Optimization of CRISPR Gene Editing with Gold Nanoparticles
Reporter: Irina Robu, PhD
The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system has been welcomed as a hopeful solution to a range of genetic diseases, but the expertise has proven hard to deliver into cells. One plan is to open the cell membrane using an electric shock, but that can accidentally kill the cell. Another is to use viruses as couriers. Problem is, viruses can cause off-target side effects.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of DNA sequence. It is faster, cheaper and more accurate than previous techniques of editing DNA and can have a wide range of potential applications.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two key molecules that introduce a change into the DNA. One is an enzyme called Cas9 which acts as a pair of molecular scissors that can cut the two strands of DNA at a specific location in the genome where bits of DNA can be added or removed. The other one, is a piece of RNA which consists of a small piece of pre-designed RNA sequence located within a longer RNA scaffold. The scaffold part binds to the DNA and pre-designed sequence which contains Cas9. The RNA sequence is designed to find and locate specific sequence in the DNA. The Cas9 trails the guide RNA to the same location in the DNA sequence and makes a cut across both strands of DNA. At this point the cell distinguishes that the DNA is damaged and tries to repair it.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center published new findings in Nature Materials suggested an alternative delivery method such as gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles are packed with all the CRISPR components necessary to make clean gene edits. When the gold nanoparticles were tested in lab models of inherited blood disorders and HIV, between 10% and 20% of the targeted cells were effectively edited, with no toxic side effects.
The researchers use gold nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR to blood stem cells. Each gold nanoparticle contains four CRISPR components, including the enzyme needed to make the DNA cuts. But Fred Hutchinson researchers chose Cas12a, which they believed would lead to more efficient edits. Plus, Cas12a only needs one molecular guide, while Cas9 requires two.
In one experiment, they sought to disturb the gene CCR5 to make cells resistant to HIV. In the second, they created a gene mutation that can protect against blood disorders, including sickle cell disease. They observed the cells encapsulated the nanoparticles within six hours and began the gene-editing process within 48 hours. In mice, gene editing peaked eight weeks after injection, and the edited cells were still in circulation 22 weeks after the treatment.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson are now working on improving the efficiency of the gold-based CRISPR delivery system so that 50% or more of the targeted cells are edited and are also looking for a commercial partner to bring the technology to clinical phase in the next few years.
SOURCE
2012pharmaceutical
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