Work

A CRISPR Screen Identifies the Cell Polarity Determinant Crumbs 3 as an Adeno-associated Virus Restriction Factor in Hepatocytes

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have recently emerged at the forefront as gene therapy vectors; however, our understanding of host factors that influence AAV transduction in different cell types is still evolving. In the present study, we perform a genome-scale CRISPR knockout screen to identify cellular host factors that restrict AAV infection in hepatocyte cultures. We discover that Crumbs 3, which determines cellular polarity, also influences the distribution of certain carbohydrate attachment factors on the cell surface. This in turn affects the ability of virions to bind and enter the cells. This study underscores the importance of cell polarity in AAV transduction and provides a potential molecular basis for the differential infectious mechanism(s) in cell culture versus organ systems.

Source: Journal of Virology

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00943-19

Authors: Victoria J. Madigan, Tyne O. Tyson, Julianne A. Yuziuk, Minakshi Pillai, Sven Moller-Tank, Aravind Asokan

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Duke Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Virus-based gene therapy research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences