Methods for correcting caspase-9 point mutations

Abstract

Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, systems, reagents, methods, and kits that are useful for the targeted editing of nucleic acids, including editing a nucleic acid encoding a mutant Caspase-9 protein to correct a point mutation associated with a disease or disorder, e.g., with neuroblastoma. The methods provided are useful for correcting a Caspase-9 point mutation within the genome of a cell or subject, e.g., within the human genome. In some embodiments, fusion proteins of Cas9 and nucleic acid editing enzymes or enzyme domains, e.g., deaminase domains, are provided. In some embodiments, reagents and kits for the generation of targeted nucleic acid editing proteins, e.g., fusion proteins of Cas9 and nucleic acid editing enzymes or domains, are provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 915,386 filed Dec. 12, 2013, and U.S. provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 980,333 filed Apr. 16, 2014, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Targeted editing of nucleic acid sequences, for example, the introduction of a specific modification into genomic DNA, is a highly promising approach for the study of gene function and also has the potential to provide new therapies for human genetic diseases.1 An ideal nucleic acid editing technology possesses three characteristics: (1) high efficiency of installing the desired modification; (2) minimal off-target activity; and (3) the ability to be programmed to edit precisely any site in a given nucleic acid, e.g., any site within the human genome.2 Current genome engineering tools, including engineered zinc finger nucleases ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for editing nucleic acids using a fusion protein of Cas9 and a nucleic acid editing enzyme. This system can be used to target specific locations in the genome and install new base modifications with enzyme-like efficiency and no stochasticity. The use of this system could lead to the development of powerful new research tools and human therapeutics.

Problems solved by technology

Significantly, 80-90% of protein mutations responsible for human disease arise from the substitution, deletion, or insertion of only a single nucleotide.6 No genome engineering tools, however, have yet been developed that enable the manipulation of a single nucleotide in a general and direct manner.

The resulting mismatch is recognized by the cell's endogenous repair system and fixed, leading to a change in the sequence of either the chimera or the genome.

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