Exploiting the CRISPR/Cas9 PAM Constraint for Single-Nucleotide Resolution Interventions

PLoS One. 2016 Jan 20;11(1):e0144970. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144970. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 is an enabling RNA-guided technology for genome targeting and engineering. An acute DNA binding constraint of the Cas9 protein is the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM). Here we demonstrate that the PAM requirement can be exploited to specifically target single-nucleotide heterozygous mutations while exerting no aberrant effects on the wild-type alleles. Specifically, we target the heterozygous G13A activating mutation of KRAS in colorectal cancer cells and we show reversal of drug resistance to a MEK small-molecule inhibitor. Our study introduces a new paradigm in genome editing and therapeutic targeting via the use of gRNA to guide Cas9 to a desired protospacer adjacent motif.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA Editing
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics

Substances

  • AZD 6244
  • Benzimidazoles
  • KRAS protein, human
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • RNA
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)