Implications of cell cycle progression on functional sequence correction by short single-stranded DNA
P A Olsen1, M Randol, S Krauss
1Department for Cellular and Genetic Therapy, Institute for Microbiology, Rikshospitalet, Forskningsparken, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
Oligonucleotide-based sequence alteration in living cells is a substantial methodological challenge in gene therapy. Here, we demonstrate that using corrective single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN), high and reproducible sequence correction rates can be obtained. CHO cell lines with chromosomally integrated multiple copy EGFP reporter genes routinely show rates of 4.5% targeted sequence correction after transfection with ssODN. We demonstrate that the cell cycle influences the rates of targeted sequence correction in vivo, with a peak in the early S phase during ssODN exposure. After cell division, the altered genomic sequence is predominantly passed to one daughter cell, indicating that targeted sequence alteration occurs after the replication fork has passed over the targeted site. Although high initial correction rates can be obtained by this method, we show that a majority of the corrected cells arrest in the G2/M cell cycle phase, although 1-2% of the corrected cells form viable colonies. The G2/M arrest observed after targeted sequence correction can be partially released by caffeine, pentoxifylline or Go6976 exposure. Despite substantial remaining challenges, targeted sequence alteration based on ssODN increasingly promises to become a powerful tool for functional gene alterations.
Insights
Targeted gene correction using single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN) in cells shows promise for gene therapy. This method achieves high correction rates, influenced by cell cycle, but requires further optimization for viable colony formation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Therapy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oligonucleotide-based sequence alteration in cells presents significant challenges for gene therapy.
- Developing efficient and reproducible methods for targeted genomic modification is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN) for targeted sequence correction in mammalian cells.
- To explore the influence of cell cycle phase on the efficiency of ssODN-mediated gene correction.
- To assess the viability and cell cycle behavior of cells following targeted sequence alteration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines with integrated EGFP reporter genes.
- Transfected cells with corrective single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN).
- Analyzed cell cycle progression and targeted sequence correction rates using flow cytometry and genomic analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved reproducible targeted sequence correction rates of approximately 4.5% in CHO cells using ssODN.
- Demonstrated that early S phase is optimal for ssODN-mediated sequence correction.
- Observed that corrected cells predominantly arrest in G2/M phase, with a small percentage forming viable colonies.
- Showed that G2/M arrest can be partially alleviated by specific chemical treatments.
Conclusions:
- Single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN) offer a promising approach for high-efficiency targeted gene alteration.
- Cell cycle synchronization can potentially enhance the efficiency of ssODN-mediated gene editing.
- Further research is needed to overcome cell cycle arrest and improve the generation of viable, genetically modified cell populations for therapeutic applications.
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