Ⅰ-E型CRISPR/Cas系统介导适应性免疫分子机制研究进展北大核心CSCD

为了更好地适应环境,原核生物可通过水平基因转移的方式获取外源基因(来自噬菌体、质粒或其他物种基因组)。在获取外源基因的同时,原核生物也面临着"自私基因"入侵的风险。因此,原核生物需建立相应的机制选择性地摄取或降解外源DNA,从而防范基因转移带来的潜在危害。近年来,人们在原核生物中发现了由小RNA介导降解DNA的防御外源基因入侵的适应性免疫。在免疫防御过程中,首先外源DNA部分片段整合至细胞自身基因组上成簇出现的重复序列(CRISPR)上;然后表达并加工成熟的CRISPR RNA和相关Cas蛋白形成CRISPR/Cas复合体降解再次入侵的外源DNA。本文在简介CRISPR/Cas系统的基础上,重点探讨近年来关于大肠杆菌中I-E型CRISPR/Cas系统作用机制和调控机制的研究进展。     

原核生物转录调控研究技术及进展

原核生物基因表达调控主要发生在转录水平,研究原核生物的转录调控有利于了解其基因表达调节机制。近年来,随着分子生物学及相关技术的突破,转录调控研究技术也不断发展,因此主要综述了原核生物转录调控的技术方法及其新进展,包括凝胶电泳迁移率实验、DNase I足迹技术、染色质免疫共沉淀技术、微量热泳动技术、等温滴定量热法及细菌单杂交系统,以期系统地了解这些方法的优缺点和适用性,帮助研究者更好的利用原核生物转录调控为人类造福。     

原核生物小RNA的研究及其进展

原核生物中的小RNA（small RNA,sRNA）长度通常在50—250nt之间,一般在细胞内不被翻译,对基因转录后水平的调控发挥着关键作用。最初在大肠杆菌中发现,通过计算机预测和实验技术分析,查明的种类现已近140种,其作用机制包括;与目标mRNA的翻译起始位点或前导链结合分别抑制或促进翻译;或者模拟其他核酸的二级结构,去除mRNA结合蛋白对翻译的阻抑作用,促进翻译。此外,在转录水平上,SRNA还能模拟开放的启动子结构与RNA聚合酶结合阻止转录。     

原核生物转录起始的负调控

原核生物转录起始是多个反应组成的动力学过程,每一个反应特别是其中一个或几个限速步骤往往成为转录因子的调节点,原核生物阻遏蛋白介导的负调控因启动子而异,包括抑制RNA聚合酶与启动子结合、抑制开放复合物形成、抑制启动子清空等多种机制,不同的阻遏机制与被调系统启动子自身的特性相适应。     

CRISPR-Cas9与抗肿瘤免疫治疗的研究进展

CRISPR是最早发现于原核生物中的一种适应性免疫机制,具有序列特异性核酸切割活性,新近迅速发展成为一种新的基因编辑工具CRISPR-Cas9系统,并被广泛应用于包括抗肿瘤免疫在内的医学研究。其中,基于CRISPR-Cas9技术的CAR T细胞和肿瘤特异性TCR T细胞在抗肿瘤治疗研究中显示出良好的应用前景。本文综述了有关CRISPR-Cas9在基因编辑中的作用机制、递送策略及其用于抗肿瘤免疫治疗的研究进展。     

靶向转录因子AP-2的Decoy核酸对肿瘤细胞增殖的抑制作用

ecoy核酸是与靶转录因子具有高亲和性的双链寡聚核酸 ,通过竞争性抑制转录因子与调控区域的结合 ,调控转录来改变下游基因的异常表达 ,从而抑制肿瘤恶性增殖 .用MTT比色法 ,体外筛选结合转录因子AP 2的decoy核酸药物 ,结果K2 0 6对多种肿瘤细胞生长有显著的抑制作用 ,在异植人肿瘤细胞NCI H4 6 0的裸鼠模型中 ,静脉注射高中低三剂量组的decoy核酸K2 0 6 ,抑瘤率分别达 71 8%、6 4 4 %及 5 7 3% (V V) .通过凝胶阻抑试验 ,验证了K2 0 6与转录因子产生特异性结合 .实验结果为decoy核酸转录调控药物的研究提供了依据     

核糖核酸5'端NAD+帽子修饰研究进展

m7G帽子具有保护RNA不被降解以及招募相关蛋白参与内含子剪切、poly(A)加尾、出核和翻译等功能。一直以来,它被认为是真核生物mRNA所特有的修饰类型。然而近年来,在包括原核生物在内的多个物种中均检测到一种新的RNA 5’端修饰,即核酸代谢物烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,NAD⁺)帽子。目前NAD⁺修饰RNA(NAD-RNA)的生物学功能研究仍处于起始阶段。本文概述了NAD-RNA的发现及其检测和鉴定技术的发展;探讨了NAD⁺帽子对RNA的调控功能,以及NAD-RNA脱帽和加帽的影响因素;并进一步推测NAD-RNA在生物的生长、发育和环境响应中发挥的潜在功能。最后,展望了未来NAD-RNA的研究方向和主题。     

CRISPR/Cas9无所不能?

正CRISPR-Cas9(规律成簇的间隔短回文重复相关蛋白9,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)-associated protein 9)是原核生物在长期演化中形成的用来对抗病毒或外源DNA入侵的适应性免疫防御机制.2013年,研究人员首次报道改造后的CRISPR/Cas9系统可实现快速、特异和高效地切割真核细胞DNA[1,2].随后,CRISPR/Cas9在多个物种中的基因编辑能力被相继证实,并经过多种巧妙的改造,为生物     

细菌DeoR家族转录调控因子的研究进展

细菌基因组中存在大量的转录调控家族,这些转录调控家族在细菌的生长、代谢、外界信号感知与传递等方面发挥着至关重要的作用.DeoR家族是一类广泛分布于原核生物中的转录调控因子,主要参与调控细胞中多个生理过程,包括核苷酸类代谢、糖类代谢、致病菌的毒力以及链霉菌的次级代谢等.DeoR蛋白C末端的配体结合结构域,通常能够以相关代...     

以转录因子AP-1为靶的decoy核酸体内外抗肿瘤研究

合成了双链寡聚核苷酸——decoy核酸,其与靶转录因子AP-1有高亲和性,可进入细胞作为decoy顺式元件,通过抑制特异的转录因子和调控区域的结合,调控基因转录而改变基因的表达.在体内外抗肿瘤试验中, decoy核酸有显著抑制肿瘤细胞增殖的作用,可以成为潜在性的肿瘤基因治疗药物.     

Three CRISPR-Cas immune effector complexes coexist in Pyrococcus furiosus

CRISPR-Cas immune systems function to defend prokaryotes against potentially harmful mobile genetic elements including viruses and plasmids. The multiple CRISPR-Cas systems (Types I, II, and III) each target destruction of foreign nucleic acids via structurally and functionally diverse effector complexes (crRNPs). CRISPR-Cas effector complexes are comprised of CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) that contain sequences homologous to the invading nucleic acids and Cas proteins specific to each immune system type. We have previously characterized a crRNP in Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) that contains Cmr (Type III-B) Cas proteins associated with one of two size classes of crRNAs and cleaves complementary target RNAs. Here, we have isolated and characterized two additional native Pfu crRNPs containing either Csa (Type I-A) or Cst (Type I-G) Cas proteins and distinct profiles of associated crRNAs. For each complex, the Cas proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and immunoblotting and the crRNAs by RNA sequencing and Northern blot analysis. The crRNAs associated with both the Csa and Cst complexes originate from all seven Pfu CRISPR loci and contain identical 5′ ends (8-nt repeat-derived 5′ tag sequences) but heterogeneous 3′ ends (containing variable amounts of downstream repeat sequences). These crRNA forms are distinct from Cmr-associated crRNAs, indicating different 3′ end processing pathways following primary cleavage of common pre-crRNAs. Like other previously characterized Type I CRISPR-Cas effector complexes, we predict that the newly identified Pfu Csa and Cst crRNPs each function to target invading DNA, adding an additional layer of protection beyond that afforded by the previously characterized RNA targeting Cmr complex.     

CRISPR-based adaptive immune systems

CRISPR-Cas systems are recently discovered, RNA-based immune systems that control invasions of viruses and plasmids in archaea and bacteria. Prokaryotes with CRISPR-Cas immune systems capture short invader sequences within the CRISPR loci in their genomes, and small RNAs produced from the CRISPR loci (CRISPR (cr)RNAs) guide Cas proteins to recognize and degrade (or otherwise silence) the invading nucleic acids. There are multiple variations of the pathway found among prokaryotes, each mediated by largely distinct components and mechanisms that we are only beginning to delineate. Here we will review our current understanding of the remarkable CRISPR-Cas pathways with particular attention to studies relevant to systems found in the archaea.     

Diversity of CRISPR-Cas-mediated mechanisms of adaptive immunity in prokaryotes and their application in biotechnology

CRISPR-Cas systems of adaptive immunity in prokaryotes consist of CRISPR arrays (clusters of short repeated genomic DNA fragments separated by unique spacer sequences) and cas (CRISPR-associated) genes that provide cells with resistance against bacteriophages and plasmids containing protospacers, i.e. sequences complementary to CRISPR array spacers. CRISPR-Cas systems are responsible for two different cellular phenomena: CRISPR adaptation and CRISPR interference. CRISPR adaptation is cell genome modification by integration of new spacers that represents a unique case of Lamarckian inheritance. CRISPR interference involves specific recognition of protospacers in foreign DNA followed by introduction of breaks into this DNA and its destruction. According to the mechanisms of action, CRISPR-Cas systems have been subdivided into two classes, five types, and numerous subtypes. The development of techniques based on CRISPR interference mediated by the Type II system Cas9 protein has revolutionized the field of genome editing because it allows selective, efficient, and relatively simple introduction of directed breaks into target DNA loci. However, practical applications of CRISPR-Cas systems are not limited only to genome editing. In this review, we focus on the variety of CRISPR interference and CRISPR adaptation mechanisms and their prospective use in biotechnology.     

Priming in the Type I-F CRISPR-Cas system triggers strand-independent spacer acquisition,bi-directionally from the primed protospacer

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), in combination with CRISPR associated (cas) genes, constitute CRISPR-Cas bacterial adaptive immune systems. To generate immunity, these systems acquire short sequences of nucleic acids from foreign invaders and incorporate these into their CRISPR arrays as spacers. This adaptation process is the least characterized step in CRISPR-Cas immunity. Here, we used Pectobacterium atrosepticum to investigate adaptation in Type I-F CRISPR-Cas systems. Pre-existing spacers that matched plasmids stimulated hyperactive primed acquisition and resulted in the incorporation of up to nine new spacers across all three native CRISPR arrays. Endogenous expression of the cas genes was sufficient, yet required, for priming. The new spacers inhibited conjugation and transformation, and interference was enhanced with increasing numbers of new spacers. We analyzed ∼350 new spacers acquired in priming events and identified a 5′-protospacer-GG-3′ protospacer adjacent motif. In contrast to priming in Type I-E systems, new spacers matched either plasmid strand and a biased distribution, including clustering near the primed protospacer, suggested a bi-directional translocation model for the Cas1:Cas2–3 adaptation machinery. Taken together these results indicate priming adaptation occurs in different CRISPR-Cas systems, that it can be highly active in wild-type strains and that the underlying mechanisms vary.     

DnaQ exonuclease‐like domain of Cas2 promotes spacer integration in a type I‐E CRISPR‐Cas system

CRISPR‐Cas systems constitute an adaptive immune system that provides acquired resistance against phages and plasmids in prokaryotes. Upon invasion of foreign nucleic acids, some cells integrate short fragments of foreign DNA as spacers into the CRISPR locus to memorize the invaders and acquire resistance in the subsequent round of infection. This immunization step called adaptation is the least understood part of the CRISPR‐Cas immunity. We have focused here on the adaptation stage of Streptococcus thermophilus DGCC7710 type I‐E CRISPR4‐Cas (St4) system. Cas1 and Cas2 proteins conserved in nearly all CRISPR‐Cas systems are required for spacer acquisition. The St4 CRISPR‐Cas system is unique because the Cas2 protein is fused to an additional DnaQ exonuclease domain. Here, we demonstrate that St4 Cas1 and Cas2‐DnaQ form a multimeric complex, which is capable of integrating DNA duplexes with 3′‐overhangs (protospacers) in vitro. We further show that the DnaQ domain of Cas2 functions as a 3′–5′‐exonuclease that processes 3′‐overhangs of the protospacer to promote integration.     

Characterization of CRISPR-Cas systems in the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) are composed of an array of short DNA repeat sequences separated by unique spacer sequences that are flanked by associated (Cas) genes. CRISPR-Cas systems are found in the genomes of several microbes and can act as an adaptive immune mechanism against invading foreign nucleic acids, such as phage genomes. Here, we studied the CRISPR-Cas systems in plant-pathogenic bacteria of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC). A CRISPR-Cas system was found in 31% of RSSC genomes present in public databases. Specifically, CRISPR-Cas types I-E and II-C were found, with I-E being the most common. The presence of the same CRISPR-Cas types in distinct Ralstonia phylotypes and species suggests the acquisition of the system by a common ancestor before Ralstonia species segregation. In addition, a Cas1 phylogeny (I-E type) showed a perfect geographical segregation of phylotypes, supporting an ancient acquisition. Ralstoniasolanacearum strains CFBP2957 and K60^T were challenged with a virulent phage, and the CRISPR arrays of bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) were analysed. No new spacer acquisition was detected in the analysed BIMs. The functionality of the CRISPR-Cas interference step was also tested in R. solanacearum CFBP2957 using a spacer-protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) delivery system, and no resistance was observed against phage phiAP1. Our results show that the CRISPR-Cas system in R. solanacearum CFBP2957 is not its primary antiviral strategy.     

Different modes of spacer acquisition by the Staphylococcus epidermidis type III-A CRISPR-Cas system

CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotic organisms with an adaptive defense mechanism that acquires immunological memories of infections. This is accomplished by integration of short fragments from the genome of invaders such as phages and plasmids, called ‘spacers’, into the CRISPR locus of the host. Depending on their genetic composition, CRISPR-Cas systems can be classified into six types, I-VI, however spacer acquisition has been extensively studied only in type I and II systems. Here, we used an inducible spacer acquisition assay to study this process in the type III-A CRISPR-Cas system of Staphylococcus epidermidis, in the absence of phage selection. Similarly to type I and II spacer acquisition, this type III system uses Cas1 and Cas2 to preferentially integrate spacers from the chromosomal terminus and free dsDNA ends produced after DNA breaks, in a manner that is enhanced by the AddAB DNA repair complex. Surprisingly, a different mode of spacer acquisition from rRNA and tRNA loci, which spans only the transcribed sequences of these genes and is not enhanced by AddAB, was also detected. Therefore, our findings reveal both common mechanistic principles that may be conserved in all CRISPR-Cas systems, as well as unique and intriguing features of type III spacer acquisition.     

海南海口温泉真菌、细菌多样性及其环境影响因素分析

【目的】海南海口含有丰富的温泉资源,对温泉微生物多样性进行研究,有助于进一步开发和利用海南温泉微生物资源。【方法】本文采用Illumina Hi Seq高通量测序技术对海口3个温泉[海甸岛荣域温泉(S1)、火山口开心农场温泉(S2)和西海岸海长流温泉(S3)]水样中微生物ITS序列和16Sr RNA基因V3-V4区进行测序及生物信息学分析,探究海口市3个不同区域的温泉真菌多样性与细菌多样性。【结果】(1)α多样性分析表明,真菌群落中,S3(29)S1(29)S2,而在细菌群落中,S2(29)S1(29)S3。β多样性分析表明,3个温泉真菌群落和细菌群落组成差异皆显著。(2)分类分析表明,温泉真菌群落优势菌门为子囊菌门(Ascomycota)和担子菌门(Basidiomycota),细菌群落优势菌门为变形菌门(Proteobacteria)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)、Thermi、硝化螺旋菌门(Nitrospirae)、绿菌门(Chlorobi)、厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、绿弯菌门(Chloroflexi)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)。(3) CCA (Canonical correspondence analysis)分析表明,3个温泉的真菌群落主要影响因子是温度,细菌群落主要影响因子是总磷。【结论】海南省海口市温泉中含有丰富的微生物资源,其微生物群落组成受多种环境因子影响,且影响真菌和细菌的主要环境因子不同。