Name: a non-random mouse model for pharmacological reactivation of mecp2 on the inactive x chromosome
Uploaded: 2019-05-22T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome at JoVE.com

The authors thank Antonio Bedalov for providing reagents; University of Virginia Tissue Histology Core for cryosectioning; University of Virginia Flow Cytometry Core for flow cytometry analysis; Christian Blue and Saloni Singh for technical assistance with genotyping. This work was supported by a Double Hoo Research Grant to Z.Z., and a Pilot Project Program Award from the University of Virginia-Virginia Tech Seed Fund Award and the Hartwell Foundation Individual Biomedical Research Award to S.B.

Work involving mice was approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC; #4112).
1. Generate a Non-random XCI Mouse Model with Genetically Labeled Mecp2 on Xi
NOTE: Mouse strains used in the study were as follows: Mecp2-Gfp/Mecp2-Gfp (Mecp2tm3.1Bird, Table of Materials) and Xist/&#916;Xist (B6;129-Xist&#60;tm5Sado&#62;; provided by Antoni...

<ol>
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Previously, XCIFs that are selectively required for silencing of Xi-linked genes in mammalian female cells were identified12. We further optimized potent small molecule inhibitors to target XCIFs, such as ACVR1 and downstream effectors of PDPK1, which efficiently reactivate Xi-linked Mecp2 in mouse fibroblast cell lines, mouse cortical neurons, and a human fibroblast cell line derived from a RTT patient. These results suggest that Xi reactivation is a plausible therapeutic approach to res...

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a process of dosage compensation that balances X-linked gene expression by silencing one copy of the X chromosome in females1. As a result, the inactive X chromosome (Xi) accumulates characteristic features of heterochromatin including DNA methylation and inhibitory histone modifications, such as histone H3-lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and histone H2A ubiquitination (H2Aub)2. The master regulator of X chromosome silencing is the X-inactivation center (Xic) region, around 100&#8722;500 kb, which controls the counting and pairing of the X chromosomes, the random choice of the X chromosome for inactivation, and the initiation and spreading of silencing along the X chromosome3. The process of X inactivation is initiated by X inactive specific transcript (Xist) that coats the Xi in cis to mediate chromosome-wide silencing and remodel the three-dimensional structure of the X chromosome4. Recently, several proteomic and genetic screens have identified additional regulators of XCI, such as Xist interacting proteins5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12. For example, a previous study using an unbiased genome-wide RNA interference screen identified 13 trans-acting XCI factors (XCIFs)12. Mechanistically, XCIFs regulate Xist expression and therefore, interfering with XCIFs function causes defective XCI12. Together, recent advances in the field have provided important insights into the molecular machinery that is required to initiate and maintain XCI.
Identification of XCI regulators and understanding their mechanism in XCI is directly relevant to X-linked human diseases, such as Rett syndrome (RTT)13,14. RTT is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous mutation in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) that affects predominantly girls15. Because MECP2 is located on the X chromosome, RTT girls are heterozygous for MECP2 deficiency with ~50% cells expressing wild-type and ~50% expressing mutant MECP2. Notably, RTT mutant cells harbor a dormant but wild-type copy of Mecp2 on the Xi, providing a source of the functional gene, which if reactivated, could potentially alleviate symptoms of the disease. In addition to RTT, there are several other X-linked human diseases, for which reactivation of Xi represents a potential therapeutic approach, such as DDX3X syndrome.
Inhibition of XCIFs, 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1 (PDPK1), and activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1), either by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or small molecule inhibitors, reactivates Xi-linked genes12. Pharmacological reactivation of Xi-linked genes is observed in various ex vivo models that include mouse fibroblast cell lines, adult mouse cortical neurons, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and fibroblast cell lines derived from an RTT patient12. However, whether pharmacological reactivation of Xi-linked genes is feasible in vivo remains to be demonstrated. One limiting factor is the lack of effective animal models to accurately measure the expression of genes from reactivated Xi. Towards this goal, a Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp mouse model has been generated that carries a genetically labeled Mecp2 on Xi in all the cells due to heterozygous deletion in Xist on the maternal X chromosome16. Using this model, the expression of Mecp2 from Xi has been quantitated following treatment with XCIFs inhibitors in the brain of living mice. Here, the generation of the Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp mouse model and methodology to quantitate Xi reactivation in cortical neurons using immunofluorescence-based assays is described.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr >
			<td >MICE</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Mecp2tm3.1Bird</td>
			<td >The Jackson Laboratory</td>
			<td>#014610</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >B6;129-Xist (tm5Sado)</td>
			<td>provided by Antonio Bedalov, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >REAGENTS</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >22x22 mm coverslip</td>
			<td >FISHERfinest (Fisher Scientific)</td>
			<td >125488</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >32% Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td >Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td >15714-S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >50 ml syringe</td>
			<td>Medline Industries</td>
			<td>NPMJD50LZ</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >60mm culture dish</td>
			<td >CellStar</td>
			<td >628160</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >7-AAD </td>
			<td >BioLegend</td>
			<td >420403</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)</td>
			<td >Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td >A661-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >anti-GFP-AlexaFluor647</td>
			<td >Invitrogen</td>
			<td >A-31852</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >anti-MAP2</td>
			<td >Aves Labs</td>
			<td >MAP</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >BSA</td>
			<td >Promega</td>
			<td >R396D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Buprenorphine SR</td>
			<td >Zoopharm</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >citric acid </td>
			<td >Sigma</td>
			<td >C-1857</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DMSO</td>
			<td >Fisher Bioreagents</td>
			<td >BP231-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM)</td>
			<td >Corning Cellgro</td>
			<td >10-013-CV</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Ethanol</td>
			<td >Decon Labs</td>
			<td >2701</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >fetal bovine serum (FBS)</td>
			<td >VWR Life Science</td>
			<td>89510-198</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >gelatin</td>
			<td >Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td >G9391</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >glass slides</td>
			<td >Fisherbrand</td>
			<td >22-034-486</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >goat anti-chicken FITC-labeled secondary antibody </td>
			<td >Aves Labs</td>
			<td >F-1005</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >GSK650394</td>
			<td >ApexBio</td>
			<td >B1051</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >hamilton 10&#956;l syringe </td>
			<td >Hamilton Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td >28615-U</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Hank&#39;s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS)</td>
			<td >Gibco</td>
			<td >14025-092</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Ketamine</td>
			<td>Ketaset</td>
			<td>NDC 0856-2013-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Large blunt/blunt curved scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>14519-14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >LDN193189</td>
			<td >Cayman Chemicals</td>
			<td >11802</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >lodixanol</td>
			<td >Sigma</td>
			<td >1343517</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >magnesium chloride (MgCl2)</td>
			<td >Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td >M35-212</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Methylcelulose</td>
			<td >Sigma</td>
			<td >M0262-100G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >mounting medium with DAPI </td>
			<td >Vectashield</td>
			<td >H-1200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Needle tip, 26 GA x 1.25&#34;</td>
			<td >PrecisionGlide</td>
			<td >305111</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >ophthalmic ointment </td>
			<td >Refresh Lacri-Lube</td>
			<td >93468</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >optimal cutting temperature (O.C.T.) </td>
			<td >ThermoFisher</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >PCR mix</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Penicillin/Streptomycin (Pen/Strep)</td>
			<td >Corning</td>
			<td >30-002-Cl</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4 (PBS)</td>
			<td >Corning Cellgro</td>
			<td >46-103-CM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Potassium chloride (KCl)</td>
			<td >Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >P330-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >scalpel blades</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Shallow glass or plastic tray</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >skin glue/tissue adhesive</td>
			<td >3M Vetbond</td>
			<td >1469SB</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >sodium azide</td>
			<td >Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >CAS 26628-22-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Sodium chloride (NaCl)</td>
			<td >Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td >S642-212</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >standard hemostat forceps</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>13013-14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Standard tweezers</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>11027-12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Straight iris scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>14058-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >sucrose</td>
			<td >Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >BP220-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tris-base</td>
			<td >Fisher Bioreagents</td>
			<td >BP152-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Triton X-100</td>
			<td >Fisher Bioreagents</td>
			<td >BP151-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Trypsin-EDTA </td>
			<td >Gibco</td>
			<td >15400-054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Xylazine</td>
			<td >Akorn</td>
			<td>NDC: 59399-111-50</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >EQUIPMENT</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Zeiss AxioObserver Live-Cell microscope </td>
			<td >Zeiss</td>
			<td >Zeiss AxioObserver</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >0.45mm burr</td>
			<td >IDEAL MicroDrill</td>
			<td >67-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >BD FACScalibur</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >centrifuge</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >glass homogenizer</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >cell culture incubator</td>
			<td >Thermo Scientific HERACELL VIOS 160i</td>
			<td >13-998-213</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Leica 3050S research cryostat </td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >stereotactic platform </td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >thermocycler</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Timer</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >ultracentrifuge</td>
			<td >Beckman Coulter Optima L-100 XP</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Water bath (37 &#186;C)</td>
			<td >Fisher Scientific Isotemp 2239</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a non-random mouse model for pharmacological reactivation of mecp2 on the inactive x chromosome

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the random silencing of one X chromosome in females to achieve gene dosage balance between the sexes. As a result, all females are heterozygous for X-linked gene expression. One of the key regulators of XCI is Xist, which is essential for the initiation and maintenance of XCI. Previous studies have identified 13 trans acting X chromosome inactivation factors (XCIFs) using a large-scale, loss-of-function genetic screen. Inhibition of XCIFs, such as ACVR1 and PDPK1, using short-hairpin RNA or small molecule inhibitors, reactivates X chromosome-linked genes in cultured cells. But the feasibility and tolerability of reactivating the inactive X chromosome in vivo remains to be determined. Towards this goal, a Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp mouse model has been generated with non-random XCI due to deletion of Xist on one X chromosome. Using this model, the extent of inactive X reactivation was quantitated in the mouse brain following treatment with XCIF inhibitors. Recently published results show, for the first time, that pharmacological inhibition of XCIFs reactivates Mecp2 from the inactive X chromosome in cortical neurons of the living mouse brain.

To demonstrate the feasibility of the Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp mouse model for Xi reactivation studies, XCIF inhibitor-mediated reactivation of Xi-linked Mecp2-Gfp was tested in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Female MEFs were isolated from day 15.5 Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp embryos as described in section 3 (Figure 1A). The genotypes of female Xist&#916;:Mecp2/Xist:Mecp2-Gfp MEFs were confirmed by genotyping-PCR, as de...

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A Non-random Mouse Model for Pharmacological Reactivation of Mecp2 on the Inactive X Chromosome

Here, we describe a protocol to generate a viable female murine model with non-random X chromosome inactivation, i.e., the maternally-inherited X chromosome is inactive in 100% of the cells. We also describe a protocol to test feasibility, tolerability, and safety of pharmacological reactivation of the inactive X chromosome in vivo.

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the random silencing of one X chromosome in females to achieve gene dosage balance between the sexes. As a result, all ...

This protocol can be used to generate a non-random mouse model for testing and quantifying the reactivation of the inactive X-linked Mecp2 chromosome in the brain of a living mouse. This model can be easily modified to study Xi reactivation in other X-linked disease models such as DDX3X syndrome. I am a post doc in Sanchita Bhatnagar's laboratory and I will be demonstrating the procedure with Zeming Zheng.Begin by positioning the anesthetized mouse in a stereotactic platform with the incisors hooked in the bite bar of the snout restrainer. Tighten the nose clamp while keeping the mouse's head on a level plane. Adjust the height of the ear bars to reach the caudal portion of the ear canal to keep the head immobilized.Then disinfect the head with alternating wipes of a topical antiseptic and 70%ethanol. When the mouse is ready, use a sterile scalpel to make a 0.75 centimeter horizontal incision in the mid scalp. Use a 0.45 millimeter burr to drill two symmetrical holes above the right and left cortical hemispheres two millimeters from the sagittal suture and the lambdoid suture at the approximate middle of the parietal bone.Firmly attach a 10 microliter syringe to the stereotactic platform and load 10 microliters of freshly prepared chemical inhibitor into the syringe. Advance the needle into the first burr hole while keeping the needle perpendicular to the skull. When the needle traverses the skull, zero out the coordinates on the stereotactic digital display and advance the tip of the needle until it reaches a depth of 2.5 millimeters.Withdraw the needle 0.5 millimeters to a depth of two millimeters and slowly inject the entire 10 microliter volume of the solution over a period of one minute. After all of the inhibitor has been delivered, leave the needle in the brain for another minute before withdrawing the needle. Repeat the injection into the second burr hole using vehicle only as a control and close the skin over the incision.Then transfer the mouse from the stereotactic apparatus onto a 37 degree Celsius heating pad with monitoring until full recovery. At the end of the dose regimen, secure the mouse on a dissecting pad. Use scissors and forceps to make a lateral incision through the integument and the abdominal wall just beneath the ribcage.Carefully separate the liver from the diaphragm and cut through the diaphragm along the entire length of the ribcage to expose the pleural cavity. Use the scissors to make an incision to the posterior end of the left ventricle and immediately inject the right heart chamber with approximately 15 milliliters of PBS over a two-minute period. A successful perfusion will result in a liver color change from red to pale pink.When all of the PBS has been delivered, perfuse the heart with approximately 10 milliliters of 4%paraformaldehyde in PBS over two minutes. After harvesting the head, use scissors to make a midline incision in the scalp to expose the skull. Place one tip of the scissors into the foramen magnum to facilitate the creation of a lateral incision in the skull toward the eye.Make a similar incision on the other side of the skull keeping the end of the scissors as superficial as possible and cut the region of the skull between the eyes and above the nose of the mouse. Use forceps to gently peel the cranial bones from the brain hemispheres and use a spatula to elevate the brain. Carefully dissect the cranial nerve fibers that fix the brain to the skull and place the brain into a plastic dish.Then excise the cerebellum and olfactory bulbs. To obtain sections of the brain tissue, first fix the brain in a 15 milliliter tube filled with 4%paraformaldehyde in PBS at four degrees Celsius overnight. The next morning, rinse the brain tissue at least three times for five minutes at four degrees Celsius in fresh PBS per wash.After the last wash, remove the front of each hemisphere with scissors and forceps and place the samples into labeled cryo-molds front side down. Submerge each tissue in optimal cutting temperature medium before snap freezing the samples in liquid nitrogen in a 10 millimeter plastic Petri dish for minus 80 degrees Celsius storage. To determine Xi reactivation, immerse five to six micrometer brain tissue sections in antigen retrieval solution for five minutes on a 100 degree Celsius heat block.At the end of the incubation, wash the slides with four five-minute washes at room temperature with fresh PBS per wash before immersing the slides in blocking solution. After 20 minutes at room temperature, wash the slides three times for five minutes in fresh wash buffer per wash. Stain the tissue samples with the appropriate primary antibodies at four degrees Celsius overnight.Image the slides on a fluorescence microscope adjusting the contrast and brightness to allow quantification of the number of GFP positive cells for both drug and vehicle treated mouse brain hemispheres. To demonstrate the feasibility of the non-random X chromosome inactivation mouse model for inactive X chromosome reactivation studies, the genotypes of female transgenic mouse embryonic fibroblast were confirmed by genotyping PCR and flow cytometry. As assessed by PCR, the expression of the GFP tagged methylene CPG binding protein two gene or MECP2 was reactivated by drug but not vehicle treatment.Non-random X chromosome inactivation mouse model embryonic fibroblasts also expressed nuclear GFP after drug but not vehicle treatment demonstrating the X chromosome inactivation factor inhibitors reactivate inactivated X chromosome linked MECP2 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Drug treatment reactivates inactivated X chromosome MECP2-GFP in about 30%of cells in drug infused brain hemispheres whereas no reactivation is detected in vehicle infused hemispheres. Microtubule-associated protein two positive neurons are also GFP positive in drug treated hemispheres indicative of inactivated X chromosome MECP2-GFP expression.The drug regimen will be dependent on the target and the efficacy of the small molecule inhibitors so optimize the dose and treatment in vitro before testing in vivo. The non-random mouse model can be utilized to test different drugs either individually or in combination. In fact, we and others have identified several druggable X chromosome inactivation factors.

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Conjugative Mating Assays for Sequence-specific Analysis of Transfer Proteins Involved in Bacterial Conjugation

The transfer of genetic material by bacterial conjugation is a process that takes place via complexes formed by specific transfer proteins. In Escherichia coli, these transfer proteins make up a DNA transfer machinery known as the mating pair formation, or DNA transfer complex, which facilitates conjugative plasmid transfer. The objective of this paper is to provide a method that can be used to determine the role of a specific transfer protein that is involved in conjugation using a series of deletions and/or point mutations in combination with mating assays. The target gene is knocked out on the conjugative plasmid and is then provided in trans through the use of a small recovery plasmid harboring the target gene. Mutations affecting the target gene on the recovery plasmid can reveal information about functional aspects of the target protein that result in the alteration of mating efficiency of donor cells harboring the mutated gene. Alterations in mating efficiency provide insight into the role and importance of the particular transfer protein, or a region therein, in facilitating conjugative DNA transfer. Coupling this mating assay with detailed three-dimensional structural studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the function of the conjugative transfer protein as well as provide a means for identifying and characterizing regions of protein-protein interaction.

Here, we present a protocol to knockout a gene of interest involved in plasmid conjugation and subsequently analyze the impact of its absence using mating assays. The function of the gene is further explored to a specific region of its sequence using deletion or point mutations.

The transfer of genetic material by bacterial conjugation is a process that takes place via complexes formed by specific transfer proteins. In Escherichia ...

Pooled shRNA Screen for Reactivation of MeCP2 on the Inactive X Chromosome

Forward genetic screens using reporter genes inserted into the heterochromatin have been extensively used to investigate mechanisms of epigenetic control in model organisms. Technologies including short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) have enabled such screens in diploid mammalian cells. Here we describe a large-scale shRNA screen for regulators of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), using a murine cell line with firefly luciferase and hygromycin resistance genes knocked in at the C-terminus of the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene on the inactive X-chromosome (Xi). Reactivation of the construct in the reporter cell line conferred survival advantage under hygromycin B selection, enabling us to screen a large shRNA library and identify hairpins that reactivated the reporter by measuring their post-selection enrichment using next-generation sequencing. The enriched hairpins were then individually validated by testing their ability to activate the luciferase reporter on Xi.

We report a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and next generation sequencing-based protocol for identifying regulators of X-chromosome inactivation in a murine cell line with firefly luciferase and hygromycin resistance genes fused to the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene on the inactive X chromosome.

Forward genetic screens using reporter genes inserted into the heterochromatin have been extensively used to investigate mechanisms of epigenetic control ...

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 ...

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Analyses Using the OpenProt Database to Unveil Novel Proteins Translated from Non-Canonical Open Reading Frames

Genome annotation is central to today's proteomic research as it draws the outlines of the proteomic landscape. Traditional models of open reading frame (ORF) annotation impose two arbitrary criteria: a minimum length of 100 codons and a single ORF per transcript. However, a growing number of studies report expression of proteins from allegedly non-coding regions, challenging the accuracy of current genome annotations. These novel proteins were found encoded either within non-coding RNAs, 5' or 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs, or overlapping a known coding sequence (CDS) in an alternative ORF. OpenProt is the first database that enforces a polycistronic model for eukaryotic genomes, allowing annotation of multiple ORFs per transcript. OpenProt is freely accessible and offers custom downloads of protein sequences across 10 species. Using OpenProt database for proteomic experiments enables novel proteins discovery and highlights the polycistronic nature of eukaryotic genes. The size of OpenProt database (all predicted proteins) is substantial and need be taken in account for the analysis. However, with appropriate false discovery rate (FDR) settings or the use of a restricted OpenProt database, users will gain a more realistic view of the proteomic landscape. Overall, OpenProt is a freely available tool that will foster proteomic discoveries.

OpenProt is a freely accessible database that enforces a polycistronic model of eukaryotic genomes. Here, we present a protocol for the use of OpenProt databases when interrogating mass spectrometry datasets. Using OpenProt database for analysis of proteomic experiments allows for discovery of novel and previously undetectable proteins.

Genome annotation is central to today's proteomic research as it draws the outlines of the proteomic landscape. Traditional models of open reading frame ...

A Robust Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Assay for Quantifying Cytosine-guanine-guanine Trinucleotide Repeats in Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 Gene

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and associated disorders are caused by expansion of the cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) trinucleotide repeat in the 5&#8217; untranslated region (UTR) of the Fragile X mental retardation-1 (FMR1) gene promoter. Conventionally, capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis on a genetic analyzer is used for the sizing of the CGG repeats of FMR1, but additional Southern blot analysis is required for exact measurement when the repeat number is higher than 200. Here, we present an accurate and robust polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for quantification of the CGG repeats of FMR1. The first step of this test is PCR amplification of the repeat sequences in the 5&#8217;UTR of the FMR1 promoter using a Fragile X PCR kit, followed by purification of the PCR products and fragment sizing on a microfluidic capillary electrophoresis instrument, and subsequent interpretation of the number of CGG repeats by referencing standards with known repeats using the analysis software. This PCR-based assay is reproducible and capable of identifying the full range of CGG repeats of FMR1 promoters, including those with a repeat number of more than 200 (classified as full mutation), 55 to 200 (premutation), 46 to 54 (intermediate), and 10 to 45 (normal). It is a cost-effective method that facilitates classification of the FXS and Fragile X-associated disorders with robustness and rapid reporting time.

An accurate and robust polymerase chain reaction-based assay for quantifying cytosine-guanine-guanine trinucleotide repeats in the Fragile X mental retardation-1 gene facilitates molecular diagnosis and screening of Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-related disorders with shorter turn-around time and investment in equipment.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and associated disorders are caused by expansion of the cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) trinucleotide repeat in the 5&#8217; ...

Delivery of Modified mRNA in a Myocardial Infarction Mouse Model

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. In the past decade, gene therapy has become a promising treatment option for heart disease, owing to its efficiency and exceptional therapeutic effects. In an effort to repair the damaged tissue post-MI, various studies have employed DNA-based or viral gene therapy but have faced considerable hurdles due to the poor and uncontrolled expression of the delivered genes, edema, arrhythmia, and cardiac hypertrophy. Synthetic modified mRNA (modRNA) presents a novel gene therapy approach that offers high, transient, safe, nonimmunogenic, and controlled mRNA delivery to the heart tissue without any risk of genomic integration. Due to these remarkable characteristics combined with its bell-shaped pharmacokinetics in the heart, modRNA has become an attractive approach for the treatment of heart disease. However, to increase its effectiveness in vivo, a consistent and reliable delivery method needs to be followed. Hence, to maximize modRNA delivery efficiency and yield consistency in modRNA use for in vivo applications, an optimized method of preparation and delivery of modRNA intracardiac injection in a mouse MI model is presented. This protocol will make modRNA delivery more accessible for basic and translational research.

This protocol presents a simple and coherent way to transiently upregulate a gene of interest using modRNA after myocardial infarction in mice.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. In the past decade, gene therapy has become a promising ...

A Screening Method for Identification of Heterochromatin-Promoting Drugs Using Drosophila

Drosophila is an excellent model organism that can be used to screen compounds that might be useful for cancer therapy. The method described here is a cost-effective in vivo method to identify heterochromatin-promoting compounds by using Drosophila. The Drosophila&#39;s DX1 strain, having a variegated eye color phenotype that reflects the extents of heterochromatin formation, thereby providing a tool for a heterochromatin-promoting drug screen. In this screening method, eye variegation is quantified based on the surface area of red pigmentation occupying parts of the eye and is scored on a scale from 1 to 5. The screening method is straightforward and sensitive and allows for testing compounds in vivo. Drug screening using this method provides a fast and inexpensive way for identifying heterochromatin-promoting drugs that could have beneficial effects in cancer therapeutics. Identifying compounds that promote the formation of heterochromatin could also lead to the discovery of epigenetic mechanisms of cancer development.

A Screening Method for Identification of Heterochromatin-Promoting Drugs Using Drosophila

Drosophila is a widely used experimental model suitable for screening drugs with potential applications for cancer therapy. Here, we describe the use of Drosophila variegated eye color phenotypes as a method for screening small-molecule compounds that promote heterochromatin formation.

Drosophila is an excellent model organism that can be used to screen compounds that might be useful for cancer therapy. The method described here is a ...

Identification of Enhancer-Promoter Contacts in Embryoid Bodies by Quantitative Chromosome Conformation Capture (4C)

During mammalian development, cell fates are determined through the establishment of regulatory networks that define the specificity, timing, and spatial patterns of gene expression. Embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from pluripotent stem cells have been a popular model to study the differentiation of the main three germ layers and to define regulatory circuits during cell fate specification. Although it is well-known that tissue-specific enhancers play an important role in these networks by interacting with promoters, assigning them to their relevant target genes still remains challenging. To make this possible, quantitative approaches are needed to study enhancer-promoter contacts and their dynamics during development. Here, we adapted a 4C method to define enhancers and their contacts with cognate promoters in the EB differentiation model. The method uses frequently cutting restriction enzymes, sonication, and a nested-ligation-mediated PCR protocol compatible with commercial DNA library preparation kits. Subsequently, the 4C libraries are subjected to high-throughput sequencing and analyzed bioinformatically, allowing detection and quantification of all sequences that have contacts with a chosen promoter. The resulting sequencing data can also be used to gain information about the dynamics of enhancer-promoter contacts during differentiation. The technique described for the EB differentiation model is easy to implement.

Identification of Enhancer-Promoter Contacts in Embryoid Bodies by Quantitative Chromosome Conformation Capture 4C

We report the application of quantitative chromosome conformation capture followed by high-throughput sequencing in embryoid bodies generated from embryonic stem cells. This technique allows to identify and quantitate the contacts between putative enhancers and promoter regions of a given gene during embryonic stem cell differentiation.

During mammalian development, cell fates are determined through the establishment of regulatory networks that define the specificity, timing, and spatial ...

Application of DNA Fingerprinting using the D1S80 Locus in Lab Classes

In biological sciences, DNA fingerprinting has been widely used for paternity testing, forensic applications and phylogenetic studies. Here, we describe a reliable and robust method for genotyping individuals by Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) analysis in the context of undergraduate laboratory classes. The human D1S80 VNTR locus is used in this protocol as a highly polymorphic marker based on variation in the number of repetitive sequences.
This simple protocol conveys useful information for teachers and the implementation of DNA fingerprinting in practical laboratory classes. In the presented laboratory exercise, DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification is used to determine genetic variation at the D1S80 VNTR locus. Differences in the fragment size of PCR products are visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. The fragment sizes and repeat numbers are calculated based on a linear regression of the size and migration distance of a DNA size standard.
Following this guide, students should be able to:
&#8226;&#160; Harvest and extract DNA from buccal mucosa epithelial cells 
&#8226;&#160; Perform a PCR experiment and understand the function of various reaction components 
&#8226;&#160; Analyze the amplicons by agarose gel electrophoresis and interpret the results 
&#8226;&#160; Understand the use of VNTRs in DNA fingerprinting and its application in biological sciences

Application of DNA Fingerprinting using the D1S80 Locus in Lab Classes

Here we describe a simple protocol to generate DNA fingerprinting profiles by amplifying the VNTR locus D1S80 from epithelial cell DNA.

In biological sciences, DNA fingerprinting has been widely used for paternity testing, forensic applications and phylogenetic studies. Here, we describe a ...

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, OMIM: 613690) is the most common cardiomyopathy in China. However, the underlying genetic etiology of HCM remains elusive.
We previously identified a myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) gene heterozygous variant, NM_000257.4: c.G2468A (p.G823E), in a large Chinese Han family with HCM. In this family, variant G823E cosegregates with an autosomal dominant disorder. This variant is located in the lever arm domain of the neck region of the MYH7 protein and is highly conserved among homologous myosins and species. To verify the pathogenicity of the G823E variant, we produced a C57BL/6N mouse model with a point mutation (G823E) at the mouse MYH7 locus with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering. We designed gRNA targeting vectors and donor oligonucleotides (with targeting sequences flanked by 134 bp of homology). The p.G823E (GGG to GAG) site in the donor oligonucleotide was introduced into exon 23 of MYH7 by homology-directed repair. A silenced p.R819 (AGG to CGA) was also inserted to prevent gRNA binding and re-cleavage of the sequence after homology-directed repair. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) hypertrophy with systole in MYH7 G823E/- mice at 2 months of age. These results were likewise validated by histological analysis (Figure 3).
These results demonstrate that the G823E variant plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HCM. Our findings enrich the spectrum of MYH7 variants linked to familial HCM and may provide guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this Chinese family.

Based on the familial hereditary cardiomyopathy family found in our clinical work, we created a C57BL/6N mouse model with a point mutation (G823E) at the mouse MYH7 locus through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering to verify this mutation.

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, OMIM: 613690) is the most common cardiomyopathy in China. However, the underlying genetic etiology of HCM ...