Name: field-deployable candidatus liberibacter asiaticus detection using recombinase polymerase amplification combined with crispr-cas12a
Uploaded: 2022-12-23T12:45:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Field-Deployable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Detection Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with CRISPR-Cas12a at JoVE.com

This work was financially supported by the National Key R &#38; D Program of China (2021YFD1400805), the Major Science and Technology R &#38; D Program of Jiangxi Province (20194ABC28007), Projects of Jiangxi Education Department (GJJ201449), and the Collaborative Innovation of Modern Agricultural Scientific Research in Jiangxi Province (JXXTCX2015002(3+2)-003).

1. Construction of the CLas-DETECTR
NOTE: The construction of CLas-DETECTR is a four-step process: solution preparation, citrus total DNA isolation, isothermal DNA amplification, and result visualization. The schematic of the CLas-DETECTR assay is illustrated in Figure 1A.
<ol>
	<li>Solution preparation
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare buffer A: 20 mM NaOH in 6% PEG 200. For 100 mL, add 113 mg of NaOH and 6 g of PEG 200 into 80 mL of H2O in a bottle. Incubate the ...

<ol>
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K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+recombinase+polymerase+based+isothermal+amplification+combined+with+lateral+flow+assay+(HLB-RPA-LFA)+for+rapid+detection+of+&amp;#34;Candidatus+Liberibacter+asiaticus&amp;#34;.">Development of a recombinase polymerase based isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow assay (HLB-RPA-LFA) for rapid detection of &amp;#34;Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus&amp;#34;.</a> PLoS One. 13 (12), e0208530 (2018).</li><li>Ravindran, A., Levy, J., Pierson, E., Gross, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+procedure+as+a+sensitive+and+rapid+method+for+detection+of+'Candidatus+Liberibacter+solanacearum'+in+potatoes+and+psyllids.">Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure as a sensitive and rapid method for detection of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' in potatoes and psyllids.</a> Phytopathology. 102 (9), 899-907 (2012).</li><li>Chertow, D. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Next-generation+diagnostics+with+CRISPR.">Next-generation diagnostics with CRISPR.</a> Science. 360 (6387), 381-382 (2018).</li><li>Chen, J. 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C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diagnostics+of+infections+produced+by+the+plant+viruses+TMV,+TEV,+and+PVX+with+CRISPR-Cas12+and+CRISPR-Cas13.">Diagnostics of infections produced by the plant viruses TMV, TEV, and PVX with CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13.</a> ACS Synthetic Biology. 11 (7), 2384-2393 (2022).</li><li>Lu, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+rapid,+equipment-free+method+for+detecting+Phytophthora+infestans+in+the+field+using+a+lateral+flow+strip-based+recombinase+polymerase+amplification+assay.">A rapid, equipment-free method for detecting Phytophthora infestans in the field using a lateral flow strip-based recombinase polymerase amplification assay.</a> Plant Disease. 104 (11), 2774-2778 (2020).</li><li>Lobato, I. M., O'Sullivan, C. 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This study presents a rapid and portable method to detect CLas named CLas-DETECTR, which combines the RPA and CRISPR-Cas12a systems. The workflow is illustrated in Figure 1. CLas-DETECTR detects CLas with specificity and sensitivity (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Furthermore, using Newhall leaf samples, CLas-DETECTR detects CLas with the same sensitivity as qPCR (Figure 4). Notably, the detec...

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most problematic citrus diseases worldwide1. HLB is caused by the phloem-colonizing and fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp., including Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), Ca. L. africanus, and Ca. L. americanus2. The most prevalent HLB-associated species in China and the USA is CLas, which is transmitted by Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri) or through grafting3. After being infected by CLas, citrus trees demonstrate growth decline until death2. The common symptoms of citrus leaves infected with CLas are blotchy mottle, green islands (small circular dark green dots), raised corky veins on thicker and leathery leaves, and nonuniform yellowing shoots2. In addition, fruits infected with CLas appear small and lopsided2.
Since no citrus variety is resistant to HLB and there is no therapeutic cure for HLB, the prevention of HLB requires the quarantine and isolation of CLas-positive citrus trees2,3. Therefore, early detection is critical for monitoring and quarantine to prevent the spread of CLas and minimize economic losses3. In addition, sensitive CLas detection is needed due to the low titer of CLas in plants during the early stage of infection3. In China, CLas detection is usually conducted by certain certified test centers. However, the detection process usually takes at least 1 week, and the detection fee is expensive.&#160;Therefore, to help monitor the HLB incidence
Various technologies have been applied to diagnose HLB4,5,6,7,8,9. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) are the most used tools for CLas detection due to their high sensitivity and specificity4,5. However, those technologies rely heavily on expensive instruments and highly skilled personnel. In addition, several isothermal amplification methods, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), have been developed as attractive alternatives to conventional PCR methods due to their simplicity, rapidity, and low cost8,9,10. However, it is challenging to apply them to accurately detect CLas due to the non-specific amplification signals, which may cause false-positive results.
RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) endonuclease-based nucleic acid detection has been developed as a next-generation molecular diagnostics technology owing to its high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability11,12,13,14. These CRISPR/Cas diagnostics technologies rely on the collateral nuclease activity of Cas proteins to cleave single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) modified with a fluorescent reporter and a fluorescence quencher at each end of the oligonucleotides, as well as a fluorescence detection device to capture the released fluorescent reporter11,12. The nuclease activity of several Cas effectors activated by the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) target duplex can indiscriminately cleave the surrounding non-target ssDNA11. CRISPR-Cas12a (also called Cpf 1), a class 2 type V-A CRISPR/Cas system, demonstrates several advantages compared with Cas9, such as a lower mismatch tolerance and greater specificity13.&#160;The Cas12a/crRNA system has been applied for the sensitive and specific detection of the nucleic acids of human pathogens and phytopathogens14,15,16,17,18. Therefore, utilizing the Cas12a/crRNA system should enable the accurate and sensitive detection of the nucleic acid of CLas.
Cas12a alone is not theoretically sensitive enough to detect low levels of nucleic acids. Therefore, to improve its detection sensitivity, CRISPR-Cas12a detection is typically combined with an isothermal amplification step14,15. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) enables sensitive and rapid isothermal DNA amplification in a temperature range from 37 &#176;C to 42 &#176;C19.
A detection platform called DETECTR (DNA Endonuclease Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter) that combines the DNase activity of Cas12a with RPA and a fluorescence readout has been recently devised12 and has been shown to detect nucleic acid with higher sensitivity20. Furthermore, the fluorescence signal emitted from the positive samples can be observed through a handheld fluorescence detection device in the field.
Since we amplified DNA with RPA, designed crRNA targeting the five-copy nrdB (ribonucleotide reductase &#946;- subunit) gene specific to CLas21, and employed the DNase activity of the Cas12a protein, we called this CLas detection method CLas-DETECTR. Compared with existing CLas detection methods, CLas-DETECTR is fast, accurate, sensitive, and deployable.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>AxyPrep DNA Gel Extraction Kit</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>09319KE1</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bacterial Genomic DNA Extraction Kit</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>D1600</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EnGen LbCas12a&#160;</td>
			<td>TOLOBIO</td>
			<td>32104-01</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ex Taq Version 2.0 plus dye</td>
			<td>TaKaRa</td>
			<td>RR902A</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Handheld fluorescent detection device&#160;</td>
			<td>LUYOR</td>
			<td>3415RG</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hole puncher&#160;</td>
			<td>Deli</td>
			<td>114</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium acetate, MgOAc</td>
			<td>TwistDx</td>
			<td>TABAS03KIT</td>
			<td>UK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaOH</td>
			<td>SCR</td>
			<td>10019718</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NEB buffer 3.1&#160;</td>
			<td>NEB</td>
			<td>B7203</td>
			<td>USA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCR strip tubes</td>
			<td>LABSELECT</td>
			<td>PST-0208-FT-C</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PEG 200&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P3015</td>
			<td>USA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PrimeSTAR Max DNA Polymeras</td>
			<td>TaKaRa</td>
			<td>R045A</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quick-Load Purple 1 kb Plus DNA Ladder&#160;</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>N0550S</td>
			<td>USA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TB Green Premix Ex Taq II (Tli RNaseH Plus)</td>
			<td>TaKaRa</td>
			<td>RR820B</td>
			<td>China</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TwistAmp Basic</td>
			<td>TwistDx</td>
			<td>TABAS03KIT</td>
			<td>UK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

field-deployable candidatus liberibacter asiaticus detection using recombinase polymerase amplification combined with crispr-cas12a

The early detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) by citrus growers facilitates early intervention and prevents the spread of disease. A simple method for rapid and portable Huanglongbing (HLB) diagnosis is presented here that combines recombinase polymerase amplification and a fluorescent reporter utilizing the nuclease activity of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 12a (CRISPR-Cas12a) system. The sensitivity of this technique is much higher than PCR. Furthermore, this method showed similar results to qPCR when leaf samples were used. Compared with conventional CLas detection methods, the detection method presented here can be completed in 90 min and works in an isothermal condition that does not require the use of PCR machines. In addition, the results can be visualized through a handheld fluorescent detection device in the field.

Here, we have described a portable platform, CLas-DETECTR, combing the RPA and CRISPR-Cas12a systems to diagnose HLB in the field. The schema of CLas-DETECTR is illustrated in Figure 1A.
When leaf samples from the HLB-infected and HLB-uninfected Newhall trees (Figure 1B), for which the presence of CLas was confirmed by PCR (Figure 1C), were subjected to the CLas-DETECTR test, a green fluorescence signal w...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Field-Deployable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Detection Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with CRISPR-Cas12a at JoVE.com

Field-Deployable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Detection Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with CRISPR-Cas12a

In this work, a rapid, sensitive, and portable detection method for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus based on recombinase polymerase amplification combined with CRISPR-Cas12a was developed.

Field-Deployable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Detection Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with CRISPR-Cas12a

The early detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) by citrus growers facilitates early intervention and prevents the spread of disease. A ...

Huang long bing, abbreviated as HLB. It's a devastating citrus disease worldwide. In the most citrus-producing countries, such as China and the USA, HLB is caused by the phloem-restricted bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, abbreviated as CLas.Early detection of CLas were important for growers facilitating early intervention and preventing disease spread. So here we developed a new method for the rapid and portable HLB diagnosis, combining with the recombinase polymerase amplification and CRISPR-Cas12a system. We called it CLas-DETECTR.The sensitivity of our platform is much higher than PCR. Furthermore, it shows similar result with qPCR when the leaf samples was used. Compare with the conventional CLas detections, our method can be finished in 90 minutes, and works in an isothermal condition.The result also can be visualized through a handheld fluorescent detection device in the field. The CLas-DETECTR contains four steps:solution preparation, citrus total DNA isolation, isothermal DNA amplification, and the results of visualization. The schematic of the CLas-DETECTR assay is illustrated here.Buffer A, Solution B, and Solution C are prepared as described in the protocol. To save time and make this method suitable for field CLas detection, the E.coli polyethylene glycol-based approach were used to obtain crude plant extracts for DNA amplification. Citrus leaves are used in the tool.Punch the few pieces of leaf discs from leaf. Put leaf discs into a 1.5 milliliter Eppendorf tube. Then, add 200 microliter of Buffer A into the tube.Grind the leaf discs until smooth with a plastic rod manually. Leave the tube undisturbed for 10 minutes. The supernatant is subsequently applied to DNA amplification.For isothermal DNA amplification, add one microliter of supernatant from step 2.3 and one microliter of magnesium acetate into Solution B and mix well. In the lab, incubate them in a simple incubator at 37 degree for 15 minutes. To visualize the results, add 10 microliter of the mixture from step 3.2 into Solution C and mix well.Incubate them in the 37 degree incubator for 60 minutes. Wear a goggle, and observe the green fluorescence signal through a handheld fluorescent detection device. To test the specificity of CLas-DETECTR, first pure colonies of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101, Xanthomonas citri subsp.citri which is the pathogen of the citrus canker and Burkholderia stabilis strain 1440 isolated in our lab were used to extract their genomic DNA. Then this three bacteria genomic DNA and the CLas-positive Newhall leaves genomic DNA were subjected to the CLas-DETECTR test. To test the sensitivity of CLas-DETECTR, a series of CLas DNA fragment dilutions were detected using PCR, CLas-DETECTR, and qPCR as described in the protocol After the specificity and the sensitivity test, the CLas-DETECTR method was used to detect the presence of the CLas in field.Leaf samples collected from Newhall sweet orange tree grown in the germplasm resource nursery on the campus of the Gannan Normal University, Jiangxi, China. qPCR, a convincing CLas detection method usually used in the lab was also applied. The leaf samples from HLB-infected and HLB-uninfected Newhall tree, in which the presence of the CLas was confirmed in our lab, were subjected to the CLas-DETECTR test.The green fluorescence signal was captured in the HLB-infected sample, but not in the HLB-uninfected and negative control. We determined the specificity of CLas-DETECTR using nucleic acids extracted from other bacteria. In the CLas-DETECTR assay, only gDNA extracted from CLas-positive Newhall leaves demonstrated green fluorescent signals.gDNA extracted from Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri and Burkholderia stabilis strain 1440 did not, which means the CLas-DETECTR can detect CLas specifically. We also tested the sensitivity of CLas-DETECTR using a series of CLas DNA dilutions, listed in the protocol.PCR can detect 201 copies per megaliter. On the other hand, CLas-DETECTR can detect 2.01 copies per megaliter, suggesting its availability as a sensitive field diagnostic. qPCR can detect 0.201 copies per megaliter and the Ct value is higher than 36.So CLas-DETECTR is two orders of magnitude more sensitive than traditional PCR and one order of a magnitude less sensitive than qPCR when diluted CLas specific amplicons was used. Finally, reexamined the feasibility of the CLas-DETECTR for field samples, and compared its sensitivity with qPCR. In figures, we see.We can see that the Ct value is higher than 36 when the CLas concentration is less than 0.2 copies per megaliter, which is a very low concentration. Among the 15 samples, the Ct value of the samples 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 13 and 14 detected by qPCR was less than 36. An apparent green fluorescence signals was observed.On the other hand, when the Ct value of the samples 6, 7, 9, 12, and 15 detected by qPCR was undetermined, no green fluorescent signals was observed. In addition, weak green fluorescent signals was observed when the CT value of sample 5 and 11 detected by qPCR was higher than 36. The results will suggest that our platform is a rapid, robust and sensitive tool for HLB diagnosis in the field.

field-deployable-candidatus-liberibacter-asiaticus-detection-using

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Principles of Site-Specific Recombinase (SSR) Technology

Site-specific recombinase (SSR) technology allows the manipulation of gene structure to explore gene function and has become an integral tool of molecular biology. Site-specific recombinases are proteins that bind to distinct DNA target sequences. The Cre/lox system was first described in bacteriophages during the 1980's. Cre recombinase is a Type I topoisomerase that catalyzes site-specific recombination of DNA between two loxP (locus of X-over P1) sites. The Cre/lox system does not require any cofactors. LoxP sequences contain distinct binding sites for Cre recombinases that surround a directional core sequence where recombination and rearrangement takes place. When cells contain loxP sites and express the Cre recombinase, a recombination event occurs. Double-stranded DNA is cut at both loxP sites by the Cre recombinase, rearranged, and ligated ("scissors and glue"). Products of the recombination event depend on the relative orientation of the asymmetric sequences.
SSR technology is frequently used as a tool to explore gene function. Here the gene of interest is flanked with Cre target sites loxP ("floxed"). Animals are then crossed with animals expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of a tissue-specific promoter. In tissues that express the Cre recombinase it binds to target sequences and excises the floxed gene. Controlled gene deletion allows the investigation of gene function in specific tissues and at distinct time points. Analysis of gene function employing SSR technology --- conditional mutagenesis -- has significant advantages over traditional knock-outs where gene deletion is frequently lethal.

Principles of Site-Specific Recombinase SSR Technology

The advent of site-specific recombinase (SSR) technology and the Cre/lox system has led to numerous advances in molecular biology, and has proven itself as a valuable tool for assessing gene function in transgenic animals. This interview discusses the mechanism of site specific recombination by Cyclization recombinase (Cre) and how the use of this enzyme has led to the development of conditional mutagenesis, which has significant advantages over traditional knock out strategies.

Site-specific recombinase (SSR) technology allows the manipulation of gene structure to explore gene function and has become an integral tool of molecular ...

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within the LTR sequences of the HIV-1 provirus, resulting in the excision and eradication of the provirus from infected human cells. 
We started with Cre, a 38-kDa recombinase, that recognizes a 34-bp double-stranded DNA sequence known as loxP. Because Cre can effectively eliminate genomic sequences, we set out to tailor a recombinase that could remove the sequence between the 5'-LTR and 3'-LTR of an integrated HIV-1 provirus. As a first step we identified sequences within the LTR sites that were similar to loxP and tested for recombination activity. Initially Cre and mutagenized Cre libraries failed to recombine the chosen loxLTR sites of the HIV-1 provirus. As the start of any directed molecular evolution process requires at least residual activity, the original asymmetric loxLTR sequences were split into subsets and tested again for recombination activity. Acting as intermediates, recombination activity was shown with the subsets. Next, recombinase libraries were enriched through reiterative evolution cycles. Subsequently, enriched libraries were shuffled and recombined. The combination of different mutations proved synergistic and recombinases were created that were able to recombine loxLTR1 and loxLTR2. This was evidence that an evolutionary strategy through intermediates can be successful. After a total of 126 evolution cycles individual recombinases were functionally and structurally analyzed. The most active recombinase -- Tre -- had 19 amino acid changes as compared to Cre. Tre recombinase was able to excise the HIV-1 provirus from the genome HIV-1 infected HeLa cells (see "HIV-1 Proviral DNA Excision Using an Evolved Recombinase", Hauber J., Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany). While still in its infancy, directed molecular evolution will allow the creation of custom enzymes that will serve as tools of "molecular surgery" and molecular medicine.

Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within the LTR sequences of the HIV-1 provirus, resulting in the excision and eradication of the provirus from infected human cells. While still in its infancy, directed molecular evolution will allow the creation of custom enzymes that will serve as tools of molecular surgery and molecular medicine.

Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within ...

Interview: HIV-1 Proviral DNA Excision Using an Evolved Recombinase

HIV-1 integrates into the host chromosome of infected cells and persists as a provirus flanked by long terminal repeats. Current treatment strategies primarily target virus enzymes or virus-cell fusion, suppressing the viral life cycle without eradicating the infection. Since the integrated provirus is not targeted by these approaches, new resistant strains of HIV-1 may emerge. Here, we report that the engineered recombinase Tre (see Molecular evolution of the Tre recombinase , Buchholz, F., Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden) efficiently excises integrated HIV-1 proviral DNA from the genome of infected cells. We produced loxLTR containing viral pseudotypes and infected HeLa cells to examine whether Tre recombinase can excise the provirus from the genome of HIV-1 infected human cells. A virus particle-releasing cell line was cloned and transfected with a plasmid expressing Tre or with a parental control vector. Recombinase activity and virus production were monitored. All assays demonstrated the efficient deletion of the provirus from infected cells without visible cytotoxic effects. These results serve as proof of principle that it is possible to evolve a recombinase to specifically target an HIV-1 LTR and that this recombinase is capable of excising the HIV-1 provirus from the genome of HIV-1-infected human cells.
Before an engineered recombinase could enter the therapeutic arena, however, significant obstacles need to be overcome. Among the most critical issues, that we face, are an efficient and safe delivery to targeted cells and the absence of side effects.

Current HIV-1 strategies act to suppress the viral life cycle but do not effectively eradicate infection. Here, we demonstrate that an engineered recombinase can efficiently excise integrated HIV-1 proviral DNA from the genome of infected cells.

HIV-1 integrates into the host chromosome of infected cells and persists as a provirus flanked by long terminal repeats. Current treatment strategies ...

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Mammalian DNA replication initiates at multiple sites along chromosomes at different times during S phase, following a temporal replication program. The specification of replication timing is thought to be a dynamic process regulated by tissue-specific and developmental cues that are responsive to epigenetic modifications. However, the mechanisms regulating where and when DNA replication initiates along chromosomes remains poorly understood. Homologous chromosomes usually replicate synchronously, however there are notable exceptions to this rule. For example, in female mammalian cells one of the two X chromosomes becomes late replicating through a process known as X inactivation1. Along with this delay in replication timing, estimated to be 2-3 hr, the majority of genes become transcriptionally silenced on one X chromosome. In addition, a discrete cis-acting locus, known as the X inactivation center, regulates this X inactivation process, including the induction of delayed replication timing on the entire inactive X chromosome. In addition, certain chromosome rearrangements found in cancer cells and in cells exposed to ionizing radiation display a significant delay in replication timing of &gt;3 hours that affects the entire chromosome2,3. Recent work from our lab indicates that disruption of discrete cis-acting autosomal loci result in an extremely late replicating phenotype that affects the entire chromosome4. Additional 'chromosome engineering' studies indicate that certain chromosome rearrangements affecting many different chromosomes result in this abnormal replication-timing phenotype, suggesting that all mammalian chromosomes contain discrete cis-acting loci that control proper replication timing of individual chromosomes5.
Here, we present a method for the quantitative analysis of chromosome replication timing combined with fluorescent in situ hybridization. This method allows for a direct comparison of replication timing between homologous chromosomes within the same cell, and was adapted from6. In addition, this method allows for the unambiguous identification of chromosomal rearrangements that correlate with changes in replication timing that affect the entire chromosome. This method has advantages over recently developed high throughput micro-array or sequencing protocols that cannot distinguish between homologous alleles present on rearranged and un-rearranged chromosomes. In addition, because the method described here evaluates single cells, it can detect changes in chromosome replication timing on chromosomal rearrangements that are present in only a fraction of the cells in a population.

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

A quantitative method for the analysis of chromosome replication timing is described. The method utilizes BrdU incorporation in combination with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess replication timing of mammalian chromosomes. This technique allows for the direct comparison of rearranged and un-rearranged chromosomes within the same cell.

Mammalian DNA replication initiates at multiple sites along chromosomes at different times during S phase, following a temporal replication program. The ...

Rapid and Efficient Zebrafish Genotyping Using PCR with High-resolution Melt Analysis

Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model system for studying development, modeling disease, and performing drug screening. Recently a variety of genetic tools have been introduced, including multiple strategies for inducing mutations and generating transgenic lines. However, large-scale screening is limited by traditional genotyping methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Here we describe a technique to analyze zebrafish genotypes by PCR combined with high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA).&#160;This approach is rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive, with lower risk of contamination artifacts.&#160;Genotyping by PCR with HRMA can be used for embryos or adult fish, including in high-throughput screening protocols.

PCR combined with high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) is demonstrated as a rapid and efficient method to genotype zebrafish.

Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model system for studying development, modeling disease, and performing drug screening. Recently a variety of genetic ...

RNA Isolation from Cell Specific Subpopulations Using Laser-capture Microdissection Combined with Rapid Immunolabeling

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) allows the isolation of specific cells from thin tissue sections with high spatial resolution. Effective LCM requires precise identification of cells subpopulations from a heterogeneous tissue. Identification of cells of interest for LCM is usually based on morphological criteria or on fluorescent protein reporters. The combination of LCM and rapid immunolabeling offers an alternative and efficient means to visualize specific cell types and to isolate them from surrounding tissue. High-quality RNA can then be extracted from a pure cell population and further processed for downstream applications, including RNA-sequencing, microarray or qRT-PCR. This approach has been previously performed and briefly described in few publications. The goal of this article is to illustrate how to perform rapid immunolabeling of a cell population while keeping RNA integrity, and how to isolate these specific cells using LCM. Herein, we illustrated this multi-step procedure by immunolabeling and capturing dopaminergic cells in brain tissue from one-day-old mice. We highlight key critical steps that deserve special consideration. This protocol can be adapted to a variety of tissues and cells of interest. Researchers from different fields will likely benefit from the demonstration of this approach.

Gene expression analysis of a subset of cells in a specific tissue represents a major challenge. This article describes how to isolate high-quality total RNA from a specific cell population by combining a rapid immunolabeling method with laser capture microdissection.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) allows the isolation of specific cells from thin tissue sections with high spatial resolution. Effective LCM requires ...

Development of a Quantitative Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay with an Internal Positive Control

It was recently demonstrated that recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification platform for pathogen detection, may be used to quantify DNA sample concentration using a standard curve. In this manuscript, a detailed protocol for developing and implementing a real-time quantitative recombinase polymerase amplification assay (qRPA assay) is provided. Using HIV-1 DNA quantification as an example, the assembly of real-time RPA reactions, the design of an internal positive control (IPC) sequence, and co-amplification of the IPC and target of interest are all described. Instructions and data processing scripts for the construction of a standard curve using data from multiple experiments are provided, which may be used to predict the concentration of unknown samples or assess the performance of the assay. Finally, an alternative method for collecting real-time fluorescence data with a microscope and a stage heater as a step towards developing a point-of-care qRPA assay is described. The protocol and scripts provided may be used for the development of a qRPA assay for any DNA target of interest.

Provided is a protocol for developing a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay to quantify initial concentration of DNA samples using either a thermal cycler or a microscope and stage heater. Also described is the development of an internal positive control. Scripts are provided for processing raw real-time fluorescence data.

It was recently demonstrated that recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification platform for pathogen detection, may be used to ...

Isolation of Specific Genomic Regions and Identification of Associated Molecules by enChIP

The identification of molecules associated with specific genomic regions of interest is required to understand the mechanisms of regulation of the functions of these regions. To enable the non-biased identification of molecules interacting with a specific genomic region of interest, we recently developed the engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (enChIP) technique. Here, we describe how to use enChIP to isolate specific genomic regions and identify the associated proteins and RNAs. First, a genomic region of interest is tagged with a transcription activator-like (TAL) protein or a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) complex consisting of a catalytically inactive form of Cas9 and a guide RNA. Subsequently, the chromatin is crosslinked and fragmented by sonication. The tagged locus is then immunoprecipitated and the crosslinking is reversed. Finally, the proteins or RNAs that are associated with the isolated chromatin are subjected to mass spectrometric or RNA sequencing analyses, respectively. This approach allows the successful identification of proteins and RNAs associated with a genomic region of interest.

The identification of molecules associated with specific genomic regions of interest is required to understand the mechanisms of regulation of the functions of these regions. This protocol describes procedures to perform engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin imunoprecipitation (enChIP) for identification of proteins and RNAs associated with a specific genomic region.

The identification of molecules associated with specific genomic regions of interest is required to understand the mechanisms of regulation of the ...

Application of Passive Head Motion to Generate Defined Accelerations at the Heads of Rodents

Exercise is widely recognized as effective for various diseases and physical disorders, including those related to brain dysfunction. However, molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of exercise are poorly understood. Many physical workouts, particularly those classified as aerobic exercises such as jogging and walking, produce impulsive forces at the time of foot contact with the ground. Therefore, it was speculated that mechanical impact might be implicated in how exercise contributes to organismal homeostasis. For testing this hypothesis on the brain, a custom-designed ''passive head motion'' (hereafter referred to as PHM) system was developed that can generate vertical accelerations with controlled and defined magnitudes and modes and reproduce mechanical stimulation that might be applied to the heads of rodents during treadmill running at moderate velocities, a typical intervention to test the effects of exercise in animals. By using this system, it was demonstrated that PHM recapitulates the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, hereafter referred to as 5-HT) receptor subtype 2A (5-HT2A) signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons of mice. This work provides detailed protocols for applying PHM and measuring its resultant mechanical accelerations at rodents' heads.

The present protocol describes a custom-designed ''passive head motion'' system, which reproduces mechanical accelerations at rodents' heads generated during their treadmill running at moderate velocities. It allows dissecting mechanical factors/elements from the beneficial effects of physical exercise.

Exercise is widely recognized as effective for various diseases and physical disorders, including those related to brain dysfunction. However, molecular ...

Using Colorimetric and RT-LAMP Analysis to Detect SARS-CoV-2 

Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Virus by Reverse Transcription-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has dramatically impacted human health. It continues to be a threat to modern society because many people die as a result of infection. The disease is diagnosed using serologic and molecular tests, such as the gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The last has several disadvantages because it requires specialized infrastructure, costly equipment, and trained personnel. Here, we present a protocol outlining the steps required to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus using reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) in human samples. The protocol includes instructions for designing primers in silico, preparing reagents, amplification, and visualization. Once standardized, this method can be easily implemented and adapted to any laboratory or point-of-care within 60 min at a low cost and using inexpensive equipment. It is adaptable to detecting different pathogens. Thus, it can potentially be used in the field and in health centers to carry out timely epidemiological surveillance.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Diagnostics with Standardized LAMP

Here we provide a complete protocol to standardize and implement the method for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human samples by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). This method, done within 60 min, could be adapted to any laboratory or point-of-care at a low cost and using inexpensive equipment.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has dramatically impacted human health. It continues to be a threat to modern ...