Multiplexed base editing through Cas12a variant-mediated cytosine and adenine base editors

Abstract

Cas12a can process multiple sgRNAs from a single transcript of CRISPR array, conferring advantages in multiplexed base editing when incorporated into base editor systems, which is extremely helpful given that phenotypes commonly involve multiple genes or single-nucleotide variants. However, multiplexed base editing through Cas12a-derived base editors has been barely reported, mainly due to the compromised efficiencies and restricted protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) of TTTV for wild-type Cas12a. Here, we develop Cas12a-mediated cytosine base editor (CBE) and adenine base editor (ABE) systems with elevated efficiencies and expanded targeting scope, by combining highly active deaminases with Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a (LbCas12a) variants. We confirm that these CBEs and ABEs can perform efficient C-to-T and A-to-G conversions, respectively, on targets with PAMs of NTTN, TYCN, and TRTN. Notably, multiplexed base editing can be conducted using the developed CBEs and ABEs in somatic cells and embryos. These Cas12a variant-mediated base editors will serve as versatile tools for multiplexed point mutation, which is notably important in genetic improvement, disease modeling, and gene therapy.