Roadmap for the use of base editors to decipher drug mechanism of action

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 21;16(9):e0257537. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257537. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

CRISPR base editors are powerful tools for large-scale mutagenesis studies. This kind of approach can elucidate the mechanism of action of compounds, a key process in drug discovery. Here, we explore the utility of base editors in an early drug discovery context focusing on G-protein coupled receptors. A pooled mutagenesis screening framework was set up based on a modified version of the CRISPR-X base editor system. We determine optimized experimental conditions for mutagenesis where sgRNAs are delivered by cell transfection or viral infection over extended time periods (>14 days), resulting in high mutagenesis produced in a short region located at -4/+8 nucleotides with respect to the sgRNA match. The β2 Adrenergic Receptor (B2AR) was targeted in this way employing a 6xCRE-mCherry reporter system to monitor its response to isoproterenol. The results of our screening indicate that residue 184 of B2AR is crucial for its activation. Based on our experience, we outline the crucial points to consider when designing and performing CRISPR-based pooled mutagenesis screening, including the typical technical hurdles encountered when studying compound pharmacology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Gene Editing / methods*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol / chemistry
  • Isoproterenol / metabolism*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / chemistry
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2
  • Isoproterenol

Grants and funding

The study was funded by Pfizer, Inc. The funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors EAP, DY, JPF, AW, HSX and RS, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.