples. Altogether, our study identified novel genes that, when silenced, were positively correlated with the survival of T-ALL cells treated with FTY720.
Additional Links: PMID-41578398
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41578398,
year = {2026},
author = {Ferreira de Vasconcellos, J and Friedman, L and Satapathy, I and Cubbage, N and Palmer, J and Majumder, S and Kono, M},
title = {A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen reveals novel positive regulators of FTY720 sensitivity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.},
journal = {BMC research notes},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {75},
pmid = {41578398},
issn = {1756-0500},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fingolimod Hydrochloride/pharmacology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics/drug therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood cancer. Fingolimod (FTY720) is a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist that prevents lymphocytes from egressing from lymphoid tissues and has shown a cytotoxic effect on T-cell ALL (T-ALL) cells. However, the mechanism of action of FTY720 cytotoxicity in hematological malignancies is still unclear, and cell-specific effects have been reported. Here, we investigated the mechanism of cytotoxicity of FTY720 in T-ALL cells using a CRISPR-Cas9 genomic screening. Our goal was to identify novel positive regulators for the cytotoxic effect of FTY720 in T-ALL.
RESULTS: Cells treated with FTY720 were enriched for single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) such as ZNF575, GPX3, FBXL15, DNAJB5, UBE2D1, ATXN7, C6orf201, RIC8A, RAB13, and C10orf12 when compared to the DMSO (vehicle control) samples. Altogether, our study identified novel genes that, when silenced, were positively correlated with the survival of T-ALL cells treated with FTY720.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Fingolimod Hydrochloride/pharmacology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics/drug therapy
Cell Line, Tumor
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Generation of an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell line with a mutant propionyl-CoA carboxylase α subunit.
Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 21(1):61.
BACKGROUND: Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by defects in propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), a mitochondrial enzyme composed of six alpha (PCCA) and six beta (PCCB) subunits. Mutations in PCCA/PCCB genes disrupt PCC function, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation and clinical manifestations. Current research is limited by inadequate patient-derived cellular models and ethical constraints in sample acquisition.
METHOD: Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we established an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line carrying the PCCA c.2002G> A mutation. The mutant iPSCs were further subjected to directed cardiac differentiation. Characteristic metabolites in the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) culture medium were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics, and contractile function was assessed by video-based motion analysis under propionate challenge.
RESULTS: The mutant iPSCs showed sustained expression of pluripotency markers (OCT4, NANOG, SOX-2), maintained normal karyotype (46, XY), and retained trilineage differentiation capacity. Functional characterization demonstrated significantly reduced PCC enzyme activity, accurately modeling PA metabolic pathology. Furthermore, the mutant iPSCs successfully differentiated into cardiomyocytes and exhibited a PA-specific metabolic profile, including significantly elevated propionylcarnitine levels. Upon propionate treatment (2.5 mM), the contractile function of mutant iPSC-CMs was significantly impaired, whereas wild-type iPSC-CMs showed the opposite response with enhanced contraction.
CONCLUSIONS: This isogenic iPSC line provides an ethically unconstrained platform to investigate PA molecular mechanisms and genotype-phenotype relationships. The model enables systematic drug screening and therapeutic development while overcoming patient sample limitations.
Additional Links: PMID-41578383
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41578383,
year = {2026},
author = {Tao, T and Lin, L and Tang, Y and Liu, Z and Liu, Y and Xie, Y and Hu, X and Wang, J and Wang, T and Zhang, GF and Wang, Y and Zhu, S},
title = {Generation of an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell line with a mutant propionyl-CoA carboxylase α subunit.},
journal = {Orphanet journal of rare diseases},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {61},
pmid = {41578383},
issn = {1750-1172},
mesh = {Humans ; *Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; *Methylmalonyl-CoA Decarboxylase/genetics/metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Propionic Acidemia/genetics ; Mutation/genetics ; Cell Line ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Editing ; Propionyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by defects in propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), a mitochondrial enzyme composed of six alpha (PCCA) and six beta (PCCB) subunits. Mutations in PCCA/PCCB genes disrupt PCC function, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation and clinical manifestations. Current research is limited by inadequate patient-derived cellular models and ethical constraints in sample acquisition.
METHOD: Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we established an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line carrying the PCCA c.2002G> A mutation. The mutant iPSCs were further subjected to directed cardiac differentiation. Characteristic metabolites in the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) culture medium were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics, and contractile function was assessed by video-based motion analysis under propionate challenge.
RESULTS: The mutant iPSCs showed sustained expression of pluripotency markers (OCT4, NANOG, SOX-2), maintained normal karyotype (46, XY), and retained trilineage differentiation capacity. Functional characterization demonstrated significantly reduced PCC enzyme activity, accurately modeling PA metabolic pathology. Furthermore, the mutant iPSCs successfully differentiated into cardiomyocytes and exhibited a PA-specific metabolic profile, including significantly elevated propionylcarnitine levels. Upon propionate treatment (2.5 mM), the contractile function of mutant iPSC-CMs was significantly impaired, whereas wild-type iPSC-CMs showed the opposite response with enhanced contraction.
CONCLUSIONS: This isogenic iPSC line provides an ethically unconstrained platform to investigate PA molecular mechanisms and genotype-phenotype relationships. The model enables systematic drug screening and therapeutic development while overcoming patient sample limitations.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
*Methylmalonyl-CoA Decarboxylase/genetics/metabolism
Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
Cell Differentiation
Propionic Acidemia/genetics
Mutation/genetics
Cell Line
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Editing
Propionyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
In vivo CRISPR screening identifies SAGA complex members as key regulators of hematopoiesis.
Nature communications, 17(1):1756.
The biological mechanisms that sustain the vast blood production required for healthy life remain incompletely understood. To search for cell intrinsic regulators of hematopoiesis, we perform a genome-wide in vivo hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC)-based CRISPR knockout screen. We discover SAGA complex members, including Tada2b and Taf5l, as key regulators of hematopoiesis. Loss of Tada2b or Taf5l strongly inhibits hematopoiesis in vivo, causing a buildup of immature hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. The SAGA complex deposits histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) and removes histone H2B ubiquitination (H2Bub). Loss of Tada2b leads to a reduction in H3K9ac levels and altered H2Bub enrichment in HSPCs, implicating disruption of SAGA complex activity. This is associated with upregulation of interferon pathway genes, reduced mitochondrial activity, and increased megakaryocyte progenitor cell commitment. Loss of these factors also enhances the cell outgrowth and the interferon pathway in an in vivo human myelodysplastic syndrome cell line model. In summary, this study identifies the SAGA complex as an important regulator of hematopoiesis.
Additional Links: PMID-41577693
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41577693,
year = {2026},
author = {Shankar, A and Olender, L and Hsu, I and Miyauchi, M and Pálovics, R and Meaker, GA and Kaito, S and Rizq, O and Khoo, HM and Bozhilov, Y and Igarashi, KJ and Bhadury, J and Munson, C and Mack, PK and Tan, TK and Rehwinkel, J and Iwama, A and Wyss-Coray, T and Nakauchi, H and Haney, MS and Wilkinson, AC},
title = {In vivo CRISPR screening identifies SAGA complex members as key regulators of hematopoiesis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1756},
pmid = {41577693},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {KKL1378//Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund (KKLF)/ ; 302479Z23Z//Wellcome Trust (Wellcome)/ ; K99HL150218//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; 3385-19//Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)/ ; RG-202211-02958//European Hematology Association (EHA)/ ; },
mesh = {*Hematopoiesis/genetics ; Humans ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; Animals ; Mice ; Histones/metabolism ; Acetylation ; Ubiquitination ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {The biological mechanisms that sustain the vast blood production required for healthy life remain incompletely understood. To search for cell intrinsic regulators of hematopoiesis, we perform a genome-wide in vivo hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC)-based CRISPR knockout screen. We discover SAGA complex members, including Tada2b and Taf5l, as key regulators of hematopoiesis. Loss of Tada2b or Taf5l strongly inhibits hematopoiesis in vivo, causing a buildup of immature hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. The SAGA complex deposits histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) and removes histone H2B ubiquitination (H2Bub). Loss of Tada2b leads to a reduction in H3K9ac levels and altered H2Bub enrichment in HSPCs, implicating disruption of SAGA complex activity. This is associated with upregulation of interferon pathway genes, reduced mitochondrial activity, and increased megakaryocyte progenitor cell commitment. Loss of these factors also enhances the cell outgrowth and the interferon pathway in an in vivo human myelodysplastic syndrome cell line model. In summary, this study identifies the SAGA complex as an important regulator of hematopoiesis.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Hematopoiesis/genetics
Humans
Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
Animals
Mice
Histones/metabolism
Acetylation
Ubiquitination
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Mice, Inbred C57BL
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Comprehensive assessment of activity, specificity, and safety of hypercompact TnpB systems for gene editing.
Genome biology, 27(1):39.
BACKGROUND: As the ancestor of CRISPR-Cas12 nucleases, TnpB represents the most compact gene editing tool currently available. Recent studies have identified multiple TnpB systems with gene editing activity in mammalian cells, and the potential of TnpB in treating diseases has been demonstrated in animal models. However, the editing characteristics of various TnpB systems, comparable to CRISPR tools, require more extensive investigation.
RESULTS: Using a standardized evaluation framework, we conduct a thorough analysis of the editing properties of four TnpB variants alongside representative Cas12 and Cas9 tools applications. Overall, TnpBs exhibit intermediate editing activity and safety profiles among all tested systems, with ISYmu1 TnpB demonstrating a good performance in both editing activity and specificity. Considering its compact size, potent editing efficiency and high specificity, ISYmu1 TnpB represents a promising candidate for gene therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: By comprehensively analyzing genome editing outcomes, we characterize TnpB systems for genome editing and identify ISYmu1 TnpB as an optimal miniature RNA-guided genome editors with balanced performance, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41566394
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41566394,
year = {2026},
author = {Xin, C and Xiang, G and Cao, S and Wang, Y and Yuan, S and Liu, X and Huo, Y and Sun, J and Wan, X and Liu, D and Hong, J and Hu, J and Wang, H},
title = {Comprehensive assessment of activity, specificity, and safety of hypercompact TnpB systems for gene editing.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {41566394},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {24YF2703900//the "Rising-Star Program" of "Shanghai 2024 Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan/ ; 32101204//NSFC grant/ ; 31771485//NSFC grant/ ; 202423110050063//Science and Technology Major Project of Anhui Province/ ; 2024YFA0917301//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2022YFC3400201//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023ZD04074//Biological Breeding-Major Projects of the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China/ ; 2022FH122//Program of Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Animals ; Genetic Therapy ; HEK293 Cells ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As the ancestor of CRISPR-Cas12 nucleases, TnpB represents the most compact gene editing tool currently available. Recent studies have identified multiple TnpB systems with gene editing activity in mammalian cells, and the potential of TnpB in treating diseases has been demonstrated in animal models. However, the editing characteristics of various TnpB systems, comparable to CRISPR tools, require more extensive investigation.
RESULTS: Using a standardized evaluation framework, we conduct a thorough analysis of the editing properties of four TnpB variants alongside representative Cas12 and Cas9 tools applications. Overall, TnpBs exhibit intermediate editing activity and safety profiles among all tested systems, with ISYmu1 TnpB demonstrating a good performance in both editing activity and specificity. Considering its compact size, potent editing efficiency and high specificity, ISYmu1 TnpB represents a promising candidate for gene therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: By comprehensively analyzing genome editing outcomes, we characterize TnpB systems for genome editing and identify ISYmu1 TnpB as an optimal miniature RNA-guided genome editors with balanced performance, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Animals
Genetic Therapy
HEK293 Cells
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Af-CUT&Tag: a sensitive and antibody-free chromatin profiling method using genetically encoded tags and high-affinity binders fused to Tn5.
Nature communications, 17(1):1746.
Conventional chromatin profiling techniques are often limited by antibody availability and performance. Here, we introduce Af-CUT&Tag, a target antibody-free method that overcomes these limitations by using CRISPR-integrated peptide tags (HiBiT/ALFA-tag) recognized by engineered binders (LgBiT/NbALFA) fused to a Tn5 transposase. Af-CUT&Tag eliminates dependence on traditional target antibodies, achieving robust specificity and sensitivity with as few as 500 cells. It provides high-quality chromatin profiles, with improved signal-to-noise ratios and library quality compared with conventional antibody-based counterparts, while also enabling single-cell resolution (scAf-CUT&Tag). Applying Af-CUT&Tag to Hippo effectors (YAP1/TAZ) during liver regeneration reveals dynamic chromatin remodeling, including YAP1/TAZ-mediated control of lipid metabolism (e.g., Lpin1, Fasn) and heme clearance (Hpx, Trf). We further identify miR-122 as a critical regulator of these processes, impacting liver regeneration. The versatility of Af-CUT&Tag in cell lines, bulk tissues, and single nuclei establishes it as a powerful tool for studying gene regulation in development, disease, and regeneration.
Additional Links: PMID-41547832
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41547832,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Deng, X and Qiu, L and Liu, J and Shen, H and Du, H and Li, W and Song, L and Deng, W and Dong, X and Han, Y and Liu, B and Huang, J and Li, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Af-CUT&Tag: a sensitive and antibody-free chromatin profiling method using genetically encoded tags and high-affinity binders fused to Tn5.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1746},
pmid = {41547832},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Chromatin/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; YAP-Signaling Proteins ; Mice ; MicroRNAs/metabolism/genetics ; *Transposases/metabolism/genetics ; Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Liver Regeneration/genetics ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism/genetics ; Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; HEK293 Cells ; },
abstract = {Conventional chromatin profiling techniques are often limited by antibody availability and performance. Here, we introduce Af-CUT&Tag, a target antibody-free method that overcomes these limitations by using CRISPR-integrated peptide tags (HiBiT/ALFA-tag) recognized by engineered binders (LgBiT/NbALFA) fused to a Tn5 transposase. Af-CUT&Tag eliminates dependence on traditional target antibodies, achieving robust specificity and sensitivity with as few as 500 cells. It provides high-quality chromatin profiles, with improved signal-to-noise ratios and library quality compared with conventional antibody-based counterparts, while also enabling single-cell resolution (scAf-CUT&Tag). Applying Af-CUT&Tag to Hippo effectors (YAP1/TAZ) during liver regeneration reveals dynamic chromatin remodeling, including YAP1/TAZ-mediated control of lipid metabolism (e.g., Lpin1, Fasn) and heme clearance (Hpx, Trf). We further identify miR-122 as a critical regulator of these processes, impacting liver regeneration. The versatility of Af-CUT&Tag in cell lines, bulk tissues, and single nuclei establishes it as a powerful tool for studying gene regulation in development, disease, and regeneration.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Chromatin/metabolism/genetics
Humans
Animals
YAP-Signaling Proteins
Mice
MicroRNAs/metabolism/genetics
*Transposases/metabolism/genetics
Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
Liver Regeneration/genetics
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism/genetics
Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
CRISPR-Cas Systems
HEK293 Cells
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Ultrasound Activated Hybrid-Biomimetic Nanocarriers That Combine Tumor-Confined CRISPR/Cas9 Metabolic Reprogramming and Cuproptosis With Anticancer Macrophage Polarization.
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany), 22(10):e10436.
Nanomedicine aims to develop nanocarriers that provide strong cell selectivity and efficient intracellular delivery. Additionally, therapeutic strategies are expanding to include metabolic pathways to trigger apoptosis and reduce tumor growth, especially in cases resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Here, we have created nanocarriers with hybrid-biomimetic coatings that, upon ultrasound activation, release encapsulated copper-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and COP1 gene knockout Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). This hybrid-membrane coating, which combines tumor and immune cell membranes with perfluorocarbons, enhances tumor-to-normal cell uptake and allows for controlled release and cytolytic entry of the nanocarrier contents. We observe that the RNPs efficiently knockout the COP1 gene, thereby arresting the cancer cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and promoting mitochondrial respiration over anaerobic glycolysis. This increased respiration makes cancer cells more susceptible to cuproptosis triggered by the MOFs and decreases tumor lactate levels, preventing lactate-driven M2 polarization of tumor-infiltrating macrophages. Furthermore, the nanocarriers' cellular selectivity leaves macrophages unharmed. These effects enable infiltrating macrophages to retain an anticancer M1 polarization and continue to foster a more active immune response. The combination of tumor-specific genetic metabolic reprogramming and enhanced cuproptosis activity, along with increased immune activity, results in significant tumor growth suppression and improved survival rates.
Additional Links: PMID-41474015
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41474015,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, X and Dong, J and Jain, P and Qin, S and Miao, Y and Liu, K and Theja, MLV and Butch, CJ and Wang, Y and Lane, LA},
title = {Ultrasound Activated Hybrid-Biomimetic Nanocarriers That Combine Tumor-Confined CRISPR/Cas9 Metabolic Reprogramming and Cuproptosis With Anticancer Macrophage Polarization.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {22},
number = {10},
pages = {e10436},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202510436},
pmid = {41474015},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {113-2221-E-038-004//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 114-2221-E-038-019//National Science and Technology Council/ ; TMU111-AE1-B12//Taipei Medical University/ ; 113FRP-28//Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Special Research Plan/ ; 114FRP-26//Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Special Research Plan/ ; 82127806//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022300326//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 0213-14380238//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 202205033//Nanjing Life and Health Science and Technology Special Project/ ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Macrophages/metabolism/drug effects ; Humans ; Animals ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Copper/chemistry ; Mice ; *Biomimetic Materials/chemistry ; *Ultrasonic Waves ; *Neoplasms/pathology ; *Drug Carriers/chemistry ; *Biomimetics/methods ; Metabolic Reprogramming ; },
abstract = {Nanomedicine aims to develop nanocarriers that provide strong cell selectivity and efficient intracellular delivery. Additionally, therapeutic strategies are expanding to include metabolic pathways to trigger apoptosis and reduce tumor growth, especially in cases resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Here, we have created nanocarriers with hybrid-biomimetic coatings that, upon ultrasound activation, release encapsulated copper-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and COP1 gene knockout Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). This hybrid-membrane coating, which combines tumor and immune cell membranes with perfluorocarbons, enhances tumor-to-normal cell uptake and allows for controlled release and cytolytic entry of the nanocarrier contents. We observe that the RNPs efficiently knockout the COP1 gene, thereby arresting the cancer cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and promoting mitochondrial respiration over anaerobic glycolysis. This increased respiration makes cancer cells more susceptible to cuproptosis triggered by the MOFs and decreases tumor lactate levels, preventing lactate-driven M2 polarization of tumor-infiltrating macrophages. Furthermore, the nanocarriers' cellular selectivity leaves macrophages unharmed. These effects enable infiltrating macrophages to retain an anticancer M1 polarization and continue to foster a more active immune response. The combination of tumor-specific genetic metabolic reprogramming and enhanced cuproptosis activity, along with increased immune activity, results in significant tumor growth suppression and improved survival rates.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Macrophages/metabolism/drug effects
Humans
Animals
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry
Cell Line, Tumor
*Copper/chemistry
Mice
*Biomimetic Materials/chemistry
*Ultrasonic Waves
*Neoplasms/pathology
*Drug Carriers/chemistry
*Biomimetics/methods
Metabolic Reprogramming
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
Nano-Mechanical DNA Devices Coupled With CRISPR-Cas12a for CA15-3 Detection.
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany), 22(10):e11023.
Accurate monitoring of cancer markers is crucial for clinical treatment and prognosis. CA15-3 activity levels are strongly associated with clinical progression of breast cancer, but their monitoring often relies on large instruments and professionals, and the process is time-consuming and costly. To address these concerns, we proposed an electrochemical biosensing strategy that integrated nano-mechanical DNA devices coupled with the CRISPR-Cas12a to drive molecularly gated functionalized substrates for the ultrasensitive detection of CA15-3. Specifically, Triple helical molecular switch (THMS) as a signal input switch to ensure target recognition specificity and the diffusion-limited 3D DNA walking machine coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a technology as signal amplification means. Based on the bimolecular dynamics model, the rate constants k1 (1.40 × 10[5] M[-1]sec[-1]) and k2 (2.5 × 10[4] M[-1]sec[-1]) of the GNP-PEG(+)/T 3D orbitals modified with positively charged SH-PEG-NH2 are larger than those of unmodified orbitals, proving that nanointerface diffusion restriction effect can accelerate the toehold-mediated chain displacement reaction (TMDR). With the assistance of Co-N/C modified screen-printed electrode (SPE-Co-N/C) sensing interface, the calculated detection limit of CA15-3 is as low as 7.14 × 10[-6] U mL[-1]. The proposed assay, which demonstrated satisfactory selectivity and reproducibility, and correlated highly with ELISA kit results, offered a promising tool for breast cancer early detection and therapeutic monitoring.
Additional Links: PMID-41457810
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41457810,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Long, Y and Zhang, Y and Hou, C and Huo, D},
title = {Nano-Mechanical DNA Devices Coupled With CRISPR-Cas12a for CA15-3 Detection.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {22},
number = {10},
pages = {e11023},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202511023},
pmid = {41457810},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {81772290//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CYB240064//Graduate Scientific Research and Innovation Foundation of Chongqing, China/ ; 2023-K08//Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering/ ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *DNA/chemistry ; Humans ; Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *Nanotechnology/methods ; Electrochemical Techniques ; },
abstract = {Accurate monitoring of cancer markers is crucial for clinical treatment and prognosis. CA15-3 activity levels are strongly associated with clinical progression of breast cancer, but their monitoring often relies on large instruments and professionals, and the process is time-consuming and costly. To address these concerns, we proposed an electrochemical biosensing strategy that integrated nano-mechanical DNA devices coupled with the CRISPR-Cas12a to drive molecularly gated functionalized substrates for the ultrasensitive detection of CA15-3. Specifically, Triple helical molecular switch (THMS) as a signal input switch to ensure target recognition specificity and the diffusion-limited 3D DNA walking machine coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a technology as signal amplification means. Based on the bimolecular dynamics model, the rate constants k1 (1.40 × 10[5] M[-1]sec[-1]) and k2 (2.5 × 10[4] M[-1]sec[-1]) of the GNP-PEG(+)/T 3D orbitals modified with positively charged SH-PEG-NH2 are larger than those of unmodified orbitals, proving that nanointerface diffusion restriction effect can accelerate the toehold-mediated chain displacement reaction (TMDR). With the assistance of Co-N/C modified screen-printed electrode (SPE-Co-N/C) sensing interface, the calculated detection limit of CA15-3 is as low as 7.14 × 10[-6] U mL[-1]. The proposed assay, which demonstrated satisfactory selectivity and reproducibility, and correlated highly with ELISA kit results, offered a promising tool for breast cancer early detection and therapeutic monitoring.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*DNA/chemistry
Humans
Biosensing Techniques/methods
*Nanotechnology/methods
Electrochemical Techniques
RevDate: 2026-02-17
CmpDate: 2026-02-17
In vivo modeling of stress erythropoiesis through targeted gene editing of rat hematopoietic stem cells.
Blood advances, 10(4):1281-1292.
In response to anemia, the erythroid lineage significantly expands. This growth is driven by extramedullary erythropoiesis in mice, but is additionally regulated within the bone marrow (BM) of rats, a process likely conserved in humans due to similar BM architecture. This process is, however, mostly elusive. We identified E-cadherin to mark the expansion of the erythroid lineage in BM from anemic rats. To explore the regulation of erythropoiesis in the BM in response to anemia, we studied the role of E-cadherin in the erythroid lineage of rats. As genetic methods to model erythropoiesis in rats are limited, we established a rat BM transplant model that, combined with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, enabled us to examine the control of E-cadherin in BM in response to anemia. We identified CD90+CD44+CD45R- cells to contain hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in rats. CD90+CD44+CD45R--enriched HSPCs can be efficiently edited using CRISPR/Cas9, which, upon transplant, induce high BM chimerism. Importantly, we identified that recovery from irradiation-induced anemia involves 2 phases. Phase 1 is marked by expansion of erythroid precursors in the BM, supported by extramedullary erythropoiesis in the spleen. This phase is followed by a second phase, characterized by accelerated terminal differentiation, which is selectively controlled in the BM. Finally, we discovered that genetic inactivation of hematopoietic-expressed E-cadherin delays recovery from radiation-induced anemia. Our work provides novel means to expand our knowledge on hematology, and the opportunity to dissect the molecular regulation underlying the erythroid response(s) to anemia in BM, using rat models.
Additional Links: PMID-41289157
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41289157,
year = {2026},
author = {van der Meulen, SA and Roemhild, K and Driessen, M and van den Akker, E and Nethe, M},
title = {In vivo modeling of stress erythropoiesis through targeted gene editing of rat hematopoietic stem cells.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {1281-1292},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2025017433},
pmid = {41289157},
issn = {2473-9537},
mesh = {Animals ; *Erythropoiesis/genetics ; Rats ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Anemia/etiology/genetics/metabolism ; Cadherins/genetics/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {In response to anemia, the erythroid lineage significantly expands. This growth is driven by extramedullary erythropoiesis in mice, but is additionally regulated within the bone marrow (BM) of rats, a process likely conserved in humans due to similar BM architecture. This process is, however, mostly elusive. We identified E-cadherin to mark the expansion of the erythroid lineage in BM from anemic rats. To explore the regulation of erythropoiesis in the BM in response to anemia, we studied the role of E-cadherin in the erythroid lineage of rats. As genetic methods to model erythropoiesis in rats are limited, we established a rat BM transplant model that, combined with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, enabled us to examine the control of E-cadherin in BM in response to anemia. We identified CD90+CD44+CD45R- cells to contain hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in rats. CD90+CD44+CD45R--enriched HSPCs can be efficiently edited using CRISPR/Cas9, which, upon transplant, induce high BM chimerism. Importantly, we identified that recovery from irradiation-induced anemia involves 2 phases. Phase 1 is marked by expansion of erythroid precursors in the BM, supported by extramedullary erythropoiesis in the spleen. This phase is followed by a second phase, characterized by accelerated terminal differentiation, which is selectively controlled in the BM. Finally, we discovered that genetic inactivation of hematopoietic-expressed E-cadherin delays recovery from radiation-induced anemia. Our work provides novel means to expand our knowledge on hematology, and the opportunity to dissect the molecular regulation underlying the erythroid response(s) to anemia in BM, using rat models.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Erythropoiesis/genetics
Rats
*Gene Editing/methods
*Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Anemia/etiology/genetics/metabolism
Cadherins/genetics/metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
*Stress, Physiological
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Tyrosinase-Deficient Skin Melanophore Lineage in Xenopus tropicalis Tadpoles Shows Strong Autofluorescence.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
Tyrosinase, encoded by Tyr, is a key rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. Knockout of Tyr results in a distinct albino phenotype, making it a widely used target for evaluating gene-editing efficiency. Here, we found that the tyrosinase-deficient skin melanophore lineage of Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis) tadpoles shows strong autofluorescence under the GFP filter, which may interfere with in vivo fluorescence imaging. Through spectral scanning analysis, we characterized the emission spectrum of the autofluorescence under commonly used excitation wavelengths for fluorescent proteins. Based on this, we established a reference protocol for identifying and excluding such interference in Tyr-targeted knockin studies. Furthermore, knockout of the GTP cyclohydrolase 2 gene (Gch2) using CRISPR-Cas9 significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity induced by tyrosinase deficiency, indicating an essential role of the enzyme and its mediated pterine biosynthesis in the generation of the autofluorescence. This study systematically characterized these fluorescent mutant melanophores in X. tropicalis tadpoles, providing a practical basis for avoiding fluorescent interference in experimental science and a new perspective on pigment cell development and evolution.
Additional Links: PMID-41683796
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@article {pmid41683796,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, Y and Chen, Y and Huang, Z and Chen, L and Huang, X},
title = {Tyrosinase-Deficient Skin Melanophore Lineage in Xenopus tropicalis Tadpoles Shows Strong Autofluorescence.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683796},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {LY20C120003//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Monophenol Monooxygenase/genetics/deficiency/metabolism ; *Xenopus/metabolism/genetics ; Larva/metabolism/genetics ; *Melanophores/metabolism ; *Skin/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Melanins ; Optical Imaging ; Xenopus Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Skin Pigmentation ; },
abstract = {Tyrosinase, encoded by Tyr, is a key rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. Knockout of Tyr results in a distinct albino phenotype, making it a widely used target for evaluating gene-editing efficiency. Here, we found that the tyrosinase-deficient skin melanophore lineage of Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis) tadpoles shows strong autofluorescence under the GFP filter, which may interfere with in vivo fluorescence imaging. Through spectral scanning analysis, we characterized the emission spectrum of the autofluorescence under commonly used excitation wavelengths for fluorescent proteins. Based on this, we established a reference protocol for identifying and excluding such interference in Tyr-targeted knockin studies. Furthermore, knockout of the GTP cyclohydrolase 2 gene (Gch2) using CRISPR-Cas9 significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity induced by tyrosinase deficiency, indicating an essential role of the enzyme and its mediated pterine biosynthesis in the generation of the autofluorescence. This study systematically characterized these fluorescent mutant melanophores in X. tropicalis tadpoles, providing a practical basis for avoiding fluorescent interference in experimental science and a new perspective on pigment cell development and evolution.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Monophenol Monooxygenase/genetics/deficiency/metabolism
*Xenopus/metabolism/genetics
Larva/metabolism/genetics
*Melanophores/metabolism
*Skin/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Melanins
Optical Imaging
Xenopus Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Skin Pigmentation
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Molecular Regulators of In Vitro Regeneration in Wheat: Roles of Morphogenic Factors in Transformation, Genome Editing, and Breeding.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
Efficient in vitro regeneration remains a major constraint in the genetic transformation, genome editing, and molecular breeding of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), largely due to strong genotype-dependent recalcitrance and limited activation of developmental programs required for somatic embryogenesis. Plant regeneration relies on extensive transcriptional reprogramming and epigenetic remodeling orchestrated by morphogenic regulators that modulate meristem identity, as well as cellular pluri- and totipotency. In this review, we synthesize current molecular knowledge on key transcription factors (BBM, WUS/WUS2, GRF-GIF, WOX, LAX1, SERK, WIND1/ERF115) and signaling peptides (CLE/CLV-WUS module, phytosulfokine/PSK) that regulate embryogenic competence in monocot cereals, with emphasis on their orthologs and functional relevance in wheat. We highlight how controlled expression of these morphogenic genes, promoter engineering, and transient or excisable induction systems can significantly enhance regeneration capacity, reduce chimerism in CRISPR-Cas-edited plants, and facilitate genotype-independent transformation. We also discuss epigenetic and metabolic constraints underlying wheat recalcitrance and their potential modulation to improve culture responsiveness. By integrating evidence from wheat, rice, maize, and barley, we outline conserved gene-regulatory networks that reinitiate totipotency and propose strategies to accelerate doubled haploid production and speed-breeding pipelines. Collectively, morphogenic factors emerge as central molecular tools for overcoming regeneration bottlenecks and enabling next-generation wheat improvement. The objective of this review is to synthesize and critically evaluate current molecular knowledge on morphogenic regulators controlling in vitro regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), with particular emphasis on their roles in genetic transformation and genome editing.
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@article {pmid41683697,
year = {2026},
author = {Kowalik, S and Samoń, M and Przyborowski, M},
title = {Molecular Regulators of In Vitro Regeneration in Wheat: Roles of Morphogenic Factors in Transformation, Genome Editing, and Breeding.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683697},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Dotacja Celowa task 4.1//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Triticum/genetics/physiology/growth & development ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Plant Breeding/methods ; *Regeneration/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Transformation, Genetic ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Efficient in vitro regeneration remains a major constraint in the genetic transformation, genome editing, and molecular breeding of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), largely due to strong genotype-dependent recalcitrance and limited activation of developmental programs required for somatic embryogenesis. Plant regeneration relies on extensive transcriptional reprogramming and epigenetic remodeling orchestrated by morphogenic regulators that modulate meristem identity, as well as cellular pluri- and totipotency. In this review, we synthesize current molecular knowledge on key transcription factors (BBM, WUS/WUS2, GRF-GIF, WOX, LAX1, SERK, WIND1/ERF115) and signaling peptides (CLE/CLV-WUS module, phytosulfokine/PSK) that regulate embryogenic competence in monocot cereals, with emphasis on their orthologs and functional relevance in wheat. We highlight how controlled expression of these morphogenic genes, promoter engineering, and transient or excisable induction systems can significantly enhance regeneration capacity, reduce chimerism in CRISPR-Cas-edited plants, and facilitate genotype-independent transformation. We also discuss epigenetic and metabolic constraints underlying wheat recalcitrance and their potential modulation to improve culture responsiveness. By integrating evidence from wheat, rice, maize, and barley, we outline conserved gene-regulatory networks that reinitiate totipotency and propose strategies to accelerate doubled haploid production and speed-breeding pipelines. Collectively, morphogenic factors emerge as central molecular tools for overcoming regeneration bottlenecks and enabling next-generation wheat improvement. The objective of this review is to synthesize and critically evaluate current molecular knowledge on morphogenic regulators controlling in vitro regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), with particular emphasis on their roles in genetic transformation and genome editing.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Triticum/genetics/physiology/growth & development
*Gene Editing/methods
*Plant Breeding/methods
*Regeneration/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Transformation, Genetic
Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) Splicing Mutation c.61-2A>G: From Aberrant mRNA Processing to Therapeutic Implications In Silico.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
The neurofibromin 1 (NF1) splice-site mutation c.61-2A>G (rs1131691100) is a rare, pathogenic, autosomal dominant variant that disrupts NF1 tumor-suppressor function, causing neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Its pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood, and the potential for personalized therapeutic genome editing remains unknown due to the absence of a standard framework for investigating splicing disorders. Here, we performed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of a de novo c.61-2A>G case from South Korea, integrating short- and long-read whole genome sequencing, whole transcriptome sequencing, and methylation profiling. We confirm that c.61-2A>G abolishes the canonical splice acceptor site, activating a cryptic splice acceptor 16 nucleotides downstream in exon 2. This splicing shift generates a 16-nucleotide deletion, causing a frameshift and premature stop codon that truncates the protein's N-terminal region. Long-read sequencing further reveals that the mutation creates a novel CpG dinucleotide, which is methylated in the majority of reads. Finally, we assessed therapeutic correction strategies, revealing that CRISPR-Cas9 prime editing is the only viable approach for in vivo correction. This study provides the first comprehensive multi-omics characterization of the NF1 c.61-2A>G mutation and establishes a minimal framework for precision therapeutic development in silico in monogenic splicing disorders.
Additional Links: PMID-41683605
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@article {pmid41683605,
year = {2026},
author = {Blazyte, A and Lee, H and Yoon, C and Jeon, S and Lee, J and Bayarsaikhan, D and Kim, J and Park, S and Cho, J and Baek, SA and Byun, G and Lee, B and Bhak, J},
title = {Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) Splicing Mutation c.61-2A>G: From Aberrant mRNA Processing to Therapeutic Implications In Silico.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683605},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {1.200047.01//Ulsan City Research Fund/ ; RS-2023-00263429//Genome Editing Research Program/ ; KEIT 20018560//Alchemist Project of the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology/ ; RS-2024-00435468//Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy/ ; },
mesh = {*Neurofibromin 1/genetics ; Humans ; *Neurofibromatosis 1/genetics/therapy ; *RNA Splicing/genetics ; *Mutation ; *RNA, Messenger/genetics ; RNA Splice Sites/genetics ; Gene Editing ; Computer Simulation ; DNA Methylation ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Male ; },
abstract = {The neurofibromin 1 (NF1) splice-site mutation c.61-2A>G (rs1131691100) is a rare, pathogenic, autosomal dominant variant that disrupts NF1 tumor-suppressor function, causing neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Its pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood, and the potential for personalized therapeutic genome editing remains unknown due to the absence of a standard framework for investigating splicing disorders. Here, we performed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of a de novo c.61-2A>G case from South Korea, integrating short- and long-read whole genome sequencing, whole transcriptome sequencing, and methylation profiling. We confirm that c.61-2A>G abolishes the canonical splice acceptor site, activating a cryptic splice acceptor 16 nucleotides downstream in exon 2. This splicing shift generates a 16-nucleotide deletion, causing a frameshift and premature stop codon that truncates the protein's N-terminal region. Long-read sequencing further reveals that the mutation creates a novel CpG dinucleotide, which is methylated in the majority of reads. Finally, we assessed therapeutic correction strategies, revealing that CRISPR-Cas9 prime editing is the only viable approach for in vivo correction. This study provides the first comprehensive multi-omics characterization of the NF1 c.61-2A>G mutation and establishes a minimal framework for precision therapeutic development in silico in monogenic splicing disorders.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Neurofibromin 1/genetics
Humans
*Neurofibromatosis 1/genetics/therapy
*RNA Splicing/genetics
*Mutation
*RNA, Messenger/genetics
RNA Splice Sites/genetics
Gene Editing
Computer Simulation
DNA Methylation
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Male
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Pmel17 Deficiency Affects Melanogenesis and Promotes Tumor Vascularization.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(3):.
Premelanosomal protein (Pmel, also known as Pmel17) is the major component of melanosomal fibrils and plays a key role in melanin polymerization, making it an important factor in melanogenesis. We investigated how the absence of Pmel affects the properties of B16F10 melanoma cells. Pmel-knockout B16F10 cells were generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. A viability assay revealed no significant differences between wild-type (WT) and Pmel-knockout (KO) sublines; however, melanosome maturation was impaired. In Pmel KO cells, the cell cycle was disrupted, and higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed compared with WT cells. Moreover, the migration capacity and tube formation of melanoma cells were increased. Tumors derived from Pmel KO cells exhibited unchanged growth kinetics but reduced melanin content, along with enhanced vascularization and oxygenation. Thus, knockout of the Pmel17 gene in melanoma cells alters pigmentation, vascularization, and oxygenation of tumors. These parameters are crucial for both tumor progression and therapeutic response.
Additional Links: PMID-41683574
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@article {pmid41683574,
year = {2026},
author = {Sopel, J and Sarad, K and Kozinska, A and Mokrzyński, K and Szczygieł, D and Murzyn, A and Drzał, A and Słomiński, A and Szczygieł, M and Elas, M},
title = {Pmel17 Deficiency Affects Melanogenesis and Promotes Tumor Vascularization.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683574},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Melanins/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Mice ; *Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism/genetics/pathology ; *Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism/pathology/genetics/blood supply ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *gp100 Melanoma Antigen/genetics/metabolism/deficiency ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Cell Movement ; Melanosomes/metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; Melanogenesis ; },
abstract = {Premelanosomal protein (Pmel, also known as Pmel17) is the major component of melanosomal fibrils and plays a key role in melanin polymerization, making it an important factor in melanogenesis. We investigated how the absence of Pmel affects the properties of B16F10 melanoma cells. Pmel-knockout B16F10 cells were generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. A viability assay revealed no significant differences between wild-type (WT) and Pmel-knockout (KO) sublines; however, melanosome maturation was impaired. In Pmel KO cells, the cell cycle was disrupted, and higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed compared with WT cells. Moreover, the migration capacity and tube formation of melanoma cells were increased. Tumors derived from Pmel KO cells exhibited unchanged growth kinetics but reduced melanin content, along with enhanced vascularization and oxygenation. Thus, knockout of the Pmel17 gene in melanoma cells alters pigmentation, vascularization, and oxygenation of tumors. These parameters are crucial for both tumor progression and therapeutic response.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Melanins/metabolism/biosynthesis
Mice
*Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism/genetics/pathology
*Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism/pathology/genetics/blood supply
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Cell Line, Tumor
*gp100 Melanoma Antigen/genetics/metabolism/deficiency
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Cell Movement
Melanosomes/metabolism
Cell Cycle
Melanogenesis
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Identity of protease-based biomarkers for viability and cytotoxicity revealed by CRISPR knockouts.
Analytical biochemistry, 712:116073.
A wide variety of assay chemistries are routinely employed to determine cell health within an in vitro test population. Each method relies on the consistent and robust measurement of specific biological surrogates for cell viability or cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, the precise cellular origin or identity of many of these biomarkers remain poorly characterized or unknown, and thus subject to a host of undetermined biological and chemical interferences. This work details efforts to pinpoint the enzymatic sources of a set of proteolytic activity profiles previously discovered in a phenotypic activity screen and measured in a multiplexed viability ("live cell") and cytotoxicity ("dead cell") assay. First, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats gene editing (CRISPR) was utilized to knockout (KO) genes encoding candidate enzymes in a human cell background to create clones for identity testing. Next, clones demonstrating discrete reduction of either the live or dead cell signals were further characterized by Western blot analysis for presence of immunogenic protein and by Sanger Sequencing of the targeted edit site. The KO data directed the sourcing of potent and selective inhibitors for orthogonal activity studies of the proteases in a parental population. Last, the utility of the multiplexed assay reagent was further explored in both non-human and human primary cell lines to characterize the universality of the application. Collectively, the positive identification of Cathepsin C (CatC) and Tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPP II) informs assay users about potential modulators of activity leading to possible interferences. Last, the work provides new information about assay performance in previously untested cell types.
Additional Links: PMID-41638522
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@article {pmid41638522,
year = {2026},
author = {Niles, A and Kroening, K and Lauer, A and Chakravorty, A},
title = {Identity of protease-based biomarkers for viability and cytotoxicity revealed by CRISPR knockouts.},
journal = {Analytical biochemistry},
volume = {712},
number = {},
pages = {116073},
doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2026.116073},
pmid = {41638522},
issn = {1096-0309},
mesh = {Humans ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; *Gene Knockout Techniques ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Biomarkers/metabolism/analysis ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Editing ; },
abstract = {A wide variety of assay chemistries are routinely employed to determine cell health within an in vitro test population. Each method relies on the consistent and robust measurement of specific biological surrogates for cell viability or cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, the precise cellular origin or identity of many of these biomarkers remain poorly characterized or unknown, and thus subject to a host of undetermined biological and chemical interferences. This work details efforts to pinpoint the enzymatic sources of a set of proteolytic activity profiles previously discovered in a phenotypic activity screen and measured in a multiplexed viability ("live cell") and cytotoxicity ("dead cell") assay. First, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats gene editing (CRISPR) was utilized to knockout (KO) genes encoding candidate enzymes in a human cell background to create clones for identity testing. Next, clones demonstrating discrete reduction of either the live or dead cell signals were further characterized by Western blot analysis for presence of immunogenic protein and by Sanger Sequencing of the targeted edit site. The KO data directed the sourcing of potent and selective inhibitors for orthogonal activity studies of the proteases in a parental population. Last, the utility of the multiplexed assay reagent was further explored in both non-human and human primary cell lines to characterize the universality of the application. Collectively, the positive identification of Cathepsin C (CatC) and Tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPP II) informs assay users about potential modulators of activity leading to possible interferences. Last, the work provides new information about assay performance in previously untested cell types.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Cell Survival/drug effects
*Gene Knockout Techniques
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Biomarkers/metabolism/analysis
*Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics
Gene Editing
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
CRISPR-based chemogenomic profiling reveals redox vulnerabilities to epigallocatechin-3-gallate and green tea polyphenol extract.
Redox biology, 90:104047.
Green tea polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are widely recognized for their beneficial preventive effects against chronic diseases including cancer and obesity. These effects are traditionally attributed to EGCG's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. In conditions characterized by persistent oxidative stress, the disrupted redox signaling further creates a unique vulnerability that EGCG may exploit through a dual redox mechanism. Emerging evidence therefore suggests that EGCG not only mitigates oxidative damage but could also induce selective pro-oxidant stress in cancer cells, enhancing its therapeutic potential. To investigate this duality, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen to identify genetic determinants of EGCG sensitivity and resistance. Our chemogenomic analysis revealed that loss of key antioxidant genes, including PRDX1, CAT, GSS, GCLM, and GCLC, significantly heightened cellular susceptibility to EGCG and green tea extract (GTE), underscoring the critical role of glutathione biosynthesis and redox homeostasis in mediating cytotoxicity. In contrast, knockouts of Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) and peroxisome-associated PEX genes conferred resistance, implicating in part NRF2 (also known as nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2; NFE2L2) activation and peroxisomal reactive oxygen species clearance in protective responses. Comparative profiling with gallic acid (GA), which lacks EGCG's catechin structure, further highlighted the gallate moiety's contribution to glutathione-dependent antioxidant mechanisms. Altogether, these findings illuminate the complex redox biology of EGCG and identify novel genetic vulnerabilities that may be leveraged to enhance its anticancer efficacy, particularly in obesity-associated cancers. Clinically, this work could support the development of EGCG-based interventions tailored to individual redox profiles, offering a precise chemopreventive strategy for patients at high risk of malignancies driven by metabolic and oxidative dysregulation. Furthermore, the identification of new genetic markers of EGCG sensitivity and resistance may inform future exploration of patient stratification.
Additional Links: PMID-41581373
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@article {pmid41581373,
year = {2026},
author = {Akla, N and Boudah, A and Bertomeu, T and Chatr-Aryamontri, A and Desjarlais, M and Annabi, B},
title = {CRISPR-based chemogenomic profiling reveals redox vulnerabilities to epigallocatechin-3-gallate and green tea polyphenol extract.},
journal = {Redox biology},
volume = {90},
number = {},
pages = {104047},
pmid = {41581373},
issn = {2213-2317},
mesh = {*Catechin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; Humans ; Oxidation-Reduction/drug effects ; *Tea/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Polyphenols/pharmacology ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Antioxidants/pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; },
abstract = {Green tea polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are widely recognized for their beneficial preventive effects against chronic diseases including cancer and obesity. These effects are traditionally attributed to EGCG's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. In conditions characterized by persistent oxidative stress, the disrupted redox signaling further creates a unique vulnerability that EGCG may exploit through a dual redox mechanism. Emerging evidence therefore suggests that EGCG not only mitigates oxidative damage but could also induce selective pro-oxidant stress in cancer cells, enhancing its therapeutic potential. To investigate this duality, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen to identify genetic determinants of EGCG sensitivity and resistance. Our chemogenomic analysis revealed that loss of key antioxidant genes, including PRDX1, CAT, GSS, GCLM, and GCLC, significantly heightened cellular susceptibility to EGCG and green tea extract (GTE), underscoring the critical role of glutathione biosynthesis and redox homeostasis in mediating cytotoxicity. In contrast, knockouts of Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) and peroxisome-associated PEX genes conferred resistance, implicating in part NRF2 (also known as nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2; NFE2L2) activation and peroxisomal reactive oxygen species clearance in protective responses. Comparative profiling with gallic acid (GA), which lacks EGCG's catechin structure, further highlighted the gallate moiety's contribution to glutathione-dependent antioxidant mechanisms. Altogether, these findings illuminate the complex redox biology of EGCG and identify novel genetic vulnerabilities that may be leveraged to enhance its anticancer efficacy, particularly in obesity-associated cancers. Clinically, this work could support the development of EGCG-based interventions tailored to individual redox profiles, offering a precise chemopreventive strategy for patients at high risk of malignancies driven by metabolic and oxidative dysregulation. Furthermore, the identification of new genetic markers of EGCG sensitivity and resistance may inform future exploration of patient stratification.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
*Catechin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
Humans
Oxidation-Reduction/drug effects
*Tea/chemistry
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Polyphenols/pharmacology
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Antioxidants/pharmacology
Cell Line, Tumor
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Precise excision of expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC via CRISPR/Cas9 for treating neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease.
Nature communications, 17(1):1683.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by expanded GGC repeats in the 5' untranslated region of the human-specific NOTCH2NLC gene. The high sequence similarity between NOTCH2NLC and its paralogs poses a significant challenge for precise gene editing. Here, we develop a CRISPR/spCas9-based gene-editing strategy that precisely excises the expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC without detectable off-target effects on the highly homologous NOTCH2/NOTCH2NL family genes (<2% sequence divergence at this locus). The efficacy, specificity and safety of this approach are rigorously validated across multiple experimental models, including human cell lines, NIID iPSCs, and our previously established transgenic NIID mouse model. Our results demonstrate that precise excision of the expanded GGC repeats effectively alleviates NIID-related neuropathological, molecular and behavioral abnormalities. This study establishes the proof of concept for genome editing as a therapeutic strategy for NIID and other related repeat expansion disorders.
Additional Links: PMID-41526374
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@article {pmid41526374,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, N and Pan, Y and Tong, H and Lin, Y and Jiang, Y and Wang, Z and Wan, J and Zhang, W and Wang, X and Sun, X and Yan, S and Yin, P and Sun, Q and Qi, C and Tian, Y and Shen, L and Jiang, H and Liang, D and Tang, B and Li, S and Li, XJ and Liu, Q},
title = {Precise excision of expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC via CRISPR/Cas9 for treating neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1683},
pmid = {41526374},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32071037//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Mice ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies/genetics/pathology/metabolism ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics/therapy/pathology ; *Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Transgenic ; *Receptor, Notch2/genetics ; Cell Line ; Male ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; },
abstract = {Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by expanded GGC repeats in the 5' untranslated region of the human-specific NOTCH2NLC gene. The high sequence similarity between NOTCH2NLC and its paralogs poses a significant challenge for precise gene editing. Here, we develop a CRISPR/spCas9-based gene-editing strategy that precisely excises the expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC without detectable off-target effects on the highly homologous NOTCH2/NOTCH2NL family genes (<2% sequence divergence at this locus). The efficacy, specificity and safety of this approach are rigorously validated across multiple experimental models, including human cell lines, NIID iPSCs, and our previously established transgenic NIID mouse model. Our results demonstrate that precise excision of the expanded GGC repeats effectively alleviates NIID-related neuropathological, molecular and behavioral abnormalities. This study establishes the proof of concept for genome editing as a therapeutic strategy for NIID and other related repeat expansion disorders.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Mice
*Gene Editing/methods
*Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies/genetics/pathology/metabolism
*Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics/therapy/pathology
*Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
Mice, Transgenic
*Receptor, Notch2/genetics
Cell Line
Male
Nerve Tissue Proteins
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
CRISPR-Cas9 Screening Identifies Resistance Mechanisms to KRAS Inhibition in Pancreatic Cancer.
Cancer research, 86(4):1035-1053.
UNLABELLED: KRAS inhibitors (KRASi) targeting various KRAS mutations have entered clinical trials for pancreatic cancer. Despite promising preliminary clinical responses, most patients relapse due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. Thus, combination treatments are essential to extend the efficacy of KRAS-targeted therapies. To further determine the genetic mechanisms of KRASi resistance, we performed KRASi-anchored CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screens in KRASG12D-, KRASG12C-, KRASG12R-, and KRASQ61H-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, using six KRASi, to identify genes that modulate sensitivity to KRAS inhibition. Several hits from the screens, including EGFR, CK2, p110α, p110γ, and YAP, were validated by combining targeted inhibitors with KRASi. KRASQ61H-mutant PDAC cell lines were intrinsically less dependent on KRAS for survival than other KRAS mutational subtypes. Furthermore, the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib synergized with the RAS(ON) multiselective inhibitor RMC-7977 in KRASQ61H-mutant PDAC cell lines and in cell lines with highly active EGFR by mitigating ERK rebound activity. KRASi-resistant cell lines featured sustained ERK/MAPK dependence despite decreased ERK activity. Together, these findings enhance the understanding of intrinsic and acquired resistance to KRASi and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities that can potentially be exploited for KRASi combination therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer.
SIGNIFICANCE: A comprehensive assessment of genetic modulators of KRAS inhibitor sensitivity identifies combination approaches to increase the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors and demonstrates the limited response of KRASQ61H-mutant cancer cells to KRAS inhibition.
Additional Links: PMID-41248420
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@article {pmid41248420,
year = {2026},
author = {Long, SA and Todd, H and Goodhart, G and Chang, WH and Amparo, AM and Bridgens, R and Dilly, J and Park, SJ and Beal, RM and Shehadeh, SM and Satyadi, MA and Trivedi, VK and Ackermann, SE and Mukherjee, R and Goodwin, CM and Edwards, AC and Stalnecker, CA and Greis, KD and Aguirre, AJ and Hobbs, GA and Bryant, KL and Ahmad, SA and Cox, AD and Der, CJ and Waters, AM},
title = {CRISPR-Cas9 Screening Identifies Resistance Mechanisms to KRAS Inhibition in Pancreatic Cancer.},
journal = {Cancer research},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {1035-1053},
doi = {10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-1835},
pmid = {41248420},
issn = {1538-7445},
support = {K22CA276632//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; IRG-23-1141524//American Cancer Society (ACS)/ ; PF-23-1072348-01-CDP//American Cancer Society (ACS)/ ; 22-WG_DERB//Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN)/ ; T32CA244125//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 23-MF-DILL//Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN)/ ; R25CA261610//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R01CA42978//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; P50CA196510//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; U01CA199235//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; P01CA203657//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R35CA232113//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; P50CA257911//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R37CA251877//National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 15-90-25-DER//Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN)/ ; W81XWH2110692//U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)/ ; S10OD026717//National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; *Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics ; *Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mutation ; *Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: KRAS inhibitors (KRASi) targeting various KRAS mutations have entered clinical trials for pancreatic cancer. Despite promising preliminary clinical responses, most patients relapse due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. Thus, combination treatments are essential to extend the efficacy of KRAS-targeted therapies. To further determine the genetic mechanisms of KRASi resistance, we performed KRASi-anchored CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screens in KRASG12D-, KRASG12C-, KRASG12R-, and KRASQ61H-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, using six KRASi, to identify genes that modulate sensitivity to KRAS inhibition. Several hits from the screens, including EGFR, CK2, p110α, p110γ, and YAP, were validated by combining targeted inhibitors with KRASi. KRASQ61H-mutant PDAC cell lines were intrinsically less dependent on KRAS for survival than other KRAS mutational subtypes. Furthermore, the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib synergized with the RAS(ON) multiselective inhibitor RMC-7977 in KRASQ61H-mutant PDAC cell lines and in cell lines with highly active EGFR by mitigating ERK rebound activity. KRASi-resistant cell lines featured sustained ERK/MAPK dependence despite decreased ERK activity. Together, these findings enhance the understanding of intrinsic and acquired resistance to KRASi and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities that can potentially be exploited for KRASi combination therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer.
SIGNIFICANCE: A comprehensive assessment of genetic modulators of KRAS inhibitor sensitivity identifies combination approaches to increase the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors and demonstrates the limited response of KRASQ61H-mutant cancer cells to KRAS inhibition.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
*Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
*Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
Cell Line, Tumor
Mutation
*Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
Erlotinib Hydrochloride/pharmacology
RevDate: 2026-02-16
CmpDate: 2026-02-16
Functional CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening of the genetic determinants of human fibroblast migration propensity.
Biotechnology progress, 42(1):e70076.
Directional cell migration plays a central role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions, such as embryonic development or tumor metastasis. Steps involved in cell migration include cell polarization, formation of membrane protrusions at the cell front side and adhesion disassembly at the rear side, and a general cytoskeletal rearrangement. Overall, it is a complex phenomenon at the interface between mechanical forces and biochemical signaling, with cell-specific and context-specific molecular events acting in the process. Here, we focus on human fibroblast migration induced by a biochemical gradient with an approach that connects the identification of molecular players with the actual mechanical function. We show how to screen for genes and miRNAs involved in migration by the direct integration of a high-throughput gene editing method, the CRISPR-Cas9 knockout pool screening, and a well-established functional assay, the transwell migration assay. Moreover, the screening has been performed after an expansion step aiming at the removal of all the essential genes and miRNAs, so as to identify targets related to the cell migratory ability without affecting other major cellular functions. The results confirm known genes involved in migration, but also highlight new candidates. This work establishes a methodological advancement in the use of CRISPR technology for functional screening and represents a resource for candidate genes and miRNAs playing a role in human fibroblast directional migration under biochemical gradient.
Additional Links: PMID-41035413
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41035413,
year = {2026},
author = {Mazzei, A and Martewicz, S and Amiri, R and Cui, M and Elvassore, N and Luni, C},
title = {Functional CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening of the genetic determinants of human fibroblast migration propensity.},
journal = {Biotechnology progress},
volume = {42},
number = {1},
pages = {e70076},
doi = {10.1002/btpr.70076},
pmid = {41035413},
issn = {1520-6033},
support = {CUP J45F21002000001//Università di Bologna/ ; F-0301-15-009//ShanghaiTech University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Cell Movement/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Fibroblasts/cytology/metabolism ; *Gene Knockout Techniques/methods ; MicroRNAs/genetics ; Gene Editing ; },
abstract = {Directional cell migration plays a central role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions, such as embryonic development or tumor metastasis. Steps involved in cell migration include cell polarization, formation of membrane protrusions at the cell front side and adhesion disassembly at the rear side, and a general cytoskeletal rearrangement. Overall, it is a complex phenomenon at the interface between mechanical forces and biochemical signaling, with cell-specific and context-specific molecular events acting in the process. Here, we focus on human fibroblast migration induced by a biochemical gradient with an approach that connects the identification of molecular players with the actual mechanical function. We show how to screen for genes and miRNAs involved in migration by the direct integration of a high-throughput gene editing method, the CRISPR-Cas9 knockout pool screening, and a well-established functional assay, the transwell migration assay. Moreover, the screening has been performed after an expansion step aiming at the removal of all the essential genes and miRNAs, so as to identify targets related to the cell migratory ability without affecting other major cellular functions. The results confirm known genes involved in migration, but also highlight new candidates. This work establishes a methodological advancement in the use of CRISPR technology for functional screening and represents a resource for candidate genes and miRNAs playing a role in human fibroblast directional migration under biochemical gradient.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cell Movement/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Fibroblasts/cytology/metabolism
*Gene Knockout Techniques/methods
MicroRNAs/genetics
Gene Editing
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Advancing Bongkrekic Acid Detection: From Conventional Instrumental Analysis to Advanced Biosensing for Cross-Toxin Applications.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 15(3):.
Bongkrekic acid (BKA), a highly lethal toxin, has been implicated in frequent poisoning incidents in recent years, posing a serious threat to global food safety and creating an urgent need for rapid and sensitive detection methods. This review provides a systematic analysis of the entire BKA detection technologies, covering sample pretreatment techniques, instrumental analysis, immunoassays, and biosensing methods. It assesses the merits of key methods and also explores the strategic cross-application of detection paradigms developed for analogous toxins. This review delivers a comprehensive and critical evaluation of BKA detection technologies. First, it discusses sample pretreatment strategies, notably solid-phase extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS. Subsequently, it analyzes the principles, performance, and applications of core detection methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA), dual-mode immunosensors and nanomaterial-based sensors. Instrumental methods (e.g., HRMS) offer unmatched sensitivity [with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.01 μg/kg], yet remain costly and laboratory-dependent. Immunoassay and biosensor approaches (TRFIA and dual-mode sensors) enable rapid on-site detection with high sensitivity (ng/mL to pg/mL), though challenges in stability and specificity remain. Looking forward, the development of next-generation BKA detection could be accelerated by cross-applying cutting-edge strategies proven for toxins-such as Fumonisin B1 (FB1), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-including nanobody technology, CRISPR-Cas-mediated signal amplification, and multimodal integrated platforms. To translate this potential into practical tools, future research should prioritize the synthesis of high-specificity recognition elements, innovative signal amplification strategies, and integrated portable devices, aiming to establish end-to-end biosensing systems capable of on-site rapid detection through multitechnology integration.
Additional Links: PMID-41683064
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41683064,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Z and He, D and Yu, W and Fu, X and Zhang, L and Zhang, M and Yu, X and Ye, Z},
title = {Advancing Bongkrekic Acid Detection: From Conventional Instrumental Analysis to Advanced Biosensing for Cross-Toxin Applications.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41683064},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {Bongkrekic acid (BKA), a highly lethal toxin, has been implicated in frequent poisoning incidents in recent years, posing a serious threat to global food safety and creating an urgent need for rapid and sensitive detection methods. This review provides a systematic analysis of the entire BKA detection technologies, covering sample pretreatment techniques, instrumental analysis, immunoassays, and biosensing methods. It assesses the merits of key methods and also explores the strategic cross-application of detection paradigms developed for analogous toxins. This review delivers a comprehensive and critical evaluation of BKA detection technologies. First, it discusses sample pretreatment strategies, notably solid-phase extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS. Subsequently, it analyzes the principles, performance, and applications of core detection methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA), dual-mode immunosensors and nanomaterial-based sensors. Instrumental methods (e.g., HRMS) offer unmatched sensitivity [with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.01 μg/kg], yet remain costly and laboratory-dependent. Immunoassay and biosensor approaches (TRFIA and dual-mode sensors) enable rapid on-site detection with high sensitivity (ng/mL to pg/mL), though challenges in stability and specificity remain. Looking forward, the development of next-generation BKA detection could be accelerated by cross-applying cutting-edge strategies proven for toxins-such as Fumonisin B1 (FB1), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-including nanobody technology, CRISPR-Cas-mediated signal amplification, and multimodal integrated platforms. To translate this potential into practical tools, future research should prioritize the synthesis of high-specificity recognition elements, innovative signal amplification strategies, and integrated portable devices, aiming to establish end-to-end biosensing systems capable of on-site rapid detection through multitechnology integration.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-15
Sensitive, flexible, and affordable serum RNA sequencing for pathogen detection on the Oxford Nanopore platform.
BMC genomics, 27(1):188.
UNLABELLED: Metagenomic sequencing for pathogen detection has traditionally suffered from low sensitivity due to the overwhelming presence of host nucleic acids. Commercial host-depletion kits are often prohibitively expensive and limited to specific species, hindering adoption in resource-limited settings, where the burden of zoonotic diseases is highest. To address this, we optimized and combined Sequence-Independent Single Primer Amplification (SISPA) with Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization (DASH), establishing a low-cost metagenomic protocol on the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform. Our approach can be adapted to any species to detect microbial RNAs in serum samples at PCR-range sensitivity, outperforming existing methods in the field.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12268-4.
Additional Links: PMID-41680629
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41680629,
year = {2026},
author = {Selhorst, P and Van Vyve, E and Falconi-Agapito, F and Mariën, J and Ariën, KK},
title = {Sensitive, flexible, and affordable serum RNA sequencing for pathogen detection on the Oxford Nanopore platform.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {188},
pmid = {41680629},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {U01AI151378/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Metagenomic sequencing for pathogen detection has traditionally suffered from low sensitivity due to the overwhelming presence of host nucleic acids. Commercial host-depletion kits are often prohibitively expensive and limited to specific species, hindering adoption in resource-limited settings, where the burden of zoonotic diseases is highest. To address this, we optimized and combined Sequence-Independent Single Primer Amplification (SISPA) with Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization (DASH), establishing a low-cost metagenomic protocol on the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform. Our approach can be adapted to any species to detect microbial RNAs in serum samples at PCR-range sensitivity, outperforming existing methods in the field.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12268-4.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Prime editing for ocular gene therapy and disease modeling: a narrative review of advances, delivery, and translational readiness.
Experimental eye research, 265:110891.
Prime editing is a versatile "search-and-replace" genome-editing technology that enables precise and flexible genome correction of genetic sequences by reverse-transcribing an RNA template encoded at the 3' end of a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). It supports the introduction of nucleotide substitutions, and insertions or/and deletions (indels) in living cells without requiring double-stranded DNA breaks or exogenous donor templates. Since its introduction in 2019, prime editing has advanced rapidly-from the first-generation prime editor (PE1) to PE7 and other next-generation variants-with editing efficiencies increasing from 0.7 to 5.5 % to more than 50 % in vitro. Optimization strategies including engineering of the Cas9 and reverse transcriptase domains, refinement of pegRNA architecture, recruitment of auxiliary proteins, and modulation of DNA repair pathways have substantially enhanced editing efficiency, product purity, and target scope across diverse cell types and tissues. These developments are particularly relevant to ophthalmology, where many blinding disorders arise from point mutations or small indels ideally suited for prime editing-based correction. Recent work in retinal cells and animal models has demonstrated the growing feasibility of prime editing to treat inherited retinal diseases, modulate pathological angiogenesis, and achieve precise gene repair in post-mitotic photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells. As delivery vectors and newer PE variants improve, prime editing is a plausible next-generation platform for a wide range of ocular diseases.
Additional Links: PMID-41605411
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41605411,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Yang, Y and Huang, X and Ma, J and Duan, Y and Ma, G and Lei, H},
title = {Prime editing for ocular gene therapy and disease modeling: a narrative review of advances, delivery, and translational readiness.},
journal = {Experimental eye research},
volume = {265},
number = {},
pages = {110891},
doi = {10.1016/j.exer.2026.110891},
pmid = {41605411},
issn = {1096-0007},
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; Animals ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Translational Research, Biomedical ; *Eye Diseases/therapy/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; },
abstract = {Prime editing is a versatile "search-and-replace" genome-editing technology that enables precise and flexible genome correction of genetic sequences by reverse-transcribing an RNA template encoded at the 3' end of a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). It supports the introduction of nucleotide substitutions, and insertions or/and deletions (indels) in living cells without requiring double-stranded DNA breaks or exogenous donor templates. Since its introduction in 2019, prime editing has advanced rapidly-from the first-generation prime editor (PE1) to PE7 and other next-generation variants-with editing efficiencies increasing from 0.7 to 5.5 % to more than 50 % in vitro. Optimization strategies including engineering of the Cas9 and reverse transcriptase domains, refinement of pegRNA architecture, recruitment of auxiliary proteins, and modulation of DNA repair pathways have substantially enhanced editing efficiency, product purity, and target scope across diverse cell types and tissues. These developments are particularly relevant to ophthalmology, where many blinding disorders arise from point mutations or small indels ideally suited for prime editing-based correction. Recent work in retinal cells and animal models has demonstrated the growing feasibility of prime editing to treat inherited retinal diseases, modulate pathological angiogenesis, and achieve precise gene repair in post-mitotic photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells. As delivery vectors and newer PE variants improve, prime editing is a plausible next-generation platform for a wide range of ocular diseases.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
*Genetic Therapy/methods
Animals
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Translational Research, Biomedical
*Eye Diseases/therapy/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
Gene Transfer Techniques
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Rising Star Engineering the Genome for Curative Futures.
Journal of molecular biology, 438(5):169618.
As a professor of biomedicine in the School of Life Sciences at East China Normal University (ECNU), I am dedicated to developing advanced genome editing technologies for disease modeling and precise gene therapy. My foundational training at Hunan Normal University and Texas A&M University cultivated a deep interest in using engineered cellular and animal models to understand human diseases. Since 2013, my laboratory at ECNU has pioneered the use of TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 for the rapid generation of knockout mouse and rat models for disease studies. Once stepped in genome editing field, I shifted my focus to advancing editing tools and developing gene therapy strategies for genetic disorders and cancer. My team has developed a suite of high-performance base editors for nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and RNA, broadening editing capabilities while enhancing precision and safety. Leveraging these technologies, we have designed several therapeutic strategies that have shown efficacy in cellular and animal models of genetic diseases. Through collaborative efforts, we have successfully translated genome editing into clinical applications, contributing to the treatment of patients with β-thalassemia. Additionally, we have developed a non-viral, site-specific CAR-T platform for lymphoma therapy. Looking forward, I aim to develop the next generation of long-fragment, site-specific integration technologies and accelerate clinical translation to bring transformative cures to more patients.
Additional Links: PMID-41485557
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@article {pmid41485557,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, D},
title = {Rising Star Engineering the Genome for Curative Futures.},
journal = {Journal of molecular biology},
volume = {438},
number = {5},
pages = {169618},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmb.2025.169618},
pmid = {41485557},
issn = {1089-8638},
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; Animals ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Genetic Engineering/methods ; Mice ; Neoplasms/therapy/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; },
abstract = {As a professor of biomedicine in the School of Life Sciences at East China Normal University (ECNU), I am dedicated to developing advanced genome editing technologies for disease modeling and precise gene therapy. My foundational training at Hunan Normal University and Texas A&M University cultivated a deep interest in using engineered cellular and animal models to understand human diseases. Since 2013, my laboratory at ECNU has pioneered the use of TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 for the rapid generation of knockout mouse and rat models for disease studies. Once stepped in genome editing field, I shifted my focus to advancing editing tools and developing gene therapy strategies for genetic disorders and cancer. My team has developed a suite of high-performance base editors for nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and RNA, broadening editing capabilities while enhancing precision and safety. Leveraging these technologies, we have designed several therapeutic strategies that have shown efficacy in cellular and animal models of genetic diseases. Through collaborative efforts, we have successfully translated genome editing into clinical applications, contributing to the treatment of patients with β-thalassemia. Additionally, we have developed a non-viral, site-specific CAR-T platform for lymphoma therapy. Looking forward, I aim to develop the next generation of long-fragment, site-specific integration technologies and accelerate clinical translation to bring transformative cures to more patients.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
Animals
*Genetic Therapy/methods
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Genetic Engineering/methods
Mice
Neoplasms/therapy/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Induced pluripotent stem cell-based modelling of disease evolution in myeloid leukemia: MDS to AML.
Advances in biological regulation, 99:101119.
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are common myeloid malignancies that develop from the successive acquisition of driver mutations in hematopoietic stem cells residing in the bone marrow. Around a third of MDS patients will develop secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) and patients with high-risk MDS or sAML have a dismal prognosis. The study of disease progression in myeloid malignancy has been enhanced in recent years by the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology. iPSCs offer the advantage of indefinite expansion and the potential for genetic modification, with reprogramming enabling the capture of the full complement of genetic lesions found in primary patient bone marrow samples. The power of iPSC and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies have been harnessed to generate a range of iPSC-based cellular models of MDS, reflecting the genetic and biologic heterogeneity of the disease. Stage-specific patient iPSC lines have been produced and sequential gene editing in normal human iPSCs has been performed to map the evolution of MDS to AML. These studies have increased our understanding of the impact of driver mutations, and co-mutations, on disease phenotype and revealed mechanisms underlying disease stage transitions in myeloid malignancy. iPSC-based models of MDS have also proven important tools in high throughput drug screening and have empowered drug testing and drug discovery, offering a new platform to develop personalized therapy.
Additional Links: PMID-41047302
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41047302,
year = {2026},
author = {Boultwood, J},
title = {Induced pluripotent stem cell-based modelling of disease evolution in myeloid leukemia: MDS to AML.},
journal = {Advances in biological regulation},
volume = {99},
number = {},
pages = {101119},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbior.2025.101119},
pmid = {41047302},
issn = {2212-4934},
mesh = {Humans ; *Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology/genetics/metabolism ; *Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/pathology ; *Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Editing ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are common myeloid malignancies that develop from the successive acquisition of driver mutations in hematopoietic stem cells residing in the bone marrow. Around a third of MDS patients will develop secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) and patients with high-risk MDS or sAML have a dismal prognosis. The study of disease progression in myeloid malignancy has been enhanced in recent years by the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology. iPSCs offer the advantage of indefinite expansion and the potential for genetic modification, with reprogramming enabling the capture of the full complement of genetic lesions found in primary patient bone marrow samples. The power of iPSC and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies have been harnessed to generate a range of iPSC-based cellular models of MDS, reflecting the genetic and biologic heterogeneity of the disease. Stage-specific patient iPSC lines have been produced and sequential gene editing in normal human iPSCs has been performed to map the evolution of MDS to AML. These studies have increased our understanding of the impact of driver mutations, and co-mutations, on disease phenotype and revealed mechanisms underlying disease stage transitions in myeloid malignancy. iPSC-based models of MDS have also proven important tools in high throughput drug screening and have empowered drug testing and drug discovery, offering a new platform to develop personalized therapy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology/genetics/metabolism
*Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/pathology
*Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology/genetics/metabolism
Gene Editing
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Animals
RevDate: 2026-02-15
CmpDate: 2026-02-15
Reduced Susceptibility to Phytophthora in Non-Transgenic Cacao Progeny Through CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated TcNPR3 Mutagenesis.
Plant biotechnology journal, 24(2):442-454.
Black pod disease, caused by a complex of Phytophthora species, poses a severe threat to global cacao production. This study explores the use of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to reduce disease susceptibility in Theobroma cacao L. by targeting the TcNPR3 gene, a known negative regulator of plant defence. Transgenic T0 lines carrying mutations predicted to disrupt TcNPR3 function exhibited reduced susceptibility to Phytophthora infection in in vitro foliar assays. These T0 plants were advanced to maturity and outcrossed with non-transgenic cacao to eliminate T-DNA sequences associated with the CRISPR-Cas9 transgene. Whole-genome sequencing of the T0 parents and 22 progeny revealed single T-DNA insertion sites in each T0 line; seven progeny retained the edited npr3 alleles but lacked T-DNA insertions. Transcriptome analysis of the mutant lines showed upregulation of genes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, defence-related transcription factors and pathogenesis-related proteins. Several genes were also downregulated, suggesting that TcNPR3 may function as both a repressor and an activator in regulating basal transcriptional states. Genome-edited plants were phenotypically comparable to wild-type controls and displayed a 42% reduction in lesion size upon Phytophthora challenge. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of generating non-transgenic cacao with reduced susceptibility to Phytophthora through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, offering a promising strategy for sustainable cacao cultivation and improved farmer livelihoods. Field trials are underway to evaluate long-term agronomic performance under natural conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-40923291
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40923291,
year = {2026},
author = {Guiltinan, MJ and Landherr, L and Maximova, SN and DelVecchio, D and Sebastian, A and Albert, I},
title = {Reduced Susceptibility to Phytophthora in Non-Transgenic Cacao Progeny Through CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated TcNPR3 Mutagenesis.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology journal},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {442-454},
doi = {10.1111/pbi.70365},
pmid = {40923291},
issn = {1467-7652},
support = {//Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture/ ; //Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences/ ; PEN05003//Endowed Program in the Molecular Biology of Cacao and USDA Hatch/ ; PEN4879//Endowed Program in the Molecular Biology of Cacao and USDA Hatch/ ; },
mesh = {*Phytophthora/pathogenicity/physiology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/genetics ; *Cacao/genetics/microbiology ; Gene Editing ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Mutagenesis ; Disease Resistance/genetics ; },
abstract = {Black pod disease, caused by a complex of Phytophthora species, poses a severe threat to global cacao production. This study explores the use of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to reduce disease susceptibility in Theobroma cacao L. by targeting the TcNPR3 gene, a known negative regulator of plant defence. Transgenic T0 lines carrying mutations predicted to disrupt TcNPR3 function exhibited reduced susceptibility to Phytophthora infection in in vitro foliar assays. These T0 plants were advanced to maturity and outcrossed with non-transgenic cacao to eliminate T-DNA sequences associated with the CRISPR-Cas9 transgene. Whole-genome sequencing of the T0 parents and 22 progeny revealed single T-DNA insertion sites in each T0 line; seven progeny retained the edited npr3 alleles but lacked T-DNA insertions. Transcriptome analysis of the mutant lines showed upregulation of genes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, defence-related transcription factors and pathogenesis-related proteins. Several genes were also downregulated, suggesting that TcNPR3 may function as both a repressor and an activator in regulating basal transcriptional states. Genome-edited plants were phenotypically comparable to wild-type controls and displayed a 42% reduction in lesion size upon Phytophthora challenge. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of generating non-transgenic cacao with reduced susceptibility to Phytophthora through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, offering a promising strategy for sustainable cacao cultivation and improved farmer livelihoods. Field trials are underway to evaluate long-term agronomic performance under natural conditions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
*Phytophthora/pathogenicity/physiology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Plant Diseases/microbiology/genetics
*Cacao/genetics/microbiology
Gene Editing
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Plants, Genetically Modified
Mutagenesis
Disease Resistance/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-12
Modular engineering of thermoresponsive allosteric proteins.
Nature chemical biology [Epub ahead of print].
Thermogenetics enables noninvasive spatiotemporal control over protein activity in living cells and tissues, yet its applications have largely been restricted to transcriptional regulation and membrane recruitment. Here, we present a generalizable strategy for engineering thermosensitive allosteric proteins through the insertion of optimized Avena sativa LOV2 domain variants. Applying this approach to a diverse set of structurally and functionally unrelated proteins in Escherichia coli, we generated potent, thermoswitchable chimeric variants that can be tightly controlled within narrow temperature ranges (37-41 °C). Extending this strategy to mammalian systems, we engineered CRISPR-Cas genome editors directly modulated by subtle temperature changes within the physiological range. Lastly, we showcase the incorporation of a chemoreceptor domain as an alternative thermosensing module, suggesting thermosensitivity to be a widespread feature in receptor domains. This work expands the toolkit of thermogenetics, providing a blueprint for temperature-dependent control of virtually any protein of interest.
Additional Links: PMID-41680487
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@article {pmid41680487,
year = {2026},
author = {Kroell, AS and Hoffmann, KH and Motzkus, NA and Lemmen, N and Happ, N and Wolf, B and von Bachmann, AL and Southern, N and Vogd, F and Aschenbrenner, S and Niopek, D and Mathony, J},
title = {Modular engineering of thermoresponsive allosteric proteins.},
journal = {Nature chemical biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41680487},
issn = {1552-4469},
support = {520612620//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 453202693//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Thermogenetics enables noninvasive spatiotemporal control over protein activity in living cells and tissues, yet its applications have largely been restricted to transcriptional regulation and membrane recruitment. Here, we present a generalizable strategy for engineering thermosensitive allosteric proteins through the insertion of optimized Avena sativa LOV2 domain variants. Applying this approach to a diverse set of structurally and functionally unrelated proteins in Escherichia coli, we generated potent, thermoswitchable chimeric variants that can be tightly controlled within narrow temperature ranges (37-41 °C). Extending this strategy to mammalian systems, we engineered CRISPR-Cas genome editors directly modulated by subtle temperature changes within the physiological range. Lastly, we showcase the incorporation of a chemoreceptor domain as an alternative thermosensing module, suggesting thermosensitivity to be a widespread feature in receptor domains. This work expands the toolkit of thermogenetics, providing a blueprint for temperature-dependent control of virtually any protein of interest.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-12
Targeted elimination of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis infections with synthetic phage-based CRISPR-Cas delivery systems.
NPJ biofilms and microbiomes pii:10.1038/s41522-026-00931-x [Epub ahead of print].
Treatment options for Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasingly limited, particularly in livestock, where S. aureus causes mastitis requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy. This study engineered Phage Inducible Chromosomal Islands (ePICIs) to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 modules targeting small RNA genes. ePICIs exhibit bactericidal activity without chromosomal integration, an expanded host range compared to their parental phages, and biofilm-dependent efficacy influenced by the extracellular matrix composition. Biofilms mediated by the Bap protein strongly protect bacteria from ePICIs, whereas PIA/PNAG-based biofilms do not. Despite Bap-mediated protection in vitro, ePICIs achieved bactericidal effects comparable to vancomycin in a mouse mastitis model caused by Bap-producing strains. These findings reveal key factors affecting phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas efficacy and highlight that antibiofilm therapies should not be dismissed based solely on in vitro performance. Non-replicative ePICIs thus represent a promising alternative for treating localized infections such as mastitis.
Additional Links: PMID-41680202
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@article {pmid41680202,
year = {2026},
author = {Garmendia-Antoñana, N and Dorado-Morales, P and Gil, C and García, B and Echeverz, M and Solano, C and Penadés, JR and Lasa, I},
title = {Targeted elimination of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis infections with synthetic phage-based CRISPR-Cas delivery systems.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-00931-x},
pmid = {41680202},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {PRE2021-097385//Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/ ; PID2020-113494RB-I00/ AEI//Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/ ; BES-2015-07285//the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Treatment options for Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasingly limited, particularly in livestock, where S. aureus causes mastitis requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy. This study engineered Phage Inducible Chromosomal Islands (ePICIs) to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 modules targeting small RNA genes. ePICIs exhibit bactericidal activity without chromosomal integration, an expanded host range compared to their parental phages, and biofilm-dependent efficacy influenced by the extracellular matrix composition. Biofilms mediated by the Bap protein strongly protect bacteria from ePICIs, whereas PIA/PNAG-based biofilms do not. Despite Bap-mediated protection in vitro, ePICIs achieved bactericidal effects comparable to vancomycin in a mouse mastitis model caused by Bap-producing strains. These findings reveal key factors affecting phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas efficacy and highlight that antibiofilm therapies should not be dismissed based solely on in vitro performance. Non-replicative ePICIs thus represent a promising alternative for treating localized infections such as mastitis.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-12
An orthogonal CRISPR/Cpf1 platform for precise spatiotemporal gene regulation and osteoporotic fracture repair.
Cell reports methods pii:S2667-2375(25)00335-2 [Epub ahead of print].
CRISPR-Cas systems enable powerful gene editing and regulation, yet single-modality control often fails to achieve orthogonal, spatiotemporally precise regulation of multiple endogenous genes. We engineered OREC, an orthogonal platform integrating chemogenetic and optogenetic modalities for precise, reversible, multiplex gene control. OREC comprises two components: OREC[C] regulated by doxycycline (Dox) and OREC[o] controlled by light. By assembling catalytically dead Cpf1 (dCpf1), gene regulatory elements, and crRNA arrays on single transcripts, OREC enables robust simultaneous manipulation of multiple genes. We demonstrated OREC's therapeutic potential in vitro for osteoblast function modulation and in vivo for osteoporotic fracture repair. OREC effectively activated Bmp2 while inhibiting Dkk1, significantly enhancing bone formation and fracture healing in mouse models. These results establish OREC as a versatile platform for precise multiplex gene regulation, offering significant advancement for CRISPR-based gene therapy applications in complex tissues where coordinated control of multiple therapeutic targets is essential.
Additional Links: PMID-41679307
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@article {pmid41679307,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Wang, Z and Lu, L and Bu, G and Miao, Z and Zhang, Y and Guo, Y and Yang, Z and Ma, J and Jiao, J and Ma, X},
title = {An orthogonal CRISPR/Cpf1 platform for precise spatiotemporal gene regulation and osteoporotic fracture repair.},
journal = {Cell reports methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101299},
doi = {10.1016/j.crmeth.2025.101299},
pmid = {41679307},
issn = {2667-2375},
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas systems enable powerful gene editing and regulation, yet single-modality control often fails to achieve orthogonal, spatiotemporally precise regulation of multiple endogenous genes. We engineered OREC, an orthogonal platform integrating chemogenetic and optogenetic modalities for precise, reversible, multiplex gene control. OREC comprises two components: OREC[C] regulated by doxycycline (Dox) and OREC[o] controlled by light. By assembling catalytically dead Cpf1 (dCpf1), gene regulatory elements, and crRNA arrays on single transcripts, OREC enables robust simultaneous manipulation of multiple genes. We demonstrated OREC's therapeutic potential in vitro for osteoblast function modulation and in vivo for osteoporotic fracture repair. OREC effectively activated Bmp2 while inhibiting Dkk1, significantly enhancing bone formation and fracture healing in mouse models. These results establish OREC as a versatile platform for precise multiplex gene regulation, offering significant advancement for CRISPR-based gene therapy applications in complex tissues where coordinated control of multiple therapeutic targets is essential.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-12
CmpDate: 2026-02-12
Mechanisms linking cytoplasmic decay of translation-defective mRNA to transcriptional adaptation.
Science (New York, N.Y.), 391(6786):eaea1272.
Transcriptional adaptation (TA) is a genetic robustness mechanism through which mutant messenger RNA (mRNA) decay induces sequence-dependent up-regulation of so-called adapting genes. How cytoplasmically generated mRNA fragments affect nuclear transcription remains poorly understood. Using genome-wide CRISPR screens, we uncover ILF3 as an RNA binding protein connecting cytoplasmic mRNA decay and transcription during TA and show that it is required for a range of TA substrates. ILF3 is enriched at adapting genes' RNAs, and its artificial recruitment through dCas13 promotes gene expression. Using tiling oligonucleotide screens, we identify trigger RNA fragments that activate adapting genes when introduced into cells. Further functional dissection reveals a critical role for homology between trigger and target sequences. These findings enhance our molecular understanding of TA and inform the design of programmable oligonucleotides for gene expression augmentation.
Additional Links: PMID-41678638
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@article {pmid41678638,
year = {2026},
author = {El-Brolosy, MA and Oak, A and Hoang, AT and Damergi, Y and Fischer, A and Saunders, RA and Luo, J and Balabaki, A and Guez, J and Whitfield, TW and Goldman, SR and Latifkar, A and Lu, YR and Stainier, DYR and Karczewski, KJ and Corradin, O and Weissman, JS},
title = {Mechanisms linking cytoplasmic decay of translation-defective mRNA to transcriptional adaptation.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {391},
number = {6786},
pages = {eaea1272},
doi = {10.1126/science.aea1272},
pmid = {41678638},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {*RNA Stability ; *RNA, Messenger/metabolism/genetics ; *Cytoplasm/metabolism ; Humans ; *Transcription, Genetic ; *Protein Biosynthesis ; *RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {Transcriptional adaptation (TA) is a genetic robustness mechanism through which mutant messenger RNA (mRNA) decay induces sequence-dependent up-regulation of so-called adapting genes. How cytoplasmically generated mRNA fragments affect nuclear transcription remains poorly understood. Using genome-wide CRISPR screens, we uncover ILF3 as an RNA binding protein connecting cytoplasmic mRNA decay and transcription during TA and show that it is required for a range of TA substrates. ILF3 is enriched at adapting genes' RNAs, and its artificial recruitment through dCas13 promotes gene expression. Using tiling oligonucleotide screens, we identify trigger RNA fragments that activate adapting genes when introduced into cells. Further functional dissection reveals a critical role for homology between trigger and target sequences. These findings enhance our molecular understanding of TA and inform the design of programmable oligonucleotides for gene expression augmentation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*RNA Stability
*RNA, Messenger/metabolism/genetics
*Cytoplasm/metabolism
Humans
*Transcription, Genetic
*Protein Biosynthesis
*RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
RevDate: 2026-02-14
CmpDate: 2026-02-12
Omics-aided design genome editing strategy for challenging human immortalized cell models.
PloS one, 21(2):e0341124.
CRISPR-Cas9 has become a popular genome editing tool for biomedical research and drug development due to its capability to enable precise correction or integration of genetic mutations in the genome. However, precise genome editing competency varies dramatically between cell types depending on their capabilities for DNA damage. In this proof-of-concept study, we took the example of HepG2 and MCF7 to show that omics profiling identifies bottlenecks that are associated with poor precise knock-in (KI) efficiency in hard-to-engineer cells. These bottlenecks include previously described factors such as the predominance of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair and impaired homologous recombination (HR) capability, but also reveals apoptotic priming status of the cells as a limiting factor. Upon further comparative analysis between HepG2 and MCF7 cells, we pinpointed and validated the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a target to overexpress to enhance precise KI efficiency in MCF7. Overall, we describe how employing a multi-omics approach to characterize cell models of interest can facilitate an in-depth understanding of their editability molecular signature, empowering us to manipulate the activity of key pathways for precise editing, and therefore increase efficiency of desired editing outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-41678468
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@article {pmid41678468,
year = {2026},
author = {Mendoza-Garcia, P and Keith, B and Nordberg, M and Quist, E and Ferrás, C and Hamza, GM and Elgendy, R and Ashenden, SK and Chi, J and van Zuydam, NR and Hattersley, N and Zhang, X},
title = {Omics-aided design genome editing strategy for challenging human immortalized cell models.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e0341124},
pmid = {41678468},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; MCF-7 Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; DNA End-Joining Repair ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/genetics/metabolism ; Genomics/methods ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas9 has become a popular genome editing tool for biomedical research and drug development due to its capability to enable precise correction or integration of genetic mutations in the genome. However, precise genome editing competency varies dramatically between cell types depending on their capabilities for DNA damage. In this proof-of-concept study, we took the example of HepG2 and MCF7 to show that omics profiling identifies bottlenecks that are associated with poor precise knock-in (KI) efficiency in hard-to-engineer cells. These bottlenecks include previously described factors such as the predominance of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair and impaired homologous recombination (HR) capability, but also reveals apoptotic priming status of the cells as a limiting factor. Upon further comparative analysis between HepG2 and MCF7 cells, we pinpointed and validated the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a target to overexpress to enhance precise KI efficiency in MCF7. Overall, we describe how employing a multi-omics approach to characterize cell models of interest can facilitate an in-depth understanding of their editability molecular signature, empowering us to manipulate the activity of key pathways for precise editing, and therefore increase efficiency of desired editing outcomes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
MCF-7 Cells
Hep G2 Cells
DNA End-Joining Repair
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/genetics/metabolism
Genomics/methods
Gene Knock-In Techniques
RevDate: 2026-02-12
Bacterial Cofactors for CRISPR Activation.
Biochemistry [Epub ahead of print].
Anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins have long exemplified the viral counterattack against CRISPR-Cas immunity. By contrast, comparatively little is known about host proteins that may increase Cas effector activity. Recent work on a compact type V nuclease, Cas12p, demonstrates that this phage-associated effector depends on the bacterial thioredoxin TrxA for efficient DNA cleavage. TrxA binds a dedicated thioredoxin-binding (TB) domain on Cas12p through a redox-sensitive interaction, promoting an active conformation competent for DNA cleavage. This finding adds to a small but growing set of CRISPR activators and highlights that CRISPR-Cas systems are not static defense modules but dynamic networks shaped by auxiliary factors that can fine-tune their activity.
Additional Links: PMID-41678341
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@article {pmid41678341,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Wang, Y and Ji, Q},
title = {Bacterial Cofactors for CRISPR Activation.},
journal = {Biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00738},
pmid = {41678341},
issn = {1520-4995},
abstract = {Anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins have long exemplified the viral counterattack against CRISPR-Cas immunity. By contrast, comparatively little is known about host proteins that may increase Cas effector activity. Recent work on a compact type V nuclease, Cas12p, demonstrates that this phage-associated effector depends on the bacterial thioredoxin TrxA for efficient DNA cleavage. TrxA binds a dedicated thioredoxin-binding (TB) domain on Cas12p through a redox-sensitive interaction, promoting an active conformation competent for DNA cleavage. This finding adds to a small but growing set of CRISPR activators and highlights that CRISPR-Cas systems are not static defense modules but dynamic networks shaped by auxiliary factors that can fine-tune their activity.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-12
A CRISPR-based mitochondrial gene therapy tool derived by engineering guide RNAs.
Cell reports, 45(2):116958 pii:S2211-1247(26)00036-7 [Epub ahead of print].
Mitochondrial genetic diseases arise from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects, which gene therapy tools may rectify. However, delivering single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) into mitochondria remains a challenge limiting CRISPR-mediated mtDNA therapy. Here, through network analysis of mitochondrion-localized long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), we found that lncRNA RP11-46H11.3 translocates into mitochondria via binding mitochondria-associated RBPs using its key RNA recognition motifs (RRMs); its derived 30 nt ST2-RNA mitochondrial targeting sequence (RMTS) showed the highest mitochondrial localization efficiency. We engineered the RMTS-CRISPR tool by fusing ST2-RMTS to sgRNA, verifying its ability to target and cleave mtDNA. Strikingly, our results demonstrated that RMTS-CRISPR could achieve heteroplasmic mtDNA shifting efficiencies of up to 26.37% in m.3243A>G mutant cell models and 26.79% in vivo, offering a technological approach for the correction of heterogeneous mtDNA mutations. Taken together, our findings reveal a CRISPR-based mitochondrial gene intervention strategy that may have applications in mitochondrial disorders.
Additional Links: PMID-41678334
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41678334,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Su, X and Chen, Y and Chen, Y and Shi, C and Liu, F and Ye, Y and Sun, P and Tan, M and Yu, M and Wang, Y and Xie, S and Liu, J and Yan, Q and Sun, Q and Neculai, D and Liu, W and Shao, J and Liu, Y and Lin, W and Lin, A},
title = {A CRISPR-based mitochondrial gene therapy tool derived by engineering guide RNAs.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {116958},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.116958},
pmid = {41678334},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Mitochondrial genetic diseases arise from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects, which gene therapy tools may rectify. However, delivering single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) into mitochondria remains a challenge limiting CRISPR-mediated mtDNA therapy. Here, through network analysis of mitochondrion-localized long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), we found that lncRNA RP11-46H11.3 translocates into mitochondria via binding mitochondria-associated RBPs using its key RNA recognition motifs (RRMs); its derived 30 nt ST2-RNA mitochondrial targeting sequence (RMTS) showed the highest mitochondrial localization efficiency. We engineered the RMTS-CRISPR tool by fusing ST2-RMTS to sgRNA, verifying its ability to target and cleave mtDNA. Strikingly, our results demonstrated that RMTS-CRISPR could achieve heteroplasmic mtDNA shifting efficiencies of up to 26.37% in m.3243A>G mutant cell models and 26.79% in vivo, offering a technological approach for the correction of heterogeneous mtDNA mutations. Taken together, our findings reveal a CRISPR-based mitochondrial gene intervention strategy that may have applications in mitochondrial disorders.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Evolutionary dynamics of sex determination in Branchiostoma belcheri driven by repeated transposition of a single novel gene.
Nature communications, 17(1):1616.
Sex determination systems display striking evolutionary flexibility, yet the mechanisms underlying their transitions remain poorly understood. Using newly generated genome assemblies, we investigated the evolving sex-determining system in the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. We identified two female-specific sex-determining regions (SDRs) on chromosome 13, both derived from independent transpositions of the autosomal gene tesD, which shows testis-specific expression in amphioxus species. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout experiments in Branchiostoma floridae confirmed that tesD functions as a male-determination gene, with loss of function producing an all-female phenotype. In B. belcheri, the older SDR (tesDwa) inserted into the coding region of twai, while the younger SDR (tesDwb), flanked by active Zator-1 transposons, inserted into the 3' UTR of vps9c and later translocated to autosomes in ~10% of individuals. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that W-linked tesDwa and tesDwb produce antisense long non-coding RNAs that likely suppress tesD transcription in females, whereas autosomal tesDwb is not expressed and appears non-functional. The insertion sites and co-transcription with host genes suggest promoter hijacking. Together, these findings demonstrate that recurrent transpositions can generate new functional SDRs that coexist with older ones, driving dynamic turnover of sex determination in B. belcheri.
Additional Links: PMID-41530154
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@article {pmid41530154,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Liu, F and Li, J and Shi, C and Lin, Z and Qin, Y and Pan, R and Wu, X and Peng, Y and Xing, C and Wang, Y and Qu, Q and Li, G},
title = {Evolutionary dynamics of sex determination in Branchiostoma belcheri driven by repeated transposition of a single novel gene.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1616},
pmid = {41530154},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {Start-up//Xiamen University (XMU)/ ; 32300346//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32200411//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32270439//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32061160471//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 2022J06004//Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sex Determination Processes/genetics ; Female ; Male ; *Lancelets/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sex determination systems display striking evolutionary flexibility, yet the mechanisms underlying their transitions remain poorly understood. Using newly generated genome assemblies, we investigated the evolving sex-determining system in the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. We identified two female-specific sex-determining regions (SDRs) on chromosome 13, both derived from independent transpositions of the autosomal gene tesD, which shows testis-specific expression in amphioxus species. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout experiments in Branchiostoma floridae confirmed that tesD functions as a male-determination gene, with loss of function producing an all-female phenotype. In B. belcheri, the older SDR (tesDwa) inserted into the coding region of twai, while the younger SDR (tesDwb), flanked by active Zator-1 transposons, inserted into the 3' UTR of vps9c and later translocated to autosomes in ~10% of individuals. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that W-linked tesDwa and tesDwb produce antisense long non-coding RNAs that likely suppress tesD transcription in females, whereas autosomal tesDwb is not expressed and appears non-functional. The insertion sites and co-transcription with host genes suggest promoter hijacking. Together, these findings demonstrate that recurrent transpositions can generate new functional SDRs that coexist with older ones, driving dynamic turnover of sex determination in B. belcheri.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Animals
*Sex Determination Processes/genetics
Female
Male
*Lancelets/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
Sex Chromosomes/genetics
RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
RevDate: 2026-02-14
CmpDate: 2026-02-14
Establishment of detection method of chicken infectious anemia virus based on CRISPR/Cas12a system.
Research in veterinary science, 201:106046.
Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) causes chicken infectious anemia, characterized by anemia and immune dysfunction. The rapid dissemination of this virus is generating substantial economic consequences for poultry producers. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is widely used for virus detection through crRNA-guided target recognition and the paracrine activity of Cas12a. To enable rapid and highly sensitive detection of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV), a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence assay was refined. Through optimization of the CRISPR/Cas12a system and integration of enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA), the assay achieved a detection limit of 1 copy/μL, demonstrating its significant utility for CIAV diagnostics. In addition, a CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow assay was developed and optimized, achieving a sensitivity of 10^3 copies/μL for the rapid and visual detection of target analytes. This technique exhibits high specificity for CIAV, showing no cross-reactivity with other chicken viruses. Overall, the system enables rapid CIAV detection with cost-effective equipment, making it suitable for virus monitoring.
Additional Links: PMID-41500180
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@article {pmid41500180,
year = {2026},
author = {Sheng, C and Wang, J and Tan, M and Zhang, J and Sun, M and Sun, J and Shao, Y and Tu, J and Zhu, L and Song, X},
title = {Establishment of detection method of chicken infectious anemia virus based on CRISPR/Cas12a system.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {106046},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106046},
pmid = {41500180},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {*Chicken anemia virus/isolation & purification/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Animals ; Chickens ; *Poultry Diseases/diagnosis/virology ; *Circoviridae Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/virology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) causes chicken infectious anemia, characterized by anemia and immune dysfunction. The rapid dissemination of this virus is generating substantial economic consequences for poultry producers. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is widely used for virus detection through crRNA-guided target recognition and the paracrine activity of Cas12a. To enable rapid and highly sensitive detection of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV), a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence assay was refined. Through optimization of the CRISPR/Cas12a system and integration of enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA), the assay achieved a detection limit of 1 copy/μL, demonstrating its significant utility for CIAV diagnostics. In addition, a CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow assay was developed and optimized, achieving a sensitivity of 10^3 copies/μL for the rapid and visual detection of target analytes. This technique exhibits high specificity for CIAV, showing no cross-reactivity with other chicken viruses. Overall, the system enables rapid CIAV detection with cost-effective equipment, making it suitable for virus monitoring.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Chicken anemia virus/isolation & purification/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Animals
Chickens
*Poultry Diseases/diagnosis/virology
*Circoviridae Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/virology
Sensitivity and Specificity
RevDate: 2026-02-14
CmpDate: 2026-02-14
An efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of phytoene desaturase in hexaploid sweetpotato.
Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology, 364:112967.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing has emerged as a pivotal tool for functional genomics and crop improvement. For the first time, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing to the IbPDS gene in the purple-fleshed cultivar 'XZS-8', achieving mutation efficiencies up to 98.18 %. Loss-of-function mutations in IbPDS induced visually discernible albino phenotypes. Hi-TOM sequencing confirmed deletion mutations within the target locus, with editing efficiencies ranging from 17.77 % to 65.90 % (gRNA1) and 87.87-98.18 % (gRNA2). Knockout lines showed significant reductions in chlorophyll a and b content, confirming functional disruption of IbPDS. Collectively, our results demonstrate efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for generating mutants in the hexaploid sweetpotato.
Additional Links: PMID-41475537
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@article {pmid41475537,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, W and Ma, M and Song, W and Kou, M and Wang, X and Yan, H and Li, C and Zhang, A and Gao, T and Gao, R and Zhang, Y and Li, Q},
title = {An efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of phytoene desaturase in hexaploid sweetpotato.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {364},
number = {},
pages = {112967},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112967},
pmid = {41475537},
issn = {1873-2259},
mesh = {*Ipomoea batatas/genetics/enzymology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Oxidoreductases/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Polyploidy ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; },
abstract = {CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing has emerged as a pivotal tool for functional genomics and crop improvement. For the first time, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing to the IbPDS gene in the purple-fleshed cultivar 'XZS-8', achieving mutation efficiencies up to 98.18 %. Loss-of-function mutations in IbPDS induced visually discernible albino phenotypes. Hi-TOM sequencing confirmed deletion mutations within the target locus, with editing efficiencies ranging from 17.77 % to 65.90 % (gRNA1) and 87.87-98.18 % (gRNA2). Knockout lines showed significant reductions in chlorophyll a and b content, confirming functional disruption of IbPDS. Collectively, our results demonstrate efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for generating mutants in the hexaploid sweetpotato.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Ipomoea batatas/genetics/enzymology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
*Oxidoreductases/genetics/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Polyploidy
Chlorophyll/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-02-13
CmpDate: 2026-02-13
Mechanisms of resistance to VHL loss-induced genetic and pharmacological vulnerabilities.
EMBO molecular medicine, 18(2):599-619.
The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) is a component of a ubiquitin ligase complex that controls cellular responses to hypoxia. Endogenous VHL is also utilized by proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, a promising class of anti-cancer agents. VHL is broadly essential for cell proliferation, yet it is a key tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma. To understand the functional consequences of VHL loss, and to identify targeted approaches for the elimination of VHL null cells, we have used genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in human renal epithelial cells. We find that, upon VHL loss, the HIF1A/ARNT complex is the central inhibitor of cellular fitness, suppressing mitochondrial respiration, and that VHL null cells show HIF1A-dependent molecular vulnerabilities that can be targeted pharmacologically. Combined VHL/HIF1A inactivation in breast and esophageal cancer cells can also provide resistance to ARV-771, a VHL-based bromodomain degrader that has anti-cancer activity. HIF1A stabilization can thus provide opportunities for early intervention in neoplastic VHL clones, and the VHL-HIF1A axis may be relevant for the development of resistance to the emerging class of PROTAC-based cancer therapies.
Additional Links: PMID-41420106
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@article {pmid41420106,
year = {2026},
author = {Ge, J and Hirosue, S and Castillon, L and Patel, SA and Wesolowski, L and Dyas, A and Yong, C and de Haan, S and Drost, J and Stewart, GD and Obenauf, AC and Muñoz-Espín, D and Vanharanta, S},
title = {Mechanisms of resistance to VHL loss-induced genetic and pharmacological vulnerabilities.},
journal = {EMBO molecular medicine},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {599-619},
pmid = {41420106},
issn = {1757-4684},
support = {C9685/A25177//Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/ ; C62187/A29760//Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/ ; BRC-1215-20014//NIHR | NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Cambridge BRC)/ ; 955951//European Commission (EC)/ ; MC_UU_12022/7//UKRI | Medical Research Council (MRC)/ ; RP_033_20170303//Kidney Research UK/ ; 338420//Research Council of Finland (AKA)/ ; },
mesh = {*Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; },
abstract = {The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) is a component of a ubiquitin ligase complex that controls cellular responses to hypoxia. Endogenous VHL is also utilized by proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, a promising class of anti-cancer agents. VHL is broadly essential for cell proliferation, yet it is a key tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma. To understand the functional consequences of VHL loss, and to identify targeted approaches for the elimination of VHL null cells, we have used genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in human renal epithelial cells. We find that, upon VHL loss, the HIF1A/ARNT complex is the central inhibitor of cellular fitness, suppressing mitochondrial respiration, and that VHL null cells show HIF1A-dependent molecular vulnerabilities that can be targeted pharmacologically. Combined VHL/HIF1A inactivation in breast and esophageal cancer cells can also provide resistance to ARV-771, a VHL-based bromodomain degrader that has anti-cancer activity. HIF1A stabilization can thus provide opportunities for early intervention in neoplastic VHL clones, and the VHL-HIF1A axis may be relevant for the development of resistance to the emerging class of PROTAC-based cancer therapies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics/metabolism
Humans
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
Cell Line, Tumor
*Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
Epithelial Cells
RevDate: 2026-02-14
CmpDate: 2026-02-14
A differentiated and durable allogeneic strategy applicable to cell therapies.
Cytotherapy, 28(3):101991.
BACKGROUND AIMS: Autologous T-cell therapies have shown profound clinical responses; however, their widespread use has been limited primarily as the result of their individualized manufacturing requirements.
METHODS: To develop a persistent "off-the-shelf" allogeneic (Allo) approach, a multiplex Nme2Cas9-based cytosine base editor was deployed to knockout select human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I and II alleles (HLA-A, HLA-B and the class II transactivator [CIITA]) while retaining HLA-C to protect from natural killer (NK) cell rejection.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Matching the residual HLA-C allele from homozygous donors to the host prevented rejection of the donor T cells by allogeneic host T and NK cells. Site-specific integration of a tumor-specific CAR or TCR into the TRAC locus using SpyCas9 nuclease and an adeno-associated virus template allowed for a high localized insertion rate while simultaneously removing the endogenous TCR and preventing graft-versus-host disease. Using an optimized T-cell engineering process involving orthogonal CRISPR/Cas9 cleavage and base editors coupled with lipid nanoparticle delivery, we achieved efficient production of Allo-CAR T cells with high editing rates and cell expansion in a scalable manner. These allogeneic T cells demonstrated comparable functional activity to their autologous counterparts in preclinical assays. Moreover, this gene-editing approach significantly minimized the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations. This promising allogeneic approach also has been applied to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with triple edits targeting HLA-A, HLA-B and CIITA (TKO). Pancreatic progenitor cells or cardiomyocytes derived from TKO iPSCs were protected from host peripheral blood mononuclear cell-mediated rejection when matched for HLA-C, suggesting potential applications in regenerative medicine applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41201433
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41201433,
year = {2026},
author = {Jetley, U and Balwani, I and Sharma, P and Miller, IC and Luther, A and Dutta, I and Saravanan, N and Goel, S and Zhang, Q and Zhang, B and Kilic, O and Liu, B and Han, BW and Liu, D and Schultes, B and Prodeus, A and Zhang, Y},
title = {A differentiated and durable allogeneic strategy applicable to cell therapies.},
journal = {Cytotherapy},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {101991},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcyt.2025.10.001},
pmid = {41201433},
issn = {1477-2566},
mesh = {Humans ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods ; Gene Editing/methods ; Killer Cells, Natural/immunology ; *T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Cell Differentiation ; *Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AIMS: Autologous T-cell therapies have shown profound clinical responses; however, their widespread use has been limited primarily as the result of their individualized manufacturing requirements.
METHODS: To develop a persistent "off-the-shelf" allogeneic (Allo) approach, a multiplex Nme2Cas9-based cytosine base editor was deployed to knockout select human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I and II alleles (HLA-A, HLA-B and the class II transactivator [CIITA]) while retaining HLA-C to protect from natural killer (NK) cell rejection.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Matching the residual HLA-C allele from homozygous donors to the host prevented rejection of the donor T cells by allogeneic host T and NK cells. Site-specific integration of a tumor-specific CAR or TCR into the TRAC locus using SpyCas9 nuclease and an adeno-associated virus template allowed for a high localized insertion rate while simultaneously removing the endogenous TCR and preventing graft-versus-host disease. Using an optimized T-cell engineering process involving orthogonal CRISPR/Cas9 cleavage and base editors coupled with lipid nanoparticle delivery, we achieved efficient production of Allo-CAR T cells with high editing rates and cell expansion in a scalable manner. These allogeneic T cells demonstrated comparable functional activity to their autologous counterparts in preclinical assays. Moreover, this gene-editing approach significantly minimized the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations. This promising allogeneic approach also has been applied to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with triple edits targeting HLA-A, HLA-B and CIITA (TKO). Pancreatic progenitor cells or cardiomyocytes derived from TKO iPSCs were protected from host peripheral blood mononuclear cell-mediated rejection when matched for HLA-C, suggesting potential applications in regenerative medicine applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
Gene Editing/methods
Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
*T-Lymphocytes/immunology
Transplantation, Homologous
Cell Differentiation
*Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
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RJR Experience and Expertise
Researcher
Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.
Educator
Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.
Administrator
Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.
Technologist
Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.
Publisher
While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.
Speaker
Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.
Facilitator
Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.
Designer
Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.
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Big Data & Informatics
Big Data: Buzzword or Big Deal?
Hacking the genome: Identifying anonymized human subjects using publicly available data.