@article {pmid41955489,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, B and Zhang, T and Lu, Y and Zhou, S and Xiao, W and Pan, S and Shi, N and Sheng, Y and Hu, J},
title = {CRISPR/Cas13a: Compensatory Target Activation Mechanism.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {13},
number = {32},
pages = {e24156},
pmid = {41955489},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {22576127//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFC2417200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 25ZR1401116//Sci-Tech Innovation Initiative Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; 24ZR1423000//Sci-Tech Innovation Initiative Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; 2025-YJRC-03//Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Start-up Grant/ ; 2019QN01Y725//Guangdong Provincial Pearl River Talents Program/ ; 202206010108//Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou/ ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; MicroRNAs/genetics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {CRISPR/Cas13a is a powerful RNA-targeting platform for molecular diagnostics, but conventional single-effector systems typically require contiguous RNA targets longer than ∼20-28 nt, limiting sensitivity and target flexibility. CRISPR/Cas13a-CTAM is presented as a compensatory target activation mechanism that facilitates synergistic Cas13a activation through two independently programmable short RNA effectors. By functionally decoupling allosteric activation and binding stabilization, CRISPR/Cas13a-CTAM supports robust activation by ultra-short RNA targets as short as 13 nt, substantially expanding the detectable target range. Compared with traditional single-effector Cas13a assays, CRISPR/Cas13a-CTAM achieves a detection limit of 1 fM for a 13-nt RNA target, representing an approximately tenfold sensitivity improvement. Notably, a single-nucleotide mismatch within the 13-nt target induces up to a 35-fold reduction in apparent cleavage rate, corresponding to a sevenfold enhancement in mismatch discrimination. The dual-effector architecture further enables simultaneous dual-target detection, demonstrated by dual miRNA profiling related to COVID-19 and combined detection of exosome membrane proteins. Moreover, the weakly activating effector was utilized as an anchoring module to achieve the first functional immobilization of Cas13a on a sensing surface, enabling in situ electrochemical miRNA detection. By overcoming the reliance on long RNA targets, CRISPR/Cas13a-CTAM provides a sensitive, programmable platform for RNA diagnostics and integrated biosensor development.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
MicroRNAs/genetics
Humans

@article {pmid42202397,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, S and Lin, X and Lei, Y and Liu, Z and Li, J and Ou, X},
title = {Universal primer-based RPA combined with parallel CRISPR/Cas12a decoding for rapid multi-species meat authentication.},
journal = {Food chemistry},
volume = {520},
number = {},
pages = {148905},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148905},
pmid = {42202397},
issn = {1873-7072},
mesh = {*Meat/analysis/classification ; Animals ; *Food Contamination/analysis ; DNA Primers/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Swine ; },
abstract = {Rapid meat authentication is critical for food safety. Here, we report a two-step assay employing universal primer-based RPA amplification followed by species-specific CRISPR/Cas12a detection for the identification of 11 common meat species. A single universal primer pair enables broad amplification, while specific crRNAs allow parallel single-target CRISPR reactions. The assay takes approximately 40 min at constant temperature, costing ∼$4 per test with dual fluorescence and lateral flow strips. High specificity without cross-reactivity was observed, and detection limits ranged from 10[0] to 10[4] copies/μL. In binary meat mixtures, the fluorescence assay achieved adulteration detection limits of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), while the lateral flow format showed 0.05-5% (w/w) depending on the species. The method was verified using commercially processed products. This laboratory-validated strategy simplifies primer design and provides a promising platform for the qualitative screening of multiple meat targets, while further validation is required to assess its field robustness.},
}

*Meat/analysis/classification
Animals
*Food Contamination/analysis
DNA Primers/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Swine

@article {pmid41772232,
year = {2026},
author = {Tinoco, AI and Henderson, CF and Meier, EK and Swinhoe, N and Cleves, PA},
title = {Efficient genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 in reef-building corals.},
journal = {Nature protocols},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {2851-2879},
pmid = {41772232},
issn = {1750-2799},
support = {2128073//NSF | BIO | Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Coral Reefs ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Microinjections ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. However, corals are currently under threat from increasing ocean temperatures driven by climate change. Despite the known importance of these fragile ecosystems, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving ecologically important traits has been constrained by a lack of genetic tools for functional characterization. To address this limitation, we have developed straightforward and efficient methods to genetically modify corals and study gene function throughout various life history stages using CRISPR-Cas9-based mutagenesis. In this protocol, we first describe how to spawn and collect gametes from the coral Acropora millepora during seasonal spawning events. Next, we describe a method for microinjection of one-cell coral zygotes with CRISPR-Cas9 reagents. We include considerations about effective single-guide RNA design, methods for identifying successfully injected animals, strategies for rearing mutant larvae and juveniles, and methods for the detection and quantification of genomic modifications. This protocol is currently the only way to perform gene editing in corals and takes ~2-4 weeks to complete and has been successfully applied to study genes controlling heat tolerance in coral larvae and skeleton formation in coral juveniles. These technical advances set the foundation for a new field using reverse genetics to study ecologically important traits in corals, such as the establishment of symbiosis and its breakdown upon heat stress.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Coral Reefs
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Microinjections

@article {pmid41935970,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, YW and Marpaung, DSS and Chen, YY and Singuru, MMR and Chuang, MC},
title = {Mismatch-Driven CRISPR/Cas12a Biosensing of UV-Induced DNA Lesions for Environmental Solar Exposure Surveillance.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {22},
pages = {15930-15939},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c12461},
pmid = {41935970},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*Ultraviolet Rays ; *Biosensing Techniques ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *DNA Damage ; Sunlight ; },
abstract = {Monitoring environmentally relevant ultraviolet (UV) radiation is critical for understanding its biological impacts on ecosystems and human health. However, conventional UV dosimeters lack the molecular sensitivity to detect DNA-level damage that initiates such effects. Here, we present a CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensing platform capable of quantifying solar UV exposure through the detection of UV-induced thymine dimers in DNA activators. This system harnesses mismatch-driven suppression of Cas12a activity, enabling a reduction in the fluorescence signal in response to UV-induced molecular lesions. The impact of thymine arrangement and the dimerization position of the activators on sensitivity were investigated. UV-induced diminution in Cas12a's trans-cleavage efficiency (kcat/Km) was also characterized, revealing a 1.67-fold decrease as the UVB dose increased from 0 to 2 J/cm[2]. Under optimized conditions, the sensor achieved a detection limit of 0.029 J/cm[2] for UVB and demonstrated high sensitivity to UVC. Field validation under natural sunlight showed a strong correlation with reference radiometric measurements, validating the biosensor's accuracy and environmental relevance. The system's sensitivity to low lesion densities, straightforward mechanism, and simple operation highlights its potential for environmental surveillance, human health risk assessment, and ecological monitoring in response to solar UV radiation.},
}

*Ultraviolet Rays
*Biosensing Techniques
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*DNA Damage
Sunlight

@article {pmid41962729,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Chen, S and Zhang, C and Xue, H and Abubakar, MU and Yin, S and Yang, X and Fan, B and Tai, P and Xiong, M and Li, J and He, B},
title = {Asy-RPA/PCR combined with One-crRNA-CRISPR/Cas12a for simultaneous detection of multiple Clarithromycin resistance mutations in Helicobacter pylori.},
journal = {Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine},
volume = {74},
number = {},
pages = {102942},
doi = {10.1016/j.nano.2026.102942},
pmid = {41962729},
issn = {1549-9642},
mesh = {*Helicobacter pylori/genetics/drug effects ; *Clarithromycin/pharmacology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Mutation ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Rapid Diagnostic Tests ; Helicobacter Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/genetics ; },
abstract = {METHODS: Genetic testing for Clarithromycin resistance-associated single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) in H. pylori could be applied for formulating individual eradication plan. In this study, we integrated asymmetric recombinase polymerase amplification (Asy-RPA) with a single crRNA for CRISPR/Cas12a-designated the ARoRC system-to circumvent protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) dependency.

RESULTS: The ARoRC platform detected all targeted mutations with 100% agreement compared to Sanger sequencing. Assay sensitivity was determined as follows: A2143G (10[-2] ng/μL), A2142C (2.58 × 10[-3] ng/μL), A2142G (2.49 × 10[-3] ng/μL), and A2142G + A2143G (2.39 × 10[-3] ng/μL), enabling Asy-PCR-CRISPR/Cas12a detection suitable for fecal samples. The assay achieved visual results within 1 h using lateral flow strips, with no cross-reactivity to WT or non-target sequences.

DISCUSSION: We developed a rapid, ultrasensitive, and portable assay for detecting Clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations in H. pylori. The robustness of the platform in complex matrices such as feces, along with its dual readout capability (fluorescence and lateral flow), supports its potential for point-of-care (POC) application.},
}

*Helicobacter pylori/genetics/drug effects
*Clarithromycin/pharmacology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Mutation
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Helicobacter Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/genetics

@article {pmid41974708,
year = {2026},
author = {Lai, S and Keller, MP and Zhang, J and Fang, Z and Xie, Y and Weng, C and Zhang, S and Zhang, S and Gao, P and Ke, L and Wang, Y and Mitok, KA and Clark, L and Schueler, KL and Liu, H and Hatipoglu, B and Hatzoglou, M and Chen, Y and Shalev, A and Jin, F and Attie, AD and Li, Y},
title = {Proinsulin regulators identified with CRISPR screen and in vivo mouse QTL mapping.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41974708},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 DK131437/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01HG012384//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)/ ; R01 HG012384/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01DK131437//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; P30 AG092586/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01CA267872//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R01HG009658//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)/ ; R01DK113185//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; R01 DK113185/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; UG3NS132061//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | NIH Office of the Director (OD)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics ; *Proinsulin/metabolism/blood/genetics ; Mice ; Golgi Apparatus/metabolism ; Humans ; Protein Disulfide-Isomerases/genetics/metabolism ; Insulin-Secreting Cells/metabolism ; Insulin/metabolism ; Chromosome Mapping ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Exocytosis ; Cell Line ; Secretory Vesicles/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Altered proinsulin levels in β-cells and bloodstream are hallmarks of diabetes and other diseases, but our knowledge about the proinsulin regulators remains limited. Here we perform a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify 84 proinsulin regulators that alter intracellular proinsulin/insulin ratio in a mouse β-cell line. The proinsulin regulators are distinct from the insulin regulators from a previous orthogonal CRISPR screen. Functional annotation of the proinsulin regulators highlights Golgi as the primary organelle for proinsulin storage and regulation. Trafficking towards the Golgi increases the intra-cellular proinsulin/insulin ratio, while trafficking away from the Golgi, including exocytosis and Golgi-to-ER retrograde transport, decreases the intracellular proinsulin levels. We also map mouse quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with plasma proinsulin levels and use the CRISPR screen results to pinpoint the causal genes within the QTL loci. Interestingly, protein disulfide isomerase Pdia6 is the strongest hit from both CRISPR screen and the in vivo QTL mapping. Knocking down Pdia6 significantly reduce proinsulin accumulation in Golgi and secretory granules. Intriguingly, Pdia6-depletion in both human and mouse β-cells does not affect the folding status of proinsulin but causes significantly impaired proinsulin production through a UPR-independent mechanism. Taken together, our genetic profiles provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of proinsulin/insulin homeostasis.},
}

Animals
*Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics
*Proinsulin/metabolism/blood/genetics
Mice
Golgi Apparatus/metabolism
Humans
Protein Disulfide-Isomerases/genetics/metabolism
Insulin-Secreting Cells/metabolism
Insulin/metabolism
Chromosome Mapping
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Exocytosis
Cell Line
Secretory Vesicles/metabolism

@article {pmid42010284,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Zhang, J and Gao, M and Miao, Z and Zhang, Y and Guo, Y and Fan, Z and Tian, J and Yang, L and Jiang, N and Ma, J and Jiao, J and Pan, J and Ma, X},
title = {Photoactivatable CRISPR/Cas13d via upconversion nanoparticles for deep tissue RNA engineering and orthopedic therapy.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42010284},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {82572860//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82102639//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82302347//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 25JCYBJC01510, 22JCQNJC00850//Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City (Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin)/ ; 25YDTPJC00330//Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City (Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Humans ; *Tissue Engineering/methods ; Polyethyleneimine/chemistry ; *RNA/genetics ; Blue Light ; Bone and Bones ; Osteocytes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Spatiotemporal control of RNA therapeutics remains a fundamental challenge limiting clinical translation. Here, we develop a photoactivatable CRISPR/Cas13d (paCas13d) system that enables non-invasive, light-controlled RNA manipulation in deep tissues. Through structure-guided engineering, we identify optimal split sites within RfxCas13d and create light-switchable fragments using CRY2PHR/CIBN optogenetic dimerization. To overcome the limited tissue penetration of blue light, we engineer polyethylenimine-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs-PEI) that serve dual roles as gene carriers and photon transducers, converting tissue-penetrating near-infrared (NIR) to blue light. The UCNPs-PEI@paCas13d system achieves precise spatiotemporal control of RNA targeting within bone tissue in vivo. In a murine steroid-associated osteonecrosis model, NIR-activated paCas13d achieves robust TET3 knockdown, disrupting the TET3-5hmC-PTEN axis that drives glucocorticoid-induced osteocyte apoptosis. This targeted intervention prevents bone deterioration, with treated mice showing preserved trabecular architecture, enhanced bone volume, and favorable shifts in bone turnover markers, while maintaining systemic glucocorticoid efficacy. Our platform combines the programmability of CRISPR/Cas13d with non-invasive optical control, offering a versatile approach for treating diseases requiring localized RNA modulation while minimizing systemic effects.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Humans
*Tissue Engineering/methods
Polyethyleneimine/chemistry
*RNA/genetics
Blue Light
Bone and Bones
Osteocytes/metabolism

@article {pmid42080370,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Li, J and Yue, Z and He, B and Zhang, W and Fang, Z and Xia, Q and Liu, Y and Li, Y},
title = {A Modular and Programmable Cas13d Platform for RNA Single Nucleotide Variant Detection.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {13},
number = {32},
pages = {e23680},
pmid = {42080370},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {32471528//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82404929//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; zz-RCPY-23-25//State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer/ ; zz-94-25-22//State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer/ ; SB2023-13//State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer/ ; zz-GZR-25-09//State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer/ ; 23QC1400600 to Y.L//Shanghai Rising-Star Program/ ; DFYC-LYJ2022 to Y.L//Shanghai Oriental Talent Youth Program/ ; 10000015Z155080000004//National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Project/ ; YG2023QNA09//Shanghai Jiao Tong University Star Program Medical, Industrial Cross Research Fund/ ; QiankeherencaiXKBF[2025]025)//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Projects/ ; XK202401//Jiading district medical key discipline construction project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *RNA/genetics ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-based nucleic acid diagnostics have shown broad potential, yet reliable single-nucleotide variant (SNV) discrimination remains limited by flanking sequence requirements that constrain targetability, and an inherent specificity-sensitivity trade-off where mismatch designs used to suppress wild type recognition often penalize enzymatic activity. Here we develop a scenario-guided Cas13d framework that supports pre-defined operating modes tailored to distinct analytical goals. Leveraging the minimal protospacer flanking site constraints of Cas13d, we first map mismatch-sensitive windows to derive rule-based crRNA designs that improve allelic discrimination. We then restore assay performance through structure-guided engineering of a miniaturized Cas13d scaffold by internally inserting auxiliary RNA binding domains (RBDs). Systematic benchmarking across representative oncology hotspots delineates two practical regimes comprising an ultra-sensitive, amplification-free mode in which a dual-RBD variant paired with optimized mismatched crRNAs achieves ∼0.6% variant allele fraction (VAF) detection, and a robust amplified mode incorporating optional loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupling that favors simpler architectures to balance performance and background across broader low-VAF ranges. In an evaluation of 45 clinical tumor RNA specimens spanning pancreatic, cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal cancers, the assay correctly classified mutation status with full concordance for KRAS G12D, IDH1 R132C and BRAF V600E, with a subset of positive cases corroborated by orthogonal RT-ddPCR. A prospective IDH1 R132C clinical-matrix spike-in further supported sub-1% detection without pre-amplification. Collectively, this work establishes a configurable Cas13d toolkit and a rule-guided strategy for deploying CRISPR-based RNA SNV diagnostics with application-specific performance objectives.},
}

Humans
*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*RNA/genetics

@article {pmid42172545,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, Y and Wen, H and Xu, J and Peng, W and Zhou, J and Mao, H and Gu, Z and He, Y},
title = {Dual-Gene CRISPR Editing via Peptide Dendrimers Regulates Redox Balance for Diabetic Wound Repair.},
journal = {Biomacromolecules},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {3647-3661},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.6c00110},
pmid = {42172545},
issn = {1526-4602},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wound Healing/genetics/drug effects ; Mice ; *Dendrimers/chemistry/pharmacology ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Oxidative Stress ; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics/metabolism ; *Peptides/chemistry ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics/metabolism ; Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Genetic Therapy/methods ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Proline Dioxygenases/genetics ; },
abstract = {The management of chronic diabetic wounds, plagued by persistent oxidative stress, remains a major clinical challenge. We devised a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy to fundamentally reprogram this pathological microenvironment. A single system was engineered for the simultaneous knockdown of Keap1 and PHD2, key negative regulators of the Nrf2 and HIF-1α pathways, respectively. This payload was delivered by multifunctional peptide-modified lysine dendrimers (MsRNPs), which self-assembled into stable, positively charged nanoparticles that effectively complexed with DNA. The MsRNPs showed excellent biocompatibility and mediated efficient cellular uptake and gene editing in vitro, leading to reduced ROS levels. Consequently, a single topical application of the polyplexes in a diabetic mouse model robustly accelerated wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition, and promoted angiogenesis, driven by the synergistic activation of Nrf2 and HIF-1α. This study establishes a novel combinatorial gene-editing strategy and a versatile nanoplatform for treating oxidative stress-related pathologies.},
}

Animals
*Wound Healing/genetics/drug effects
Mice
*Dendrimers/chemistry/pharmacology
Oxidation-Reduction
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Oxidative Stress
Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics/metabolism
*Peptides/chemistry
*Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
Humans
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics/metabolism
Nanoparticles/chemistry
Genetic Therapy/methods
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Proline Dioxygenases/genetics

@article {pmid42190792,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YH and Yuan, Y and Chen, BT and Yang, N and Chen, TJ and Lin, YT and Na, XM and Wang, SH and Xiong, YN and Zhu, MX and Chen, LZ and Mokwatlo, SC and Ouyang, P and Ling, C},
title = {Engineering complex phenotypes in Halomonas bluephagenesis TD01 via large-fragment manipulation and multiplex base editing.},
journal = {Metabolic engineering},
volume = {96},
number = {},
pages = {405-419},
doi = {10.1016/j.ymben.2026.05.008},
pmid = {42190792},
issn = {1096-7184},
mesh = {*Halomonas/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Metabolic Engineering/methods ; Polyhydroxyalkanoates/biosynthesis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Halomonas bluephagenesis is a representative platform strain of next generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB), enabling contamination-resistant open fermentation due to inherent tolerance to high salinity and alkalinity. However, progress in strain development has been constrained by limited genome engineering tools, particularly for large-fragment manipulation and multiplex base editing. Herein, we developed a counterselection marker-based single-plasmid system (pHaloFM) that leverages native homologous recombination to enable sequential insertion of fragments up to 8 kb and deletion of regions up to 50 kb. Additionally, we re-engineered a CRISPR/nCas9-assisted cytidine base editor system (pHaloBE) through host-specific adaptations, achieving multiplex editing of nine target sites. These tools were applied to engineer cellular morphology in one step, and successively construct polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers P34HB and PHBV biosynthetic pathways. This integrated toolkit resolves long-standing genetic manipulation bottlenecks in H. bluephagenesis and provides a systematic framework for engineering complex phenotypes in other non-model organisms.},
}

*Halomonas/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Metabolic Engineering/methods
Polyhydroxyalkanoates/biosynthesis/genetics

@article {pmid42202254,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Zhang, R and Chang, C and Xu, D and Mao, D and Zhu, X and Xu, H},
title = {Detection of Ultralow-Frequency ctDNA Mutations Using a Dual Hairpin-Competition CRISPR/Cas14a System.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {98},
number = {22},
pages = {16682-16693},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.6c02495},
pmid = {42202254},
issn = {1520-6882},
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Circulating Tumor DNA/genetics/blood ; *Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) mutation profiling is essential for guiding targeted therapy and monitoring cancer recurrence, yet its clinical adoption is constrained by overwhelming wild-type DNA background and the limited sensitivity of existing platforms. Here, we introduce a dual hairpin-competition CRISPR/Cas14a (DHCC) system that integrates two sequential layers of hairpin competition: selective enrichment of mutant DNA during asymmetric PCR, followed by suppression of nonspecific sgRNA binding during Cas14a detection. This design dramatically enhances mutant-wild-type discrimination, elevating the discrimination factor from 2.48 to 145─a 58-fold improvement. While previous Cas14a methods achieve detection limits of 0.5-0.1% variant allele frequency (VAF), DHCC delivers a 250-fold sensitivity gain, routinely detecting four clinically relevant mutations (EGFR T790M, L858R, G719A, and NRAS Q61K) at VAFs as low as 0.002%. In multiplexed format, sensitivities of 0.005-0.01% VAF are maintained. Clinical validation using 22 plasma ctDNA samples demonstrated 100% concordance with droplet digital PCR for EGFR L858R detection. Compared to ddPCR and next-generation sequencing, DHCC substantially reduces turnaround time and cost while operating on standard qPCR instruments, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure. By combining ultrahigh sensitivity, PAM independence, multiplexing preamplification capability, and practical affordability, DHCC provides an accessible platform for ctDNA-based liquid biopsy in clinical settings.},
}

Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Circulating Tumor DNA/genetics/blood
*Mutation
Polymerase Chain Reaction

@article {pmid42212930,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Hao, L and Li, Q and Zhou, Z and Liu, D and Qiu, H and Yang, W and Zhang, B},
title = {Ultrasensitive Wash-Free Homogeneous CRISPR Assay Using Spatial Proximity Chemiluminescence Reporter.},
journal = {ACS nano},
volume = {20},
number = {22},
pages = {16001-16015},
doi = {10.1021/acsnano.5c22763},
pmid = {42212930},
issn = {1936-086X},
mesh = {*Luminescent Measurements/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Humans ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Limit of Detection ; Luminescence ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-based diagnostics are promising platforms for point-of-care (POC) testing, but are often hindered by limited sensitivity and complex workflows. Here, we present a spatial proximity chemiluminescence (SPC) reporter that converts CRISPR-Cas12a trans-cleavage activity into a highly sensitive, excitation-free signal. Mechanistically, the intact SPC reporter ensures efficient intramolecular reactive oxygen species (ROS) transfer by spatially confining a catalytic donor and a luminescent acceptor. Upon target-activated Cas12a cleavage, this spatial proximity is disrupted, drastically attenuating ROS transfer and reducing oxidized luminescent acceptors for chemiluminescence. The SPC-CRISPR exhibits an attomolar-level limit of detection with an optimal nearly 50,000-fold sensitivity enhancement, and features an 8-log dynamic range suitable for target quantification. This platform exhibits robust resistance to matrix interference, ensuring high accuracy while requiring only minimal sample preprocessing. We demonstrate SPC-CRISPR is compatible with recombinase polymerase amplification to develop a single-tube reaction with a sensitivity of 1 copy/μL. Extensive clinical validation demonstrated 99.2% overall accuracy for HPV16 identification in 126 cervical swabs, alongside 86.4% accuracy for miR-19a profiling in 22 bladder cancer plasma samples. Furthermore, this wash-free homogeneous workflow is embedded in a portable and sealed microfluidic-based device for sample-to-result diagnostics, showing 100% concordance with qPCR. SPC-CRISPR integrates enhanced sensitivity and simplified operation, holding great potential for POC molecular diagnostics.},
}

*Luminescent Measurements/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Humans
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Limit of Detection
Luminescence

@article {pmid42214852,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiao, S and Song, J and Chen, H and Yin, W and Yan, X and Hu, K and Shi, J and Yang, M},
title = {Digital droplet microfluidics integrating DNA walkers and CRISPR-Cas13a for simultaneous surface protein and miRNA profiling in single exosomes.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {310},
number = {},
pages = {118854},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118854},
pmid = {42214852},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {Humans ; *Exosomes/chemistry/genetics ; *MicroRNAs/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis ; *Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases/genetics/isolation & purification ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation ; *Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis ; DNA/chemistry ; Equipment Design ; },
abstract = {Tumor-derived exosomes carry multi-scale molecular signatures (e.g., surface proteins and nucleic acids) that reflect tumor heterogeneity, yet simultaneously profiling these biomarkers in single intact vesicles remains technically challenging. Herein, we developed a digital droplet microfluidic platform that integrates a DNA walker and a CRISPR/Cas13a system for the simultaneous detection of surface proteins (EpCAM, HER2) and miRNA (miR-21) at the single exosome level. This platform employed engineered liposome nanoprobes (eLipo-NPs) with EpCAM aptamers and hairpin probes (HPs) functionalized on their outer membranes, and encapsulated a CRISPR/Cas13a system within their lumen. Upon co-encapsulation with single exosomes into droplets, EpCAM-mediated membrane fusion redistributed HPs across the hybrid membrane and delivered CRISPR/Cas13a into the exosomes. The membrane-anchored DNA walker then bound HER2 and drove cyclic DNAzyme cleavage of HPs to restore red fluorescence. At the same time, crRNA-guided Cas13a recognized miR-21 and triggered trans-cleavage of reporters to generate green fluorescence. Digital counting of dual-positive droplets enabled quantitative single-exosome analysis with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 particles/μL and a detection time of 60 min. Clinical validation using plasma-derived exosomes from 24 breast cancer patients and 14 healthy donors demonstrated distinct distributions among HER2-positive, HER2-negative, and healthy control groups, with the percentage of dual-positive droplets significantly correlated with clinical HER2 status, highlighting the platform's potential for liquid biopsy and precision oncology.},
}

Humans
*Exosomes/chemistry/genetics
*MicroRNAs/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis
*Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases/genetics/isolation & purification
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation
*Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule/genetics/isolation & purification/analysis
DNA/chemistry
Equipment Design

@article {pmid42217942,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, B and Yang, H and Zhao, J and Wang, Y and Li, H and Wang, C and Guo, L and Xu, J},
title = {Template-independent poly-adenine elongation enables multivalent CRISPR/Cas12a activation for amplified lateral flow biosensing.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {130054},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130054},
pmid = {42217942},
issn = {1873-3573},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase/metabolism/analysis ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism ; *Poly A/metabolism/chemistry ; Limit of Detection ; Rapid Diagnostic Tests ; *Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a template-independent DNA polymerase that plays a critical role in immune system development and serves as an important biomarker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, current methods for TdT activity analysis often rely on sophisticated instrumentation and lack simple and portable detection formats. Herein, we report a TdT-enabled multivalent CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow assay for sensitive and instrument-free detection of TdT activity. In this strategy, TdT-catalyzed poly-adenine (poly-A) extension converts enzymatic activity into adenine-rich DNA scaffolds, which recruit multiple crRNA molecules to trigger multivalent activation of Cas12a. This design effectively bridges TdT activity with CRISPR/Cas12a signal amplification. The activated Cas12a subsequently induces trans-cleavage of a reporter probe, and the cleavage event is translated into a visual signal on a lateral flow strip. The proposed assay enables sensitive detection of TdT with a limit of detection of 0.016 U/mL and a visual detection limit of 0.05 U/mL. In addition, the assay exhibits high specificity toward TdT over other polymerases and demonstrates satisfactory performance in human serum samples with recoveries ranging from 98.8% to 103.7%. This work expands the applicability of CRISPR/Cas12a systems to enzyme activity sensing and provides a simple and practical platform for point-of-care detection of TdT.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase/metabolism/analysis
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Humans
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism
*Poly A/metabolism/chemistry
Limit of Detection
Rapid Diagnostic Tests
*Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid42229577,
year = {2026},
author = {Saberian, M and Roosta, A and Afrisham, R},
title = {CRISPR-dCas9 epigenetic reprogramming in cancer: platforms, immuno-modulation and delivery challenges.},
journal = {Gene},
volume = {1005},
number = {},
pages = {150246},
doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2026.150246},
pmid = {42229577},
issn = {1879-0038},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/genetics/therapy/immunology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Epigenome Editing ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; Immunotherapy/methods ; Animals ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Cellular Reprogramming/genetics ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-dCas9 (catalytically dead Cas9) has revolutionized targeted epigenetic editing, offering locus-specific modulation of gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Beyond conventional approaches, novel strategies are rapidly emerging. These include combinatorial epigenetic reprogramming (co-recruiting multiple chromatin modifiers to a single locus), precision enhancer targeting (modulating oncogenic cis-regulatory elements), epigenetic modulation of immune pathways (reprogramming tumor or immune cells to boost anti-tumor immunity), and next-generation delivery systems for dCas9-based tools. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature (2015-2025) to highlight promising, yet still preclinical, advances in combinatorial reprogramming, enhancer targeting, immune-modulatory epigenetic approaches and delivery strategies, and to identify gaps that must be addressed prior to clinical translation. We highlight multi-effectors platforms (e.g. SunTag-like arrays, SSSavi modular docking, CRISPRoff memory writers) that amplify and diversify chromatin modifications. Precision enhancer editing systems (e.g. enCRISPRa/enCRISPRi) enable direct activation or silencing of distal regulatory elements in cancer cells. Epigenetic immunotherapy approaches use dCas9-activators to upregulate NK/T-cell ligands (MICA/MICB) and antigen-presentation genes (MHC I/II) in tumor cells. Finally, we survey innovations in dCas9 delivery that address in vivo challenges. Our review critically evaluates these advances, identifies gaps (off-target effects, context-dependence), and outlines future directions toward precision epigenetic therapies for diverse cancers.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/genetics/therapy/immunology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Epigenome Editing
*Epigenesis, Genetic
Immunotherapy/methods
Animals
*Gene Editing/methods
Cellular Reprogramming/genetics

@article {pmid42242804,
year = {2026},
author = {Qian, J and Lu, J and Chen, X and Shen, H and Lu, F},
title = {Programmable Fc-encoded DNA tile-cube capture enables a thrombin-activated ratiometric ECL/SERS biosensor via a PAM-engineered toehold switch and CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage.},
journal = {Analytica chimica acta},
volume = {1415},
number = {},
pages = {345709},
doi = {10.1016/j.aca.2026.345709},
pmid = {42242804},
issn = {1873-4324},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *Thrombin/analysis ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Spectrum Analysis, Raman ; Electrochemical Techniques/methods ; *DNA/chemistry ; Humans ; Luminescent Measurements ; Electrodes ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism/chemistry ; Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry ; Limit of Detection ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; Dendrimers ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate thrombin detection is important for coagulation-related assessment, but reliable quantification at ultralow levels remains challenging because matrix interference, electrode-to-electrode variation, and single-channel signal drift can compromise analytical accuracy. Herein, we developed a thrombin-responsive ratiometric electrochemiluminescence/surface-enhanced Raman scattering (ECL/SERS) biosensor integrating Fc-encoded DNA tiles, a DNA-cube capture scaffold, and a PAM-engineered toehold-switch-regulated CRISPR/Cas12a module on a Ti3C2/CsPbBr3@PDA@Au-modified electrode.

RESULTS: An intentionally cleavable linker probe (LP) serves as the bridge for retaining Fc-rich DNA tiles near the electrode. Without thrombin, intact LP enables tile capture, causing ECL quenching and strong Fc SERS output. With thrombin, split-aptamer proximity assembly activates the toehold switch and Cas12a/crRNA, leading to LP cleavage, Fc-tile depletion, ECL recovery, and SERS attenuation. The anti-correlated signals were integrated as Q = IECL/ISERS. The biosensor showed a detection range from 1 × 10[-7] to 1 × 10[-1] nM and a detection limit of approximately 0.064 fM. Synthetic cleaved LP standards confirmed that LP cleavage can be directly converted into ratiometric ECL/SERS switching. Serum spike-recovery tests gave recoveries of 96.8%-104.0%.

SIGNIFICANCE: This work establishes a programmable capture-release strategy that converts thrombin recognition into CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated LP cleavage and deterministic interfacial reconfiguration, providing a sensitive, internally referenced, and extensible platform for protein biosensing.},
}

*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*Thrombin/analysis
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Spectrum Analysis, Raman
Electrochemical Techniques/methods
*DNA/chemistry
Humans
Luminescent Measurements
Electrodes
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism/chemistry
Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
Limit of Detection
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
Dendrimers

@article {pmid41709520,
year = {2026},
author = {Kulshreshtha, A and Ramasamy, M and Irigoyen, S and Padilla, CS and Tu, CK and Laughlin, K and Borneman, J and Mandadi, KK},
title = {High-efficiency genome-editing, transgene evaluation, and antimicrobial efficacy testing using Citrus medica L. hairy roots.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {125},
number = {4},
pages = {e70745},
pmid = {41709520},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {2025-70029-44033//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2024-51181-43464//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2021-70029-36056//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2019-70016-29066//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; HATCH TEX09621//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; TEX0-7790//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; //Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture/ ; //Texas A&M Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center/ ; 124190-96210//Texas A&M AgriLife Research Insect-vectored Disease Seed Grants/ ; },
mesh = {*Citrus/genetics/microbiology ; *Plant Roots/genetics/microbiology ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Transformation, Genetic ; Transgenes/genetics ; Disease Resistance/genetics ; Liberibacter ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Rhizobiaceae ; },
abstract = {Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, associated with the fastidious bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), has a significant impact on citrus production worldwide. Conventional biochemical and genetic evaluation studies to identify potential disease resistance strategies have been mainly hindered due to the inability to culture CLas in a defined medium and the general recalcitrance of Citrus cultivars (grapefruits and oranges) to Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. We previously demonstrated the utility of plant hairy roots to co-cultivate CLas. In this study, we developed a hairy root transformation system using citron (Citrus medica L.), which is highly amenable to Rhizobium-mediated hairy root transformation. The explant survival and hairy root transformation efficiencies were up to 100% and 73%, respectively, and transgenic roots can be attained in as little as 30-60 days. We demonstrate the utility of this citron-based hairy root transformation for rapid CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, transgene evaluation, and antimicrobial efficacy testing. The citron-based hairy root transformation system will significantly help the research community to speed-track the assessment of potential HLB disease resistance strategies.},
}

*Citrus/genetics/microbiology
*Plant Roots/genetics/microbiology
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Gene Editing/methods
Transformation, Genetic
Transgenes/genetics
Disease Resistance/genetics
Liberibacter
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
Rhizobiaceae

@article {pmid41772360,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, Y and Yu, Z and Fan, S and Zhu, M and Ci, L and Yang, X and Chen, Y and Li, Q and Wang, N and Wang, J and Ye, S and Wang, J and Sun, R and Shen, R},
title = {A Bioluminescence Reporter Mouse Strain for In Vivo Imaging of IFNγ Cell Localization and Function.},
journal = {Immunology},
volume = {178},
number = {3},
pages = {428-438},
doi = {10.1111/imm.70127},
pmid = {41772360},
issn = {1365-2567},
support = {24141901100//Science and Technology Innovation Plan of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission/ ; 24YF2732000//Science and Technology Innovation Plan of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission/ ; 2025NS04//Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center/ ; 2025NS05//Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Interferon-gamma/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Luminescent Measurements/methods ; Mice, Transgenic ; Mice ; *Genes, Reporter ; Luciferases/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Humans ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a pivotal inflammatory mediator and immune regulator, but its in vivo spatiotemporal dynamics and functional roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis remain incompletely understood. Here, we developed a C57BL/6J- Ifng-2A-luciferase knock-in mouse strain using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair, enabling real-time bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of IFNγ-expressing cells by inserting a luciferase cassette under the endogenous Ifng promoter. The validation confirmed that this model is capable of directly detecting Poly(I:C) -induced transient IFNγ, enhancing intratumoral IFNγ signals upon anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 therapy, and dynamically tracking IFNγ expression during imiquimod-induced psoriasis. This transgenic mouse model provides a powerful tool for non-invasive, longitudinal tracking of IFNγ-expressing cells, offering novel insights into IFNγ-mediated immune regulation in inflammation and cancer. It holds promise for identifying IFNγ-related therapeutic targets and predicting responses to immunotherapies.},
}

Animals
*Interferon-gamma/genetics/metabolism/immunology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
*Luminescent Measurements/methods
Mice, Transgenic
Mice
*Genes, Reporter
Luciferases/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Knock-In Techniques
Humans
Promoter Regions, Genetic

@article {pmid41865336,
year = {2026},
author = {An, H and Kim, H and Kim, DY and Yoon, HJ and Lee, JY and Eo, WK and Kim, MY and Kim, KH and Cha, HJ},
title = {Transcriptomic analysis of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) knockout in ovarian cancer cell lines.},
journal = {Genes & genomics},
volume = {48},
number = {6},
pages = {911-921},
pmid = {41865336},
issn = {2092-9293},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/genetics/metabolism ; *Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics/metabolism/pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics ; *Transcriptome/genetics ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is a crucial tight junction protein that regulates intercellular permeability and adhesion, thereby preserving the integrity of epithelial and endothelial barriers. ZO-1 is associated with tumorigenesis and the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastasis. In our previous study, knockout (KO) of ZO-1 using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) reduced proliferation but increased migration and invasion, suggesting that ZO-1 may have a dual role. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the role of ZO-1 in ovarian cancer by analyzing transcriptomic changes associated with ZO-1.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the impact of ZO-1 KO on gene expression in ovarian cancer cells by performing comparative RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on two distinct ZO-1 KO ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and SNU119.

METHODS: ZO-1 was knocked out in SKOV3 and SNU119 cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. After identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through RNA sequencing, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The selected targets were subsequently validated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis to assess both transcript- and protein-level expression changes.

RESULTS: Transcriptomic analysis revealed over 400 DEGs in each cell line. Of these, 14 genes were consistently upregulated in both cell lines, while 24 genes were consistently downregulated. The common DEGs were visualized using a heatmap, and a subset of these genes was further validated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses. TGFB2 expression was consistently altered at both the mRNA and protein levels following ZO-1 KO in both cell lines. Similar expression patterns were observed for THBS1, VCAN, ITGB8, SEMA3A, and GAS6. The concordant changes observed in transcriptomic and protein analyses suggest a consistent association between ZO-1 KO and TGFB2 expression.

CONCLUSION: ZO-1 KO in ovarian cancer cells induces substantial transcriptional reprogramming, particularly affecting genes associated with extracellular matrix organization and signaling pathways. Multiple candidate genes showed consistent alterations at both the mRNA and protein levels, supporting the robustness of the observed transcriptional changes. These findings provide a framework for understanding ZO-1-associated regulatory networks in ovarian cancer.},
}

Humans
Female
*Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/genetics/metabolism
*Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics/metabolism/pathology
Cell Line, Tumor
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics
*Transcriptome/genetics
Gene Knockout Techniques
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid42023429,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, TM and Chang, HF and Lin, TC and Lin, CH and Sun, YL and Lin, CS},
title = {Gene Therapy and Gene Editing in Type 1 Diabetes: CRISPR-Based β-Cell Replacement and Treg Immune Modulation Approaches.},
journal = {Diabetes, obesity & metabolism},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {5476-5491},
doi = {10.1111/dom.70800},
pmid = {42023429},
issn = {1463-1326},
support = {//Ministry of Education (MOE), Taiwan/ ; NSTC 114-2321-B-A49-001//National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan/ ; },
mesh = {*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy/immunology/genetics ; Humans ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; *Insulin-Secreting Cells/immunology/transplantation ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology ; Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in lifelong dependence on exogenous insulin. Despite advances in insulin delivery and glucose monitoring technologies, patients remain at risk for acute and long-term complications, underscoring the need for curative strategies. Gene therapy and gene-editing technologies are emerging as transformative approaches capable of restoring β-cell function, modulating immune responses and potentially achieving durable remission.

METHOD: This review synthesizes basic science foundations and clinical trial evidence, focusing on five key protocols (NCT03162237, NCT05210530, NCT05241444, NCT05565248 and NCT06938334).

RESULTS: Strategies include immune modulation (PD-L1, FOXP3), β-cell replacement (CRISPR-edited progenitors, xenotransplantation) and combination approaches. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated feasibility and safety; however, long-term efficacy, durability and scalability remain uncertain. Critical challenges include potential off-target effects in CRISPR editing, risks of insertional mutagenesis, safety concerns in xenotransplantation and achieving a balance between immune tolerance and protective immunity. Future directions emphasize combination therapies, personalized medicine and next-generation editing tools such as base and prime editing.

CONCLUSION: Together, these efforts represent a paradigm shift from symptomatic insulin replacement toward curative interventions, while highlighting the considerable translational hurdles that must be overcome before routine clinical application.},
}

*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy/immunology/genetics
Humans
*Genetic Therapy/methods
*Insulin-Secreting Cells/immunology/transplantation
*Gene Editing/methods
*T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems

@article {pmid42119166,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, D and Sun, D and Ou, C and Zhang, X and Luo, R and Kou, X and Li, X and Li, Y and Le, H and Li, W and You, Y and Gong, C},
title = {A hierarchical self-adjuvanted nanoCRISPR-based vaccine restores endogenous immune recognition and surveillance to amplify adaptive immune responses.},
journal = {Biomaterials},
volume = {334},
number = {},
pages = {124285},
doi = {10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124285},
pmid = {42119166},
issn = {1878-5905},
mesh = {Animals ; *Adaptive Immunity ; *Cancer Vaccines/immunology ; Humans ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; B7-H1 Antigen/genetics/immunology ; Nanovaccines ; Cell Line, Tumor ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Adjuvants, Immunologic ; Mice ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {Tumor vaccines are considered a promising approach in immunotherapy, designed to boost the immune system's capacity to identify tumor-associated antigens and subsequently trigger immune responses against tumors. However, the inherent genetic instability of tumor cells frequently results in decreased expression or loss of antigen and/or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression and upregulation of immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1, thus evading endogenous immune recognition and surveillance. Herein, we developed a hierarchical self-adjuvanted nanoCRISPR-based vaccine (HEDERA) loaded with LSD1/PD-L1 dual-editing CRISPR/Cas9 system, seeking to reinstate the endogenous immune detection and monitoring mechanisms to enhance adaptive immune reactions. Knockdown of LSD1 increases the presence of tumor-specific antigens and major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on the surface of cancer cells, thereby restoring immune recognition. Simultaneously, silencing PD-L1 alleviates the "exhaustion" of T cells and reactivates their cytotoxic activity. Moreover, LSD1 knockdown activates the type I interferon pathway to induce a self-adjuvant effect that enhances innate immune responses and thereby strengthens T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. This dual strategy achieves unprecedented efficacy, with 90% primary tumor inhibition, and demonstrates an 87.3% and 90.6% inhibition rate for post-surgical metastatic and recurrent tumors, respectively. Overall, HEDERA overcomes the single-action constraint of traditional tumor vaccines, and avoids combined medication-related poor patient compliance, delivering a more efficient, convenient integrated tumor immunotherapy solution.},
}

Animals
*Adaptive Immunity
*Cancer Vaccines/immunology
Humans
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
B7-H1 Antigen/genetics/immunology
Nanovaccines
Cell Line, Tumor
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Adjuvants, Immunologic
Mice
Female
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid42186741,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Ji, C and Yang, W and Han, Y and Zhao, P and Cai, X and Tian, S and Zhu, W and Zhang, J and Xu, J and Yang, W and Li, F and Liu, P},
title = {Engineered CRISPR/Cas12a2 Nanoprobe Imaging in Living Cells for Precise Tumor Diagnosis.},
journal = {Small methods},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {e70727},
pmid = {42186741},
issn = {2366-9608},
support = {U25C2029//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32371468//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22474077//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23ZR1461400//Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; 22ZR1459600//Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; YG2023ZD07//Medical-Engineering Joint Funds from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University/ ; YG2024QNB09//Medical-Engineering Joint Funds from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University/ ; 20234Y0201//Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission/ ; 2022JC002//Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission/ ; TMSK-2024-203//National Key Scientific Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (Shanghai)/ ; 10000015Z155080000004//2024 National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Project/ ; XK202401//Jiading District Medical Key Discipline Construction Project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Animals ; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Glutathione ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics ; Molecular Imaging/methods ; *Neoplasms/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging ; },
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) imaging in tumor cells plays a crucial role in monitoring the occurrence and development of tumors. However, achieving highly specific and sensitive mRNA imaging remains a significant challenge due to the complex intracellular environment and high background signal. Here, we engineered a CRISPR/Cas12a2 system with an RNA blocking strand that binds to CRISPR RNA (crRNA). After glutathione (GSH) stimulation, the RNA blocking strand is cleaved, allowing the release of crRNA and restoring the capability of CRISPR/Cas12a2 ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Furthermore, we developed a nanoprobe (termed eRNP-FHR) by converging engineered Cas12a2 RNP (eRNP) with framework-hotspot reporters (FHR). FHR features four vertices that modify the sgc8 aptamer to specifically target the protein tyrosine kinase 7 receptor on the surface of tumor cell membranes, link to the eRNP by hybridizing with crRNA, and incorporate fluorescence quenching groups. The eRNP-FHR precisely targets tumor cells through aptamer-mediated endocytosis, specifically recognizes mRNA upon GSH stimulation, and simultaneously cleaves FHR to release a significant fluorescent signal. Excitingly, eRNP-FHR successfully achieved imaging of baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5 mRNA in pancreatic tumor cells, accurately distinguishing pancreatic tumor cells from normal cells. In a murine pancreatic tumor model, eRNP-FHR exhibited excellent mRNA imaging, highlighting significant potential for precise tumor diagnosis.},
}

Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Animals
RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism
Mice
Cell Line, Tumor
Glutathione
CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics
Molecular Imaging/methods
*Neoplasms/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging

@article {pmid42189082,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, Y and Jin, R and Lei, T and Liu, J and Chang, Y and Zhang, Z and Li, J and Liu, M},
title = {Aptamer-Coupled Droplet CRISPR/Cas12a Enables Ultrasensitive sPD-L1 Detection.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {98},
number = {22},
pages = {16296-16305},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.6c00779},
pmid = {42189082},
issn = {1520-6882},
mesh = {*Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *B7-H1 Antigen/blood ; Limit of Detection ; Lung Neoplasms/blood/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Ultrasensitive detection of soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in peripheral blood is essential for early cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy monitoring. Conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays lack the requisite sensitivity, whereas PCR quantifies nucleic-acid surrogates rather than the immunologically active protein. Here we report an aptamer-coupled droplet CRISPR/Cas12a (ADC) platform that integrates a structure-switching aptamer with picolitre droplet microfluidics to achieve femtomolar quantification of sPD-L1 within 70 min. Target binding with aptamer displaces a blocking sequence that activates Cas12a trans-cleavage, generating fluorescent droplets without preamplification. Confinement in picolitre droplets accelerates reaction kinetics through elevated local reagent concentrations and suppresses background fluorescence, collectively enhancing sensitivity. The assay exhibits a 0.5 pM limit of detection for sPD-L1, a dynamic range spanning 3 orders of magnitude, and 100% diagnostic accuracy in blinded plasma from lung cancer patients and healthy donors. The modular ADC architecture is readily adaptable to other protein biomarkers, offering a universal strategy for rapid, ultrasensitive liquid-biopsy analysis.},
}

*Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*B7-H1 Antigen/blood
Limit of Detection
Lung Neoplasms/blood/diagnosis

@article {pmid42217941,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, D and Ma, G and Bai, L and Guo, K and Wang, T and Jiang, Z and Qian, F and Wang, Y and Pang, Y and Zou, W and Wang, R},
title = {STAR-CRISPR: a one-pot ultraspecific CRISPR strategy for rapid, visualized SNV detection and genotyping in point-of-care diagnostics.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {130036},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130036},
pmid = {42217941},
issn = {1873-3573},
mesh = {Humans ; *Point-of-Care Systems ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis ; *Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics/diagnosis ; *Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Rapid Diagnostic Tests ; Genotype ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; },
abstract = {Single nucleotide variation (SNV), as a key biomarker for disease diagnosis and personalized treatment, faces challenges in rapid and accurate detection. This study developed a single-tube accelerated recognition of SNVs strategy named STAR-CRISPR, which could accomplish SNV detection within only 20 min. This method integrated isothermal amplification and CRISPR/Cas12b cleavage system in one pot, and results could be directly identified by the naked eye. This method could accurately distinguish single-base differences, and could detect as low as 1% mutations against high background interference. We verified the proposed method by testing 70 clinical samples of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Results showed 100% consistency with next-generation sequencing results, demonstrating good accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. To further facilitate point-of-care diagnosis, we developed integrated miniature microfluidic chips, which greatly simplified sample identification and enabled logical interpretation of results. The combined STAR-CRISPR and microfluidic platform not only identifies SNVs but also supports simultaneous visual genotyping of wild-type, homozygous, and heterozygous mutations. Consequently, the proposed strategy is accurate, rapid, and versatile, holding significant potential for next-generation molecular diagnostics.},
}

Humans
*Point-of-Care Systems
*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis
*Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics/diagnosis
*Genotyping Techniques/methods
Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Genotype
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

@article {pmid41707424,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, L and Liu, Z and Ding, G and Zhu, Y and Wang, H and Liu, R and Qu, F and Ao, Q and Zhu, X and Zhang, Y and Yang, G and Wang, Z},
title = {Dual-readout aptasensor based on CRISPR/Cas12a and nanozyme for accurate detection of KIM-1 and its application in kidney transplant prognosis.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118533},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118533},
pmid = {41707424},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Humans ; *Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1/isolation & purification ; *Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Kidney Transplantation ; Limit of Detection ; Prognosis ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Silver/chemistry ; Colorimetry/methods ; Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry ; SELEX Aptamer Technique ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) has emerged as a pivotal prognostic biomarker for renal allograft function. However, its detection remains challenging due to sensitivity and accuracy limitations. An innovative biosensing platform synergizing aptamer recognition, CRISPR trans-cleavage and nanozyme amplification for dual-readout KIM-1 detection has been presented in this work. This platform employs a meticulously selected high-affinity aptamer with capillary electrophoresis SELEX for specific target recognition, leverages the CRISPR/Cas12a system for signal transduction and cascade amplification, and utilizes engineered FeNi MOF@AgNPs nanozyme for dual-signal output. With the presence of KIM-1, whose binding with aptamer, effectively inhibits the trans-cleavage activity of the CRISPR/Cas12a system, and uninhibited Cas12a subsequently cleaves nanozyme-conjugated magnetic probes, releasing FeNi MOF@AgNPs nanozymes that catalyze a TMB-based reaction to generate intense colorimetric and fluorescent dual-readout signals. The as developed aptasensor demonstrates satisfied sensitivity achieving detection limits of 58.7 pg/mL (colorimetric) and 34.4 pg/mL (fluorometric), and dependable accuracy achieving average relative deviation of -2.7% (colorimetric) and 3.2% (fluorometric) with commercial ELISA kit in urine samples from patients with acute kidney injury. Moreover, longitudinally track the dynamic changes in urinary KIM-1 concentrations over the first 8 days following renal transplantation was successfully realized. This work not only provides a robust analytical tool for KIM-1 detection but also establishes a generic research approach for extending CRISPR-based systems to the precise detection of proteins.},
}

*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Humans
*Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1/isolation & purification
*Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Kidney Transplantation
Limit of Detection
Prognosis
Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Silver/chemistry
Colorimetry/methods
Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry
SELEX Aptamer Technique
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins

@article {pmid41707427,
year = {2026},
author = {Tu, Z and Wang, Y and Qian, X and Chen, J and Li, L and Wang, T and Chen, H and Wei, H and Yang, P and Pan, J and Wang, S and Rong, Z},
title = {Plasmonic magnetic nanoparticles-enabled universal enrichment, photothermal lysis, and duplex CRISPR detection of bacteria in urine samples.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118518},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118518},
pmid = {41707427},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {Humans ; *Escherichia coli/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *Enterococcus faecalis/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/urine/diagnosis ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Surface Plasmon Resonance/methods ; *Escherichia coli Infections/urine/microbiology/diagnosis ; Limit of Detection ; Boronic Acids/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Urinary tract infections (UTIs), exacerbated by antibiotic resistance and evolving pathogen diversity, demand rapid and sensitive diagnostics. This study introduces an integrated platform combining magnetic enrichment, photothermal lysis, and CRISPR-based detection (ME-CRISPR) for simultaneous identification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in UTIs. We engineered plasmonic magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid for broad-spectrum bacterial capture within 10 min. Subsequent near-infrared laser irradiation leveraged localized surface plasmon resonance to lyse captured bacteria in situ. The released nucleic acids were directly analyzed in a single-step duplex RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-Cas13a assay. This 40-min workflow achieved a limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL for both pathogens. Validation with 90 clinical samples (39 E. coli, 26 E. faecalis, and 25 negative controls) demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity, matching qPCR performance while significantly reducing turnaround time. The platform overcomes limitations of centrifugation and Gram-class-dependent lysis, offering a rapid and ultrasensitive point-of-care testing tool to curb antibiotic misuse.},
}

Humans
*Escherichia coli/isolation & purification/genetics
*Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry
*Enterococcus faecalis/isolation & purification/genetics
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/urine/diagnosis
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Surface Plasmon Resonance/methods
*Escherichia coli Infections/urine/microbiology/diagnosis
Limit of Detection
Boronic Acids/chemistry

@article {pmid41707429,
year = {2026},
author = {Nong, J and Pan, Z and Li, Y and Wei, J and Gong, Y and Li, J and Zhang, K and Liao, X},
title = {COF-confined CsPbBr3 nanocomposite with CRISPR/Cas12a-driven DNA walking for ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescent detection of circulating tumor DNA.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118536},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118536},
pmid = {41707429},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Humans ; *Nanocomposites/chemistry ; Luminescent Measurements/methods ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Electrochemical Techniques/methods ; Limit of Detection ; *Circulating Tumor DNA/blood/isolation & purification/genetics ; Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry ; DNA Probes/chemistry ; Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry ; Bacterial Proteins ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {A highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor was developed for circulating tumor DNA detection by integrating a covalent organic framework-confined CsPbBr3 nanocomposite with a CRISPR/Cas12a-driven amplification strategy. The covalent organic framework not only stabilizes CsPbBr3 nanocrystals in aqueous environments but also regulates interfacial charge transfer and enables programmable immobilization of DNA probes. Upon recognition of the target sequence, Cas12a is activated and progressively cleaves surface-tethered quencher-modified DNA strands, leading to stepwise restoration of electrochemiluminescence emission. This surface-confined signal amplification eliminates the need for polymerase chain reaction or isothermal preamplification. Under optimized conditions, the biosensor exhibited a linear response over a concentration range from 10 fM to 10 nM, with a detection limit of 5.4 fM. The method demonstrated good selectivity toward single-base mismatches and satisfactory performance in diluted serum and clinical plasma samples. These results highlight a synergistic material-enzyme strategy for sensitive and robust nucleic acid detection and provide a proof-of-concept platform for electrochemiluminescence-based circulating tumor DNA analysis.},
}

*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Humans
*Nanocomposites/chemistry
Luminescent Measurements/methods
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Electrochemical Techniques/methods
Limit of Detection
*Circulating Tumor DNA/blood/isolation & purification/genetics
Endodeoxyribonucleases/chemistry
DNA Probes/chemistry
Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry
Bacterial Proteins
CRISPR-Associated Proteins

@article {pmid41708610,
year = {2026},
author = {Klann, M and Miura, S and Lee, SH and Vianello, SD and Ross, R and Watanabe, M and Gairin, E and Liang, Y and Hutto, HW and McCluskey, BM and Herrera, M and Solnica-Krezel, L and Besseau, L and Pigolotti, S and Parichy, DM and Kinoshita, M and Laudet, V},
title = {Cell-cell communication as underlying principle governing color pattern formation in teleost fishes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41708610},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cell Communication/genetics/physiology ; Zebrafish/genetics ; Gap Junctions/metabolism ; *Pigmentation/genetics/physiology ; Mutation, Missense ; Connexins/genetics/metabolism ; Fish Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Phenotype ; Gene Editing ; *Perciformes/genetics ; },
abstract = {The diverse pigmentation patterns of animals are crucial for predation avoidance and behavioral display. This diversity arises from interactions among distinct pigment cell types, yet mechanisms generating pattern variation across teleost fishes remain incompletely understood. In zebrafish, Turing models have been proposed to explain stripe patterns, but it is unclear if they apply to other fishes. Here, we investigate the Snowflake mutant of the anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris, which displays enlarged white bars with irregular boundaries. Using genome-wide association mapping and targeted sequencing, we identify a missense mutation (E42K) in gja5b, encoding the gap junction protein Connexin 41.8. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing recapitulates the Snowflake phenotype, while pharmacological inhibition of gap junctions phenocopies the boundary defects, supporting a causal role for impaired intercellular communication. Expression analyses reveal that, unlike zebrafish, anemonefish gja5b is predominantly expressed in iridophores. With functional in vitro assays we demonstrate that the E42K mutation acts as a dominant negative, strongly reducing gap junctional coupling. Introducing the same mutation in zebrafish reveals context-dependent effects on pigment patterning. Taken together our findings highlighting gap junction-mediated communication as a conserved but flexible mechanism controlling pigment boundary positioning and pattern diversification.},
}

Animals
*Cell Communication/genetics/physiology
Zebrafish/genetics
Gap Junctions/metabolism
*Pigmentation/genetics/physiology
Mutation, Missense
Connexins/genetics/metabolism
Fish Proteins/genetics/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Genome-Wide Association Study
Phenotype
Gene Editing
*Perciformes/genetics

@article {pmid41708664,
year = {2026},
author = {Huo, Y and Mei, J and Zhang, D and Yan, B and Zhang, D and Dong, C and Yin, S and Liu, M and Wang, X and Chen, D and Guan, Y and Song, G and Du, B and Wang, Y and Zheng, Z and Liu, H and Li, D and Yang, L and Wang, L},
title = {Engineered Un1Cas12f1 for multiplex genome editing with enhanced activity and targeting scope.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41708664},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {U24A20677//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32025023//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32230064//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32311530111//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 24J22800400//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission)/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; HEK293 Cells ; Genome, Human ; Mutation ; Genetic Therapy/methods ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The compact CRISPR-Cas12f system is promising for AAV-delivered gene therapy, but its application has been constrained by restrictive PAM recognition (e.g., TTTR) and suboptimal editing efficiency. Through bacterial library screening and mammalian cell validation, we engineer evoCas12f, an optimized variant incorporating five key mutations, that dramatically expands PAM recognition to NTNR/NYTR. This advancement reduces median distance between two neighbouring PAM sites to 2 nucleotides in the human genome. It also demonstrates 1.4-fold enhanced activity at TTTR sites compared to wild-type Un1Cas12f1, achieving up to 91% editing efficiency. Remarkably, evoCas12f enables efficient generation of homozygous mutations in F0 generation mice, even at non-canonical PAM sites. We further adapt this system for robust transcriptional activation and precise base editing with a well-defined editing window. As a compact yet highly efficient platform, evoCas12f represents a significant advance in CRISPR technology, enabling multiplexed editing for high-resolution targeting applications and expanding possibilities for therapeutic genome engineering.},
}

*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Animals
Humans
Mice
HEK293 Cells
Genome, Human
Mutation
Genetic Therapy/methods
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid41709648,
year = {2026},
author = {Doghish, AS and Ghaiad, HR and Elfar, N and El Said, NH and Radwan, AF and Abd-Elmawla, MA and Mohamed, HH and Mohammed, OA and Rizk, HA},
title = {Unraveling the Function of lncRNAs in Gliomas: Interaction With Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Opportunities.},
journal = {Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology},
volume = {40},
number = {3},
pages = {e70756},
doi = {10.1002/jbt.70756},
pmid = {41709648},
issn = {1099-0461},
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics/metabolism ; *Glioma/genetics/metabolism/therapy/pathology ; *Signal Transduction ; *Brain Neoplasms/metabolism/genetics/therapy/pathology ; Animals ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; *RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Brain tumors represent some of the most formidable challenges in neuro-oncology due to their aggressive clinical course, resistance to therapy, and profound molecular heterogeneity. Among the emerging regulatory elements reshaping our understanding of tumor biology are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA transcripts that modulate gene expression and cellular behavior without encoding proteins. This review provides an in-depth and integrative examination of the biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and functional roles of lncRNAs in brain tumor development and progression. We systematically explore both canonical and non-canonical pathways of lncRNA biogenesis, detailing how these influence structural specificity and molecular interactions. This review synthesized evidence retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from January 2010 to June 2025. This analysis highlights key gaps, such as context-dependent therapeutic effects that limit translational applicability. A major focus is placed on the interplay between lncRNAs and core oncogenic signaling pathways, including Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt)/β-catenin, and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), which drive malignant transformation, invasion, stemness, and therapeutic resistance in gliomas. Furthermore, we dissect the molecular functions of lncRNAs as epigenetic regulators, competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and structural scaffolds, and discuss their contribution to the dynamic tumor microenvironment. By synthesizing the latest findings, this review underscores the academic and translational importance of targeting lncRNA-associated networks. It also highlights emerging therapeutic approaches, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas systems, and natural lncRNA-modulating compounds, which collectively represent a promising frontier in precision medicine for brain tumors. This work offers a critical framework for future research and therapeutic innovation in the lncRNA landscape of neuro-oncology.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics/metabolism
*Glioma/genetics/metabolism/therapy/pathology
*Signal Transduction
*Brain Neoplasms/metabolism/genetics/therapy/pathology
Animals
*Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
*RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid41709870,
year = {2026},
author = {Feng, L and Yu, P and He, N and Zhang, Q and Tang, Y and Geng, J and Lu, Q and Song, C and Chen, F},
title = {Label-Free MicroRNA Diagnostics: From CRISPR Nucleases to Nanomaterial-Enhanced Transducers.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {915-954},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00868},
pmid = {41709870},
issn = {2161-5063},
mesh = {*MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Nanostructures/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Label-free detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) has emerged as a pivotal approach in molecular diagnostics, integrating the programmability of CRISPR systems with the high sensitivity of nanomaterial-based transduction. miRNAs are short, noncoding RNAs that play central roles in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis, serving as valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. Conventional miRNA detection methods rely on labeling and multistep amplification, which hinder their adaptability for rapid and point-of-care applications. In contrast, label-free biosensing translates molecular recognition into intrinsic optical, electrochemical, or mechanical signals, enabling real-time, amplification-free analysis. This review summarizes recent advances in label-free miRNA biosensing, with emphasis on CRISPR/Cas12a, Cas13a, and Cas14a systems that couple target recognition with signal transduction, and nanomaterial-assisted platforms including gold and silver nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, silica nanostructures, and magnetic composites. Particular attention is given to innovations that achieve attomolar-level sensitivity, single-nucleotide discrimination, and multiplex detection. We also discuss integration into microfluidic and wearable platforms, addressing persistent challenges in repeatability and stability, antifouling performance, and clinical translation. Emerging trends in artificial intelligence-assisted data processing, molecular logic circuits, and digital single-molecule biosensing are highlighted. These advances collectively outline the pathway toward intelligent, amplification-free, and portable miRNA diagnostics, bridging molecular biology and synthetic bioengineering for next-generation healthcare applications.},
}

*MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Nanostructures/chemistry

@article {pmid41710881,
year = {2026},
author = {Karaoglu, IC and Odabas, A and Önder, T and Kizilel, S},
title = {Single-gene knockout of RNLS or HIVEP2 are insufficient to protect β-cell spheroids from allo- and xeno-rejection.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1759835},
pmid = {41710881},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Insulin-Secreting Cells/transplantation/immunology/metabolism ; Humans ; *Graft Rejection/genetics/immunology/prevention & control ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; *Spheroids, Cellular/immunology/transplantation/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Islets of Langerhans Transplantation ; Cell Line ; Gene Editing ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: β-Cell replacement therapy offers a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, but its success is limited by rapid graft rejection. While genome-wide CRISPR screens have recently identified RNLS and HIVEP2 as candidate genes capable of protecting β-cells from autoimmune destruction, their efficacy against the distinct mechanisms of allogeneic and xenogeneic rejection remains unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that single-gene ablation of RNLS or HIVEP2 protects β-cell spheroids from allo- and xenorejection in immunocompetent hosts.

METHODS: Murine β-TC-6 and human EndoC-βH1 β-cell lines were genetically edited using CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout RNLS or HIVEP2. Editing efficiencies were confirmed via T7 endonuclease I assay and Tracking of Indels by Decomposition (TIDE) analysis. Cells were aggregated into uniform, size-controlled spheroids using an optimized agarose suspension culture. Functional integrity was assessed via glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). To evaluate immune evasion in vivo, luciferase-labeled spheroids were transplanted subcutaneously into immunocompetent CD-1 mice, modelling allogeneic (murine-to-murine) and xenogeneic (human-to-murine) rejection, with graft survival monitored longitudinally by bioluminescence imaging.

RESULTS: Robust editing efficiencies were achieved for both targets. Functional characterization indicated that Rnls deletion modestly impaired GSIS in murine cells, whereas HIVEP2 deletion showed no functional alterations in either cell line. In vivo assessment revealed no protective effects of RNLS or HIVEP2 deletion; grafts from both knockout groups displayed rejection kinetics indistinguishable from non-targeting controls. While allogeneic grafts survived longer than xenogeneic grafts, both were ultimately cleared by the host immune system regardless of genotype.

DISCUSSION: These data indicate that single-gene deletions of RNLS or HIVEP2 are insufficient to protect β-cell grafts from the barriers of allo- or xenorejection. By defining the limitations of these targets in isolation, our findings highlight the necessity for combinatorial genome editing strategies or complementary integration with immunomodulatory biomaterials to achieve effective and sustained β-cell graft survival.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Insulin-Secreting Cells/transplantation/immunology/metabolism
Humans
*Graft Rejection/genetics/immunology/prevention & control
Gene Knockout Techniques
*Spheroids, Cellular/immunology/transplantation/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Islets of Langerhans Transplantation
Cell Line
Gene Editing
Transplantation, Heterologous

@article {pmid41710969,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Z and Wei, M and Jiang, M and Wang, Y and He, K},
title = {Single-step duplex CRISPR coupled with lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum.},
journal = {Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications},
volume = {18},
number = {10},
pages = {1996-2004},
doi = {10.1039/d5ay02168e},
pmid = {41710969},
issn = {1759-9679},
mesh = {Humans ; *Treponema pallidum/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Point-of-Care Systems ; *HIV Infections/diagnosis/virology ; *Syphilis/diagnosis/microbiology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *HIV/genetics/isolation & purification ; Point-of-Care Testing ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {Continued acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum (TP) pose great challenges for global health, highlighting the need for rapid and sensitive diagnostics. Here, we introduced DIAL (Duplex Integrated All-in-one CRISPR Lateral flow assay), a simplified CRISPR-based diagnostic system for simultaneous detection of HIV and TP. We developed a single-step duplex CRISPR assay for dual-target recognition, which incorporated reverse transcription, multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification, transcription, CRISPR/Cas12a detection, and CRISPR/Cas13a detection in one pot. Then, we combined CRISPR detection assay with a "line-elimination" dual-line lateral flow assay for low-cost and equipment-free visual readout. We further developed reagent lyophilization and extraction-free sample lysis techniques to meet the point-of-care testing. The optimized DIAL system detected as low as 100 copies per µL of both HIV RNA and TP DNA within 45 minutes. In a clinical evaluation of 46 samples, it demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity for HIV and 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity for TP, relative to quantitative PCR. The DIAL provided a scalable, accessible approach for decentralized screening of sexually transmitted infections or other pathogens in resource-limited settings.},
}

Humans
*Treponema pallidum/genetics/isolation & purification
*Point-of-Care Systems
*HIV Infections/diagnosis/virology
*Syphilis/diagnosis/microbiology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*HIV/genetics/isolation & purification
Point-of-Care Testing
Sensitivity and Specificity

@article {pmid41711690,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, H and Chi, H},
title = {Next-generation CRISPR screens enable causal systems immunology.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental medicine},
volume = {223},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1084/jem.20241266},
pmid = {41711690},
issn = {1540-9538},
support = {//American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities/ ; CA253188/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; CA281868/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI105887/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI131703/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI140761/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI150241/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI150514/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Lupus Research Alliance/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Systems Biology/methods ; Animals ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Immunoinformatics ; },
abstract = {Mapping the causal circuits that shape the phenotypic and functional landscape of immune cells remains a formidable challenge. Recent advances in pooled CRISPR-based screens, coupled with multiplexed single-cell profiling and imaging-based spatial readouts, make this goal increasingly attainable. In this Perspective, we discuss how CRISPR-based genetic screens will fundamentally transform our understanding of immunobiology. We highlight the applications of state-of-the-art, high-throughput pooled perturbation approaches, including emerging methodologies for bulk, single-cell, and spatial CRISPR screens, to advance our understanding of immunity and in vivo biology. Additionally, we summarize new strategies to address the complexity of combinatorial perturbations to uncover genetic interactions and mechanistic drivers of immunity at unprecedented scale and resolution. By integrating CRISPR screening data with experimental insights, we advocate a new framework in immunology research that leverages perturbation-driven regulatory effects and networks to discover new therapeutic targets and establish causal systems biology and immunology for advancing immunological knowledge and therapeutic application.},
}

Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Systems Biology/methods
Animals
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
Single-Cell Analysis
Immunoinformatics

@article {pmid41711853,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, Y and Zhao, J and Li, X and Zheng, X and Yuan, Y and Deng, J and Ren, Y and Xu, K},
title = {Detection of alkaline phosphatase activity based on ATP hydrolysis and CRISPR/Cas12a.},
journal = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry},
volume = {418},
number = {8},
pages = {2337-2344},
pmid = {41711853},
issn = {1618-2650},
support = {2023JJ30430//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 23A0075//Education Department of Hunan Province/ ; 82173572//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82574159//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism/analysis ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Hydrolysis ; Animals ; Limit of Detection ; Milk/enzymology ; Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism ; Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Cattle ; *Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins ; },
abstract = {Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity serves as a crucial biomarker for livestock disease diagnosis, nutritional management, and the evaluation of milk pasteurization efficacy, holding significant implications for food safety and food science. In this study, we developed a novel method for detecting ALP activity in food samples, based on ATP hydrolysis coupled with a CRISPR/Cas12a system. The assay employs a DNA molecular recognition lock probe, comprising an ATP-specific aptamer and an activator strand designed to trigger the CRISPR/Cas12a trans-cleavage activity. In the absence of ALP, ATP acts as a trans-hydrolysis substrate to open the lock structure, releasing the activator strand. This subsequently activates the Cas12a protein, leading to the generation of a fluorescent signal. Conversely, when the target ALP is present, it catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP via a dephosphorylation reaction. This prevents the opening of the "Aptamer-Activator" molecular lock, thereby inhibiting Cas12a activation and resulting in a corresponding decrease in fluorescence intensity. Under optimized conditions, the assay demonstrated a detection limit of 2.52 mU/mL for ALP activity, with a linear range of 0-18.75 mU/mL. The total detection time was 70 min. The method was successfully applied to detect ALP activity in samples from various livestock (chickens, pigs, sheep, cattle) and in milk, achieving recovery rates between 92 and 99%. In conclusion, we have developed a sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid method for ALP detection. This work provides a promising strategy for the development of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices in food safety monitoring.},
}

*Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism/analysis
*Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/chemistry
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Hydrolysis
Animals
Limit of Detection
Milk/enzymology
Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism
Biosensing Techniques/methods
Cattle
*Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins

@article {pmid41712102,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, J and Hazaisi, H and Guan, Y and Bai, M},
title = {Multiplex gene editing drives revolution in crop breeding: overlaid editing of multiple genes and customization of complex traits.},
journal = {Advanced biotechnology},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {41712102},
issn = {2948-2801},
support = {2023ZD040360104//Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences from Institute of Crop Science/ ; },
abstract = {Modern agriculture currently demands higher standards for the simultaneous improvement of crop yield, quality and stress resistance. However, traditional crop breeding methods can no longer meet the needs of modern agricultural development. Improving a single trait is no longer sufficient to meet the multifaceted demands of modern agricultural production and consumer expectations. Multiple traits breeding has increasingly become a key objective in current crop breeding. Over the past decade, CRISPR/Cas9-based multiplex genome editing (MGE) has enabled efficient pyramiding and precise regulation of multiple traits via targeted editing of multiple gene loci, revolutionizing crop breeding. In this review, we briefly describe the core CRISPR/Cas-based MGE strategies and technical workflows, and thoroughly discuss the practical outcomes of MGE applications in various fields, such as enhancing crop stress resistance, increasing yield and improving quality. This review aims to provide a summary and theoretical reference for crop breeding, as well as open up new ideas for achieving different breeding goals.},
}

@article {pmid41712409,
year = {2026},
author = {Nenad, WC and Kuhlers, PC and Sturgill, IR and Biju, I and Bucklan, M and Hernandez, L and Zhu, LC and Hoadley, KA and Raab, JR},
title = {Hepatocyte-targeted Bap1 reduction in the liver primes an inflammatory transcriptional response.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41712409},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics/metabolism ; Animals ; *Hepatocytes/metabolism ; *Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Mice ; *Liver/metabolism/pathology ; *Inflammation/genetics/metabolism/pathology ; Mice, Knockout ; Transcriptome ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Transcription, Genetic ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a deubiquitinase, frequently altered in cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. While Bap1 has been shown to play key roles in metabolism, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and immune cell development, little is known about its normal functions in the liver in vivo. Using AAV8-mediated CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing, we generated a mouse hepatocyte-specific model of Bap1 knockout to define the changes that occur in liver biology in an in vivo system and characterize how loss of Bap1 alters the liver's response to injury. Single-cell resolution spatial transcriptomics were performed in conjunction with immunohistochemistry to analyze cell-type composition and immune cell recruitment changes. Bulk RNA-sequencing was performed to further assess the impact of Bap1 loss on transcription. Hepatocyte-specific depletion of Bap1-induced transcriptional changes shared with acute injury. We observed a strong dysregulation of inflammatory pathways associated with Bap1 loss. Moreover, the transcriptional response of Bap1 depletion in hepatocytes to damage was markedly different than in control liver, with Bap1-depleted livers showing a decreased hepatocyte identity based on gene expression. Spatial transcriptomics and quantitative texture analysis of immunohistochemistry revealed an altered immune environment prior to damage and an impaired recruitment of immune cells in Bap1-depleted livers after damage. Our data suggest Bap1 is a critical modulator in the liver's immune cell response and its loss leads to an inflammatory environment prior to damage and disrupts the recruitment immune cells. Our quantitative spatial analysis highlights the power of such approaches to characterize the spatial distribution of different cell types in a tissue.},
}

*Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics/metabolism
Animals
*Hepatocytes/metabolism
*Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Mice
*Liver/metabolism/pathology
*Inflammation/genetics/metabolism/pathology
Mice, Knockout
Transcriptome
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Transcription, Genetic
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid41712528,
year = {2026},
author = {Magdy, M and Tinker-Kulberg, R and Josephs, EA},
title = {Polyvalent Guide RNAs Enhance the CRISPR-Mediated Suppression of a Human Coronavirus.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {1738-1750},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00574},
pmid = {41712528},
issn = {2161-5063},
support = {R35GM133483/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Coronavirus 229E, Human/genetics ; Gene Editing/methods ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; },
abstract = {While CRISPR enzymes have become important tools for targeted gene editing in mammalian cells, they can also be used to specifically target and deplete viral nucleic acids to treat infections; this can be accomplished by delivering an RNA-targeting CRISPR effector like Cas13 along with a guide RNA (gRNA) that recognizes sequences from the genomes of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses. Previously, we hypothesized that by designing individual gRNAs able to target multiple, similar-but-not-identical viral sequences simultaneously ("polyvalent" guide RNAs or pgRNAs), gRNA's polyvalency would overcome any deficits caused by mispairing between the gRNA and the viral targets and, hence, still increase Cas13's antiviral potency and prevent mutagenic escape. We subsequently demonstrated this was the case using a model of viral infection in plants; however, it was not determined whether this strategy would also work against a human virus. Here, pgRNAs were designed to target multiple RNA sequences within human coronavirus 229E (hCoV-229E) and delivered along with Cas13 into a human lung epithelial cell line infected by hCoV-229E. CRISPR antiviral treatments using pgRNAs exhibited significant viral suppression in a CRISPR-dependent manner─more so than their single-target gRNA counterparts, even when multiple single-target gRNAs were used simultaneously. This improvement was also observed even as Cas13 with those same pgRNAs exhibited less "collateral" or nonspecific RNase activity relative to their single-target counterparts, which could imply that they may have greater specificity and safety profiles as therapeutic agents. Our findings demonstrate a computational and experimental pipeline by which pgRNAs, created using an unconventional gRNA design strategy, can be generated and validated to target human viruses using CRISPR antiviral biotechnologies more effectively.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Coronavirus 229E, Human/genetics
Gene Editing/methods
RNA, Viral/genetics
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
HEK293 Cells

@article {pmid41712626,
year = {2026},
author = {Sünderhauf, D and Ringger, JR and Payne, LJ and Pinilla-Redondo, R and Gaze, WH and Brown, SP and van Houte, S},
title = {CRISPR-Cas is beneficial in plasmid competition, but limited by competitor toxin-antitoxin activity when horizontally transferred.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {e3003658},
pmid = {41712626},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {*Plasmids/genetics/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Toxin-Antitoxin Systems/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacteria can encode dozens of different immune systems that protect them from infection by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). MGEs themselves may also carry immune systems, such as CRISPR-Cas, to target competitor MGEs. It is unclear when this is favored by natural selection, and whether toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems-common competitive mechanisms carried by plasmids-can alter their efficacy. Here, we develop and test novel theory to analyze the outcome of competition between plasmids when one carries a CRISPR-Cas system that targets the other plasmid. Our mathematical model and experiments using Escherichia coli and competing IncP plasmids reveal that plasmid-borne CRISPR-Cas is beneficial to the plasmid carrying it when the plasmid has not recently transferred to a new host. However, CRISPR-Cas is selected against when the plasmid carrying it transfers horizontally, if a resident competitor plasmid encodes a TA system that elicits post-segregational killing. Consistent with a TA barrier to plasmid-borne CRISPR-Cas, a bioinformatic analysis reveals that naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas-bearing plasmids avoid targeting other plasmids with TA systems across bacterial genera. Our work shows how the benefit of plasmid-borne CRISPR-Cas is severely reduced against TA-encoding competitor plasmids, but only when plasmid-borne CRISPR-Cas is horizontally transferred. These findings have key implications for the distribution of prokaryotic defenses and our understanding of their role in competition between MGEs, and the utility of CRISPR-Cas as a tool to remove plasmids from pathogenic bacteria.},
}

*Plasmids/genetics/metabolism
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Escherichia coli/genetics
*Toxin-Antitoxin Systems/genetics

@article {pmid41713039,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Cui, C and Wang, X and Liu, S and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Ge, S and Cai, Y and Bao, J and Wang, Z},
title = {Development of a one-pot RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas13a assay for rapid genotyping of Nipah virus in pigs.},
journal = {Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease},
volume = {115},
number = {2},
pages = {117316},
doi = {10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2026.117316},
pmid = {41713039},
issn = {1879-0070},
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Nipah Virus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; *Swine Diseases/virology/diagnosis ; Genotype ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Genotyping Techniques/methods ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *Henipavirus Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/virology ; *Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus transmitted from bats to humans through pigs as a key intermediate host. Given the existence of two distinct NiV genotypes, which differ in clinical manifestations and transmission patterns in both humans and pigs, rapid and sensitive method for detection and genotyping is crucial for effective disease control. Isothermal amplification combined with CRISPR/Cas-based assay provides a promising approach to meet this need.

METHODS: Conserved regions were identified by aligning the N gene sequences from 67 NiV strains. Specific primers and probes were designed for reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) to detect NiV. Subsequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms within the conserved region were analyzed, and corresponding crRNAs were designed to establish a one-pot RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas13a assay for NiV genotyping. The assays were evaluated using simulated pig serums spiked with NiV pseudovirus.

RESULTS: The RT-RAA assay exhibited a detection sensitivity of 10[-2] Infection Unit/mL (IU/mL) for NiV pseudovirus, outperforming conventional qRT-PCR in simulated pig serum samples. No cross-reactivity was observed with viral RNA or DNA of PCV2, PEDV, PRRSV, PRV and SVA, confirming high specificity. The entire one-pot RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas13a assay could be completed within 1 hour and clearly discriminated between the two NiV genotypes without requiring sophisticated instruments. Evaluation with simulated samples showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 92.87-100%) and a specificity of 94% (95% CI, 83.78-98.36%), with a detection limit of 10[-1] IU/mL for NiV pseudovirus.

CONCLUSION: The one-pot RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas13a assay provides a rapid and sensitive platform for NiV genotyping.},
}

Animals
Swine
*Nipah Virus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Sensitivity and Specificity
*Swine Diseases/virology/diagnosis
Genotype
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Genotyping Techniques/methods
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*Henipavirus Infections/veterinary/diagnosis/virology
*Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

@article {pmid41713565,
year = {2026},
author = {Shashikala, T and Yogi, D and Akshay, K and Nagesh, SN and Manamohan, M and Venkataravanappa, V and Jha, GK and Ashok, K and Asokan, R},
title = {First report of CRISPR/Cas13a-based rapid detection of groundnut bud necrosis virus without amplification.},
journal = {Methods (San Diego, Calif.)},
volume = {249},
number = {},
pages = {9-22},
doi = {10.1016/j.ymeth.2026.02.010},
pmid = {41713565},
issn = {1095-9130},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; RNA, Viral/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Tospovirus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Vigna/virology ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; },
abstract = {Globally, the groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) (Bunyaviridae), pose a serious threat to solanaceous and leguminous crops causing serious crop loss. This requires a rapid and sensitive diagnostics for initially identifying at the earliest stage and further to initiate disease management. This study presents the first report of a CRISPR/Cas13a-based diagnostic assay for GBNV detection without amplification. GBNV was maintained in cowpea cv. C152 through mechanical inoculation, further viral RNA was isolated to clone the two target genes viz. nucleocapsid (NP) and movement protein (MP) genes. These genes were ligated to pTZ57R/T vector and sequenced. Similarly, the LshCas13a gene was cloned from pUC19 into pET28a, expressed in E. coli BL21, and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Guide RNAs targeting conserved regions of NP and MP genes were synthesized by in vitro transcription and mixed with Cas13a protein to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Target RNA, obtained either by in vitro-transcription or crude extract of infected tomato was used to detect GBNV, using a fluorescence-based reporter assay. This method found to be highly sensitive that could detect GBNV at as low as 0.01 ng. From the field perspective, GBNV could be detected from the crude extract of the GBNV infected tomato leaves using an alkaline PEG buffer. Thus CRISPR/Cas13a-based assay provides a rapid, amplification-free, and field-deployable diagnostic platform for GBNV. This lays the groundwork for a field adoptable CRISPR diagnostics for other plant RNA viruses also.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Plant Diseases/virology
RNA, Viral/genetics/isolation & purification
*Tospovirus/genetics/isolation & purification
Vigna/virology
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics

@article {pmid41713574,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, T and Hou, Z and Zhang, Y and Jing, P and Dai, X and Wang, H},
title = {Development of a one-pot integrated rapid detection method for white spot syndrome virus based on RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a technology.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {216},
number = {},
pages = {108569},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108569},
pmid = {41713574},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {*White spot syndrome virus 1/isolation & purification ; Animals ; *Penaeidae/virology ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Aquaculture ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {Pathogenic microorganisms, particularly white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), pose a major threat to global shrimp aquaculture, causing mass mortalities and substantial economic losses. To address the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and field-deployable detection methods, this study developed an innovative one-pot RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay. The platform integrates recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) with CRISPR/Cas12a technology using sucrose-mediated density gradient phase separation in a closed-tube format: sucrose acts as a density modifier to form distinct layers, spatially isolating RAA amplification reagents from CRISPR/Cas12a detection components to avoid cross-interference and enable sequential reactions without manual intervention. Under isothermal conditions at 37℃ for 60 min, the optimized assay achieves a limit of detection as low as 1 copy/μL, validated by both fluorescence and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) readouts. High specificity was confirmed by the absence of cross-reactivity with four other prevalent shrimp pathogens: infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (VpAHPND). Clinical validation with 30 field samples showed concordant results with the chinese national detection standard (GB/T 28630.2-2012). This novel nucleic acid detection platform combines highly sensitive, excellent specificity, and user-friendly visual interpretation, making it highly suitable for point-of-care testing and large-scale disease surveillance in shrimp aquaculture.},
}

*White spot syndrome virus 1/isolation & purification
Animals
*Penaeidae/virology
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Aquaculture
Sensitivity and Specificity

@article {pmid41714766,
year = {2026},
author = {Taha, BA and Addie, AJ and Haider, AJ and Jasim, AJ and Ahmed, NM and Arsad, N},
title = {Perspective of smart nanocapsule swallowable laser-guided for integrated sensing and crispr-mediated cancer gene editing.},
journal = {Cancer gene therapy},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {351-365},
pmid = {41714766},
issn = {1476-5500},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Nanocapsules/chemistry/administration & dosage ; *Neoplasms/genetics/therapy ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Lasers ; Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Animals ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Current therapeutic techniques for cancer often lack specificity. They also cause systemic toxicity and lack genetic control. Thus, cancer ranks among the most complex and crucial global health issues. The novel concept of smart nanocapsules is discussed in this Perspective. These oral medications modify genes using CRISPR technology and integrate biosensing and laser-guided activation to enable more personalized cancer therapies. The creation of these versatile nanocapsules is driven by three objectives. First, they aim to enable controlled gene editing in the gastrointestinal tract. Second, they deliver treatments to specific target areas. Third, they detect tumors in real time. Nanocapsules equipped with biosensing components provide microenvironmental input. An external laser can trigger the release of light-absorbing agents. Moreover, these features reduce off-target effects and allow spatiotemporal precision, thhe enteric-coated architecture ensures oral stability. Surface functionalization enhances selective tumor accumulation. AI-guided control algorithms can manage diagnostic interpretation and activation. The CRISPR-based cancer medicines offer the potential for improved safety, specificity, and translational use in the future. Combining advanced nanotechnology, gene editing, and AI-guided control could create innovative solutions.},
}

Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
*Nanocapsules/chemistry/administration & dosage
*Neoplasms/genetics/therapy
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Lasers
Biosensing Techniques/methods
Animals
*Genetic Therapy/methods

@article {pmid41715004,
year = {2026},
author = {Metz, P and Alves-Vasconcelos, S and Wallbank, R and Riepsaame, J and Brown, S and Hassan, AB},
title = {Variation in guide RNA library representation results in gene effect score bias in genome-wide CRISPR screens.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41715004},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {OxPOS//F. Hoffmann-La Roche/ ; GEO//John Fell Fund, University of Oxford/ ; MPNST//Grenfell Shaw Charity/ ; Oxford Clinical Fellowships/CRUK_/Cancer Research UK/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Gene Library ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Genome, Human ; },
abstract = {Genome wide CRISPR-based perturbation screens are powerful discovery tools enabling the identification of novel gene dependencies through either gain or loss of function. While genome wide guide RNA (gRNA) libraries have advantages when using enAsCas12a, such as multiplex single gRNAs per gene, they may be subject to similar confounding factors that can affect the interpretation of large genome-wide datasets. Here, we examine the impact of these variables in over twenty enAsCas12a multiple gRNA based perturbation screens performed using Humagne C, Humagne D and Inzolia libraries in human cells, as well as external datasets containing Cas9-based CRISPR library screens, including from DepMap. We demonstrate that the choice of CRISPR library is often the most significant factor that influences genetic perturbation results, outweighing other variables such as either target cell lines or culture media conditions. A potential contributor to this effect is gRNA representation within a given CRISPR library, where lower gRNA representation can lead to variable and more pronounced gene effect scores using either log fold change or Chronos analysis. These effects may be mitigated by using either multiple gRNA constructs per gene, by optimisation of CRISPR library production processes or by targeting with multiple independent gRNA libraries. Importantly, we also propose strategies for addressing gRNA representation bias during CRISPR screen hit prioritisation. CRISPR library gRNA representation dependent bias remains a major challenge in the interpretation of gene essentiality in perturbation screens.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Gene Library
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Genome, Human

@article {pmid41715150,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Y and Li, X and Du, Y},
title = {AI-driven CRISPR screening: optimizing gene editing through automation and intelligent decision support.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41715150},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {No. Z04J2024E107-B-12//Bethune Charitable Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Gene Editing ; *Automation ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; *Decision Support Techniques ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Deep Learning ; *Genetic Testing/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: CRISPR-based genetic screening has become a central methodology in functional genomics, enabling systematic interrogation of gene function, genetic interactions and context-dependent vulnerabilities at scale. However, the rapid expansion of screening modalities-including multi-condition designs, combinatorial perturbations, in vivo applications and single-cell readouts-has exposed fundamental limitations of heuristic-driven experimental design and post hoc statistical analysis.

MAIN BODY: This Review synthesizes how artificial intelligence is reshaping CRISPR screening by introducing predictive, adaptive and system-level intelligence across the experimental lifecycle. We organize recent advances into two tightly coupled modules. First, machine learning and deep learning (ML/DL) methods optimize experimental design by learning context-dependent perturbation behavior, anticipating confounding effects and enabling iterative, information-efficient screening strategies. Second, large language model-agent (LLM-agent) systems complement these advances by externalizing scientific reasoning, integrating biological knowledge at scale and coordinating analysis and decision-making in human-in-the-loop workflows.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, ML/DL and LLM-agent approaches reframe CRISPR screening from a static analytical pipeline into an intelligent experimental system, with important implications for robustness, scalability and biological discovery.},
}

Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*Gene Editing
*Automation
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
*Decision Support Techniques
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Deep Learning
*Genetic Testing/methods

@article {pmid41715936,
year = {2026},
author = {Shimizu, Y and Kataoka, K},
title = {DIPA-CRISPR Mediated Knockout of Vermilion Generates a Visible Eye Color Marker for The Band-Legged Ground Cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {121},
number = {2},
pages = {e70135},
doi = {10.1002/arch.70135},
pmid = {41715936},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {JPJ009237//Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, BRAIN/ ; 21K05614//JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)/ ; 21J23478/22KJ2609//Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Gryllidae/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Eye Color/genetics ; Photoperiod ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Gene Editing ; },
abstract = {The molecular basis of photoperiodism, by which insects use photoperiodic cues to anticipate seasonal changes and regulate key life-history events such as development, diapause, and reproduction, remains poorly understood. Studies on the molecular mechanisms of photoperiodism in hemimetabolous insects are limited compared with those in holometabolous insects, largely due to the lack of appropriate model organisms. The band-legged ground cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus represents a valuable model system because it exhibits clear photoperiodic responses in the maternal induction of embryonic diapause, the wing morph, and the rate of nymphal development. With the recent availability of the D. nigrofasciatus genome sequence, the establishment of effective genome-editing methods and reliable marker genes is expected to promote functional genomic analyses. In this study, we aimed to establish a direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR genome-editing approach and evaluate the utility of vermilion (Dn-v), a gene involved in ommochrome synthesis, as a visible eye color marker for mutant screening. Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes were injected into females 3-5 days after adult emergence, during the vitellogenic stage, successfully yielding Dn-v knockout mutants. These mutants had white compound eyes throughout development, with pigmentation reaching a vermilion color about 20 days after adult emergence. We further examined the photoperiodic response associated with maternal diapause induction in knockout mutants. Similar to the wild-type, knockout mutants exhibited low and high diapause incidence under long-day and short-day conditions, respectively. Our results demonstrate that DIPA-CRISPR is an effective genome-editing method in D. nigrofasciatus and that Dn-v serves as a practical and reliable marker gene. The establishment of these genomic tools provides a foundation for future functional analyses aimed at elucidating the molecular basis of photoperiodism in hemimetabolous insects.},
}

Animals
Female
*Gryllidae/genetics/growth & development/physiology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Eye Color/genetics
Photoperiod
Gene Knockout Techniques
Gene Editing

@article {pmid41717108,
year = {2026},
author = {Balasubramani, S and Li, Z and Gayathri, E and Gurusamy, D and Singh, A},
title = {Editorial: Advancing plant defense: genome editing, RNAi, and synthetic biology for sustainable pest control.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1785705},
pmid = {41717108},
issn = {1664-462X},
}

@article {pmid41717201,
year = {2026},
author = {Mittal, A and Manna, S and Nelson, V and Ladha, N},
title = {In Silico Design of gRNA for CRISPR System for Detection of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Using Indian Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genomes: A Computational Study.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e101851},
pmid = {41717201},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Background Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) continues to pose a major challenge to TB elimination in India, where drug resistance and delayed diagnosis contribute significantly to ongoing transmission. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) based diagnostics have emerged as versatile tools, compared to GeneXpert, capable of detecting resistance-associated mutations with rapid turnaround and high accuracy. This study aimed to design and in silico validate Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas)-based guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting major drug-resistance mutations in Indian Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) isolates. Methods Whole-genome mutation profiles were analyzed using TBProfiler, and gRNAs were designed using CHOPCHOP. Off-target evaluation was performed using Cas-OFFinder and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). High-confidence mutations in gyrA, rpoB, katG, rpsL, embB, and ethA were selected based on prevalence in Indian isolates and WHO-defined resistance markers. Results Numerous drug resistance-associated mutations were identified in the drug-resistant tuberculosis genome isolates. The study identified six key genetic mutations identified in MTB isolates that are associated with phenotypic drug resistance, including gyrA (Asp94Gly), rpoB (Ser450Leu), and katG (Ser315Thr). For each of the six genes, the chromosome position, locus ID, mutation type, and affected amino acids were identified, and tailored guide RNAs were designed in silico. Top-ranked gRNAs demonstrated optimal GC content, high predicted cleavage efficiency, and zero off-target activity. Each resistance locus yielded multiple candidate gRNAs suitable for CRISPR-based assays. Conclusions This computational in silico analysis provides a robust panel of mutation-targeted gRNAs tailored to Indian MDR-TB genomic profiles. These findings lay a strong foundation for developing rapid, affordable CRISPR diagnostics for point-of-care detection of drug resistance. Future laboratory validation and clinical testing are essential for translation into diagnostic practice.},
}

@article {pmid41717698,
year = {2026},
author = {Tadokoro, T and Li, H and Gan, P and Xu, Z and Tan, W and Alzhanov, D and Sánchez-Ortiz, E and McAnally, JR and Guo, L and Xu, L and Ruan, P and Liu, N and Olson, EN},
title = {Ablation of PKCα Phosphorylation by CRISPR-Cas9 Base Editing Rescues Heart Failure.},
journal = {Circulation research},
volume = {138},
number = {7},
pages = {e326738},
pmid = {41717698},
issn = {1524-4571},
support = {P01 HL160488/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HD087351/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL157281/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Protein Kinase C-alpha/genetics/metabolism ; *Heart Failure/genetics/therapy/enzymology/physiopathology/pathology/metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Mice ; Humans ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism/enzymology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure is increasing globally, with poor prognosis, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. PKCα (protein kinase C alpha), encoded by PRKCA, plays a central role in heart failure pathogenesis. Phosphorylation of PKCα at threonine 497 (T497) triggers a series of intramolecular phosphorylation events, leading to its activation. Ablation of T497 phosphorylation leads to reduced stability and activity of PKCα.

METHODS: We generated mice harboring a phospho-resistant PKCα (T497A) mutation in the germline using CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated 9)-mediated homology-directed repair. To assess the clinical feasibility of postnatal genome editing, we used CRISPR-Cas9 adenine base editing delivered by adeno-associated virus 9 to introduce the T497A substitution into the Prkca gene (Prkca[T497A]) in wild-type mice. Mice underwent transverse aortic constriction to model heart failure. Cardiac function, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and transcriptional changes were evaluated by echocardiography, wheat germ agglutinin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and RNA-sequencing. The editing efficiency of Prkca[T497A] was assessed using Sanger sequencing and deep amplicon sequencing. To further explore its clinical potential, we introduced the PRKCA[T497A] mutation into human induced pluripotent stem cells by nucleofection-mediated adenine base editing. Ca[2+] homeostasis was analyzed in Fura-2-loaded human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes with PRKCA[T497A] under chronic AngII (angiotensin II) stimulation.

RESULTS: The T497A mutation in PKCα prevented its subsequent phosphorylation and led to PKCα protein degradation. Four weeks after transverse aortic constriction surgery, wild-type mice showed impaired cardiac function, cardiac remodeling, and increased lung weight. In contrast, PKCα phospho-resistant mice showed protection against heart failure-related aberrant changes in cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac gene expression. Mice administered with adeno-associated virus 9 base editors to prevent T497 phosphorylation exhibited similar cardioprotective effects. In vitro, PKCα-edited induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were protected from AngII-induced impairments in contractility and Ca[2+] transients.

CONCLUSIONS: The editing of PRKCA[T497A] through adenine base editing represents a potential therapeutic approach for human cardiac diseases.},
}

Animals
*Protein Kinase C-alpha/genetics/metabolism
*Heart Failure/genetics/therapy/enzymology/physiopathology/pathology/metabolism
Phosphorylation
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Gene Editing/methods
Mice
Humans
Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism/enzymology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Male
Disease Models, Animal
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

@article {pmid41718462,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Y and Wu, R and Yang, X and Yao, B and Wang, Y},
title = {Membrane-Confined CRISPR-Cas12a Activation via Split Activator for Wash-Free Detection of Tumor-Specific Extracellular Vesicles.},
journal = {ACS sensors},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {2356-2365},
doi = {10.1021/acssensors.5c04166},
pmid = {41718462},
issn = {2379-3694},
mesh = {*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/chemistry ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Humans ; Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry/metabolism ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism ; *Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; *Neoplasms/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Current CRISPR-Cas12a biosensing systems for protein analysis rely on the release of a blocked activator from an aptamer through a competitive mechanism. However, the design of the complementary length between the activator and the aptamer involves a critical trade-off: excessively long sequences impede aptamer-target binding, whereas overly short sequences fail to activate Cas12a effectively. To overcome this limitation, we split the full-length Cas12a activator into two short single-stranded DNA fragments (S1 and S2; 10 nt each). S1 was specifically sequestered within the hairpin structure of an allosteric aptamer. The binding of the target protein to the aptamer triggered a conformational change, exposing S1 and thereby enabling its assembly with S2 to activate Cas12a. The strategy successfully preserved the binding affinity of the aptamer without compromising the efficiency of Cas12a activation. Furthermore, we anchored the Cas12a substrate to the membrane surface of extracellular vesicles (EVs) via hydrophobic interactions, localizing the cleavage reaction to the EVs interface and thereby significantly enhancing local catalytic efficiency. Finally, the strategy provided highly sensitive detection of tumor-specific EVs, not only accurately distinguishing cancer patients from healthy individuals (77.5% accuracy for early-stage and 100% for advanced-stage) but also holding potential for monitoring dynamic postoperative changes. Overall, our study provided a wash-free, one-pot detection platform for EVs analysis and established a new paradigm for CRISPR-based clinical diagnostics.},
}

*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/chemistry
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Humans
Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry/metabolism
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/metabolism
*Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
*Neoplasms/diagnosis

@article {pmid41718886,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, X and He, Y and Guo, H and Cao, X and Zhang, D and Lai, Y and Yang, W and Ma, Z and Yu, X and Wang, L and Li, D and Zeng, Z},
title = {Optimization of RNP-CRISPR for high-efficiency gene editing in mouse intestinal organoids.},
journal = {Molecular and cellular biochemistry},
volume = {481},
number = {4},
pages = {1817-1827},
pmid = {41718886},
issn = {1573-4919},
support = {2019YFA0110802//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; No.32025023//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No.32200732//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20MC1920400//Shanghai Municipal Commission for Science and Technology/ ; 22YF1437700//Shanghai Municipal Commission for Science and Technology/ ; 2019-01-07-00-05-E00054//Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Organoids/metabolism/cytology ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Mice ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Ribonucleoproteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Intestines/cytology ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Mice, Knockout ; beta Catenin/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Mouse intestinal organoids are ideal models for investigating intestinal development and diseases. The full potential of these models hinges on the ability to precisely engineer their genome, yet traditional methods for CRISPR-based editing in 3D cultures often surfer from low efficiency, high cytotoxicity, and inconsistent post-editing differentiation, which limits their applications. Here, we developed an electroporation approach mediated by ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-CRISPR that achieves over 90% gene editing efficiency in mouse intestinal organoids. Using this optimized method, we generated APC-knockout organoids that exhibit Wnt pathway hyperactivation, demonstrated by R-spondin1-independent growth, increased nuclear β-catenin, and enhanced proliferation. Our method addresses a critical technical gap in murine organoid research, offering a scalable platform for intestinal disease modeling.},
}

Animals
*Organoids/metabolism/cytology
*Gene Editing/methods
Mice
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Ribonucleoproteins/genetics/metabolism
*Intestines/cytology
Wnt Signaling Pathway
Mice, Knockout
beta Catenin/metabolism

@article {pmid41719905,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, F and Yue, D and Wang, F and Fu, B and Qin, G and Wei, S and Zang, W and Zhang, Q and Cui, L and Wang, T},
title = {Structure-initiated CHA variant coordinating SDA for cascade amplification in CRISPR/Cas12a-based miRNA analysis.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {129558},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129558},
pmid = {41719905},
issn = {1873-3573},
mesh = {*MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis/blood ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Humans ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Limit of Detection ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-established biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and monitoring. Herein, we report a novel biosensing platform by engineering a structure-initiated variant of catalytic hairpin assembly (VCHA) that coordinates with strand displacement amplification (SDA) to drive cascade amplification for CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection. This system employs three hairpin probes which, upon recognizing the target miRNA, self-assemble into a key 5'-end dangling three-way conjugate (5'-DTC) structure. This structure serves as the exclusive trigger, simultaneously propagating the VCHA cycle and priming the SDA process through the coordinated action of polymerase and nicking enzyme. Consequently, VCHA and SDA operate synergistically within a unified circuit, generating abundant single-stranded activator DNA (acDNA) products. These acDNA molecules then activate the trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a, yielding a significantly amplified fluorescence readout. The VCHA-SDA/Cas12a platform demonstrated excellent performance for miRNA-155 detection, achieving a broad dynamic range from 1 pmol/L to 10 nmol/L with an ultra-low detection limit of 0.166 pmol/L. Furthermore, the platform successfully quantified miRNA levels in clinical plasma specimens and various cell lines, confirming its considerable potential as a robust tool for molecular diagnostics and clinical translation.},
}

*MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis/blood
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Humans
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Limit of Detection
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins

@article {pmid41719925,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, YJ and Song, DY and Jeon, HB and Kim, DM},
title = {Nucleic acid detection via protein readout through Cas-controlled gating of cell-free protein synthesis.},
journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {118514},
doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2026.118514},
pmid = {41719925},
issn = {1873-4235},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Cell-Free System ; *Protein Biosynthesis/genetics ; *Escherichia coli O157/genetics ; Bacillus anthracis/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; *Nucleic Acids/analysis/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {We present a modular platform that converts CRISPR target recognition into programmable protein outputs for nucleic acid detection. This system couples Cas-mediated collateral cleavage with cell-free protein synthesis. In the presence of a target, Cas-mediated collateral cleavage releases an extension-competent trigger DNA that gates reporter expression. Although collateral cleavage is inherently indiscriminate, we achieve deterministic fragment generation by employing chemically programmed precursors bearing backbone modifications-exemplified here by phosphorothioate linkages-that constrain cleavage to predefined sites. Using Bacillus anthracis and E. coli O157:H7 as a model, the developed CRIVER assay enables concurrent readouts of 16S rRNA together with the species-specific capB or ecf1 loci by integrating Cas13a-mediated RNA recognition and Cas12a-mediated DNA recognition into a dual-channel workflow. Taken together, proposed method establishes addressable signaling at the protein layer, supports protein-based outputs in a modular workflow, and provides a general route to sensitive, dual-channel nucleic acid detection.},
}

*Biosensing Techniques/methods
Cell-Free System
*Protein Biosynthesis/genetics
*Escherichia coli O157/genetics
Bacillus anthracis/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
*Nucleic Acids/analysis/genetics
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid41720308,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, Q and Huang, W and Hu, D and Zhang, P and Chen, X and Hu, H and Wang, Y and Zhou, J and Weng, R and Quan, J and Zhao, D and Du, X and Yu, Y and Jiang, Y},
title = {The nationwide genomic characteristics and phylogenetic evolution of ST23-K1 hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in relation to virulence and antimicrobial resistance acquisition.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {92},
number = {3},
pages = {106709},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106709},
pmid = {41720308},
issn = {1532-2742},
mesh = {*Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects/classification ; *Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/epidemiology ; Virulence/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; China/epidemiology ; Mice ; Humans ; Plasmids/genetics ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Genome, Bacterial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; beta-Lactamases/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) ST23-K1 poses a global health threat due to its high virulence and increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to characterise the genomic feature and phylogenetic evolution of ST23-K1 in China.

METHODS: K1 isolates from a nationwide epidemiological surveillance project underwent whole-genome sequencing. Virulence was assessed using hypermucoviscosity phenotyping and a murine infection model. For ST23-K1 carrying acquired antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), the CRISPR/Cas system, protospacers, anti-CRISPR (Acr) genes, and plasmidome were characterised. Time-resolved phylogenetic analysis was performed using integrated locally generated and publicly available data.

RESULTS: Among 400 K1 isolates, ST23 was the most prevalent sequence type, and its effective population size increased following CG23-I divergence. The CG23-I sub-lineage was widely distributed nationwide with limited evidence of clonal transmission. Isolates with an incomplete cps locus exhibited significantly reduced virulence compared with those carrying an intact locus. The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive ST23-K1 isolates increased over time, whereas carbapenemase-producing isolates remained stable. Among acquired ARGs-positive ST23-K1 isolates, a conserved protospacer corresponding to a prevalent spacer was identified. This protospacer, together with AcrIE genes, was frequently co-located on IncFII-type plasmids.

CONCLUSION: ST23-K1 remains a hypervirulent lineage undergoing ongoing evolutionary expansion. The presence of acquired ARGs in ST23-K1 may be associated with AcrIE-harbouring IncFII plasmids, and functional validation is required to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Continuous genomic surveillance is essential to monitor the evolution and antimicrobial resistance trends of ST23-K1.},
}

*Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects/classification
*Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/epidemiology
Virulence/genetics
Phylogeny
Animals
China/epidemiology
Mice
Humans
Plasmids/genetics
Whole Genome Sequencing
Genome, Bacterial
Evolution, Molecular
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Virulence Factors/genetics
beta-Lactamases/genetics
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid41720778,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, YJ and Zhang, D and Stolze, SC and Saridis, G and Ebert, MK and Nakagami, H and Doehlemann, G},
title = {Ustilago maydis disrupts carbohydrate signaling networks to induce hypertrophy in host cells.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41720778},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {DO1421/3-3//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; //European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program/ ; },
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Starch/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Leaves/microbiology/metabolism ; Mesophyll Cells/metabolism/microbiology ; *Carbohydrate Metabolism ; Endoreduplication ; Virulence Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Cell Cycle/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Basidiomycota ; },
abstract = {Ustilago maydis infection in maize causes hypertrophic leaf tumors; however, the underlying mechanisms driving this excessive cell growth are unknown. In this study, we identify Hap1 (hypertrophy-associated protein 1) as an effector and virulence factor that regulates mesophyll cell hypertrophy. Using CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis, we demonstrate that Hap1 contributes to endoreduplication and starch accumulation in infected tissues. Transcriptomics revealed Hap1-dependent upregulation of starch biosynthesis and cell cycle genes, as well as suppression of plant defense. This links Hap1 to metabolic and cell cycle reprogramming, and immune suppression. To identify the target of Hap1 that drives metabolic reprogramming, we investigated its interaction with ZmSnRK1α in maize. We found that Hap1 interferes with the phosphorylation of SnRK1 substrates and that two Hap1-interacting effectors, Hip1 and Hip2, enhance its protein stability. We conclude that Hap1 contributes to the reprogramming of maize metabolism and cell cycle, as well as mesophyll cell hypertrophy, by modulating the SnRK1 signaling pathway to regulate starch biosynthesis and host defense responses.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
Signal Transduction
Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
Starch/metabolism/biosynthesis
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Leaves/microbiology/metabolism
Mesophyll Cells/metabolism/microbiology
*Carbohydrate Metabolism
Endoreduplication
Virulence Factors/metabolism/genetics
Cell Cycle/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Basidiomycota

@article {pmid41720881,
year = {2026},
author = {Ong, JK and Bhunia, S and Hilbert, B and Kirschner, V and Duglosz, S and Zimmermann, F and Freichel, M and Cornean, A},
title = {ABE9 fused to SpRY Cas9 nickase enables precise generation of bystander free mouse models.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41720881},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Mice ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Deoxyribonuclease I/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism ; Point Mutation ; },
abstract = {Point mutations cause many genetic disorders, but modelling them in organisms is technically challenging. Creating mouse models that mimic these mutations is crucial for establishing a causal relationship between mutations and disease phenotype, thereby supporting the development of therapeutic strategies. Adenine base editors (ABEs) can correct single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in disease modelling without double-stranded breaks (DSBs) or donor DNA, achieving higher product purity than traditional Cas9 methods. Earlier ABE techniques faced issues like limited targetability, bystander editing, and off-target effects. By combining two editor advancements, we introduced and tested ABE9-SpRY, an improved ABE variant fused with a PAM-flexible SpRY-Cas9 nickase. Our results show that ABE9-SpRY effectively generates three out of four targeted A-to-G mutations in mouse embryos, achieving desired editing efficiencies of up to 96% in individual adult founder mice. Furthermore, we observe fewer off-target events at predicted DNA sites in mouse embryos and in an orthogonal R-loop assay compared with ABE8e-SpRY. ABE9-SpRY also enhances product purity in mouse embryos under pooled sgRNA injections and, as a proof-of-concept, at a single endogenous locus in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), relative to ABE8e-SpRY. Our findings support ABE9-SpRY's precision at the loci tested and PAM-flexible versatility. Although performance remains sequence-dependent, these data support ABE9-SpRY as a PAM-flexible tool for generating precise point-mutation models where bystander editing is a concern.},
}

Animals
*Gene Editing/methods
Mice
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Deoxyribonuclease I/genetics/metabolism
Humans
Disease Models, Animal
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics/metabolism
Point Mutation

@article {pmid41720886,
year = {2026},
author = {Nagalakshmi, U and Rodriguez, JE and Nguyen, T and Weissman, RF and Thornton, BW and Terrace, CI and Savage, DF and Dinesh-Kumar, SP},
title = {High-efficiency, transgene-free plant genome editing by viral delivery of an engineered TnpB.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {503-511},
pmid = {41720886},
issn = {2055-0278},
support = {IOS-2303522//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; DGE-2146752//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Plant Viruses/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Transgenes ; *Nicotiana/genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; *Arabidopsis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Genome editing has revolutionized plant biology research[1], yet the efficient delivery of editing reagents remains a challenge. Current methods are labour intensive, involving lengthy tissue culture and complex transformation and regeneration steps. Viral delivery can mitigate these issues[2] but CRISPR-Cas nucleases exceed viral cargo limits, restricting guide RNA (gRNA) delivery into Cas9-expressing transgenic plants[2-11]. This requires generating an initial Cas9 transgenic line. Furthermore, gRNAs delivered by plant viral vectors can induce somatic edits, although only a few produce heritable edits[3-7,9-12]. Some engineered plant negative-strand rhabdoviruses can deliver both Cas9 and gRNA, but they face other challenges, including the need for tissue regeneration or pruning infected plants, and some rhabdoviruses can be delivered only through vector transmission[13-16]. Recently, smaller editors such as TnpBs were discovered, but they are significantly less active than Cas9[17-19]. Here we optimized a tobacco rattle virus-based system to deliver recently engineered, highly active ISDra2 TnpB variants. The eTnpBc variant enables effective somatic editing in systemic leaves and achieves up to 90% editing efficiency at target loci. In addition, up to 89% of offspring exhibit a mutant phenotype, with editing efficiencies reaching 100%. The design principles outlined here could promote wider use of eTnpBc for efficient, transformation- and transgene-free plant genome editing.},
}

*Gene Editing/methods
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
*Genome, Plant/genetics
*Plant Viruses/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Transgenes
*Nicotiana/genetics
Genetic Vectors
*Arabidopsis/genetics

@article {pmid41721525,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, N and Gao, M and Bai, Y and Wang, M and Liu, M and Xiong, W and Mo, B},
title = {5'UTR Editing of the ribosomal protein UL3Z gene unveils its critical roles in pre-rRNA processing and global mRNA translation dynamics.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {200},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag073},
pmid = {41721525},
issn = {1532-2548},
support = {32470592//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270595//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023B001//SZU 2035 Excellence Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {*5' Untranslated Regions/genetics ; *Ribosomal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism ; *RNA Precursors/metabolism/genetics ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Protein Biosynthesis/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics ; Gene Editing ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; },
abstract = {The EMBRYO DEFECTIVE 2207 (EMB2207) gene, encoding ribosomal protein UL3Z, is critical for embryonic development in Arabidopsis, with loss of function resulting in embryo lethality. Despite its importance, the role of UL3Z in the complicated protein translation machinery in plants remains poorly understood due to the lack of viable hypomorphic alleles. In this study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of UL3Z, generating 5 ul3z mutants with varying degrees of reduced expression levels of UL3Z proteins. The mutant with the lowest expression exhibited the most severe developmental defects. In contrast, null mutants of its paralog UL3Y displayed no observable phenotypes. Interestingly, expression of UL3Y driven by the UL3Z/EMB2207 promoter successfully rescued the phenotypes of ul3z, demonstrating that these 2 paralogous ribosomal proteins actually possess functionally interchangeable roles. GUS staining results showed that UL3Z was constitutively expressed in all examined tissues, while UL3Y was only appreciably expressed in specific tissues. Molecular analysis further revealed the accumulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation intermediates and increased polysome levels in ul3z mutants, indicating compromised pre-rRNA processing and disturbed global mRNA translation. Interestingly, 3' ends of many rRNA precursors in ul3z had higher frequency of non-encoded tails compared with Col-0. This study demonstrates that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated 5'UTR editing is an effective tool for generating viable hypomorphic alleles of lethal genes and uncovers the critical roles of UL3Z/EMB2207 in pre-rRNA processing and the maintenance of appropriate mRNA translation on ribosomes, underscoring its importance in plant development.},
}

*5' Untranslated Regions/genetics
*Ribosomal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism
*RNA Precursors/metabolism/genetics
*Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Protein Biosynthesis/genetics
RNA, Messenger/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics
Gene Editing
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Plants, Genetically Modified

@article {pmid41721881,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, Z and Liu, M and Liu, M and Qi, X and Zhao, L and Yu, X and Guo, Y and Wen, Y},
title = {CRISPR/Cas9-mediated dual editing of VviGAI and VviFLC generates a novel early-flowering grapevine germplasm.},
journal = {Planta},
volume = {263},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41721881},
issn = {1432-2048},
support = {No.32272670//Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of Shanxi Province/ ; No.31972986//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Vitis/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Flowers/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Phenotype ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Mutation ; },
abstract = {CRISPR/Cas9-mediated dual knockout of VviGAI1 and VviFLC in grapevine promotes early flowering and induces distinctive morphological changes, offering novel genetic resources for breeding. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing offers a transformative approach for grapevine improvement. In this study, we achieved simultaneous knockout of two central flowering regulators VviGAI1, a DELLA protein ortholog, and VviFLC, a floral repressor in Vitis vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon' using a dual-sgRNA vector system. Remarkably, all 15 independent edited lines exhibited biallelic mutations in both genes, primarily consisting of frameshifts that led to premature termination. The dual-mutant plants displayed a range of distinctive phenotypic alterations, including dwarfism, shortened internodes, modified leaf morphology, and disrupted tendril development. Notably, one line (EL-43) showed precocious flowering under greenhouse conditions, underscoring the synergistic role of VviGAI1 and VviFLC in repressing floral transition. Comparative analysis with previously reported gai mutants revealed both conserved and novel traits, suggesting that structural variation within the DELLA domain contributes to phenotypic diversity. Collectively, our findings establish that dual editing of VviGAI1 and VviFLC not only accelerates flowering but also introduces unique vegetative and reproductive characteristics, providing a valuable genetic resource for future grapevine domestication and precision breeding efforts.},
}

*Vitis/genetics/growth & development/physiology
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Editing/methods
*Flowers/genetics/growth & development/physiology
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Phenotype
Plants, Genetically Modified
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Mutation

@article {pmid41722369,
year = {2026},
author = {Boumpoureka, I and Gorgogietas, V and Petkovski, E and Massart, F and Mellick, GD and Krüger, R},
title = {Generation of two isogenic control iPSC lines (LCSBi001-A-2 and LCSBi001-A-3) from a Parkinson's disease patient line (LCSBi001-A) carrying the pathogenic VPS35 p.D620N mutation.},
journal = {Stem cell research},
volume = {92},
number = {},
pages = {103944},
doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2026.103944},
pmid = {41722369},
issn = {1876-7753},
mesh = {Humans ; *Parkinson Disease/genetics/pathology/metabolism ; *Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology/pathology ; *Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics ; *Mutation/genetics ; Cell Line ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Cell Differentiation ; },
abstract = {The pathogenic mutation VPS35 p.D620N has been identified to cause autosomal dominant, late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) in multiple individuals and families worldwide. Here, we describe the generation of two new isogenic control lines (LCSBi001-A-2 and LCSBi001-A-3) from an already established patient-derived line (LCSBi001-A) carrying the heterozygous VPS35 p.D620N mutation. The control lines were generated with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and the correction of the mutation was verified with Sanger sequencing. Both lines express pluripotency markers, are capable of in vitro differentiation into the three germ layers, and have a normal karyotype. The mutant and control iPSC lines are available for research purposes.},
}

Humans
*Parkinson Disease/genetics/pathology/metabolism
*Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism/cytology/pathology
*Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics
*Mutation/genetics
Cell Line
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Cell Differentiation

@article {pmid41722572,
year = {2026},
author = {Abadie, FMC and Suiter, CC and Smith, NT and Daza, RM and Rominger, MC and Parrish, P and McDiarmid, TA and Lalanne, JB and Martin, B and Calderon, D and Ellison, A and Berger, AH and Shendure, J and Starita, LM},
title = {A multiplex, prime editing framework for identifying drug resistance variants at scale.},
journal = {Cell genomics},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {101167},
pmid = {41722572},
issn = {2666-979X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Point Mutation/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-based genome editing has revolutionized functional genomics, enabling thousands of perturbations to be concurrently assayed in single experiments. However, for methods such as saturation genome editing (SGE), which aims to generate and assay libraries of point mutations, a challenge is that only one region (e.g., one exon) is studied per experiment. Here, we describe prime-SGE, a prime editing-based framework in which libraries of specific point mutations are installed into genes throughout the genome and then functionally assessed by sequencing of prime editing guide RNAs (pegRNAs) rather than the mutations themselves. We apply prime-SGE in two cell lines to assay thousands of point mutations in eight oncogenes for their ability to confer drug resistance to four tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Our prime-SGE strategy, combined with ongoing improvements in prime editing efficiency, opens the door to efficient positive selection screens of large numbers of point mutations at locations throughout the genome.},
}

Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Point Mutation/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
Cell Line, Tumor

@article {pmid41723140,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, K and Seow, WY and Keng, CT and Lim, MGL and Lim, DS and Guo, K and Meliani, A and Irfan Bin Hajis, M and Wang, B and Prabhakar, S and Chen, KH and Chew, WL},
title = {Spatial perturb-seq: single-cell functional genomics within intact tissue architecture.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41723140},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {PREPARE-OC-VT-2024-008//Ministry of Health -Singapore (MOH)/ ; SC18/21-1089UI//Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)/ ; OFIRG24jul-0096//MOH | National Medical Research Council (NMRC)/ ; OFYIRG23jul-0050//MOH | National Medical Research Council (NMRC)/ ; NRF-CRP25-2020-0001//National Research Foundation Singapore (National Research Foundation-Prime Minister's office, Republic of Singapore)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; Mice ; *Genomics/methods ; Brain/metabolism/cytology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics ; Mice, Knockout ; Neurons/metabolism ; Cell Communication/genetics ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; },
abstract = {We develop Spatial Perturb-Seq, an in vivo CRISPR technology that interrogates multiple genes within single cells of intact tissues, compatible with both sequencing-based and probe-based spatial technologies. We apply Spatial Perturb-Seq to knock out risk genes for neurodegenerative diseases in the mouse brain, uncovering cell autonomous and cell-cell microenvironmental effects within the spatially intact tissue. Spatial Perturb-Seq functionally screens multiple genes in situ and in vivo, bypasses cell processing steps that skew cell type representation, identifies intracellular and intercellular effects of knockouts, and identifies candidate genes underlying dysregulated neuronal intercellular communication pathways.},
}

Animals
*Single-Cell Analysis/methods
Mice
*Genomics/methods
Brain/metabolism/cytology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics
Mice, Knockout
Neurons/metabolism
Cell Communication/genetics
Gene Knockout Techniques

@article {pmid41723978,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhen, Z and Yu, L and Zhu, Y and Lu, Z and Huang, Z},
title = {Molecular mechanism of CRISPR-SpyCas9 inhibition by AcrIIA26.},
journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications},
volume = {809},
number = {},
pages = {153491},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.153491},
pmid = {41723978},
issn = {1090-2104},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Editing ; Cryoelectron Microscopy ; *Streptococcus/metabolism/genetics ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Protein Binding ; Protein Domains ; Models, Molecular ; },
abstract = {In the ongoing arms race between bacteria and phages, CRISPR-Cas systems and anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) have evolved to counteract one another. Recently, AcrIIA26 from Streptococcus sp. was identified as a modulator of SpyCas9 activity, although its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the SpyCas9-sgRNA-AcrIIA26 complex, revealing a two-domain architecture. The 5A domain of AcrIIA26 binds the PI and WED domains of Cas9, while the 4A domain contacts the REC2 domain. This dual interaction sterically blocks target DNA binding and prevents the conformational changes required for cleavage. Notably, AcrIIA26's sgRNA-independent binding to Cas9 allows the modulation of gene editing across an extended temporal window. Our study elucidates the molecular mechanism of AcrIIA26 and provides novel strategies for precise SpyCas9 regulation.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
Gene Editing
Cryoelectron Microscopy
*Streptococcus/metabolism/genetics
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Protein Binding
Protein Domains
Models, Molecular

@article {pmid41724384,
year = {2026},
author = {Burnham, CM and Kurilung, A and Wanchai, V and Regenberg, B and Delgado-Calle, J and Basnakian, AG and Nookaew, I},
title = {An enhancement of extrachromosomal circular DNA enrichment and amplification to address the extremely low overlap between replicates.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {302},
number = {4},
pages = {111302},
pmid = {41724384},
issn = {1083-351X},
mesh = {*DNA, Circular/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Female ; Cell Line, Tumor ; },
abstract = {Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) of chromosomal origin is present in all eukaryotic organisms and tissues that have been tested. Populations of eccDNA exhibit immense diversity and a characteristically low degree of overlap between samples, suggesting low inheritance of eccDNA between cells or a deficiency in the methods by which eccDNA is detected. This study revisits the Circle-Seq approach for enrichment of eccDNA to address these limitations, hypothesizing that experimental procedures significantly contribute to the observed low eccDNA overlap. We optimized the protocol by reducing the time needed to complete the procedure. Linear DNA is digested by increasing Exonuclease V activity. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 for mitochondrial linearization, which proved superior to using restriction enzymes. A key finding is the critical role of random hexamer primer concentration and genomic DNA input in rolling circle amplification (RCA) for generating high-quality long concatemeric tandem copy amplicons from eccDNA, essential for confident de novo eccDNA construction from long-read sequencing data. Lower primer concentrations substantially increased the percentage of concatemer-derived eccDNA and improved the overlap of identified eccDNAs in technical replicates. Applying this revised approach to human myeloma and breast cancer cell lines, as well as xenograft models, demonstrated >50% overlap in detected eccDNA, a substantial improvement over the <1% overlap observed in previous studies. Additionally, the oncogenic signature of eccDNAs can be identified across all replicates. These findings provide guidelines for developing standardized procedures for eccDNA profiling, advancing our understanding of eccDNA biology, and its potential clinical applications.},
}

*DNA, Circular/genetics
Humans
Animals
Mice
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Female
Cell Line, Tumor

@article {pmid41724454,
year = {2026},
author = {Ghasemian, A and Al-Marzoqi, AH and Ali, ZA and Nouruzi, F and Abdollahi, A and Montaseri, Z and Memariani, M and Zarenezhad, E},
title = {Engineered Bacteria as living detectors of tumor DNA: A new diagnostic frontier.},
journal = {Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry},
volume = {586},
number = {},
pages = {120914},
doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2026.120914},
pmid = {41724454},
issn = {1873-3492},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *Neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics ; *DNA, Neoplasm/genetics/analysis ; *Bacteria/genetics ; *Genetic Engineering ; },
abstract = {The identification of tumor-generated DNA must be accurate, minimally invasive, and precise, as it forms a fundamental aspect of effective cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and customized treatment plans. Recent advances in synthetic biology have pioneered the creation of genetically engineered bacteria as innovative biosensors capable of detecting tumor-derived DNA directly in situ. This review explores key developments in designing these microbial sentinels to pinpoint oncogenic DNA alterations, particularly emphasizing KRAS mutations that drive many cancers. By leveraging natural competence and horizontal gene transfer, in combination with CRISPR-Cas tools for selective targeting and integration of mutant DNA sequences, engineered bacteria can distinguish between tumor and wild-type DNA and produce observable reporter outputs. We further elaborate on various molecular engineering strategies using unique genetic circuits, homologous recombination, multiplexed CRISPR systems and safety circuits to improve specificity, sensitivity and biosafety. An additional perspective in the discussion incorporates diverse bacterial species and various cancer types, with a specific emphasis on colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, while also considering possible applications to other solid tumors. Detection modalities encompass in vitro assays, organoid models, in vivo mouse models, and non-invasive stool sampling, offering an impressive range of platforms for validating biosensors. The positive aspects of these approaches, such as real-time detection, affordability, programmability, and reduced invasiveness, need to be balanced with their negative aspects concerning biosafety, colonization efficiency, and detection sensitivity limitations. Looking forward, this review delves into the translational potential of engineered bacterial biosensors for clinical cancer diagnostics, their integration with therapeutic delivery systems, and future directions that involve multiplexed detection and the incorporation of digital health. Indubitably, engineered bacterial tumor DNA biosensors represent a key fusion of microbiology, synthetic biology, and oncology, aimed at revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of cancers.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*Neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics
*DNA, Neoplasm/genetics/analysis
*Bacteria/genetics
*Genetic Engineering

@article {pmid41724570,
year = {2026},
author = {Vizoso, M},
title = {DiLiCre2.0 mouse model: An advanced genome-editing tool to induce mutagenesis in vivo with high spatio-temporal resolution.},
journal = {Methods in cell biology},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {41-58},
doi = {10.1016/bs.mcb.2025.12.003},
pmid = {41724570},
issn = {0091-679X},
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Mutagenesis/genetics ; Mice, Transgenic ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; *Carcinogenesis/genetics ; Neoplasms/genetics/pathology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; },
abstract = {For decades, transgenic mouse models have been developed and utilized to study tumorigenesis in vivo, offering the ability to manipulate oncogene and tumor suppression gene expression systemically or within entire organs and tissue compartments. However, the induction of tumorigenesis in many of these experimental models contrasts sharply with the development of most human cancers, where mutations affecting gene expression occur in a spatially restricted manner and lesions generally originates from the clonal expansion of one single mutated cell. This discrepancy raises critical questions regarding the relevance of the existing transgenic mouse models in accurately replicating the mechanisms of tumor initiation observed in humans. To overcome this limitation and study tumor initiation in vivo, I developed an innovative mouse model to induce early tumorigenesis through light-targeted mutagenesis of single cells, achieving unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. This model provides a more accurate representation of tumor initiation processes, thus enhancing our understanding of cancer mechanisms at its inception.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Mutagenesis/genetics
Mice, Transgenic
*Gene Editing/methods
Disease Models, Animal
Humans
*Carcinogenesis/genetics
Neoplasms/genetics/pathology
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics

@article {pmid41724722,
year = {2026},
author = {Limia, CG and Steffey, V and Cheng, HC and Machado, D and Hart, T and McHargue, MC and Brizzee, C and Crawford, J},
title = {Sequential, chromosome-specific glutamine synthetase double knockout with Cas-CLOVER establishes enhanced CHO platforms for cell line development.},
journal = {Biotechnology progress},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {e70113},
pmid = {41724722},
issn = {1520-6033},
mesh = {CHO Cells ; Animals ; *Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase/genetics/metabolism ; Cricetulus ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Knockout Techniques/methods ; },
abstract = {Cas-CLOVER is an emerging high-fidelity genome editing system that enables precise and efficient cell engineering. In this study, we applied Cas-CLOVER to establish a robust, gene-edited platform in suspension-adapted CHO-K1 cells supporting cell line development (CLD) for biopharmaceutical production. An attractive strategy for high-yield clone selection is the use of glutamine synthetase (GS) knockout CHO cells. The primary GS gene resides on chromosome 5 (GS5), while a recently identified GS pseudogene is located on chromosome 1 (GS1). To compare editing efficiency, we evaluated Cas-CLOVER and Cas9 at both GS loci using the Neon™ Transfection System. Cas-CLOVER achieved 84% editing at GS5 and 74% at GS1, markedly higher than Cas9. Leveraging Cas-CLOVER's dual-guide RNA design, we generated a GS5 single knockout (GS5-SKO) and subsequently a double knockout (GS-DKO) line at both the GS5 and GS1 loci, both with none detected off-target mutations analyzed in 40 predictably off-target sites. For functional validation, these cell lines were engineered with the proprietary Harbor-IN transposase system to stably express trastuzumab. Using an optimized protocol, the resulting GS-DKO platform, termed CleanCut GS CHO, enabled stringent selection and yielded high-producing clones with cell-specific productivity exceeding 100 pg/cell/day and antibody titers greater than 5 g/L in 24 deep well-plate fed-batch cultures after 14 days. The antibody titer stability analysis showed consistency over 60 generations. Collectively, these findings establish Cas-CLOVER as a versatile genome editing tool for developing high-yield CHO host platforms in CLD.},
}

CHO Cells
Animals
*Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase/genetics/metabolism
Cricetulus
*Gene Editing/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Knockout Techniques/methods

@article {pmid41724841,
year = {2026},
author = {Ibrahim, R and Aranjani, JM},
title = {Bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophages: an evolutionary arms race.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41724841},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics ; *Bacteria/virology/genetics/immunology ; Biological Evolution ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biofilms/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Bacteria and bacteriophages are in a co-evolutionary arms race, developing intricate bacterial defense mechanisms that enable phage resistance and counterstrategies. Bacteria evolve diverse defense mechanisms to inhibit each stage of the phage infection cycle.Surface-based defenses prevent phage adsorption and infection, including receptor modifications, capsule production, and biofilm formation. Intracellular systems such as restriction-modification (R-M) and abortive infection (Abi) mechanisms degrade phage DNA or sacrifice infected cells to protect the population. Adaptive immunity, particularly through CRISPR-Cas systems, enables bacteria to recognize and neutralize recurring phage attacks. Phages counter these defenses through anti-CRISPR proteins, receptor mimicry, and depolymerization, which degrade capsules and biofilm matrices. These dynamic interactions shape microbial ecosystems, offering insights for the development of novel antimicrobial strategies. Emerging approaches, including engineered phages and combination therapies, hold promise for addressing bacterial resistance. Understanding these bacterial-phage dynamics is critical for advancing phage therapy as a powerful tool against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This review aims to systematically examine and integrate current knowledge on bacterial antiphage defense systems and the evolutionary adaptations employed by bacteriophages to overcome these barriers.},
}

*Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics
*Bacteria/virology/genetics/immunology
Biological Evolution
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Biofilms/growth & development

@article {pmid41724842,
year = {2026},
author = {Jana, UK and Bawankar, P and Gupta, P and Kango, N},
title = {CRISPR/Cas systems in fungal biotechnology: advancing high-value metabolite synthesis for industrial and food security applications.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41724842},
issn = {1432-072X},
}

@article {pmid41725298,
year = {2026},
author = {Chew, YP and Ferenczi, A and Dannay, M and Ponce-Lilly, C and Kovac, A and Tóth, D and Tóth, SZ and Molnar, A},
title = {Enhancing CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Gene Knockout With Short Non-Homologous Oligonucleotides.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology journal},
volume = {24},
number = {6},
pages = {3742-3753},
pmid = {41725298},
issn = {1467-7652},
support = {//Darwin Trust of Edinburgh/ ; //UK Research and Innovation/ ; BB/W003538/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Gene Knockout Techniques/methods ; *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/genetics ; Gene Editing/methods ; *Oligonucleotides/genetics ; DNA End-Joining Repair ; },
abstract = {Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model green microalga that has great industrial potential as a sustainable bio-factory for recombinant protein and high-value chemical production. Efficient genome editing tools are required to redesign this organism for synthetic biology applications. CRISPR-Cas editing technologies have already been adapted for gene knockout, transgene knock-in, and precise gene editing in C. reinhardtii. However, the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene knockout (KO) is low, which hampers pathway engineering and functional genomic studies. Here we report that co-delivery of CRISPR-Cas gene editing reagents with short double-stranded non-homologous oligodeoxynucleotides (dsNHO) increases gene knockout efficacy up to 100-fold in C. reinhardtii. This phenomenon, referred to as non-homologous oligonucleotide enhancement (NOE), is heavily affected by the length, structure, and chemical modifications of dsNHO, and is largely mediated by the DNA double-stranded break sensor KU70/80 (KU) heterodimer in a Cas nuclease-, locus-, and strain-independent manner. Our data suggest that dsNHOs disrupt the cell's double-stranded break (DSB) sensing pathways, consequently shifting the balance of DNA repair from canonical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ) towards the more error-prone, microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), which could be harnessed as a strategy for improving gene KO efficiency in Chlamydomonas and beyond.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Gene Knockout Techniques/methods
*Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/genetics
Gene Editing/methods
*Oligonucleotides/genetics
DNA End-Joining Repair

@article {pmid41727253,
year = {2026},
author = {Meenakshi, and Komal, and Sharma, A and Prabhu, S and Awasthi, S},
title = {Modern plant stress adaptation: integrating defense, nanotechnology and genetics.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {105},
pmid = {41727253},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {This review critically analyses plant adaptive responses to biotic and abiotic stress, with a focus on recent advancements in molecular defense pathways, emerging nanotechnology approaches and CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing strategies. We critically reviewed structural, physiological, biochemical and genetic adaptations. Key regulatory processes include phytohormonal regulation, antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and stress-response gene networks are explored along with advances in nanotechnology-based strategies and CRISPR/Cas genome editing. A comparative evaluation of conventional breeding, molecular breeding, and genome-editing approaches highlights the advantages of CRISPR/Cas systems, particularly their precision, efficiency and ability to generate targeted phenotypic changes. In parallel, nanomaterials have shown promise in improved nutrient delivery, protecting cellular structures and enhancing genome-editing efficiency under stress conditions. By integrating nanotechnology and genome-editing approaches with traditional agricultural practices, it may be possible to enhance plant resilience, sustain crop productivity and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Overall, this review provides a cohesive perspective on how these technologies can be combined to support future crop improvement efforts to tackle climate-induced agricultural challenges.},
}

@article {pmid41727334,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramezani, R and Behbahani, M and Mohabatkar, H and Sarraf Mamouri, K and Hejazi, F},
title = {Comparison of CRISPR Sequences in Archaea and Bacteria with Eukaryotic microRNAs.},
journal = {Avicenna journal of medical biotechnology},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {258-276},
pmid = {41727334},
issn = {2008-2835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study explores repetitive Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) sequences from the archaea Acidianus sp. and Acidianus ambivalens (A. ambivalens), as well as from the bacterium Yersinia ruckeri (Y. ruckeri). These sequences are compared with human microRNA (miRNA) sequences to investigate potential genetic similarities and disease associations.

METHODS: CRISPR sequences were retrieved from the CRISPR/Cas[++] database, and human miRNA sequences were obtained from miRBase. Sequence alignments were performed using BLASTn with an E-value threshold of 1e-5 to identify significant similarities. Genes associated with matched human miRNAs were identified through the HGNC and GeneCards databases. Further analyses included comparison with disease-associated miRNAs reported in human and mouse datasets.

RESULTS: In Y. ruckeri, alignments revealed similarities to miRNAs linked with genes such as FOXO1, PTEN, PAX7, and DOCK3, which are associated with lung cancer and muscular dystrophies. In A. ambivalens, aligned miRNAs corresponded to loci including CHM13 and GRCh38, potentially linked to periembolic adenocarcinoma and mild pre-eclampsia. For Acidianus sp., matches were observed with miRNAs associated with genes like Irak2, NOS2, STAT1, and Numb, which have been implicated in Psoriatic arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Hepatocellular carcinoma, and Coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION: CRISPR sequences from these prokaryotes show notable similarities with human miRNAs, suggesting possible indirect links to genes involved in major diseases. These preliminary findings emphasize the need for further investigation into shared sequence motifs and their functional roles in host-pathogen interactions or evolutionary biology.},
}

@article {pmid41728195,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, F and Liu, Z and Zheng, Z},
title = {An AI-driven framework for enhancing regulatory precision and efficiency in CRISPR-Cas gene-edited crops: challenges, opportunities, and global harmonization.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1693105},
pmid = {41728195},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The rapid advancement and adoption of CRISPR-Cas technologies in crop improvement has significantly outpaced existing regulatory frameworks, leading to inconsistencies in the global oversight of gene-edited organisms. As governments and international bodies struggle to reconcile scientific innovation with policy governance, a pressing need has emerged for methodologies that can translate biological edits into regulatory-compliant representations across jurisdictions. Traditional approaches often compartmentalize genomic and legal domains, lacking the formalism to bridge biological intent and compliance precision. These methods are typically static, unable to adapt to jurisdictional policy drift or incorporate real-time exemption logic, thereby undermining both regulatory interpretability and technical fidelity.

METHODS: To address this gap, I propose a unified computational framework built around the novel GeneRegAlignNet model and the Constraint-Aware Policy Induction (CAPI) strategy. This framework embeds regulatory semantics directly into the learning architecture, enabling the alignment of gene-editing features with heterogeneous policy descriptors in a shared latent space. GeneRegAlignNet employs symbolic gating, contrastive manifold learning, and exemption-aware vectorization to predict alignment likelihoods between edits and legal categories with high precision. CAPI extends this model with a risk-calibrated policy optimization pipeline that accounts for policy evolution, regulatory variance, and jurisdictional priorities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Empirical validation demonstrates improved performance in regulatory alignment accuracy and resilience to policy drift across a diverse set of gene-editing scenarios. By tightly integrating formal representations of molecular edits with dynamic, multi-jurisdictional policy inference, our framework offers a scalable and interpretable path forward in enhancing regulatory precision and global harmonization in the oversight of CRISPR-Cas-edited crops.},
}

@article {pmid41728946,
year = {2026},
author = {Dang, QT and Chang, CW and Chen, PY and Truong, VA and Huang, PY and Nguyen, MTT and Hu, YC},
title = {CRISPR-associated transposon for programmable viral vector engineering and prime editing.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41728946},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {NSTC 114-2223-E-007-013//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 113-2321-B-007-004//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 113-2223-E-007-010//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 113-2622-E-007-012//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 112-2622-E-007-030//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 112-2223-E-007-002//National Science and Technology Council/ ; //Veterans General Hospitals/ ; VGHUST115-G6-1-1//University System of Taiwan/ ; //National Science and Technology Council/ ; VGHUST115-G6-1-1//University System of Taiwan Joint Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; HEK293 Cells ; *Baculoviridae/genetics ; *Genetic Vectors/genetics ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Transgenes ; *Genetic Engineering/methods ; },
abstract = {Baculovirus, an insect virus commonly used for recombinant protein expression in insect cells and gene delivery in mammalian systems, is often generated through bacmid-based engineering. To enable flexible and programmable bacmid engineering, we developed SHOT 2.0, an optimized CRISPR-associated transposon platform that mediates RNA-guided and customized bacmid editing in Escherichia coli. The edited bacmid can be transfected into insect cells to produce recombinant baculoviruses. SHOT 2.0 supported site-specific integration of large DNA cargos (at least 14 kb) into defined loci such as v-cath and ODVe56, with integration at ODVe56 markedly improving transgene stability during serial virus passaging. The system is fully compatible with the Bac-to-Bac® workflow, enabling dual-gene insertion into the bacmid and derived baculovirus. Leveraging this platform, we constructed an all-in-one baculovirus encoding the PE5max prime editor. This vector-mediated prime editing achieves efficiencies up to 85.6% in HEK293T cells and achieves robust prime editing in hard-to-transfect cell types, including iPSCs and liver cancer cells, with efficiencies up to 37.1%. These results demonstrate that SHOT 2.0 substantially expands the baculovirus engineering toolbox, providing a flexible platform for genome editing and future gene delivery.},
}

*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
HEK293 Cells
*Baculoviridae/genetics
*Genetic Vectors/genetics
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Escherichia coli/genetics
Transgenes
*Genetic Engineering/methods

@article {pmid41728950,
year = {2026},
author = {King, HE and O'Connell, S and Kavanagh, D and Mason, S and McCool, C and Fernandez-Chamorro, J and Chaffer, CL and Clark, SJ and Vieira, HGS and Sterne-Weiler, T and Weatheritt, RJ},
title = {Isoform-specific single-cell perturb-seq reveals distinct functions of alternative promoters in drug response.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41728950},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {DP250103133//Australian Research Council Discovery/ ; FT210100355//Future Fellowship/ ; //Scrimshaw Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Humans ; *Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; Tamoxifen/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics ; *Breast Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Female ; Protein Isoforms/genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects ; },
abstract = {CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screens have emerged as powerful tools for dissecting gene function, yet their application to genes with multiple promoters, which comprise over 60% of human genes, remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPR-dCas9-based screens exhibit widespread promoter specificity, with untargeted promoters often showing compensatory upregulation to maintain gene expression. Leveraging this selective targeting of individual promoters within the same gene, we developed Isoform-Specific single-cell Perturb-Seq to systematically analyse alternative promoter function. Our analysis revealed that alternative promoters in 51.6% of targeted genes drive distinct transcriptional programs. This suggests that promoter selection represents a fundamental mechanism for generating cellular diversity rather than mere transcriptional redundancy. In breast cancer models, this promoter-specific targeting revealed differential effects on drug sensitivity, where distinct estrogen receptor (ESR1) promoters showed opposing influences on tamoxifen response and patient survival. These findings demonstrate the necessity of promoter-level analysis in functional genomics and suggest new strategies for therapeutic intervention through promoter-specific targeting.},
}

*Promoter Regions, Genetic
Humans
*Single-Cell Analysis/methods
Tamoxifen/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics
*Breast Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Female
Protein Isoforms/genetics
Cell Line, Tumor
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects

@article {pmid41728952,
year = {2026},
author = {Feng, H and Li, Z and Zhang, H and Zheng, Y and Xu, B and Zhang, Y and Zou, L and Wu, L},
title = {Characterization of gRNA-dependent and gRNA-independent off-target binding sites of PspCas13b and RfxCas13d in mammalian cells.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41728952},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {2021YFA1100201//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2022YFA1303301//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; XDB0570000//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 82400181//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82270160//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024M751998//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023YFC2706401//Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; HEK293 Cells ; Binding Sites ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism ; *RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors ; Gene Editing ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas13 systems, harnessed for RNA-guided transcriptome editing, hold significant promise for clinical and in vivo therapeutic applications. However, understanding their in vivo target specificity and recognition rules remains a challenge. In this study, we employed the uSpyCLIP method, which enhances sensitivity and specificity for identifying RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding sites, to map the transcriptome-wide binding sites of catalytically inactive PspCas13b (dPspCas13b) and RfxCas13d (dRfxCas13d) in HEK293T cells, using a variety of single guide RNAs (gRNAs). Surprisingly, we identified both gRNA-dependent and gRNA-independent off-target binding sites for both dCas13 complexes. These gRNA-independent off-target sites exhibited distinct RNA structural and sequence signatures: dPspCas13b's gRNA-independent binding was associated with specific RNA structural features, while dRfxCas13d's was linked to unique sequence motifs. Analysis of gRNA-dependent off-target sites revealed the crucial role of the DR-distal and middle regions of the gRNA in determining binding specificity. Further analysis demonstrated that some off-target binding events led to changes in gene expression at the messenger RNA and/or protein level. Collectively, our findings provide important insights into the characteristics of gRNA-dependent and gRNA-independent off-target binding for PspCas13b and RfxCas13d, offering valuable guidance for optimizing Cas13 and gRNA design in future applications.},
}

Humans
HEK293 Cells
Binding Sites
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism
*RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors
Gene Editing
Transcriptome

@article {pmid41729380,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, YY and Lv, YR and Jia, JT and Zhang, R and Yang, B and Xue, SY and Bayaer, H and Bagen, A and Chen, RB and Tunala, S and Wang, R and Ding, YL and Zhao, L and Liu, YH},
title = {Rapid and Simple Detection of Enterocytozoon Bieneusi Using Lateral Flow Assay Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification or Nested PCR Combined with CRISPR-Cas12a.},
journal = {Acta parasitologica},
volume = {71},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41729380},
issn = {1896-1851},
support = {2025MS03139 and 2024LHMS03049//National Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia/ ; 32260887//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; BR251303//Research and Innovation Team Building Special B-class Team/ ; YLXKZX-NND-012//Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region First Class Discipline Research Special Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Enterocytozoon/isolation & purification/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Animals ; Feces/microbiology ; *Microsporidiosis/diagnosis/veterinary/microbiology ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Humans ; Recombinases/genetics ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Bacterial Proteins ; Endodeoxyribonucleases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian pathogen. It primarily causes diarrhea and weight loss in infected humans and animals, resulting in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. Therefore, establishing a highly sensitive and specific detection method for E. bieneusi is critical for its prevention and control.

METHODS: crRNA and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) primers were designed based on partial sequences of the 18 S ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi. DNA extracted from fecal samples was amplified using RPA or nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR amplicons were treated with a Tris-saturated phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol mixture to obtain purified target DNA, which was subsequently introduced into the CRISPR-Cas12a reaction system. Post-reaction detection was performed via qPCR instrumentation, fluorescence visualization, and lateral flow strip (LFS) assays. The operational parameters for E. bieneusi detection were subsequently optimized using RPA/CRISPR-Cas12a or nested PCR/CRISPR-Cas12a platforms. The aforementioned methodology was concurrently validated using 50 clinical specimens with known E. bieneusi infection status.

RESULTS: The limits of detection were 7.13 copies/µL for RPA/CRISPR-Cas12a and 2.35 × 10[- 2] copies/µL for nested PCR/CRISPR-Cas12a. When the concentration of unamplified DNA in the CRISPR-Cas12a reaction system reached ≥ 1 × 10[- 4] µg/µL, the single-stranded DNA reporter was efficiently cleaved, resulting in a detectable fluorescence signal. The nested PCR/CRISPR-Cas12a technology was used to analyze 50 fecal samples with confirmed E. bieneusi-positive or -negative status. The results obtained from instrument-based detection, fluorescence observation, and lateral flow test strip detection were completely consistent.

CONCLUSIONS: We established the first integration of nested PCR with CRISPR-Cas12a for the detection of E. bieneusi. and were also the first to quantitatively explore the detection limit of Cas12a using non-amplified E. bieneusi DNA. This approach offers a rapid, specific, and highly sensitive diagnostic method. Furthermore, the wide selection of appropriate visualization methods facilitates adaptation to various laboratory conditions and sample template concentrations, enabling accurate result interpretation.},
}

*Enterocytozoon/isolation & purification/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Sensitivity and Specificity
Animals
Feces/microbiology
*Microsporidiosis/diagnosis/veterinary/microbiology
*Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
Humans
Recombinases/genetics
DNA, Fungal/genetics
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Bacterial Proteins
Endodeoxyribonucleases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins

@article {pmid41730290,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, L and Murillo-de-Ozores, AR and Park, E and Ou, SM and Knepper, MA},
title = {GFP reporter system reveals cell-to-cell variability in aquaporin-2 expression.},
journal = {American journal of physiology. Cell physiology},
volume = {330},
number = {4},
pages = {C782-C793},
doi = {10.1152/ajpcell.00936.2025},
pmid = {41730290},
issn = {1522-1563},
support = {ZIA-HL001285//HHS | NIH | NHLBI | Division of Intramural Research (DIR)/ ; ZIA-HL006129//HHS | NIH | NHLBI | Division of Intramural Research (DIR)/ ; },
mesh = {*Aquaporin 2/genetics/metabolism ; *Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Animals ; Genes, Reporter ; Cell Line ; Mice ; *Kidney Tubules, Collecting/metabolism/drug effects/cytology ; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin/pharmacology ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Expression Regulation ; },
abstract = {Vasopressin regulates transcription of the aquaporin-2 gene (Aqp2) in collecting duct principal cells. To investigate regulatory mechanisms in Aqp2 gene transcription, we engineered an Aqp2 reporter cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 to insert a green fluorescent protein (GFP) cassette at the endogenous Aqp2 gene locus in mpkCCD cells. In the absence of dDAVP (1-desamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin), a vasopressin analog, these cells exhibited low or undetectable GFP and Aqp2 expression in all cells. dDAVP stimulation (1 nM dDAVP for 48 h) markedly increased both GFP and Aqp2 expression together with reversal upon dDAVP removal. These observations demonstrate that GFP faithfully tracks Aqp2 expression. Interestingly, fewer than 50% of cells express GFP and Aqp2 after dDAVP or forskolin, indicating significant variability even though they were clonally derived. We flow-sorted the GFP[-] cells (Aqp2[-]) and GFP[+] cells (Aqp2[+]), regrew them, and restimulated them separately with dDAVP. Cells originating from GFP[-] cells gave rise to both GFP[-] cells and GFP[+] cells, and GFP[+] cells similarly regenerated both GFP[-] and GFP[+] populations in the same proportion. Flow cytometry analysis of the DNA content showed variability in cell cycle phases, with most GFP[+] cells in G0/G1, and most GFP[-] cells in G2/S. RNA-seq analysis of the GFP[-] and GFP[+] cells revealed increased abundance of cell cycle-related transcripts in the GFP[-] cells. We conclude that: 1) heterogeneity in Aqp2 expression is related to cell cycle state and 2) the newly generated reporter cell line will likely serve as a useful tool to study Aqp2 transcriptional regulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To investigate regulatory mechanisms in Aqp2 gene transcription, we engineered an Aqp2 reporter cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 to insert a green fluorescent protein (GFP) cassette at the endogenous Aqp2 gene locus in mpkCCD cells. We demonstrate that the GFP reporter accurately and dynamically tracks the expression and regulation of endogenous Aqp2. We reveal that Aqp2 heterogeneity in mpkCCD cells is at least partly driven by differences in cell cycle phase.},
}

*Aquaporin 2/genetics/metabolism
*Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Animals
Genes, Reporter
Cell Line
Mice
*Kidney Tubules, Collecting/metabolism/drug effects/cytology
Deamino Arginine Vasopressin/pharmacology
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Expression Regulation

@article {pmid41730595,
year = {2026},
author = {Chang, X and Han, C and Ji, H and Zeng, Z and Yang, J and Liu, Q and Jia, C and Zhao, L and Zhou, C and Chen, S and Knoll, W and Li, J and Wang, Z and Zhang, L},
title = {SPARC: A programmable molecular diagnostic platform based on a signal-triggered, self-supplied crRNA and tiered PER-transcription-CRISPR cascade for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.},
journal = {Analytica chimica acta},
volume = {1394},
number = {},
pages = {345209},
doi = {10.1016/j.aca.2026.345209},
pmid = {41730595},
issn = {1873-4324},
mesh = {Humans ; *Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics ; *Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis/genetics ; *MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis ; *Early Detection of Cancer/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Limit of Detection ; *Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate quantification of microRNAs (miRNAs) is essential for early cancer detection, yet remains challenging due to their short length, low abundance, and high sequence similarity. Existing assays often struggle to achieve sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and robustness for reliable clinical deployment.

RESULTS: We introduce SPARC, a programmable molecular diagnostic platform that integrates a signal-triggered primer exchange reaction, self-supplied crRNA generation, and a tiered PER-transcription-CRISPR/Cas12a amplification cascade. Using miRNA-21 as a model, SPARC achieves an ultralow detection limit of 1.22 fM and a broad quantitative range from 1 fM to 100 nM. The system exhibits high specificity, strong analytical stability, and modular adaptability to diverse targets, including miRNA-122. Notably, the dual-directional profiling of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs enhances diagnostic resolution. When applied to HCC cell lines and clinical tissues, SPARC accurately distinguished malignant from normal samples and showed excellent agreement with qRT-PCR measurements and histopathological assessments.

SIGNIFICANCE: This streamlined and self-amplifying cascade system provides a scalable, robust, and clinically compatible platform for ultrasensitive miRNA detection. SPARC holds strong potential for early hepatocellular carcinoma screening, molecular subtyping, and broader precision oncology applications.},
}

Humans
*Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics
*Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis/genetics
*MicroRNAs/genetics/analysis
*Early Detection of Cancer/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Cell Line, Tumor
Limit of Detection
*Molecular Diagnostic Techniques

@article {pmid41731282,
year = {2026},
author = {du Rand, A and Buttle, B and Sheppard, H},
title = {Developing CRISPR-Based Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Comprehensive Review of Current Strategies.},
journal = {Drugs},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {465-483},
pmid = {41731282},
issn = {1179-1950},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Epidermolysis Bullosa/therapy/genetics ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Animals ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics ; },
abstract = {Currently, there is no permanent treatment for the group of severe monogenic fragile skin conditions epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in vivo gene replacement therapy beremagene geperpavec (Vyjuvek[®]) provides a promising solution, but it requires ongoing application and is not applicable to all forms of EB. Targeted gene editing approaches directly addressing pathogenic mutations hold great promise for the development of durable personalized therapies. Here, we comprehensively describe the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) gene editing landscape for EB, critically review the advantages and limitations of emerging therapeutic strategies, and present some future perspectives. We find that the widespread application of Cas9 nuclease is currently hindered by off-target genotoxicity, which can be mitigated using Cas9 nickases. Further, new tools including prime editing have recently emerged and hold significant potential for EB gene therapy. Ongoing developments in gene editing technologies focused on improving safety and editing precision offer significant promise for the future clinical translation of potentially lifelong treatments for people with EB.},
}

Humans
*Gene Editing/methods
*Epidermolysis Bullosa/therapy/genetics
*Genetic Therapy/methods
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Animals
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics

@article {pmid41732093,
year = {2026},
author = {Neupane, S and Pfrender, ME and Wang, L and Xu, S},
title = {Detection of CRISPR-Cas-induced mutations in Daphnia.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41732093},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {R35 GM133730/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 2324639//NSF EDGE program/ ; 2220696//NSF EDGE program/ ; 2348390//NSF Career program/ ; R35GM133730/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Daphnia/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Mutation ; INDEL Mutation ; Reproducibility of Results ; Gene Editing ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas9 has established itself as a robust tool for conducting loss-of-function gene research in emerging model species, including the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia. However, sensitive detection of mutations, especially in genetic mosaic and pooled samples, remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluate 2 of the most widely used mutation screening techniques, the T7 Endonuclease I assay and fragment analysis for their sensitivity, accuracy, and practical use in detecting CRISPR-induced indels in 4 targeted genes, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, PERIOD2, and DMRT1 in Daphnia magna. Here, we show that T7 Endonuclease I, although it offers a quick and cost-effective screening method, often produces false positives, especially when examining pooled samples. Conversely, fragment analysis facilitates detecting allele size differences at a fine resolution, reproducibility in detecting indels, and distinguishing zygosity, and is more reliable as a method to detect mutation. Our comparative analyses convey the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate screening methods depending on research questions.},
}

Animals
*Daphnia/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Mutation
INDEL Mutation
Reproducibility of Results
Gene Editing

@article {pmid41732321,
year = {2026},
author = {He, Y and Tu, X and Xue, Y and Chen, Y and Ye, B and Li, X and Li, D and Zhong, Z and Zhong, Q},
title = {CRISPR screening redefines therapeutic target identification and drug discovery with precision and scalability.},
journal = {Journal of pharmaceutical analysis},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {101357},
pmid = {41732321},
issn = {2214-0883},
abstract = {Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 screening technology is redefining the landscape of drug discovery and therapeutic target identification by providing a precise and scalable platform for functional genomics. The development of extensive single-guide RNA (sgRNA) libraries enables high-throughput screening (HTS) that systematically investigates gene-drug interactions across the genome. This powerful approach has found broad applications in identifying drug targets for various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, playing a crucial role in elucidating drug mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. Despite challenges like off-target effects, data complexity, and ethical or regulatory concerns, ongoing advancements in CRISPR technology and bioinformatics are steadily overcoming these limitations. Additionally, by integrating with organoid models, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data technologies, CRISPR screening expands the scale, intelligence, and automation of drug discovery. This integration boosts data analysis efficiency and offers robust support for uncovering new therapeutic targets and mechanisms. This review outlines the fundamental principles and applications of CRISPR screening technology, delves into specific case studies and technical challenges, and highlights its expanding role in drug discovery and target identification. It also examines the potential for clinical translation and addresses the associated ethical and regulatory considerations.},
}

@article {pmid41732389,
year = {2026},
author = {Fanarraga, ML and García Hevia, L},
title = {Silica nanoparticles as advanced platforms for nucleic acid delivery.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {37},
number = {},
pages = {102921},
pmid = {41732389},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Nucleic acid therapeutics, including siRNA, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and CRISPR/Cas systems, have demonstrated remarkable potential but continue to face translational barriers related to systemic instability, immune activation, and inefficient intracellular delivery. Conventional lipid and polymeric carriers, although clinically validated, often lack the structural resilience and versatility required for large or complex cargos. Silica-based nanoparticles, particularly mesoporous silica nanoparticles, provide a distinctive combination of mechanical rigidity, tunable porosity, and abundant surface chemistry that enables robust encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of diverse nucleic acids. This review adopts a problem-driven perspective, analyzing how specific nanoarchitectural designs, surface functionalizations, and ligand-mediated targeting strategies address key limitations in nucleic acid delivery. Emphasis is placed on overcoming systemic barriers such as premature degradation, immune recognition, and restricted biodistribution, as well as intracellular challenges including endosomal escape and nuclear access. Hybrid and biomimetic silica platforms are highlighted for their capacity to integrate combinatorial and theranostic functionalities, expanding the therapeutic scope toward complex payloads and multifunctional formulations. By linking synthesis approaches with translational requirements, an integrated roadmap is proposed that positions silica nanocarriers as advanced platforms for next-generation gene therapy. The evidence underscores the potential of silica architectures to combine structural durability with versatile chemical adaptability, thereby enabling safe, efficient, and clinically relevant delivery of nucleic acids.},
}

@article {pmid41733889,
year = {2026},
author = {Son, SH and Woo, S and Choi, A and Ahn, S and Yoo, HC},
title = {Advances in Engineered Virus-Like Particles for Genome Editing and Therapy.},
journal = {BioDrugs : clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {317-333},
pmid = {41733889},
issn = {1179-190X},
support = {RS202400403169//Korea Basic Science Institute/ ; 2021R1C1C2006283//National Research Foundation/ ; RS-2024-00412879//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Editing/methods ; Humans ; *Genetic Therapy/methods ; Animals ; Genetic Engineering/methods ; Genetic Vectors ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; },
abstract = {Engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs) have emerged as a promising class of delivery systems for genome editing agents. By combining the efficient cellular entry of viral vectors with the safety advantages of nonviral platforms, eVLPs enable transient delivery of ribonucleoproteins such as Cas9, base editors, and prime editors. Successive design strategies, from rational engineering to directed optimization, have progressively improved particle assembly, cargo stability, and editing efficiency. In parallel, pseudotyping approaches have expanded the versatility of eVLPs for cell-type-specific targeting. Recent preclinical studies highlight their potential across diverse applications, ranging from monogenic disease models to complex disorders, and support their advancement toward clinical translation. This review summarizes the structural and production principles of eVLPs, surveys key advances in their development, and discusses therapeutic opportunities and future challenges for their application in genome editing.},
}

*Gene Editing/methods
Humans
*Genetic Therapy/methods
Animals
Genetic Engineering/methods
Genetic Vectors
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Transfer Techniques

@article {pmid41734599,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, GH and Kim, MM},
title = {Effect of p53 gene mutation with loss of function on the expression of genes and proteins involved in cell proliferation.},
journal = {Mutation research},
volume = {832},
number = {},
pages = {111931},
doi = {10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2026.111931},
pmid = {41734599},
issn = {1873-135X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cell Proliferation/genetics ; *Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Loss of Function Mutation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; *Mutation ; Cell Cycle/genetics ; },
abstract = {The tumor suppressor gene TP53 plays a vital role in preserving genomic integrity by regulating cell cycle progression, DNA repair mechanisms, and apoptosis. This study aims to examine how CRISPR/Cas9-induced loss-of-function mutations in the p53 gene influence cellular processes on cell cycle regulation and tumorigenic signaling in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Successful TP53 gene disruption was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and its structural modelling using AlphaFold2 and ChimeraX confirmed alterations in the predicted TP53 protein structure compared to that of wild type. Gene expression analyses, conducted via RT-PCR and qPCR, demonstrated a marked decrease in TP53 mRNA expression within the modified cells. Despite the mutation, the edited cells elevated activity of the senescence marker β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). They decreased the production of collagen, suggesting that the structural disruption caused by CRISPR/Cas9 leads to the loss of functional p53 activity. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays further revealed a remarkable downregulation of key cell cycle and tumorigenesis-related proteins, including TP53, phosphorylated TP53 (p-TP53), acetylated TP53 (ac-TP53), MMP-2, cyclin D, cyclin E, AKT, BAX, MDM2, and phosphorylated Rb (p-Rb) in the edited cells relative to the wild-type counterpart. Our results suggest that the TP53 mutation may disrupt essential pathways related to cell proliferation and stress responses. This provides new insights into TP53 functionality and underscores its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer biology.},
}

Humans
*Cell Proliferation/genetics
*Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics/metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Cell Line, Tumor
*Loss of Function Mutation
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
*Mutation
Cell Cycle/genetics

@article {pmid41734974,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, Y and Chen, X and Wu, K and Hou, H and Wang, Y and Yan, B and Khursheed, MHUR and Shang, C and Zhang, X and Pan, Y and Wu, L and Li, J},
title = {A Truncated WRKY Protein Enhances Drought Resistance in Wild Tomatoes Through the SlWRKY16-CIP2b-SlSYP121 Module.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology journal},
volume = {24},
number = {6},
pages = {3840-3860},
pmid = {41734974},
issn = {1467-7652},
support = {Nos.CSTB2023TIAD-KPX0026//Special Key Project of Technological Innovation and Application Development of Chongqing/ ; CSTB2023TIAD-KPX0025//Special Key Project of Technological Innovation and Application Development of Chongqing/ ; 31872123//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32172597//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SWU-KQ22041//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; CARS-23-B08//China Agriculture Research System/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Droughts ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Drought Resistance ; },
abstract = {Drought stress is a major abiotic factor that severely affects plant growth and food production. Identifying drought-resistant genes and their regulatory mechanisms is essential for mitigating the negative impacts of drought on plants. In this study, we identified a natural single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation in SlWRKY16 that is closely linked to drought tolerance in tomato. This SNP leads to the expression of a truncated SlWRKY16 protein. The CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of SlWRKY16, which produces this truncated SlWRKY16 protein, exhibits enhanced drought tolerance, whereas the overexpression lines demonstrate the opposite effect. Yeast two-hybrid screening demonstrated that SlWRKY16 physically interacted with CONSTANS Interacting Protein 2b (CIP2b). The CIP2b knockout mutants displayed increased sensitivity to drought stress. Importantly, this drought-sensitive phenotype was rescued in double mutants (cip2b/slwrky16). RNA-seq analysis revealed that a syntaxin gene (SlSYP121) co-expressed with both SlWRKY16 and CIP2b. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that SlWRKY16 directly binds to the promoter of SlSYP121 and represses its expression, while the truncated SlWRKY16 protein failed to bind. Moreover, SlSYP121 acts as a positive regulator of drought tolerance. Our findings further demonstrate that the interaction between CIP2b and SlWRKY16 reduces the binding affinity of SlWRKY16 to the SlSYP121 promoter. This study identified a key SNP associated with differences in drought tolerance between wild and cultivated tomato, elucidated the regulatory function of the SlWRKY16-CIP2b-SlSYP121 module in the tomato drought response, and enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant drought resistance.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Droughts
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics
Stress, Physiological/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Drought Resistance

@article {pmid41735098,
year = {2026},
author = {Naruse, K and Loosli, F and Ansai, S and Birney, E and Wittbrodt, J},
title = {Medaka: a novel model for analyzing genome-environment interactions.},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {350-361},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2025.12.005},
pmid = {41735098},
issn = {0168-9525},
mesh = {Animals ; *Oryzias/genetics ; *Gene-Environment Interaction ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; *Genome ; Quantitative Trait Loci ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; },
abstract = {Medaka is an established vertebrate model system for biological and biomedical research. It possesses unique features that make it particularly suitable for studying genome-environment interactions. Endemic to habitats spanning from 4 to 40°C and varying salinities, it combines broad ecological adaptability with experimental tractability. Its exceptional tolerance to inbreeding enabled the creation of the Medaka Inbred Kiyosu-Karlsruhe panel-80 near-isogenic, fully sequenced lines derived from a single wild population. More than 100 wild-derived, fully sequenced strains, collected throughout East Asia for more than 40 years, show relatively low intra-strain variation (inbreeding coefficient of >0.75) but high inter-strain variability (SNP rates >4%). Advanced quantification methods facilitate genome-wide association studies and quantitative trait locus mapping. The system's amenability to clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 editing and emerging epigenomic profiling enables causal validation and regulatory-mechanism discovery. Collectively, medaka offers an unparalleled vertebrate framework for integrating genetics, environment, and epigenetics-bridging evolutionary, biomedical, and population-level perspectives.},
}

Animals
*Oryzias/genetics
*Gene-Environment Interaction
Genome-Wide Association Study
*Genome
Quantitative Trait Loci
CRISPR-Cas Systems

@article {pmid41735520,
year = {2026},
author = {Panji, JM and Germano, RFV and America, M and Lou, L and Lecordier, L and Tebabi, P and Martin, M and Vanhollebeke, B},
title = {Scalable and multimodal brain angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier genetics by somatic mutagenesis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41735520},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {Ctrl-BBB 865176//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism ; Zebrafish/genetics ; *Mutagenesis ; *Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics ; Mice ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Brain/blood supply ; Mice, Transgenic ; *Angiogenesis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex neuroprotective structure whose maturation begins during brain angiogenesis and is completed postnatally. Despite its clinical importance, our understanding of BBB ontogeny and regulation remains limited. This shortcoming results from the difficulty of modeling the BBB in vitro and the current limitation of in vivo BBB genetics to low-throughput Mendelian genetic approaches. In addition, a single animal model facilitating the study of the neurovascular events occurring during both embryogenesis and adulthood is lacking. Here, leveraging the complementary anatomical and experimental attributes of mice and zebrafish, we present an integrated somatic CRISPR-Cas9 gene disruption strategy that allows us to assess candidate genes for their role in brain angiogenesis and BBB permeability within two and six weeks, respectively. Phenotypic assessment of brain angiogenesis is conducted in the transparent embryonic zebrafish hindbrain, while BBB maintenance is evaluated at both the behavioral and the functional level by combining endothelial-specific Cas9 transgenic mice and BBB-targeting adeno-associated viruses. The quick turnaround time and multiplexing capacity of our multi-species approach enable multimodal BBB functional genomics.},
}

Animals
*Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism
Zebrafish/genetics
*Mutagenesis
*Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics
Mice
CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Brain/blood supply
Mice, Transgenic
*Angiogenesis/genetics

@article {pmid41735731,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, R and Chen, J and Li, Y and Chen, DY and Kang, X and Dong, S and Yuan, X and Li, X and Gao, L and Yang, G and Chu, X and Wang, JG},
title = {CRISPR/Cas9-mediated α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) mutagenesis increases the content of functional amino acids in foxtail millet (Setaria italica).},
journal = {Plant cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41735731},
issn = {1432-203X},
support = {2023YFD1202702-6//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2025QNLJ203//"Youth Science and Technology Leadership Talent Training Program" of Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; },
mesh = {*Setaria Plant/genetics/metabolism ; *Amino Acids/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; *Prolamins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Editing ; *Mutagenesis/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Nutritive Value ; },
abstract = {The gene editing of α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) exhibited significant increases in multiple functional aminoacids. The vast majority sugar components showed significant increases in the gene editing lines. Knockout of the prolamin gene not only improves the nutritional quality but also affects its eating quality. Proteins in foxtail millet exhibits a balanced amino acid composition that meets human dietary requirements.Prolamins are notably deficient in essential amino acids such as lysine, the structure, morphology, and functional characteristics of foxtail millet prolamin have been sufficiently elucidated, but the biological roles of prolamin genesstill need further exploration. This study demonstrates that the α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) plays crucial roles in regulating prolamin content, functional amino acid and sugar components levels, potentially serving as an important target for improving both nutritional and eating quality of foxtail millet. These findings provide scientific foundations for developing novel nutritionally fortified functional foxtail millet products, breeding new foxtail millet varieties enriched with functional amino acids for human health benefits.},
}

*Setaria Plant/genetics/metabolism
*Amino Acids/metabolism
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
*Prolamins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Editing
*Mutagenesis/genetics
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Plants, Genetically Modified
Nutritive Value

@article {pmid41736546,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, C and Ye, K and Shang, Y and Song, Y and Li, P and Jiang, X and Yang, C and Liang, A and Zhang, J and Meng, F and Zhang, M},
title = {Spatially concentrated adenine base editors efficiently correct PLP1 mutations in oligodendrocytes.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41736546},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {32370853//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Oligodendroglia/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; Animals ; *Myelin Proteolipid Protein/genetics/metabolism ; *Adenine/metabolism ; Mutation ; Mice ; *Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease/genetics/therapy/pathology ; Humans ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, are particularly prone to pathogenic G-to-A mutations, such as PLP1A243V, which causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), a lethal hypomyelinating disorder lacking effective therapy. Although adenine base editors (ABEs) can in principle correct such mutations, their application in OLs is limited by inefficient on-target editing. Here, we develop a spatially concentrated ABE (cABE) strategy that enhances editing by promoting nuclear translocation of tRNA adenosine deaminase (TadA*) from the cytoplasm. Using a SunTag-based multivalent recruitment system, TadA* is locally enriched at genomic targets (cABE-1.0), achieving robust editing in vitro. To enable in vivo delivery while preserving high efficiency and fidelity, SpCas9 is replaced with compact eNme2-C Cas9, generating an AAV-compatible variant (cABE-2.0). Notably, cABE-2.0 forms dynamic nuclear puncta with properties of liquid-liquid phase separation, enhancing on-target editing while substantially reducing transcriptome-wide RNA off-target effects. Functionally, cABE-2.0 efficiently corrects the PLP1A243V mutation in OLs, restores Plp subcellular localization, and rescues myelination-related phenotypes. These findings demonstrate that spatial reorganization, rather than increasing intrinsic catalytic activity of TadA*, provides a distinct principle for improving base editing in difficult-to-edit cell types, such as OLs, offering a mechanistic and technical framework for gene therapy of PMD and related myelin disorders.},
}

*Oligodendroglia/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
Animals
*Myelin Proteolipid Protein/genetics/metabolism
*Adenine/metabolism
Mutation
Mice
*Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease/genetics/therapy/pathology
Humans
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid41736562,
year = {2026},
author = {Purvis, IJ and Ochoa Olmos, OE and Park, KU and Kaufman, ML and Henry, CM and Schaaf, C and Clise, OJ and Tesdahl, CD and Haas, A and Brzezinski, JA},
title = {A robust cis-regulatory network ensures Otx2 expression during retinal development.},
journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {153},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/dev.204881},
pmid = {41736562},
issn = {1477-9129},
support = {R01-EY024272/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Research to Prevent Blindness/ ; R01 EY024272/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; F31-EY034794/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; F31 EY034794/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; F31EY034794/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Gates Institute/ ; //Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado/ ; //University of Colorado/ ; },
mesh = {*Otx Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Animals ; *Retina/metabolism/embryology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics ; Mice ; *Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; },
abstract = {The transcription factor Otx2 is essential for photoreceptor and bipolar cell formation during retinal development. Otx2 expression is complex and underlies multiple cell fate decisions during development. To understand how Otx2 expression is regulated, we explored the activity and function of three of its enhancers (DHS2, DHS4 and DHS15). Enhancer reporter assays and lineage tracing show that DHS4 initiates Otx2 expression while DHS2 and DHS15 maintain expression in photoreceptors. Matched CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR interference systems were used to mutate or epigenetically silence enhancers, respectively. CRISPR reduced OTX2 expression acutely, but failed to significantly alter cell fate choice over the long term. In contrast, CRISPR interference of these enhancers caused permanent OTX2 loss and corresponding cell fate changes. While these data suggest that each enhancer is needed for normal Otx2 expression, it also highlights that the enhancers can interact and substitute for each other during development. This cis-regulatory element flexibility likely promotes Otx2 expression robustness. Such robustness may enable complex genes, like Otx2, to resist environmental stressors and regulatory disruptions to promote reproducible developmental outcomes.},
}

*Otx Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
Animals
*Retina/metabolism/embryology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
Mice
*Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics

@article {pmid41738557,
year = {2026},
author = {Girard, V and Sorge, S and Kurth, J and Alexandre, C and Gould, AP},
title = {ShineGAL4 drivers for tissue and cell-type specific optogenetics in Drosophila.},
journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {153},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41738557},
issn = {1477-9129},
support = {FC001088/CRUK_/Cancer Research UK/United Kingdom ; FC001088/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; FC001088/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 223760/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 104566/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 543-2022//EMBO/ ; //Francis Crick Institute/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Optogenetics/methods ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Organ Specificity/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Neurons/metabolism ; *Drosophila/genetics ; },
abstract = {An optogenetic split-GAL4 system, ShineGAL4, allows genes to be manipulated with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision. Here, we convert a panel of 14 GAL4 drivers widely used in Drosophila research into their ShineGAL4 counterparts. Homology assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) is used to replace GAL4 with the GAL4 DNA binding domain fused to a Magnet photoswitch. We show that the resulting ShineGAL4 drivers enable gene expression to be rapidly induced by light specifically in fat body, muscles, enterocytes, oenocytes, Malpighian tubules, neurons, neuroblast lineages, glial subtypes or in all glia. We also develop an optogenetic cassette for photoactivation of GAL4 in 'silent' FLP-out clones. This panel of optogenetic tools will enable precise spatiotemporal control of gene expression in a wide range of different Drosophila tissues and cell-types.},
}

Animals
*Optogenetics/methods
*Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
*Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
Organ Specificity/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Neurons/metabolism
*Drosophila/genetics

@article {pmid41738762,
year = {2026},
author = {Irfan, M and Duran-Pinedo, A and Solbiati, J and Rocha, FG and Gibson, FC and Frias-Lopez, J},
title = {A CRISPR array orchestrates virulence and host response in Porphyromonas gingivalis.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0283425},
pmid = {41738762},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {R01 DE029775/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; DE029775/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Porphyromonas gingivalis/genetics/pathogenicity ; Animals ; Virulence/genetics ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Macrophages/microbiology/immunology ; Humans ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Moths/microbiology ; Bacteroidaceae Infections/microbiology/immunology ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; THP-1 Cells ; Larva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {CRISPR-Cas systems are primarily recognized for their defensive role against foreign DNA. Recent studies, however, indicate involvement in regulatory functions. The persistence of a large spacer array without apparent phage targets in Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 remains unexplained. This study demonstrates that deletion of the non-coding CRISPR array 30.1 in P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 results in increased biofilm formation, elevated virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model, and significant alterations in the macrophage transcriptomic response. The ΔCRISPR-30.1 mutant forms twice as much biofilm as the wild type, induces 50% mortality in Galleria larvae within 130 h compared to 200 h for the wild type (P < 0.0001), and elicits a cytokine profile characterized by increased IL-6, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL9 secretion. Dual RNA sequencing of THP-1 macrophages infected with wild-type and ΔCRISPR 30.1 strains reveals that the loss of the array activates bacterial metabolic and secretion pathways while suppressing host innate and adaptive immune signaling. Single-primer amplification (SPA) identifies numerous self-genome loci bound by individual 30.1 spacers, supporting a direct, spacer-mediated regulatory mechanism. These findings establish CRISPR array 30.1 as a previously unrecognized regulator of P. gingivalis physiology and host-pathogen interactions.IMPORTANCECRISPR-Cas systems are established as adaptive immune elements, yet spacer arrays without known targets are frequently observed in bacteria and often lack a defined function. In P. gingivalis, a keystone periodontal pathogen, a non-coding CRISPR array has been shown to regulate biofilm formation, virulence in an invertebrate model, and the macrophage transcriptional response. This expands the recognized functions of CRISPR arrays to include the direct regulation of bacterial physiology and the modulation of host immune responses, identifying CRISPR spacers as potential targets for antimicrobial interventions. Furthermore, elucidating the role of CRISPR arrays in P. gingivalis may have broader clinical implications, given the established associations between periodontal health and systemic inflammatory diseases. Targeting spacer arrays to modulate bacterial virulence could influence the management of these conditions and enhance the translational relevance of such therapeutic strategies.},
}

*Porphyromonas gingivalis/genetics/pathogenicity
Animals
Virulence/genetics
Biofilms/growth & development
Macrophages/microbiology/immunology
Humans
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Moths/microbiology
Bacteroidaceae Infections/microbiology/immunology
Cytokines/metabolism
Host-Pathogen Interactions
THP-1 Cells
Larva/microbiology

@article {pmid41739553,
year = {2026},
author = {Valinsky, WC and Ray, RP and Schaefer, KS and Grimm, JB and Nicolini, C and Lavis, LD and Clapham, DE},
title = {Phenotypic CRISPR screens identify NLRX1 as an essential activator of the human mitochondrial permeability transition.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {9},
pages = {e2535298123},
pmid = {41739553},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {NA//Janelia Research Campus (Janelia)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Calcium/metabolism ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; *Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Mitochondrial Membranes/metabolism ; Phenotype ; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Permeability ; Calcium Channels/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) is an evolutionarily conserved destructive process that permeabilizes the inner mitochondrial membrane in response to calcium overload. The molecular mechanism underlying the mPT is not established. To unambiguously identify essential proteins, we designed two phenotypic assays for mitochondrial calcium overload and applied them to FACS-based CRISPR screening in human cells, ultimately evaluating 19,113 genes. The first screen studied mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse in response to calcium overload. Top-ranked genes were the essential proteins of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex, MCU and EMRE, reflecting that the calcium-induced MMP collapse results from mitochondrial calcium entry and not the mPT. The second screen measured the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, the fluorescent interaction of a membrane impermeant ~600 Da dye and a mitochondrial-targeted HaloTag protein was studied under mPT activating conditions; calcium overload and the thiol-reactive molecule phenylarsine oxide. With secondary validation, we identified four protein-encoding genes that delayed or prevented the mPT under knockout: NF2, REST, BPTF, and NRLX1. Knockout of the nonmitochondrial proteins BPTF, NF2, or REST increased mitochondrial calcium retention capacity (CRC). However, calcium release or sensitivity to cyclosporin A (CsA) persisted, indicative of mPT sensitizers. Only knockout of the mitochondrial matrix protein, NLRX1, increased CRC, abolished calcium release, and was CsA-insensitive. This top-ranked hit of the mitochondrial permeability screen meets the definition of an essential mPT activator. Integral membrane proteins, including all previously proposed mPT candidates, were not essential activators.},
}

Humans
Calcium/metabolism
*Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics
*Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Mitochondrial Membranes/metabolism
Phenotype
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Permeability
Calcium Channels/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid41740027,
year = {2026},
author = {Duarte, DF and Lucena, LP and Gonçalves, MHO and Benko-Iseppon, AM and Aburjaile, F and Azevedo, V and Brenig, B and Gama, MAS and Souza, EB},
title = {Phylogenomic analysis of Paracidovorax citrulli strains reveals the presence of two lineages in Brazil.},
journal = {Genetics and molecular biology},
volume = {48},
number = {4},
pages = {e20250046},
pmid = {41740027},
issn = {1415-4757},
abstract = {Paracidovorax citrulli is the causative agent of bacterial fruit blotch in melons and watermelons. This study used comparative genomic approaches of 17 Brazilian P. citrulli strains obtained from melons and watermelons to classify them into groups I and II and try to understand their genomic differences. The genomes of P. citrulli presented general characteristics similar to those shown for the genomes of the type strain of P. citrulli and reference strains of groups I and II. A phylogenomic analysis revealed two distinct groups of P. citrulli, in which most Brazilian P. citrulli strains were grouped with the strain representing group I. CRISPR-Cas analysis revealed the presence of two proteins, Cas3 and Cas10, in all Brazilian P. citrulli genomes. In addition, we observed the presence of two plasmids (pAMC6 and pAC53) in three Brazilian P. citrulli strains, all closely related to group I. The prediction of effector proteins revealed the XopE/AvrPphe protein as a differential between the strains of groups I and II. The present study will contribute to a more detailed understanding of aspects of host-pathogen interactions and will help improve the detection of strains from these groups, thus elucidating the population dynamics of Brazilian strains of P. citrulli.},
}

@article {pmid41740122,
year = {2026},
author = {Yıldırım, K and Kavas, M},
title = {The role of CRISPR in modern plant breeding: overcoming breeding barriers and legislative challenges through transgene-free genome editing.},
journal = {Genome},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1139/gen-2025-0063},
pmid = {41740122},
issn = {1480-3321},
mesh = {*Plant Breeding/methods/legislation & jurisprudence ; *Gene Editing/methods/legislation & jurisprudence ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics ; *Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; *Genome, Plant ; Transgenes ; },
abstract = {Traditional plant breeding techniques-such as crossbreeding, mutation breeding, and marker-assisted selection-have significantly contributed to crop improvement over the past century. However, these methods are often limited by long breeding cycles, low precision, and the unintended transfer of undesirable traits. To address these challenges, transgenic breeding emerged as a powerful tool, enabling the introduction of specific foreign genes to confer desirable traits such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. While highly effective and precise, transgenic approaches face considerable regulatory and public acceptance barriers, particularly in regions with strict GMO legislation. The advent of CRISPR/Cas genome editing has revolutionized plant breeding by enabling precise, efficient, and targeted modification of native genes, significantly accelerating the development of improved crops. Among CRISPR-based methods, transgene-free genome editing has gained prominence for producing enhanced plant varieties without integrating foreign DNA, thus avoiding many regulatory constraints associated with GMOs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CRISPR-mediated genome editing technologies in crop innovation, emphasizing especially the use of transgene-free approaches in modern plant breeding and their transformative potential to overcome the limitations of conventional methods while providing a regulation-friendly pathway for crop improvement.},
}

*Plant Breeding/methods/legislation & jurisprudence
*Gene Editing/methods/legislation & jurisprudence
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics
*Genome, Plant
Transgenes

@article {pmid41740934,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, W and Zhu, S and Dong, Q and Tang, S and Liu, Q and Sha, Y and Chen, T and Wang, R and Chen, Y and Ying, H},
title = {Engineering Escherichia coli cell Factories for continuous 5'-cytidine monophosphate production via biofilm-anchored dual-enzyme cascade catalysis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {447},
number = {},
pages = {134267},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134267},
pmid = {41740934},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Escherichia coli/metabolism/genetics/enzymology ; *Cytidine Monophosphate/biosynthesis ; Biocatalysis ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Uridine Kinase/metabolism ; },
abstract = {5'-cytidine monophosphate (5'-CMP) serves as a crucial intermediate for diverse nucleotide derivatives and finds extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, existing enzymatic production processes suffer from low catalytic efficiency and poor economic feasibility. In this study, we developed a continuous 5'-CMP production system based on a cell-enzyme co-immobilized biocatalytic platform. First, the pgaABCD gene cluster was integrated into ClearColi BL21(DE3) using CRISPR-Cas9, enhancing its biofilm-forming capacity by 168.93% and enabling robust cell immobilization on the carrier. Second, a dual-anchoring strategy utilizing ice-nucleation protein (INP) and autotransporter (AIDA-I) enabled surface display of uridine kinase (UDK) and acetate kinase (AckA) on the cell surface. This approach successfully addressed the instability and recovery issues of free enzymes by using biofilm engineering to co-immobilize cells and enzymes. The modified strain achieved a 5'-CMP productivity of 1.77 mmol/L/h, 5.98-fold higher than free intracellular enzyme catalysis, and was reused for ten consecutive cycles under the tested conditions while maintaining a cytidine conversion rate above 73.79%, and a 5'-CMP yield above 59.26%. This work demonstrates the first successful realization of continuous 5'-CMP biosynthesis and establishes an efficient route for its industrial production.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Escherichia coli/metabolism/genetics/enzymology
*Cytidine Monophosphate/biosynthesis
Biocatalysis
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Uridine Kinase/metabolism

@article {pmid41741438,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, T and Lin, Y and Liu, Q and Liao, W and Lin, Y and Zhang, Y and Zhang, J and Cao, W and Yang, L and Hong, Z and Lu, Z},
title = {Target-stabilized base editors enable robust high-fidelity RNA editing.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41741438},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {82327805//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; KQTD20210811090117032//Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission/ ; },
mesh = {*RNA Editing/genetics ; *Adenosine Deaminase/genetics/metabolism ; Humans ; Animals ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism ; HEK293 Cells ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Mutation ; Gene Editing/methods ; Mice ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {RNA base editing using engineered deaminases represents a powerful tool to correct mutations at the RNA level. However, widespread off-target effects, primarily arising from dissociated free deaminases, remain a significant challenge. Here, we devise the RECODE (RNA editing with conditionally stable and enhanced ADAR1 deaminase variants) system, which employs designer degron-tagged ADAR1 deaminase (ADAR1d) with guide RNA (gRNA)-regulated stability. By promoting degradation of gRNA-unbound ADAR1d, RECODE markedly reduces transcriptome-wide edits while maintaining high on-target efficacy. Engineering gRNA for target RNA-induced conformational switching confines ADAR1d stabilization to intended editing sites, further enhancing editing precision. With structure-guided rational engineering of ADAR1d, RECODE efficiently corrects an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-relevant FUS mutation and installs a therapeutic mutation to Angptl3 in vivo, which mitigate FUS mislocalization to neuronal axons and lower plasma lipids, respectively. These findings establish RECODE as a highly stringent and efficient RNA editing technology and underscore a general principle for enhancing the specificity of RNA-guided protein effectors.},
}

*RNA Editing/genetics
*Adenosine Deaminase/genetics/metabolism
Humans
Animals
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics/metabolism
HEK293 Cells
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Mutation
Gene Editing/methods
Mice
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics

@article {pmid41741470,
year = {2026},
author = {Aird, EJ and Serrano-Benitez, A and Siegner, SM and Cannavo, E and Belotserkovskaya, R and Gueorguieva, N and Fielden, J and Cullot, G and Ammann, S and Bader, AS and Gupta, V and Andrieux, G and Raab, R and Del Rey González, M and Cathomen, T and Cejka, P and Corn, JE and Jackson, SP},
title = {ERCC6L2 ensures repair fidelity for staggered-end DNA double-strand breaks.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41741470},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {855741-DDREAMM-ERC-2019-SyG//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; 855741-DDREAMM-ERC-2019-SyG//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded ; Humans ; *DNA Helicases/metabolism/genetics ; *DNA Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism/genetics ; MRE11 Homologue Protein/metabolism/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Editing ; Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; DNA Repair Enzymes/metabolism/genetics ; Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/metabolism ; HEK293 Cells ; Nuclear Proteins/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins ; Acid Anhydride Hydrolases ; CRISPR-Associated Proteins ; },
abstract = {DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) both pose threats to genome integrity and are commonly used for genome editing applications. Structural features of DSB ends play key roles in determining DNA repair pathway usage and outcomes during genome editing, but the cellular factors involved in these processes are only partially known. Through genome-wide CRISPRi screening, we identify ERCC6L2 as critical for repairing Cas12a-induced staggered DSBs but irrelevant for Cas9-induced blunt DSBs. We show that ERCC6L2 acts as a protection factor for staggered DSBs with either 5' or 3' polarity, preventing large deletions and translocations stemming from DNA damage induced by Cas12a, TALENs, or dual Cas9 nicks. Furthermore, ERCC6L2 loss hyper-sensitizes cells to multiple staggered DSBs induced by promiscuous Cas12a activity or etoposide-induced TOP2 trapping. By combining genetics and biochemical reconstitution, we find that ERCC6L2 counteracts MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN)-mediated resection by binding and melting staggered DNA ends, thereby promoting accurate end joining. Our data reveal a protective role of ERCC6L2 in staggered-end DSB repair, which suggests the molecular underpinnings of pathology in patients with ERCC6L2 mutations and cautions against using overhang-inducing genome editing tools for their treatment.},
}

*DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
Humans
*DNA Helicases/metabolism/genetics
*DNA Repair
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism/genetics
MRE11 Homologue Protein/metabolism/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Editing
Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism/genetics
DNA Repair Enzymes/metabolism/genetics
Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/metabolism
HEK293 Cells
Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins
Acid Anhydride Hydrolases
CRISPR-Associated Proteins

@article {pmid41741636,
year = {2026},
author = {Mathiowetz, AJ and Meymand, ES and Parlakgül, G and van Hilten, N and Torres, EF and Artico, LL and Deol, KK and Lange, M and Pang, SP and Doubravsky, CE and Roberts, MA and Jorgens, DM and Zalpuri, R and Kang, M and Boone, C and Parks, BW and Zhang, Y and Morgens, DW and Newman, ET and Zhou, Y and Talukdar, S and Grabe, M and Ku, G and Levine, TP and Arruda, AP and Olzmann, JA},
title = {CLCC1 promotes hepatic neutral lipid flux and nuclear pore complex assembly.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {652},
number = {8109},
pages = {462-470},
pmid = {41741636},
issn = {1476-4687},
support = {R01 HL147097/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA305423/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK098722/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK128099/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM137109/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM112948/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK140367/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Nuclear Pore/metabolism ; *Liver/metabolism/cytology ; Hepatocytes/metabolism ; Lipid Droplets/metabolism ; Humans ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Male ; Fatty Liver/metabolism/pathology/genetics ; Membrane Fusion ; *Lipid Metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mice, Knockout ; Lipoproteins/metabolism ; Nuclear Envelope/metabolism ; Female ; },
abstract = {Imbalances in lipid storage and secretion lead to hepatic steatosis, the accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes[1,2]. Our understanding of the mechanisms that govern the channelling of neutral lipids in hepatocytes towards cytosolic lipid droplets or secreted lipoproteins remains incomplete[3,4]. Here we performed a series of CRISPR-Cas9 screens under different metabolic states that led to the identification of CLCC1 as a critical regulator of neutral lipid storage and secretion in hepatocytes. Loss of CLCC1 resulted in the buildup of large lipid droplets in hepatoma cells and Clcc1 knockout in mice caused liver steatosis. Lipid droplets were present in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum of the Clcc1-knockout hepatocytes and exhibited properties of lipoproteins, indicating a profound shift in neutral lipid flux. The loss of CLCC1 also led to the accumulation of nuclear membrane herniations accompanied by a reduction in nuclear pores. Remote homology searches identified a domain in CLCC1 that is homologous to yeast Brl1 and Brr6, factors that promote nuclear envelope fusion during nuclear pore complex assembly. Molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis studies support a model in which CLCC1 mediates membrane bending and fusion. We propose that CLCC1 mediates membrane fusion to promote hepatic neutral lipid flux and nuclear pore complex assembly.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Nuclear Pore/metabolism
*Liver/metabolism/cytology
Hepatocytes/metabolism
Lipid Droplets/metabolism
Humans
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Male
Fatty Liver/metabolism/pathology/genetics
Membrane Fusion
*Lipid Metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Mice, Knockout
Lipoproteins/metabolism
Nuclear Envelope/metabolism
Female