| Literature DB >> 30091705 |
David Li-Kroeger1, Oguz Kanca1, Pei-Tseng Lee1, Sierra Cowan2, Michael T Lee2, Manish Jaiswal1,3, Jose Luis Salazar1,4, Yuchun He1,3, Zhongyuan Zuo1, Hugo J Bellen1,3,4,5,6.
Abstract
We generated two new genetic tools to efficiently tag genes in Drosophila. The first, Double Header (DH) utilizes intronic MiMIC/CRIMIC insertions to generate artificial exons for GFP mediated protein trapping or T2A-GAL4 gene trapping in vivo based on Cre recombinase to avoid embryo injections. DH significantly increases integration efficiency compared to previous strategies and faithfully reports the expression pattern of genes and proteins. The second technique targets genes lacking coding introns using a two-step cassette exchange. First, we replace the endogenous gene with an excisable compact dominant marker using CRISPR making a null allele. Second, the insertion is replaced with a protein::tag cassette. This sequential manipulation allows the generation of numerous tagged alleles or insertion of other DNA fragments that facilitates multiple downstream applications. Both techniques allow precise gene manipulation and facilitate detection of gene expression, protein localization and assessment of protein function, as well as numerous other applications.Entities:
Keywords: D. melanogaster; Double Header; T2A-GAL4; Trojan exons; gene editing; genetics; genomics; protein tagging; swappable insertion cassette
Mesh:
Substances:
Year: 2018 PMID: 30091705 PMCID: PMC6095692 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.38709
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Elife ISSN: 2050-084X Impact factor: 8.140
Figure 1.Double Header optimizes RMCE outcome of MiMICs.
(A) Schematics of the Double Header construct and RMCE outcomes. Double Header constructs contain a Splice Acceptor (SA)- super folder GFP-FlAsH-StrepII-TEV-3xFlag (EGFP) – Splice Donor (SD) in one orientation and a SA-T2A-GAL4-polyA in the other orientation. Insertion in the GFP orientation results in GFP protein trap whereas insertion in the T2A-GAL4 orientation results in T2A-GAL4 gene trap. (B) Double Header injection statistics.
(A) The crossing scheme to generate Double Header RMCE events through embryo injection. (B) PCR determination of the Double Header orientation. ? indicates the number of lines where the PCR pattern was ambiguous. Yellow MiMICs: Double Header insertions in both orientations, Green MiMICs: only GFP protein trap orientation, Blue MiMICs: only T2A-GAL4 gene trap orientation.
Primers are indicated on the Double Header construct that inserted in an intronic MiMIC. For each Double Header insertion four single fly PCR reactions were set with MiMIC inwards primers that bind outside the attP sites and are directed inwards (MiMIC_5’_for, MiMIC_3’_rev) and GFP and T2A-GAL4 specific outwards primers (DH_GFP_rev, DH_T2A-for). A correct insertion results in amplicons in two out of four PCRs.
Figure 1—figure supplement 1.Injection data for Double Header.
(A) The crossing scheme to generate Double Header RMCE events through embryo injection. (B) PCR determination of the Double Header orientation. ? indicates the number of lines where the PCR pattern was ambiguous. Yellow MiMICs: Double Header insertions in both orientations, Green MiMICs: only GFP protein trap orientation, Blue MiMICs: only T2A-GAL4 gene trap orientation.
Figure 1—figure supplement 2.PCR strategy to identify Double Header orientation.
Primers are indicated on the Double Header construct that inserted in an intronic MiMIC. For each Double Header insertion four single fly PCR reactions were set with MiMIC inwards primers that bind outside the attP sites and are directed inwards (MiMIC_5’_for, MiMIC_3’_rev) and GFP and T2A-GAL4 specific outwards primers (DH_GFP_rev, DH_T2A-for). A correct insertion results in amplicons in two out of four PCRs.
Figure 2.Double Header integration through crosses facilitates RMCE.
(A) Schematics of the Double Header transgene mobilization in vivo. Double Header transgenes contain loxP sites that can be used to mobilize the RMCE cassette in vivo, without the need for injection. (B) Double header crossing statistics.
(A) Crossing scheme for mobilizing Double Header RMCE cassette and selecting RMCE events. (B) PCR determination of the Double Header orientation. ? indicates the number of lines where PCR pattern was ambiguous. Yellow MiMICs: Double Header insertions in both orientations, Green MiMICs: only GFP protein trap orientation, Blue MiMICs: only T2A-GAL4 gene trap orientation.
Figure 3.Examples of gene expression patterns obtained by Double Header.
Each MiMIC, MI01487, MI05208, MI06794, MI06872, MI08614, MI11741 and MI15073, was converted to either T2A-GAL4 protein traps or GFP protein traps by Double Header insertion. The expression in the larval CNS is shown with either T2A-GAL4 > UAS-mCD8::GFP or GFP-tag (GFP and mCD8::GFP, green). The affected genes are labelled above. Scale bar: 50 µm.
Each MiMIC MI01487, MI05208, MI06794, MI06872, MI08614, MI11741 and MI15073, was converted to either a T2A-GAL4 gene trap or GFP protein trap by Double Header insertion. The expression in the adult brain is shown with either T2A-GAL4 > UAS-mCD8::GFP or GFP-tag (GFP and mCD8::GFP, green). The affected genes are labelled above. Arrow: Ellipsoid body (MI05208-5HT2B). Scale bar: 50 µm.
Figure 2—figure supplement 1.Crossing scheme for Double Header and data of integration.
(A) Crossing scheme for mobilizing Double Header RMCE cassette and selecting RMCE events. (B) PCR determination of the Double Header orientation. ? indicates the number of lines where PCR pattern was ambiguous. Yellow MiMICs: Double Header insertions in both orientations, Green MiMICs: only GFP protein trap orientation, Blue MiMICs: only T2A-GAL4 gene trap orientation.
Figure 3—figure supplement 1.Examples of gene expression patterns obtained by Double Header insertions in MiMICs in adult brain.
Each MiMIC MI01487, MI05208, MI06794, MI06872, MI08614, MI11741 and MI15073, was converted to either a T2A-GAL4 gene trap or GFP protein trap by Double Header insertion. The expression in the adult brain is shown with either T2A-GAL4 > UAS-mCD8::GFP or GFP-tag (GFP and mCD8::GFP, green). The affected genes are labelled above. Arrow: Ellipsoid body (MI05208-5HT2B). Scale bar: 50 µm.
Figure 4.Examples of cellular expression patterns and subcellular localization of tagged proteins in egg chambers at stage 9 and 10.
Double header GFP protein traps of MIMIC lines shown in Figure 3 were dissected and ovaries were stained with anti-GFP antibody (green) and DAPI (red). Arrowheads indicate features that are referred to in the text; border cells for kibra; nurse cells, follicle cels and oocytes for 5HT2B; GFP is broadly expressed and distributed for Lgr4; note the apical enrichment in follicle cells in CG34383; nuclear and cytoplasmic staining in nurse cells and follicle cells are observed in Dgk; centripedal cells cytoplasm is mostly labeled in CG12206; broad expression and localization with pole cell enrichment in CG9132. Scale bar: 50 µm.
Figure 5.Schematic of a two-step system for scarless gene editing.
(A) In step 1, a cassette containing a dominant marker flanked by nucleotides GG and CC replaces an endogenous locus via Homology Directed Repair (HDR) following double strand breaks produced by Cas9 cleavage (marked by red arrowheads). The removal of the intervening sequence between the Cas9 cut sites alters the sgRNA target sequences (underlined) preventing cleavage of the donor construct or the modified DNA. Screening for the dominant marker facilitates identification of CRISPR gene editing events while the flanking nucleotides GG (boxed inset) and CC create novel Cas9 target sites, allowing subsequent excision. (B) In step two the insert is removed and replaced with any DNA via a second round of HDR with new sgRNA sequences, facilitating the scarless insertion of any DNA sequence desirable.
(A) Vectors for ΦC31-mediated site-specific integration with yellow wing and body expression constructs. (B) yellow wing and body expression constructs compatible with Golden Gate cloning for SIC insertion via HDR. (C) Template donors compatible with Golden Gate cloning for yellow cassette swapping via HDR.
(A) Structure of the yellow dominant marker showing previously characterized enhancers for wing and body (Geyer and Corces, 1987). (B) regions tested for yellow expression (black lines) when fused to a minimal promoter and the yellow gene. The table at the bottom right indicates the presence/absence of dark pigmentation in either the body or the wing for each cis-regulatory module (CRM) tested.
Figure 5—figure supplement 1.Template vectors for cloning yellow expression constructs.
(A) Vectors for ΦC31-mediated site-specific integration with yellow wing and body expression constructs. (B) yellow wing and body expression constructs compatible with Golden Gate cloning for SIC insertion via HDR. (C) Template donors compatible with Golden Gate cloning for yellow cassette swapping via HDR.
Figure 5—figure supplement 2.Mapping cis-regulatory modules for the yellow gene.
(A) Structure of the yellow dominant marker showing previously characterized enhancers for wing and body (Geyer and Corces, 1987). (B) regions tested for yellow expression (black lines) when fused to a minimal promoter and the yellow gene. The table at the bottom right indicates the presence/absence of dark pigmentation in either the body or the wing for each cis-regulatory module (CRM) tested.
Summary statistics for cassette knock-in experiments
| Construct | Genotype injected: | No. independent positive lines obtained | Lethality | Rescue of lethality/failure to complement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ywing2+ Δ | 6 | lethal | Genomic Fragment ( | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 4 | Viable/Fertile* | ND | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 2 | lethal | Fails to complement Ubqn1 | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 1 | lethal | ND | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 2 | lethal | ND | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 2 | lethal | Rescued by Genomic Fragment (this study) | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 1 | lethal | Rescued by Genomic Fragment (this study) | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 2 | lethal | Rescued by genomic duplication BSC Dp(1:3) 304 | |
| Ywing2+ Δ | 0 | NA | NA | |
| ywing2+ Δ | 2 | Female sterile | Rescued by Genomic Fragment |
*two of four lines.
Summary statistics for cassette swapping experiments
| Construct | Injected genotype: | No. embryos injected | No. fertile adults | No vials with y- flies | % of y- flies confirmed positive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nmnat:GFP:Nmnat wt #1 | 514 | 7 | 4 | 6% | |
| Nmnat:GFP:Nmnat wt #2 | 607 | 16 | 5 | 21% | |
| Nmnat:GFP:NmnatW129G #1 | 653 | 0 | - | - | |
| Nmnat:GFP:NmnatW129G #2 | 418 | 31 | 3 | 55% | |
| Nmnat:GFP:NmnatΔ251…257 | 496 | 29 | 11 | 24% | |
| Nmnat:GFP:NmnatC344S, C345S | 386 | 30 | 12 | 14% | |
| Stub1:GFP | 235 | 62 | 2 | 66% | |
| CG11679:Flag | ywing2+ Δ | 976 | 12* | 3 | 33% |
| Med27:flag | 833 | 17 | 3 | 29% | |
| Amx:GFP | ywing2+ Δ | 648 | 34 | 0 | - |
*excluding FM7 homozygotes and hemizygotes.
Figure 6.y cassette swapping facilitates structure-function analyses.
(A) Schematic of the Nmnat::GFP::Nmnat donor construct for replacing the inserted y SIC at the Nmnat locus. (B) Nmnat::GFP::Nmnat variants used in the structure function experiment. Red * denotes approximate location of altered sequence(s). (C) Images of adult brains of Nmnat::GFP::Nmnat (Top left) Nmnat::GFP::Nmnat (Bottom left) Nmnat::GFP::Nmnat (Top right) and Nmnat:GFP:Nmnat (bottom right).
| Reagent type (species) | Designation | Source or reference | Identifiers | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic reagent | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | Double Header Jump | This study | Fly strain containing | |
| Genetic | MI01487 (kibra) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI05208 [5-HT2B | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI06794 [Lgr4(Leucine-rich | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI06872 (CG34383) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI08614 [Dgk | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI11741 (CG12206) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI15073 (CG9132) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI02926 (Pits) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI00805 (CG6966) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI12643 (fz) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI05871 (Doa) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI08818 (qless) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI06179 (DCX-EMAP) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI14396 (CG6293) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI00445 (Nlg3) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI09222 (CG1578) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI00494 (wnd) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI02915 (Ask1) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI03136 (LPCAT) | flybaseID# | ||
| Gnetic | MI10071 (Trpl) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI09900 (Sap47) | flybaseID# | ||
| Genetic | MI01646 (CG1815) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI04010 (Tbh) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI13728 (CG17841) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI05741 (CG1632) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI10889 (CG17167) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI00986 (CG32698) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | MI15214 (CG13375) | flybaseID#_ | ||
| Genetic | Nmnatywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | Stub1ywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | Ubqnywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | Itp-r83Aywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | CG18769ywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | CG13390ywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | Med27ywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | CG11679ywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | amxywing2+ | This study | fly strain carrying the | |
| Genetic | This study | fly strain carrying the | ||
| Genetic | This study | fly strain carrying the Nmnat | ||
| Genetic | This study | fly strain carrying the Nmnat | ||
| Genetic | This study | fly strain carrying the | ||
| Recombinant | Double Header | This study | Recombination Mediated | |
| Recombinant | pattB | This study | Vector for φC31 | |
| Recombinant | pattB | This study | Vector for φC31 | |
| Recombinant | p{ | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | p{ybody+} | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | p{EGFP Donor} | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | p{mCherry Donor} | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | p{T2a-GAL4 Donor}} | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | p{T2a-GAL4-PolyA Donor}} | This study | Donor vector compatible | |
| Recombinant | pCFD3-dU6:3gRNA | Addgene_ | ||
| Recombinant | Double Header | This study | Recombination Mediated | |
| Antibody | anti-GFP antibody | Abcam | RRID: | used at 1:500 |
| Antibody | anti-GFP | Invitrogen | Cat#_ A11122 | used at 1:500 |