Name: generation of a gene-disrupted streptococcus mutans strain without gene cloning
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Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [Grant Numbers 16K15860 to T.M. and 15K15777 to N.H.].

1. Primer Design
<ol>
	<li>Prepare primers for 2-step fusion PCR and verification of gene disruption. 
	NOTE: Table 1 shows the primer sequences used in this protocol. Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of the 2-step fusion PCR method used to generate S. mutans &#916;gtfC.
	<ol>
		<li>Design primers for the replacement of the target region in the genome with the spectinomycin-resistance gene (spcr)<sup class=...

<ol>
	<li>Horton, R. M., Hunt, H. D., Ho, S. N., Pullen, J. K., Pease, L. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Engineering+hybrid+genes+without+the+use+of+restriction+enzymes:+gene+splicing+by+overlap+extension.">Engineering hybrid genes without the use of restriction enzymes: gene splicing by overlap extension.</a> Gene. 77 (1), 61-68 (1989).</li><li>Horton, R. M., Cai, Z., Ho, S. M., Pease, L. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gene+splicing+by+overlap+extension:+tailor-made+genes+using+the+polymerase+chain+reaction.">Gene splicing by overlap extension: tailor-made genes using the polymerase chain reaction.</a> BioTechniques. 54 (3), 129-133 (2013).</li><li>Kuwayama, H., 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=PCR-mediated+generation+of+a+gene+disruption+construct+without+the+use+of+DNA+ligase+and+plasmid+vectors.">PCR-mediated generation of a gene disruption construct without the use of DNA ligase and plasmid vectors.</a> Nucleic Acids Res. 30 (2), E2 (2002).</li><li>Sakurai, I., Mizusawa, N., Wada, H., Sato, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Digalactosyldiacylglycerol+is+required+for+stabilization+of+the+oxygen-evolving+complex+in+photosystem+II.">Digalactosyldiacylglycerol is required for stabilization of the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II.</a> Plant Physiol. 145 (4), 1361-1370 (2007).</li><li>Aoki, H., Shiroza, T., Hayakawa, M., Sato, S., Kuramitsu, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cloning+of+a+Streptococcus+mutans+glucosyltransferase+gene+coding+for+insoluble+glucan+synthesis.">Cloning of a Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase gene coding for insoluble glucan synthesis.</a> Infect Immun. 53 (3), 587-594 (1986).</li><li>Hanada, N., Kuramitsu, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+characterization+of+the+Streptococcus+mutans+gtfC+gene,+coding+for+synthesis+of+both+soluble+and+insoluble+glucans.">Isolation and characterization of the Streptococcus mutans gtfC gene, coding for synthesis of both soluble and insoluble glucans.</a> Infect Immun. 56 (8), 1999-2005 (1988).</li><li>LeBlanc, D. J., Lee, L. N., Inamine, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cloning+and+nucleotide+base+sequence+analysis+of+a+spectinomycin+adenyltransferase+AAD(9)+determinant+from+Enterococcus+faecalis.">Cloning and nucleotide base sequence analysis of a spectinomycin adenyltransferase AAD(9) determinant from Enterococcus faecalis.</a> Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 35 (9), 1804-1810 (1991).</li><li>Macrina, F. L., Tobian, J. A., Jones, K. R., Evans, R. P., Clewell, D. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+cloning+vector+able+to+replicate+in+Escherichia+coli+and+Streptococcus+sanguis.">A cloning vector able to replicate in Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sanguis.</a> Gene. 19 (3), 345-353 (1982).</li><li>Murata, T., Hanada, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contribution+of+chloride+channel+permease+to+fluoride+resistance+in+Streptococcus+mutans.">Contribution of chloride channel permease to fluoride resistance in Streptococcus mutans.</a> FEMS Microbiol Lett. 363 (11), (2016).</li><li>Perry, D., Wondrack, L. M., Kuramitsu, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+transformation+of+putative+cariogenic+properties+in+Streptococcus+mutans.">Genetic transformation of putative cariogenic properties in Streptococcus mutans.</a> Infect Immun. 41 (2), 722-727 (1983).</li><li>Lau, P. C., Sung, C. K., Lee, J. H., Morrison, D. A., Cvitkovitch, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PCR+ligation+mutagenesis+in+transformable+streptococci:+application+and+efficiency.">PCR ligation mutagenesis in transformable streptococci: application and efficiency.</a> J Microbiol Methods. 49 (2), 193-205 (2002).</li><li>Ge, X., Xu, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genome-wide+gene+deletions+in+Streptococcus+sanguinis+by+high+throughput+PCR.">Genome-wide gene deletions in Streptococcus sanguinis by high throughput PCR.</a> J Vis Exp. (69), (2012).</li></ol>

In the present protocol, the primers for the 1st PCR must be designed to amplify approximately 1 kb upstream and downstream flanking regions of the target region in the genome. Such long flanking sequences are necessary to improve the efficiency of homologous recombination.
The sequences of the primers (up-reverse, down-forward, spcr-forward, and spcr-reverse) in this protocol were automatically determined based on the site of incorporation of...

Gene function analysis typically involves a phenotypic comparison between a wild-type strain and a strain in which a particular gene of interest has been disrupted. This gene-disruption technique has been utilized for gene function analyses in a wide range of taxa, from bacteria to mammals. A gene-disruption construct is necessary for the generation of the gene-disrupted strain; this deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) construct consists of the antibiotic resistance marker gene fused to the upstream and downstream flanking regions of the target gene, and is incorporated into the genome via homologous recombination. The gene-disrupted strain may be isolated using selective media containing the antibiotic. The conventional method used for the construction of the gene-disrupted strain requires complex steps, such as the amplification of the target gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligation of the gene into a suitable plasmid, digestion with restriction enzymes, and religation to insert the antibiotic-resistance marker gene. This process is time-consuming, taking several days to several weeks, depending on the success of each step. In addition, the design of disruption constructs is dependent on the restriction enzyme sites of the target gene. To resolve these issues, PCR-based DNA splicing methods1,2 for the design of gene-disrupted mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum3 and Synechocystis sp. PCC68034 have been reported. In the present study, a method was developed to generate a gene-disrupted streptococcal strain in a relatively rapid, facile, and inexpensive manner, utilizing a modified PCR-based method (designated 2-step fusion PCR) for the construction of the disruption construct and electroporation for genetic transformation.
The 2-step fusion PCR requires genomic DNA, the antibiotic resistance marker gene as a PCR template, and four pairs of appropriately designed oligonucleotide primers. In the first step (1st PCR), a 1-kb upstream flanking region of the target gene, a 1-kb downstream flanking region of the target gene, and the antibiotic-resistance marker gene are amplified by PCR. The 5&#39; regions of both the reverse primer and the forward primer, for amplification of the upstream and downstream flanking regions, respectively, include 15 bases complementary to the ends of the marker gene. The 5&#39; regions of both forward and reverse primers for marker gene amplification similarly include 15 bases complementary to the lower end of the upstream flanking region of the target gene and the upper end of the downstream flanking region of the target gene, respectively. Therefore, the three amplified fragments contain overlapping 30-base pair regions at the fusion site. In the second step (2nd PCR), PCR is performed with nested PCR primers using the three fragments amplified by the 1st PCR as templates. The complementary regions of the templates are additionally linked to each other via the 2nd PCR. Finally, the construct for homologous recombination is introduced to the wild-type strain by electroporation. Successful gene disruption may be verified by PCR using specific primers. Although the disruption construct is amplified using high-fidelity DNA polymerase, additional enzymatic reactions, such as DNA ligation or DNA digestion, are not necessary to generate the construct. In addition, a deleted or preserved region on the genome may be flexibly chosen according to primer design.
In the present work, deletion of the entire coding region of the gtfC gene, which encodes glucosyltransferase in Streptococcus mutans, was performed to demonstrate the rapid, easy gene disruption method in a streptococcal species. Additionally, a gtfB-disrupted strain was generated in the same manner. The glucosyltransferases encoded by both gtfC and gtfB contribute to cariogenic dental biofilm development5,6. The biofilm-forming abilities of the wild-type strain (S. mutans WT), gtfC-disrupted strain (S. mutans &#916;gtfC), and gtfB-disrupted strain (S. mutans &#916;gtfB) were evaluated for comparative phenotypic analyses. This protocol extends the application of a two-step method for gene disruption to an additional species and may be modified for studies of gene function in a wider range of taxa.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Streptococus mutans</td>
			<td>Stock strain in the lab.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Wild-type strain (Strain UA159)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genomic DNA extraction kit</td>
			<td>Zymo Research</td>
			<td>D6005</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bead-beating disruption apparatus</td>
			<td>Taitec</td>
			<td>GM-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Synthetic genes</td>
			<td>Eurofins Genomics</td>
			<td>Custom-ordered</td>
			<td>Spectinomycin- and erythromycin-resistance gene</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermal cycler</td>
			<td>Astec</td>
			<td>PC-708</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCR primers</td>
			<td>Eurofins Genomics</td>
			<td>Custom-ordered</td>
			<td>35 bases in length</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNA polymerase</td>
			<td>Takara</td>
			<td>R045A</td>
			<td>High-fidelity DNA polymerase</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gel extraction kit</td>
			<td>Nippon Genetics</td>
			<td>FG-91202</td>
			<td>DNA extraction from agarose gel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gel band cutter</td>
			<td>Nippon Genetics</td>
			<td>FG-830</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>DU 800</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electroporator</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>1652100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electroporation cuvette</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>1652086</td>
			<td>0.2-cm gap</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anaeropack</td>
			<td>Mitsubishi Gas Chemical</td>
			<td>A-03</td>
			<td>Anaerobic culture system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Brain heart infusion broth</td>
			<td>Becton, Dickinson</td>
			<td>237500</td>
			<td>Bacterial culture media</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectinomycin</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>195-11531</td>
			<td>Antibiotics</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Erythromycin</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>057-07151</td>
			<td>Antibiotics</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sucrose</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>196-00015</td>
			<td>For biofilm development</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CBB R-250</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>031-17922</td>
			<td>For biofilm staining</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

generation of a gene-disrupted streptococcus mutans strain without gene cloning

Typical methods for the elucidation of the function of a particular gene involve comparative phenotypic analyses of the wild-type strain and a strain in which the gene of interest has been disrupted. A gene-disruption DNA construct containing a suitable antibiotic resistance marker gene is useful for the generation of gene-disrupted strains in bacteria. However, conventional construction methods, which require gene cloning steps, involve complex and time-consuming protocols. Here, a relatively facile, rapid, and cost-effective method for targeted gene disruption in Streptococcus mutans is described. The method utilizes a 2-step fusion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to generate the disruption construct and electroporation for genetic transformation. This method does not require an enzymatic reaction, other than PCR, and additionally offers greater flexibility in terms of the design of the disruption construct. Employment of electroporation facilitates the preparation of competent cells and improves the transformation efficiency. The present method may be adapted for the generation of gene-disrupted strains of various species.

Figure 2 shows that the size of each product from the 1st PCR, as observed on the 1% agarose gel, was in good agreement with the predicted size of approximately 1 kb. Figure 3 shows the gel electrophoresis analysis of the products of the 2nd PCR. Figure 4 shows S. mutans colonies transformed with the disruption construct, and a gel electrophoresis analysis of the colony...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning at JoVE.com

Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning

We describe a facile, rapid, and relatively inexpensive method for the generation of gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans strains; this technique may be adapted for the generation of gene-disrupted strains of various species.

Generation of a Gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans Strain Without Gene Cloning

Typical methods for the elucidation of the function of a particular gene involve comparative phenotypic analyses of the wild-type strain and a strain in ...

The overall goal of this procedure is generate targeted gene-disrupted Streptococcus mutans strains using a two-step fusion PCR and electroporation.This method can help answer key questions in the microbiology field such as how a gene of interest works.The main advantage of this technique is that no enzymatic reaction other than PCR is required and competent cell preparation for electroporation is quite simple.Though this method can provide insight into Streptococcus mutans gene disruption technique, it can also be applied to other microbial species such as Staphylococcus aureus.Generally individuals new to this method will struggle because they are not familiar with the effectiveness of nested primers for the second PCR.Demonstrating the procedure will be Doctor Ayako Okada, a research instructor from our laboratory.To begin this procedure streak stock S.mutans UA159 onto a brain heart infusion or BHI agar plate and incubate the plate overnight at 37 degrees Celsius under anaerobic conditions.On the following day, use a sterilized toothpick to pick a single colony and inoculate it into five milliliters of BHI broth.Incubate the S.mutans culture overnight at 37 degrees Celsius under anaerobic conditions.Next, centrifuge the culture at 2000 times G for 15 minutes.Remove the supernatant and resuspend the cell pellet in five milliliters of PBS.Centrifuge again at 2000 times G for 15 minutes.Resuspend the resulting cell pellet in 200 microliters of PBS.Extract genomic DNA from the suspension using a bead-beating based genomic DNA extraction kit.First transfer the cell suspension to a two-milliliter sample tube containing glass beads.Then add 750 microliters of lysis solution to the cell suspension.Cap the tubes tightly and place them symmetrically in the tube holder of the bead-beating disruption apparatus.Process at the maximum speed for five minutes.Centrifuge the bead-beaten samples at 10, 000 times G for one minute.Transfer the supernatant to a spin column in a two-milliliter collection tube and centrifuge at 7000 times G for one minute.Add 1200 microliters of DNA-binding buffer to the filtrate and transfer 800 microliters of the mixture to the spin column in a two-milliliter collection tube.Centrifuge at 10, 000 times G for one minute.Discard the flow-through.Add 200 microliters of prewash buffer to the spin column to wash the column matrix and centrifuge of 10, 000 times G for one minute.Discard the flow-through, add 500 microliters of wash buffer to the spin column to wash the column matrix and centrifuge again.Place each spin column into a new 1.5-milliliter microcentrifuge tube and add 100 microliters of elution buffer to the column matrix.Centrifuge at 10, 000 times G for 30 seconds to elute the genomic DNA.Estimate the DNA concentration and purity by measuring the absorbance at 260 nanometers and 280 nanometers using a spectrophotometer.The first PCR is performed using the S.mutans wild type genome and the synthetic streptomycin resistance gene as PCR templates.Three sets of primers are used to amplify respectively, the upstream flanking region of the glycosyltransferase C or gtfC gene, the downstream flanking region of the gtfC gene and the spectinomycin resistance gene.Fractionate each PCR product on a 1%agarose gel.The size of each product from the first PCR should be approximately one KB.Use a gel band cutter to excise the corresponding bands and purify each amplified DNA product as outlined in the text protocol.The next step is to use the three approximately equal molar fragments as PCR templates to perform the second PCR.These fragments are amplified and spliced using appropriate primers to produce the disruption construct.Since the success of this procedure depends on the amplification of the disruption construct by second PCR, it is important to confirm the second PCR product by electrophoresis.Load 1/10 of the PCR reaction mixture on a 0.8%agarose gel to confirm that the amplicon generated has the predicted band size.In this example, nested primers gave much better amplification.Transfer the remaining PCR mixture to a new 1.5-milliliter microcentrifuge tube and add 55 microliters of ultrapure water to adjust the total volume to 100 microliters.Add 1/10 volume of three molar sodium acetate pH 5.2, followed by 2.5 volumes of 100%ethanol and mix.Freeze at minus 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.Centrifuge at 15, 000 times G at four degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.When the centrifugation is done, check for the pellet at the bottom of the tube.Discard the supernatant.Wash the pellet with one milliliter of 70%ethanol and centrifuge at 15, 000 times G at four degrees Celsius for five minutes.Discard the supernatant and air dry the pellet for approximately 30 minutes.Lastly, dissolve the pellet with 10 microliters of ultrapure water.Competent S.mutans UA159 cells were previously prepared and stored as 50 microliter aliquots at minus 80 degrees Celsius.Mix each 50 microliter aliquot of ice cold competent cells with five microliters of the disruption construct.Add the mixture to electroporation cuvettes with a 0.2 centimeter distance between electrodes.Perform electroporation using the Staphylococcus aureus mode of the electroporation apparatus.Immediately after electroporation, suspend the cells in 500 microliters of BHI broth and add 50 microliters of the suspension to spectinomycin-containing BHI agar plates.Incubate the plates for two to six days at 37

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Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species

Candida species, prevalent colonizers of the intestinal and genitourinary tracts, are the cause of the majority of invasive fungal infections in humans. Thus, molecular and genetic tools are needed to facilitate the study of their pathogenesis mechanisms. PCR-mediated gene modification is a straightforward and quick approach to generate epitope-tagged proteins to facilitate their detection. In particular, fluorescent protein (FP) fusions are powerful tools that allow visualization and quantitation of both yeast cells and proteins by fluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting, respectively. Plasmids containing FP encoding sequences, along with nutritional marker genes that facilitate the transformation of Candida species, have been generated for the purpose of FP construction and expression in Candida. Herein, we present a strategy for constructing a FP fusion in a Candida species. Plasmids containing the nourseothricin resistance transformation marker gene (NAT1) along with sequences for either green, yellow, or cherry FPs (GFP, YFP, mCherry) are used along with primers that include gene-specific sequences in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to generate a FP cassette. This gene-specific cassette has the ability to integrate into the 3'-end of the corresponding gene locus via homologous recombination. Successful in-frame fusion of the FP sequence into the gene locus of interest is verified genetically, followed by analysis of fusion protein expression by microscopy and/or immuno-detection methods. In addition, for the case of highly expressed proteins, successful fusions can be screened for primarily by fluorescence imaging techniques.

Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species

PCR-mediated gene modification can be used to generate fluorescent protein fusions in Candida species, which facilitates visualization and quantitation of yeast cells and proteins. Herein, we present a strategy for constructing a fluorescent protein fusion (Eno1-FP) in Candida parapsilosis.

Candida species, prevalent colonizers of the intestinal and genitourinary tracts, are the cause of the majority of invasive fungal infections in humans. ...

Selection-dependent and Independent Generation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Gene Knockouts in Mammalian Cells

The CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering system has revolutionized biology by allowing for precise genome editing with little effort. Guided by a single guide RNA (sgRNA) that confers specificity, the Cas9 protein cleaves both DNA strands at the targeted locus. The DNA break can trigger either non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology directed repair (HDR). NHEJ can introduce small deletions or insertions which lead to frame-shift mutations, while HDR allows for larger and more precise perturbations. Here, we present protocols for generating knockout cell lines by coupling established CRISPR/Cas9 methods with two options for downstream selection/screening. The NHEJ approach uses a single sgRNA cut site and selection-independent screening, where protein production is assessed by dot immunoblot in a high-throughput manner. The HDR approach uses two sgRNA cut sites that span the gene of interest. Together with a provided HDR template, this method can achieve deletion of tens of kb, aided by the inserted selectable resistance marker. The appropriate applications and advantages of each method are discussed.

Recent advances in the ability to genetically manipulate somatic cell lines hold great potential for basic and applied research. Here, we present two approaches for CRISPR/Cas9 generated knockout production and screening in mammalian cell lines, with and without the use of selectable markers.

The CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering system has revolutionized biology by allowing for precise genome editing with little effort. Guided by a single guide ...

Sample Preparation and Analysis of RNASeq-based Gene Expression Data from Zebrafish

The analysis of global gene expression changes is a valuable tool for identifying novel pathways underlying observed phenotypes. The zebrafish is an excellent model for rapid assessment of whole transcriptome from whole animal or individual cell populations due to the ease of isolation of RNA from large numbers of animals. Here a protocol for global gene expression analysis in zebrafish embryos using RNA sequencing (RNASeq) is presented. We describe preparation of RNA from whole embryos or from cell populations obtained using cell sorting in transgenic animals. We also describe an approach for analysis of RNASeq data to identify enriched pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms in global gene expression data sets. Finally, we provide a protocol for validation of gene expression changes using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). These protocols can be used for comparative analysis of control and experimental sets of zebrafish to identify novel gene expression changes, and provide molecular insight into phenotypes of interest.

This protocol presents an approach for whole transcriptome analysis from zebrafish embryos, larvae, or sorted cells. We include isolation of RNA, pathway analysis of RNASeq data, and qRT-PCR-based validation of gene expression changes.

The analysis of global gene expression changes is a valuable tool for identifying novel pathways underlying observed phenotypes. The zebrafish is an ...

A Standard Methodology to Examine On-site Mutagenicity As a Function of Point Mutation Repair Catalyzed by CRISPR/Cas9 and SsODN in Human Cells

Combinatorial gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and single-stranded oligonucleotides is an effective strategy for the correction of single-base point mutations, which often are responsible for a variety of human inherited disorders. Using a well-established cell-based model system, the point mutation of a single-copy mutant eGFP gene integrated into HCT116 cells has been repaired using this combinatorial approach. The analysis of corrected and uncorrected cells reveals both the precision of gene editing and the development of genetic lesions, when indels are created in uncorrected cells in the DNA sequence surrounding the target site. Here, the specific methodology used to analyze this combinatorial approach to the gene editing of a point mutation, coupled with a detailed experimental strategy to measuring indel formation at the target site, is outlined. This protocol outlines a foundational approach and workflow for investigations aimed at developing CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing for human therapy. The conclusion of this work is that on-site mutagenesis takes place as a result of CRISPR/Cas9 activity during the process of point mutation repair. This work puts in place a standardized methodology to identify the degree of mutagenesis, which should be an important and critical aspect of any approach destined for clinical implementation.

This protocol outlines the workflow of a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing system for the repair of point mutations in mammalian cells. Here, we use a combinatorial approach to gene editing with a detailed follow-on experimental strategy for measuring indel formation at the target site&#8212;in essence, analyzing onsite mutagenesis.

Combinatorial gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and single-stranded oligonucleotides is an effective strategy for the correction of single-base point ...

Efficient Production and Identification of CRISPR/Cas9-generated Gene Knockouts in the Model System Danio rerio

Characterization of the clustered, regularly interspaced, short, palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system of Streptococcus pyogenes has enabled the development of a customizable platform to rapidly generate gene modifications in a wide variety of organisms, including zebrafish. CRISPR-based genome editing uses a single guide RNA (sgRNA) to target a CRISPR-associated (Cas) endonuclease to a genomic DNA (gDNA) target of interest, where the Cas endonuclease generates a double-strand break (DSB). Repair of DSBs by error-prone mechanisms lead to insertions and/or deletions (indels). This can cause frameshift mutations that often introduce a premature stop codon within the coding sequence, thus creating a protein-null allele. CRISPR-based genome engineering requires only a few molecular components and is easily introduced into zebrafish embryos by microinjection. This protocol describes the methods used to generate CRISPR reagents for zebrafish microinjection and to identify fish exhibiting germline transmission of CRISPR-modified genes. These methods include in vitro transcription of sgRNAs, microinjection of CRISPR reagents, identification of indels induced at the target site using a PCR-based method called a heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA), and characterization of the indels using both a low throughput and a powerful next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based approach that can analyze multiple PCR products collected from heterozygous fish. This protocol is streamlined to minimize both the number of fish required and the types of equipment needed to perform the analyses. Furthermore, this protocol is designed to be amenable for use by laboratory personal of all levels of experience including undergraduates, enabling this powerful tool to be economically employed by any research group interested in performing CRISPR-based genomic modification in zebrafish.

Efficient Production and Identification of CRISPR/Cas9-generated Gene Knockouts in the Model System Danio rerio

Targeted genome editing in the model system Danio rerio (zebrafish) has been greatly facilitated by the emergence of CRISPR-based approaches. Herein, we describe a streamlined, robust protocol for generation and identification of CRISPR-derived nonsense alleles that incorporates the heteroduplex mobility assay and identification of mutations using next-generation sequencing.

Characterization of the clustered, regularly interspaced, short, palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system of Streptococcus pyogenes has enabled the development ...

CRISPR Guide RNA Cloning for Mammalian Systems

The outlined protocol describes streamlined methods for the efficient and cost-effective generation of Cas9-associated guide RNAs. Two alternative strategies for guide RNA (gRNA) cloning are outlined based on the usage of the Type IIS restriction enzyme BsmBI in combination with a set of compatible vectors. Outside of the access to Sanger sequencing services to validate the generated vectors, no special equipment or reagents are required aside from those that are standard to modern molecular biology laboratories. The outlined method is primarily intended for cloning one single gRNA or one paired gRNA-expressing vector at a time. This procedure does not scale well for the generation of libraries containing thousands of gRNAs. For those purposes, alternative sources of oligonucleotide synthesis such as oligo-chip synthesis are recommended. Finally, while this protocol focuses on a set of mammalian vectors, the general strategy is plastic and is applicable to any organism if the appropriate gRNA vector is available.

Here, a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method of sgRNA cloning is outlined.

The outlined protocol describes streamlined methods for the efficient and cost-effective generation of Cas9-associated guide RNAs. Two alternative ...

Amplification of Near Full-length HIV-1 Proviruses for Next-Generation Sequencing

The Full-Length Individual Proviral Sequencing (FLIPS) assay is an efficient and high-throughput method designed to amplify and sequence single, near full-length (intact and defective), HIV-1 proviruses. FLIPS allows determination of the genetic composition of integrated HIV-1 within a cell population. Through identifying defects within HIV-1 proviral sequences that arise during reverse transcription, such as large internal deletions, deleterious stop codons/hypermutation, frameshift mutations, and mutations/deletions in cis acting elements required for virion maturation, FLIPS can identify integrated proviruses incapable of replication. The FLIPS assay can be utilized to identify HIV-1 proviruses that lack these defects and are&#160;therefore potentially replication-competent. The FLIPS protocol involves: lysis of HIV-1 infected cells, nested PCR of near full-length HIV-1 proviruses (using primers targeted to the HIV-1 5&#39; and 3&#39; LTR), DNA purification and quantification, library preparation for Next-generation Sequencing (NGS), NGS, de novo assembly of proviral contigs, and a simple process of elimination for identifying replication-competent proviruses. FLIPS provides advantages over traditional methods designed to sequence integrated HIV-1 proviruses, such as single-proviral sequencing. FLIPS amplifies and sequences near full-length proviruses enabling replication competency to be determined, and also uses fewer amplification primers, preventing the consequences of primer mismatches. FLIPS is a useful tool for understanding the genetic landscape of integrated HIV-1 proviruses, especially within the latent reservoir, however, its utilization can extend to any application in which the genetic composition of integrated HIV-1 is required.

Full-length individual proviral sequencing (FLIPS) provides an efficient and high-throughput method for the amplification and sequencing of single, near full-length (intact and defective) HIV-1 proviruses and allows for determination of their potential replication-competency. FLIPS overcomes limitations of previous assays designed to sequence the latent HIV-1 reservoir.

The Full-Length Individual Proviral Sequencing (FLIPS) assay is an efficient and high-throughput method designed to amplify and sequence single, near ...

High-throughput Identification of Gene Regulatory Sequences Using Next-generation Sequencing of Circular Chromosome Conformation Capture (4C-seq)

The identification of regulatory elements for a given target gene poses a significant technical challenge owing to the variability in the positioning and effect sizes of regulatory elements to a target gene. Some progress has been made with the bioinformatic prediction of the existence and function of proximal epigenetic modifications associated with activated gene expression using conserved transcription factor binding sites. Chromatin conformation capture studies have revolutionized our ability to discover physical chromatin contacts between sequences and even within an entire genome. Circular chromatin conformation capture coupled with next-generation sequencing (4C-seq), in particular, is designed to discover all possible physical chromatin interactions for a given sequence of interest (viewpoint), such as a target gene or a regulatory enhancer. Current 4C-seq strategies directly sequence from within the viewpoint but require numerous and diverse viewpoints to be simultaneously sequenced to avoid the technical challenges of uniform base calling (imaging) with next generation sequencing platforms. This volume of experiments may not be practical for many laboratories. Here, we report a modified approach to the 4C-seq protocol that incorporates both an additional restriction enzyme digest and qPCR-based amplification steps that are designed to facilitate a greater capture of diverse sequence reads and mitigate the potential for PCR bias, respectively. Our modified 4C method is amenable to the standard molecular biology lab for assessing chromatin architecture.

High-throughput Identification of Gene Regulatory Sequences Using Next-generation Sequencing of Circular Chromosome Conformation Capture 4C-seq

The identification of physical interactions between genes and regulatory elements is challenging but has been facilitated by chromosome conformation capture methods. This modification to the 4C-seq protocol mitigates PCR bias by minimizing over-amplification of PCR templates and maximizes the mappability of reads by incorporating an addition restriction enzyme digest step.

The identification of regulatory elements for a given target gene poses a significant technical challenge owing to the variability in the positioning and ...

A Customizable Protocol for String Assembly gRNA Cloning (STAgR)

The bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system has substantially increased methodological options for life scientists. Due to its utilization, genetic and genomic engineering became applicable to a large range of systems. Moreover, many transcriptional and epigenomic engineering approaches are now generally feasible for the first time. One reason for the broad applicability of CRISPR lies in its bipartite nature. Small gRNAs determine the genomic targets of the complex, variants of the protein Cas9, and the local molecular consequences. However, many CRISPR approaches depend on the simultaneous delivery of multiple gRNAs into individual cells. Here, we present a customizable protocol for string assembly gRNA cloning (STAgR), a method that allows the simple, fast and efficient generation of multiplexed gRNA expression vectors in a single cloning step. STAgR is cost-effective, since (in this protocol) the individual targeting sequences are introduced by short overhang primers while the long DNA templates of the gRNA expression cassettes can be re-used multiple times. Moreover, STAgR allows single step incorporation of a large number of gRNAs, as well as combinations of different gRNA variants, vectors and promoters.

A Customizable Protocol for String Assembly gRNA Cloning STAgR

Here, we present string assembly gRNA cloning (STAgR), a method to easily multiplex gRNA vectors for CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. STAgR makes gRNA multiplexing simple, efficient and customizable.

The bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system has substantially increased methodological options for life scientists. Due to its utilization, genetic and genomic ...

Manipulation of Gene Function in Mexican Cavefish

Cave animals provide a compelling system for investigating the evolutionary mechanisms and genetic bases underlying changes in numerous complex traits, including eye degeneration, albinism, sleep loss, hyperphagia, and sensory processing. Species of cavefish from around the world display a convergent evolution of morphological and behavioral traits due to shared environmental pressures between different cave systems. Diverse cave species have been studied in the laboratory setting. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, with sighted and blind forms, has provided unique insights into biological and molecular processes underlying the evolution of complex traits and is well-poised as an emerging model system. While candidate genes regulating the evolution of diverse biological processes have been identified in A. mexicanus, the ability to validate a role for individual genes has been limited. The application of transgenesis and gene-editing technology has the potential to overcome this significant impediment and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the evolution of complex traits. Here, we describe a different methodology for manipulating gene expression in A. mexicanus. Approaches include the use of morpholinos, Tol2 transgenesis, and gene-editing systems, commonly used in zebrafish and other fish models, to manipulate gene function in A. mexicanus. These protocols include detailed descriptions of timed breeding procedures, the collection of fertilized eggs, injections, and the selection of genetically modified animals. These methodological approaches will allow for the investigation of the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying the evolution of diverse traits in A. mexicanus.&#160;

We describe approaches for the manipulation of genes in the evolutionary model system Astyanax mexicanus. Three different techniques are described: Tol2-mediated transgenesis, targeted manipulation of the genome using CRISPR/Cas9, and knockdown of expression using morpholinos. These tools should facilitate the direct investigation of genes underlying the variation between surface- and cave-dwelling forms.

Cave animals provide a compelling system for investigating the evolutionary mechanisms and genetic bases underlying changes in numerous complex traits, ...