Pseudogene-Mediated Gene Conversion After CRISPR-Cas9 Editing Demonstrated by Partial CD33 Conversion with SIGLEC22P

CRISPR J. 2021 Oct;4(5):699-709. doi: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0052. Epub 2021 Sep 23.

Abstract

Although gene editing workflows typically consider the possibility of off-target editing, pseudogene-directed homology repair has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously. Here, we employed a CRISPR-Cas9 strategy for targeted excision of exon 2 in CD33 in U937 human monocyte cell line. Candidate clonal cell lines were screened by using a clinically relevant antibody known to label the IgV domain encoded by exon 2 (P67.6, gemtuzumab). In addition to the anticipated deletion of exon 2, we also found unexpected P67.6-negative cell lines, which had apparently retained CD33 exon 2. Sequencing revealed that these lines underwent gene conversion from the nearby SIGLEC22P pseudogene during homology repair that resulted in three missense mutations relative to CD33. Ectopic expression studies confirmed that the P67.6 epitope is dependent upon these amino acids. In summation, we report that pseudogene-directed homology repair can lead to aberrant CRISPR gene editing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Conversion*
  • Gene Editing / methods*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Pseudogenes*
  • Recombinational DNA Repair
  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3 / genetics*

Substances

  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3