Precise large-fragment deletions in mammalian cells and mice generated by dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3

Sci Adv. 2024 Mar 15;10(11):eadk8052. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk8052. Epub 2024 Mar 15.

Abstract

Currently, the Cas9 and Cas12a systems are widely used for genome editing, but their ability to precisely generate large chromosome fragment deletions is limited. Type I-E CRISPR mediates broad and unidirectional DNA degradation, but controlling the size of Cas3-mediated DNA deletions has proven elusive thus far. Here, we demonstrate that the endonuclease deactivation of Cas9 (dCas9) can precisely control Cas3-mediated large-fragment deletions in mammalian cells. In addition, we report the elimination of the Y chromosome and precise retention of the Sry gene in mice using CRISPR/Cas3 and dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3, respectively. In conclusion, dCas9-controlled CRISPR/Cas3-mediated precise large-fragment deletion provides an approach for establishing animal models by chromosome elimination. This method also holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating fragment mutations or human aneuploidy diseases that involve additional chromosomes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Associated Proteins* / genetics
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • DNA / genetics
  • Gene Editing
  • Humans
  • Mammals / genetics
  • Mice
  • Y Chromosome

Substances

  • CRISPR-Associated Proteins
  • DNA