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MiniCAFE, a CRISPR/Cas9-based compact and potent transcriptional activator, elicits gene expression in nematodes, mice and human cells

ABSTRACT: CRISPR-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) is a promising therapeutic gene editing strategy without inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, in vivo implementation of these CRISPRa systems remains a challenge. Here, we report a compact and robust miniCas9 activator (termed miniCAFE) for in vivo activation of endogenous target genes. The system relies on recruitment of an engineered minimal nuclease-null Cas9 from Campylobacter jejuni and potent transcriptional activators to a target locus by a single guide RNA. It enables robust gene activation in human cells even with a single DNA copy and is able to promote lifespan of C. elegans through activation of longevity-regulating genes. As proof-of-concept, delivered within an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV), miniCAFE can activate Fgf21 expression in the liver and regulate energy metabolism in adult mice. Thus, miniCAFE holds great therapeutic potential against human diseases.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE164452 | GEO | 2021/04/21

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Campylobacter jejuni is the prevalent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in human worldwide. The ability to survive stomach acidity is a fundamental requirement for C. jejuni to colonize the host and cause disease. However, the mechanism of C. jejuni acid survival is still unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that C. jejuni is able to survive acidic conditions at pH 4 up to 8 min without a drop in viability. The acid stimulon of C. jejuni 81-176 revealed the up-regulation of many genes important for Campylobacter acid survival such as heat shock genes and genes involved in energy metabolism. On the other hand, the repression of ribosomal genes highlights the ability of C. jejuni to direct its machinery to survive stressful conditions. Prior acid exposure cross-protected C. jejuni against oxidative stress suggesting an overlap in C. jejuni’s responses to various stresses. Interestingly, the induced expression of virulence genes in C. jejuni upon acid exposure such as the Campylobacter invasion antigen (ciaB) indicates that acid stress plays a role in C. jejuni host pathogenesis. Acid exposure significantly enhanced C. jejuni pathogenesis in both eukaryotic cells and G. melonella. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study characterizes the influence of acid stress on C. jejuni pathogenesis in an infection model. Altogether, this study uncovers the transcriptional profile of C. jejuni in response to acidic conditions as those encountered in the stomach. In addition, our results demonstrate that acid stress jump-starts C. jejuni for efficient gut colonization and host pathogenesis. Campylobacter jejuni is the prevalent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in human worldwide. The ability to survive stomach acidity is a fundamental requirement for C. jejuni to colonize the host and cause disease. However, the mechanism of C. jejuni acid survival is still unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that C. jejuni is able to survive acidic conditions at pH 4 up to 8 min without a drop in viability. The acid stimulon of C. jejuni 81-176 revealed the up-regulation of many genes important for Campylobacter acid survival such as heat shock genes and genes involved in energy metabolism. On the other hand, the repression of ribosomal genes highlights the ability of C. jejuni to direct its machinery to survive stressful conditions. Prior acid exposure cross-protected C. jejuni against oxidative stress suggesting an overlap in C. jejuni’s responses to various stresses. Interestingly, the induced expression of virulence genes in C. jejuni upon acid exposure such as the Campylobacter invasion antigen (ciaB) indicates that acid stress plays a role in C. jejuni host pathogenesis. Acid exposure significantly enhanced C. jejuni pathogenesis in both eukaryotic cells and G. melonella. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study characterizes the influence of acid stress on C. jejuni pathogenesis in an infection model. Altogether, this study uncovers the transcriptional profile of C. jejuni in response to acidic conditions as those encountered in the stomach. In addition, our results demonstrate that acid stress jump-starts C. jejuni for efficient gut colonization and host pathogenesis.

Project description:FGF21 is a novel secreted protein with robust anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-atherogenic activities in preclinical species. In the current study, we investigated the signal transduction pathways downstream of FGF21 following acute administration of the growth factor to mice. Focusing on adipose tissues, we identified FGF21-mediated downstream signaling events and target engagement biomarkers. Specifically, RNA profiling of adipose tissues and phosphoproteomic profiling of adipocytes, following FGF21 treatment revealed several specific changes in gene expression and post-translational modifications, specifically phosphorylation, in several relevant proteins. Affymetrix microarray analysis of white adipose tissues isolated from both C57BL/6 (fed either regular chow or HFD) and db/db mice identified over 150 robust potential RNA transcripts and over 50 potential secreted proteins that were changed greater than 1.5 fold by FGF21 acutely. Phosphoprofiling analysis identified over 130 phosphoproteins that were modulated greater than 1.5 fold by FGF21 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Bioinformatic analysis of the combined gene and phosphoprotein profiling data identified a number of known metabolic pathways such as glucose uptake, insulin receptor signaling, Erk/Mapk signaling cascades, and lipid metabolism. Moreover, a number of novel events with hitherto unknown links to FGF21 signaling were observed at both the transcription and protein phosphorylation levels following treatment. We conclude that such a combined "omics" approach can be used not only to identify robust biomarkers for novel therapeutics but can also enhance our understanding of downstream signaling pathways; in the example presented here, novel FGF21-mediated signaling events in adipose tissue have been revealed that warrant further investigation. Three mouse strains (C57BL6 on chow diet, C57BL6 on high fat diet, and db/db on chow diet) were treated with either vehicle, wild-type FGF21, or pegylated FGF21 acutely or for several days and three white adipose tissues (IWAT, EWAT, RPWAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were profiled on custom Affymetrix microarrays. The primary goal was to identify robust and consistent acute target engagement biomarkers of FGF21 activation in white adipose tissues.

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MiniCAFE, a CRISPR/Cas9-based compact and potent transcriptional activator, elicits gene expression in nematodes, mice and human cells

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