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Results for “Gene Targeting”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2025

Functional genetics of rice PISTILLATA genes reveals new roles and target genes in flowering time, female fertility, and parthenocarpy.

Floral organ identity is controlled largely by the combinatorial action of MADS domain homeotic transcription factors. Lodicules are specialized plant organs in cereals and grasses that are involved in floret opening and facilitate pollination and fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L.). To understand the mechanisms underlying the specification of the rice lodicule, we investigated the developmental functions of the rice PISTILLATA (PI) paralogs, OsMADS2, and OsMADS4. Null osmads2 mutants reiterated OsMADS2 nonredundant lodicule specification roles and revealed new roles in flowering time and floral organ number and fate. Doubly perturbed osmads2 osmads4kd florets had severe abnormalities, were female infertile, yet could initiate parthenocarpy. Ubiquitous OsMADS4 overexpression rescued osmads2 abnormalities. We also utilized genome-wide binding analyses and transcriptome profiling to identify putative target genes contributing to OsMADS2 functions. In osmads2d8/d8 null mutant, we observed deregulated genes in a plethora of processes including lodicule and stamen development, floral organ number, and cell wall development. Some examples are cell division regulators (Cyclin D6, Cyclin-P4-1-like), an aquaporin (PIP1A), a peptide transporter, a vascular developmental regulator (HOX1), and a cell wall modulator (GH9B16). The deregulation of these genes may be associated with the disrupted cell division, tissue differentiation, and physiology of the malformed lodicules in osmads2 and osmads2 osmads4kd florets. Altogether, we reveal novel roles for the rice PI paralogs in flowering time, panicle exsertion, and embryo sac differentiation, identify gene targets for lodicule development, and provide mechanistic insights on the functional diversification of rice PI paralogs.

Oryza↗

PubMed2012

The nontoxic cell cycle modulator indirubin augments transduction of adeno-associated viral vectors and zinc-finger nuclease-mediated gene targeting.

Parameters that regulate or affect the cell cycle or the DNA repair choice between non-homologous end-joining and homology-directed repair (HDR) are excellent targets to enhance therapeutic gene targeting. Here, we have evaluated the impact of five cell-cycle modulating drugs on targeted genome engineering mediated by DNA double-strand break (DSB)-inducing nucleases, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs). For a side-by-side comparison, we have established four reporter cell lines by integrating a mutated EGFP gene into either three transformed human cell lines or primary umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs). After treatment with different cytostatic drugs, cells were transduced with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that encode a nuclease or a repair donor to rescue EGFP expression through DSB-induced HDR. We show that transient cell-cycle arrest increased AAV transduction and AAV-mediated HDR up to six-fold in human cell lines and ten-fold in UC-MSCs, respectively. Targeted gene correction was observed in up to 34% of transduced cells. Both the absolute and the relative gene-targeting frequencies were dependent on the cell type, the cytostatic drug, the vector dose, and the nuclease. Treatment of cells with the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor indirubin-3'-monoxime was especially promising as this compound combined high stimulatory effects with minimal cytotoxicity. In conclusion, indirubin-3'-monoxime significantly improved AAV transduction and the efficiency of AAV/ZFN-mediated gene targeting and may thus represent a promising compound to enhance DSB-mediated genome engineering in human stem cells, such as UC-MSCs, which hold great promise for future clinical applications.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed1991

Modifying the mammalian genome by gene targeting.

Over the past year, gene targeting in mammalian cells has become a facile technology. By using a variety of selection and screening protocols, it has become possible to direct modifications at the nucleotide level to specific genes, to target marker genes so that they become expressed under the control of endogenous promoters and to delete large regions of the genome.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Gene targeting in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Gene targeting of a chromosomally integrated transgene in Arabidopsis thaliana is reported. A chimeric gene consisting of the promoter of the 35S RNA of CaMV, the polyadenylation signal of the octopine synthase gene and the coding region of the bacterial hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hpt), which was rendered non-functional by deletion of 19 bp, was introduced into the genome of A. thaliana using Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. A total of 3.46 x 10(8) protoplasts isolated from 17 independent transgenic Arabidopsis lines harbouring the defective chimeric hpt gene were transformed via direct gene transfer using various DNA forms containing only the intact coding region of the hpt gene. Out of 150 hygromycin-resistant colonies appearing in the course of these experiments, four were the result of targeted recombination of the incoming DNA with the defective chromosomal locus as revealed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Comparison with the number of transformants obtained when an hpt gene controlled by a promoter and terminator from the nopaline synthase gene was employed results in a maximal ratio of homologous to non-homologous transformation in A. thaliana of 1 x 10(-4).

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Vesicular stomatitis virus matrix protein inhibits host cell-directed transcription of target genes in vivo.

Infection by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) results in a rapid inhibition of host cell transcription and translation. To determine whether the viral matrix (M) protein was involved in this inhibition of host cell gene expression, an M protein expression vector was cotransfected with a target gene vector, encoding the target gene, encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). Expression of M protein caused a decrease in CAT activity in a gene dosage-dependent manner, and inhibition was apparent by 12 h posttransfection. The inhibitory effect of M protein was quite potent. The level of M protein required for a 10-fold inhibition of CAT activity was less than 1% of the level of M protein produced during the sixth hour of VSV infection. Northern (RNA) analysis of cotransfected cells showed that expression of M protein caused a reduction in the steady-state level of the vector-encoded mRNAs. Expression of both CAT and M mRNAs was reduced in cells cotransfected with a plasmid encoding M protein, indicating that expression of small amounts of M protein from plasmid DNA inhibits further expression of both M and CAT mRNAs. Nuclear runoff transcription analysis demonstrated that expression of M protein inhibited transcription of the target genes. This is the first report of a viral gene product which is capable of inhibiting transcription in vivo in the absence of any other viral component.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Disruption of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene in embryonic stem cells by gene targeting.

We have successfully disrupted the cftr (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene at its endogenous locus in embryonic stem cells by gene targeting. We are using a double replacement strategy to introduce subtle mutations into exon 10. We report here the first step of creating a null mutation by insertion of a functional hprt (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase) mini-gene into exon 10 of the cftr gene. Targeted embryonic stem cell clones were identified by PCR screening and confirmed by Southern blot analysis. One of the cftr targeted clones has been injected into recipient blastocysts and shown to contribute to chimaeras. The targeted clones will now be used as the starting point for a second gene targeting step to remove the hprt gene in exon 10 with the concomitant introduction of the delta F508 mutation or other mutations.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Measuring FOXO Activity by Using qPCR-Based Expression Analysis of FOXO Target Genes.

FOXO transcription factors belong to the forkhead protein family and are distinguished by their unique forkhead (FKH) DNA-binding domain. In the realm of mammals, four FOXO paralogs are recognized: FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6. These paralogs are evolutionary counterparts of the daf-16 gene discovered in the nematode C. elegans. A key feature shared by these paralogs is a consensus binding site known as the DAF-16 family protein-binding site (DBE: 5'-TTGTTTAC-3'). The functional outcome of FOXO transcription factors primarily hinges on their affinity for these specific binding sites within the promoters of their target genes. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that many of these target genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns. Consequently, there is not a single FOXO target gene whose expression can reliably serve as a universal indicator of FOXO activity across all cell types and tissues or in response to all stimuli. In light of these considerations, we present a collection of target genes that, when collectively assessed, can accurately gauge FOXO activation. In this chapter, we outline a specific protocol for utilizing quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression levels of these genes.

Forkhead Transcription Factors↗

PubMed2024

In vivo vitamin D target genes interconnect key signaling pathways of innate immunity.

The vitamin D3 metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), its nuclear receptor VDR (vitamin D receptor) and hundreds of their target genes are not only key regulators of calcium homeostasis, but also important modulators of the immune system. Innate immune cells like monocytes use VDR for efficient differentiation and are very responsive to vitamin D. So far, most information on the gene regulatory function of vitamin D and its physiological impact had been obtained from in vitro studies using supraphysiological doses of 1,25(OH)2D3. Therefore, medical experiments like the study VitDHiD (NCT03537027), where 25 healthy individuals were supplemented once with a vitamin D3 bolus (80,000 IU), provide important insight into the response to vitamin D under in vivo conditions. In this study, we inspected 452 in vivo vitamin D target genes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) detected in VitDHiD and found 61 of them involved in eight major KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways of innate immunity. Under in vivo conditions in healthy individuals vitamin D either silences five pathways of innate immunity, stabilizes two and increases one, so that acute inflammation is suppressed and the release of cytokines is kept under control. A ranking of the 61 target genes by inducibility, basal expression and multiple involvements in the pathways highlighted the genes NFKBIA (NFκB inhibitor alpha), NFKBIZ, FOSL2 (FOS like 2, AP1 transcription factor subunit), JDP2 (Jun dimerization protein 2), PIK3R1 (phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1), CLEC7A (C-type lectin domain containing 7A), DUSP6 (dual specificity phosphatase 6), NCF2 (neutrophil cytosolic factor 2), PLCB1 (phospholipase C beta 1), PLCG2 and TNFAIP3 (TNF alpha induced protein 3). In conclusion, vitamin D's in vivo effect on innate immunity in healthy adults is mediated by the interconnection of the pathways of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, Toll-like receptor, chemokine and phagosome signaling, NOD-like receptor, C-type lectin receptor, apoptosis and interleukin 17 through a limited set of proteins encoded by key target genes.

Humans↗

PubMed1992

Modification of the apolipoprotein B gene in HepG2 cells by gene targeting.

The HepG2 cell line has been used extensively to study the synthesis and secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) B. In this study, we tested whether gene-targeting techniques can be used to inactivate one of the apo B alleles in HepG2 cells by homologous recombination using a transfected gene-targeting vector. Our vector contained exons 1-7 of the apo B gene, in which exon 2 was interrupted by a promoterless neomycin resistance (neo(r)) gene. The recombination of this vector with the cognate gene would inactivate an apo B allele and enable the apo B promoter to activate the transcription of the neo(r) gene. To detect the rare homologous recombinant clone, we developed a novel solid phase RIA that uses the apo B-specific monoclonal antibody MB19 to analyze the apo B secreted by G418-resistant (G418r) clones. Antibody MB19 detects a two-allele genetic polymorphism in apo B by binding to the apo B allotypes MB19(1) and MB19(2) with high and low affinity, respectively. HepG2 cells normally secrete both the apo B MB19 allotypes. Using the MB19 immunoassay, we identified a G418r HepG2 clone that had lost the ability to secrete the MB19(1) allotype. The inactivation of an apo B allele of this clone was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction amplification of an 865-bp fragment unique to the targeted apo B allele and by Southern blotting of genomic DNA. This study demonstrates that gene-targeting techniques can be used to modify the apo B gene in HepG2 cells and demonstrates the usefulness of a novel solid phase RIA system for detecting apo B gene targeting events in this cell line.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

The proneural proteins Atonal and Scute regulate neural target genes through different E-box binding sites.

For a particular functional family of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors, there is ample evidence that different factors regulate different target genes but little idea of how these different target genes are distinguished. We investigated the contribution of DNA binding site differences to the specificities of two functionally related proneural bHLH transcription factors required for the genesis of Drosophila sense organ precursors (Atonal and Scute). We show that the proneural target gene, Bearded, is regulated by both Scute and Atonal via distinct E-box consensus binding sites. By comparing with other Ato-dependent enhancer sequences, we define an Ato-specific binding consensus that differs from the previously defined Scute-specific E-box consensus, thereby defining distinct E(Ato) and E(Sc) sites. These E-box variants are crucial for function. First, tandem repeats of 20-bp sequences containing E(Ato) and E(Sc) sites are sufficient to confer Atonal- and Scute-specific expression patterns, respectively, on a reporter gene in vivo. Second, interchanging E(Ato) and E(Sc) sites within enhancers almost abolishes enhancer activity. While the latter finding shows that enhancer context is also important in defining how proneural proteins interact with these sites, it is clear that differential utilization of DNA binding sites underlies proneural protein specificity.

3' Flanking Region↗

PubMed1992

An animal model for cystic fibrosis made by gene targeting.

Cystic fibrosis results from defects in the gene encoding a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent chloride ion channel known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). To create an animal model for cystic fibrosis, mice were generated from embryonic stem cells in which the CFTR gene was disrupted by gene targeting. Mice homozygous for the disrupted gene display many features common to young human cystic fibrosis patients, including failure to thrive, meconium ileus, alteration of mucous and serous glands, and obstruction of glandlike structures with inspissated eosinophilic material. Death resulting from intestinal obstruction usually occurs before 40 days of age.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Identification of circulating miRNA alterations in diabetes patients excluding periodontitis effects: insights into target gene downregulation in diabetic complications.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces systemic complications through chronic metabolic dysregulation. Circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and may drive diabetes-associated pathologies. Although miRNAs have been widely studied in diabetes, the characterization of PD-independent miRNA signatures across tissues remains limited. This study aimed to identify DM-specific miRNA alterations and their contribution to systemic metabolic dysfunction independent of PD. METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples, and small RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRs) using the limma R package. Predicted target genes were identified using TargetScan and validated through bulk RNA sequencing datasets from four tissues-foot, kidney, pancreas, and retina. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, followed by Gene Ontology Biological Process (GOBP) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment to elucidate diabetes-related mechanisms. RESULTS: We identified 9 upregulated and 6 downregulated DE-miRs specific to the diabetic group. TargetScan predicted 216 upregulated and 64 downregulated target genes. Functional validation revealed that these genes were enriched in pathways related to glucose metabolism, cellular stress response, and tissue repair. Notably, SREK1 and GLIPR1 were commonly detected across all four tissues, suggesting potential systemic regulators of diabetes-related complications. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that circulating exosomal miRNAs, independent of periodontitis, may function as systemic regulators in diabetes. Unlike previous studies, which did not distinguish co-morbid periodontitis, we specifically defined PD-independent miRNA signatures and validated their cross-organ regulatory effects on target genes. Our results revealed a cross-organ miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identified common regulatory targets. These findings provide insights into both systemic and organ-specific mechanisms underlying diabetic complications and highlight the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

In vivo expansion of gene-targeted hepatocytes through transient inhibition of an essential gene.

Homology-directed repair (HDR)-based genome editing is an approach that could permanently correct a broad range of genetic diseases. However, its utility is limited by inefficient and imprecise DNA repair mechanisms in terminally differentiated tissues. Here, we tested Repair Drive, a platform technology for selectively expanding HDR-corrected hepatocytes in adult mice in vivo. Repair Drive involves transient conditioning of the liver by knocking down an essential gene, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah), and delivering an untargetable version of the essential gene in cis with a therapeutic transgene. We show that Repair Drive increased the percentage of correctly targeted hepatocytes in healthy wild-type mice up to 25%, which resulted in a fivefold increased expression of a therapeutic transgene, human factor IX (FIX). Repair Drive was well tolerated and did not induce toxicity or tumorigenesis during a 1-year follow-up. This approach may broaden the range of liver diseases that can be treated with somatic genome editing.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Gene targeting for somatic cell manipulation: rapid analysis of reduced chromosome hybrids by Alu-PCR fingerprinting and chromosome painting.

The techniques of reverse genetics rely heavily on parasexual methods for manipulating the human genome. However, the application of somatic cell genetics is severely limited by the availability of suitable endogenous selectable markers in the genome. We have addressed this problem by targeting a universally selectable marker into a predetermined region of the genome, using a stringent selection for homologous recombination. Correct gene targeting to human chromosome 7q11 was screened for by Southern blotting and confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Reduced chromosome 7 hybrids were generated by chromosome mediated gene transfer and selection for the neo gene. The resultant transgenomes were characterized by a combination of L1 fingerprinting, locus specific marker analysis, Alu-PCR and chromosome 'painting'. Alu-PCR and L1 'fingerprints' are complementary and mutually consistent. Chromosome 'painting' reflects and extends the results obtained for specific marker co-transfer. Thus Alu-PCR 'fingerprinting' and 'painting' combine to rapidly provide an accurate picture of transgenome content and complexity. Gene targeting, chromosome tagging and subsequent isolation can be applied to any region of the genome for which a molecular probe is available.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Homeotic genes of the Bithorax complex repress limb development in the abdomen of the Drosophila embryo through the target gene Distal-less.

Homeotic genes encode transcription factors that are thought to specify segmental identity by regulating expression of subordinate genes. Limb development is repressed in the abdominal segments of the Drosophila embryo by the hometic genes of the Bithorax complex (BX-C). Localized expression of the homeobox gene Distal-less (DII) is required for leg development in thoracic segments. We have identified a minimal cis-regulatory enhancer element that directs DII expression in the larval leg primordia. We present evidence that the BX-C proteins repress DII expression in abdominal segments by binding to a small number of specific sites in this element. Mutating these sites eliminates BX-C protein binding and renders the element insensitive to BX-C-mediated repression in vivo. Repression of limb development in the abdomen appears to be controlled at the DII enhancer. Thus DII may serve as a downstream target gene through which the homeotic genes control abdominal segment identity in the Drosophila embryo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2024

A systematic strategy for identifying causal single nucleotide polymorphisms and their target genes on Juvenile arthritis risk haplotypes.

BACKGROUND: Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple regions conferring genetic risk for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), we are still faced with the task of identifying the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the disease haplotypes that exert the biological effects that confer risk. Until we identify the risk-driving variants, identifying the genes influenced by these variants, and therefore translating genetic information to improved clinical care, will remain an insurmountable task. We used a function-based approach for identifying causal variant candidates and the target genes on JIA risk haplotypes. METHODS: We used a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) in myeloid K562 cells to query the effects of 5,226 SNPs in non-coding regions on JIA risk haplotypes for their ability to alter gene expression when compared to the common allele. The assay relies on 180 bp oligonucleotide reporters ("oligos") in which the allele of interest is flanked by its cognate genomic sequence. Barcodes were added randomly by PCR to each oligo to achieve > 20 barcodes per oligo to provide a quantitative read-out of gene expression for each allele. Assays were performed in both unstimulated K562 cells and cells stimulated overnight with interferon gamma (IFNg). As proof of concept, we then used CRISPRi to demonstrate the feasibility of identifying the genes regulated by enhancers harboring expression-altering SNPs. RESULTS: We identified 553 expression-altering SNPs in unstimulated K562 cells and an additional 490 in cells stimulated with IFNg. We further filtered the SNPs to identify those plausibly situated within functional chromatin, using open chromatin and H3K27ac ChIPseq peaks in unstimulated cells and open chromatin plus H3K4me1 in stimulated cells. These procedures yielded 42 unique SNPs (total = 84) for each set. Using CRISPRi, we demonstrated that enhancers harboring MPRA-screened variants in the TRAF1 and LNPEP/ERAP2 loci regulated multiple genes, suggesting complex influences of disease-driving variants. CONCLUSION: Using MPRA and CRISPRi, JIA risk haplotypes can be queried to identify plausible candidates for disease-driving variants. Once these candidate variants are identified, target genes can be identified using CRISPRi informed by the 3D chromatin structures that encompass the risk haplotypes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Multiomics approaches reveal direct NF-κB p65 target genes in pancreatic islets during cytokine exposure and in type 1 diabetes.

Autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes (T1D), are often characterized by overactive inflammatory signaling pathways. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) elicits global gene expression changes in islet β-cells which overlap with islets obtained from human donors with T1D. The direct transcriptional link between NF-κB subunit p65 and target genes involved with autoimmune events was investigated. We used a multiomics approach including bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq), and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq), alongside molecular docking simulations, and transcriptional assays. Through the various experimental modalities, we identified early response genes driven by IL-1β that were differentially expressed in pancreatic islets from human T1D donors and also conserved across mouse, rat, and human tissues. ChIP-Seq revealed genes that are direct genomic targets of the NF-κB p65 transcription factor. Moreover, regions that gained RNA polymerase II binding following cellular exposure to IL-1β were identified, complementing the early response gene profile induced by β-cell exposure to IL-1β. Molecular docking simulations predicted that mutations reducing p65 transcriptional capacity do not alter DNA binding ability. These findings clearly show that IL-1β signaling in pancreatic β-cells directs p65 to specific genomic regions congruent with increased gene expression relevant to T1D in β-cell lines as well as mouse and human islets exposed to cytokines. Islets from human donors with T1D express genes identified as direct p65 targets using unbiased approaches, implicating heightened NF-κB activity as a critical component of autoimmune disease etiology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using multiple Seq-based approaches, this study identified genes expressed in human pancreatic tissue from donors with Type 1 diabetes that are regulated acutely by exposure to the cytokine interleukin-1beta. The NF-kB transcription factor p65 (RelA) was determined via ChIP-Seq to be a major control node regulating this immediate early response. These collective datasets are consistent with a paradigm of overactive NF-kB signaling as a critical component of autoimmunity in both rodents and humans.

Humans↗

PubMed2019

Profiling the long noncoding RNA interaction network in the regulatory elements of target genes by chromatin in situ reverse transcription sequencing.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the activity of target genes by participating in the organization of chromatin architecture. We have devised a "chromatin-RNA in situ reverse transcription sequencing" (CRIST-seq) approach to profile the lncRNA interaction network in gene regulatory elements by combining the simplicity of RNA biotin labeling with the specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using gene-specific gRNAs, we describe a pluripotency-specific lncRNA interacting network in the promoters of Sox2 and Pou5f1, two critical stem cell factors that are required for the maintenance of pluripotency. The promoter-interacting lncRNAs were specifically activated during reprogramming into pluripotency. Knockdown of these lncRNAs caused the stem cells to exit from pluripotency. In contrast, overexpression of the pluripotency-associated lncRNA activated the promoters of core stem cell factor genes and enhanced fibroblast reprogramming into pluripotency. These CRIST-seq data suggest that the Sox2 and Pou5f1 promoters are organized within a unique lncRNA interaction network that determines the fate of pluripotency during reprogramming. This CRIST approach may be broadly used to map lncRNA interaction networks at target loci across the genome.

Animals↗