Delivering SaCas9 mRNA by lentivirus-like bionanoparticles for transient expression and efficient genome editing

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system discovered using bacteria has been repurposed for genome editing in human cells. Transient expression of the editor proteins (e.g. Cas9 protein) is desirable to reduce the risk of mutagenesis from off-target activity. Using the specific interaction between bacteriophage RNA-binding proteins and their RNA aptamers, we developed a system able to package up to 100 copies of Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) mRNA in each lentivirus-like bionanoparticle (LVLP). The SaCas9 LVLPs mediated transient SaCas9 expression and achieved highly efficient genome editing in the presence of guide RNA. Lower off-target rates occurred in cells transduced with LVLPs containing SaCas9 mRNA, compared with cells transduced with adeno-associated virus or lentivirus expressing SaCas9. Our LVLP system may be useful for efficiently delivering Cas9 mRNA to cell lines and primary cells for in vitro and in vivo gene editing applications.