CRISPR/Cas9-induced (CTG⋅CAG)n repeat instability in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 locus: implications for therapeutic genome editing

van Agtmaal, E. L. et al. (2017) CRISPR/Cas9-induced (CTG⋅CAG)n repeat instability in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 locus: implications for therapeutic genome editing. Molecular Therapy, 25(1), pp. 24-43. (doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.10.014)

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Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by (CTG⋅CAG)n-repeat expansion within the DMPK gene and thought to be mediated by a toxic RNA gain of function. Current attempts to develop therapy for this disease mainly aim at destroying or blocking abnormal properties of mutant DMPK (CUG)n RNA. Here, we explored a DNA-directed strategy and demonstrate that single clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-cleavage in either its 5′ or 3′ unique flank promotes uncontrollable deletion of large segments from the expanded trinucleotide repeat, rather than formation of short indels usually seen after double-strand break repair. Complete and precise excision of the repeat tract from normal and large expanded DMPK alleles in myoblasts from unaffected individuals, DM1 patients, and a DM1 mouse model could be achieved at high frequency by dual CRISPR/Cas9-cleavage at either side of the (CTG⋅CAG)n sequence. Importantly, removal of the repeat appeared to have no detrimental effects on the expression of genes in the DM1 locus. Moreover, myogenic capacity, nucleocytoplasmic distribution, and abnormal RNP-binding behavior of transcripts from the edited DMPK gene were normalized. Dual sgRNA-guided excision of the (CTG⋅CAG)n tract by CRISPR/Cas9 technology is applicable for developing isogenic cell lines for research and may provide new therapeutic opportunities for patients with DM1.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Monckton, Professor Darren and Cumming, Dr Sarah
Authors: van Agtmaal, E. L., André, L. M., Willemse, M., Cumming, S. A., van Kessel, I. D.G., van den Broek, W. J.A.A., Gourdon, G., Furling, D., Mouly, V., Monckton, D. G., Wansink, D. G., and Wieringa, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:Molecular Therapy
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:1525-0016
ISSN (Online):1525-0024
Published Online:04 January 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Molecular Therapy 25(1)24-43
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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