Nucleic acid binding domains and methods of use thereof

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/690,888, filed Jun. 27, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/694,239, filed Jul. 5, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/716,147, filed Aug. 8, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/852,134, filed May 23, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A Sequence Listing is provided herewith as a text file, “ALTI-718WO Seq List_ST25.txt,” created on Jun. 26, 2019 and having a size of 448 KB. The contents of the text file are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Genome editing and gene regulation techniques include the use of nucleic acid binding domains linked to a functional domain. Provided herein are polypeptides and methods for genome editing and gene regulation, wherein the nucleic acid binding domain is derived from DNA binding proteins from bacteria from the genus of Ralstonia or from Xanthomonas.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a polypeptide comprising a modular nucleic acid binding domain comprising a potency for a target site greater than 65% and a specificity ratio for the target site of at least 50:1; and a functional domain; wherein: the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a plurality of repeat units; at least one repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units comprises a binding region configured to bind to a target nucleic acid base within the target site; the potency comprises indel percentage at the target site, and wherein the specificity ratio comprises indel percentage at the target site over indel percentage at a top-ranked off-target site of the polypeptide.

In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises a sequence of A 1-11 X 1 X 2 B 14-35 , wherein: each amino acid residue of A 1-11 comprises any amino acid residue; X 1 X 2 comprises the binding region; each amino acid residue of B 14-35 comprises any amino acid; and a first repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units comprises at least one residue in A 1-11 , B 14-35 , or a combination thereof that differs from a corresponding residue in a second repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a polypeptide comprising a modular nucleic acid binding domain and a functional domain, wherein: the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a plurality of repeat units; at least one repeat unit of the plurality comprises a sequence of A 1-11 X 1 X 2 B 14-35 ; each amino acid residue of A 1-11 comprises any amino acid residue; X 1 X 2 comprises a binding region configured to bind to a target nucleic acid base within a target site; each amino acid residue of B 14-35 comprises any amino acid; and a first repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units comprises at least one residue in A 1-11 , B 14-35 , or a combination thereof that differs from a corresponding residue in a second repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units.

In some aspects, the binding region comprises an amino acid residue at position 13 or an amino acid residue at position 12 and the amino acid residue at position 13. In further aspects, the amino acid residue at position 13 binds to the target nucleic acid base. In some aspects, the amino acid residue at position 12 stabilizes the configuration of the binding region.

In some aspects, the modular nucleic acid binding domain further comprises a potency for the target site greater than 65% and a specificity ratio for the target site of at least 50:1, wherein the potency comprises indel percentage at the target site and the specificity ratio comprises indel percentage at the target site over indel percentage at a top-ranked off-target site of the polypeptide. In further aspects, the indel percentage is measured by deep sequencing. In some aspects, the modular nucleic acid binding domain further comprises one or more properties selected from the following: (a) binds the target site, wherein the target site comprises a 5′ guanine; (b) comprises from 7 repeat units to 25 repeat units; (c) upon binding to the target site, the modular nucleic acid binding domain is separated from a second modular nucleic acid binding domain bound to a second target site by from 2 to 50 base pairs.

In some aspects, the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a Ralstonia repeat unit. In further aspects, the Ralstonia repeat unit is a Ralstonia solanacearum repeat unit. In still further aspects, the B 14-35 of at least one repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units has at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity to GGKQALEAVRAQLLDLRAAPYG (SEQ ID NO: 280).

In some aspects, the binding region comprises HD binding to cytosine, NG binding to thymidine, NK binding to guanine, SI binding to adenosine, RS binding to adenosine, HN binding to guanine, or NT binds to adenosine. In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises any one of SEQ ID NO: 267-SEQ ID NO: 279.

In further aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity with any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263. In further aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 253, SEQ ID NO: 203, or SEQ ID NO: 218. In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263. In further aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 253, SEQ ID NO: 203, or SEQ ID NO: 218.

In some aspects, the target nucleic acid base is cytosine, guanine, thymidine, adenosine, uracil or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the target site is a nucleic acid sequence within a PDCD1 gene, a CTLA4 gene, a LAG3 gene, a TET2 gene, a BTLA gene, a HAVCR2 gene, a CCR5 gene, a CXCR4 gene, a TRA gene, a TRB gene, a B2M gene, an albumin gene, a HBB gene, a HBA1 gene, a TTR gene, a NR3C1 gene, a CD52 gene, an erythroid specific enhancer of the BCL11A gene, a CBLB gene, a TGFBR1 gene, a SERPINA1 gene, a HBV genomic DNA in infected cells, a CEP290 gene, a DMD gene, a CFTR gene, an IL2RG gene, or a combination thereof.

In other aspects, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), alpha-L iduronidase (IDUA), iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), or Factor 9 (F9), is inserted at the target site.

In some aspects, the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises an N-terminus amino acid sequence, a C-terminus amino acid sequence, or a combination thereof. In further aspects, the N-terminus amino acid sequence is from Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis , or Ralstonia solanacearum . In still further aspects, the N-terminus amino acid sequence comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 264, SEQ ID NO: 300, SEQ ID NO: 335, SEQ ID NO: 303, SEQ ID NO: 301, SEQ ID NO: 304, or SEQ ID NO: 320, SEQ ID NO: 321, or SEQ ID NO: 322. In still further aspects, the N-terminus amino acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 264, SEQ ID NO: 300, SEQ ID NO: 335, SEQ ID NO: 303, SEQ ID NO: 301, SEQ ID NO: 304, or SEQ ID NO: 320, SEQ ID NO: 321, or SEQ ID NO: 322.

In some aspects, the C-terminus amino acid sequence is from Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis , or Ralstonia solanacearum . In further aspects, the C-terminus amino acid sequence comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQ ID NO: 298, or SEQ ID NO: 306. In still further aspects, the C-terminus amino acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQ ID NO: 298, or SEQ ID NO: 306. In some aspects, the C-terminus amino acid sequence serves as a linker between the modular nucleic acid binding domain and the cleavage domain.

In some aspects, the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a half repeat. In further aspects, the half repeat comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or a 100% sequence identity sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 265, SEQ ID NO: 327-SEQ ID NO: 329, or SEQ ID NO: 290. In further aspects, the half repeat comprises SEQ ID NO: 265, SEQ ID NO: 327-SEQ ID NO: 329, or SEQ ID NO: 290.

In still further aspects, the functional domain is a cleavage domain or a repression domain. In some aspects, the cleavage domain comprises at least 33.3% divergence from SEQ ID NO: 163 and is immunologically orthogonal to SEQ ID NO: 163. In further aspects, the polypeptide comprises one or more of the following characteristics: (a) induces greater than 1% indels at a target site; (b) the cleavage domain comprises a molecular weight of less than 23 kDa; (c) the cleavage domain comprises less than 196 amino acids; (d) capable of cleaving across a spacer region greater than 24 base pairs.

In some aspects, the polypeptide induces greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% indels at the target site. In some aspects, the cleavage domain comprises at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, or at least 75% divergence from SEQ ID NO: 163. In some aspects, the cleavage domain comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 316-SEQ ID NO: 319.

In further aspects, the cleavage domain comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding for a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81. In still further aspects, the cleavage domain comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding for a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81. In some aspects, the nucleic acid sequence comprises at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162. In further aspects, the nucleotide sequence encoding for the sequence comprises any one of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162.

In some aspects, the repression domain comprises KRAB, Sin3a, LSD1, SUV39H1, G9A (EHMT2), DNMT1, DNMT3A-DNMT3L, DNMT3B, KOX, TGF-beta-inducible early gene (TIEG), v-erbA, SID, MBD2, MBD3, Rb, or MeCP2.

In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises 1-20 additional amino acid residues at the C-terminus. In some aspects, the at least repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units is separated from a neighboring repeat unit by a linker. In further aspects, the linker comprises a recognition site. In some aspects, the recognition site is for a small molecule, a protease, or a kinase. In some aspects, the recognition site serves as a localization signal. In some aspects, the plurality of repeat units comprises 3 to 60 repeat units.

In some aspects, a repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units recognizes a target nucleic acid base and wherein the plurality of repeat units has one or more of the following characteristics: (a) at least one repeat unit comprising greater than 39 amino acid residues; (b) at least one repeat unit comprising greater than 35 amino acid residues derived from the genus of Ralstonia ; (c) at least one repeat unit comprising less than 32 amino acid residues; and (d) each repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units is separated from a neighboring repeat unit by a linker comprising a recognition site. In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises an amino acid selected from glycine, alanine, threonine or histidine at a position after an amino acid residue at position 35. In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises an amino acid selected from glycine, alanine, threonine or histidine at a position after an amino acid residue at position 39.

Also provided herein is a non-naturally occurring DNA binding polypeptide that includes from N- to C-terminus: a N-terminus region comprising at least residues N+110 to N+1 of a TALE protein, where the N-terminus region does not include residues N+288 to N+116 of the TALE protein; a plurality of TALE repeat units derived from a TALE protein; and C-terminus region of a TALE protein. The N-terminus region may not include at least amino acids N+288 to N+116 of the TALE protein. The N-terminus region may not include amino acids N+288 to up to N+116 of the TALE protein. The N-terminus region may not include at least amino acids N+288 to up to N+111 of the TALE protein. The N-terminus region may include residues N+1 to up to N+115 of the TALE protein. The N-terminus region may include residues N+1 to up to N+110 of the TALE protein. The C-terminus region may include full length C-terminus region of a TALE protein or a fragment thereof, e.g., residues C+1 to C+63 of the TALE protein. The DNA binding polypeptide may be fused to a heterologous functional domain, such as, enzyme, a transcriptional activator, a transcriptional repressor, or a DNA nucleotide modifier. The N-terminus region, the TALE repeat units, and the C-terminus region may be derived from the same TALE protein or from different TALE proteins. The TALE proteins from which the N-terminus region, the TALE repeat units, and the C-terminus region may be derived include Xanthomonas TALE proteins, such as, AvrBs3, AVRHAH1, AvrXa7, AVRB6, or AvrXa10.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of genome editing, the method comprising: administering any of the above polypeptides or compositions thereof and inducing a double stranded break.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides method of gene repression, the method comprising administering any of the above polypeptides or compositions thereof and repressing gene expression.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 1 A- 1 C show schematics of the domain structure of DNA binding proteins (not drawn to scale).

FIG. 2 shows nuclease activity mediated by DNA binding protein dimers that each include from N-terminus to C-terminus: a N-terminus region of a TALE protein, TALE repeat units, C-terminus region of a TALE protein, and a Fok1 endonuclease.

The present disclosure provides modular nucleic acid binding domains (NBDs) derived from the genus of bacteria. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides NBDs derived from bacteria that serve as plant pathogens, such as from the genus of Xanthomonas spp. and Ralstonia . In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides NBDs from the genus of Ralstonia . Also provided herein are NBDs from the animal pathogen, Legionella . Provided herein are sequences of repeat units derived from the genus of Ralstonia , which can be linked together to form non-naturally occurring modular nucleic acid binding domains (NBDs), capable of targeting and binding any target nucleic acid sequence (e.g., DNA sequence).

In some embodiments, “derived” indicates that a protein is from a particular source (e.g., Ralstonia ), is a variant of a protein from a particular source (e.g., Ralstonia ), is a mutated or modified form of the protein from a particular source (e.g., Ralstonia ), and shares at least 30% sequence identity with, at least 40% sequence identity with, at least 50% sequence identity with, at least 60% sequence identity with, at least 70% sequence identity with, at least 80% sequence identity with, or at least 90% sequence identity with a protein from a particular source (e.g., Ralstonia ).

In some embodiments, “modular” indicates that a particular polypeptide such as a nucleic acid binding domain, comprises a plurality of repeat units that can be switched and replaced with other repeat units. For example, any repeat unit in a modular nucleic acid binding domain can be switched with a different repeat unit. In some embodiments, modularity of the nucleic acid binding domains disclosed herein allows for switching the target nucleic acid base for a particular repeat unit by simply switching it out for another repeat unit. In some embodiments, modularity of the nucleic acid binding domains disclosed herein allows for swapping out a particular repeat unit for another repeat unit to increase the affinity of the repeat unit for a particular target nucleic acid. Overall, the modular nature of the nucleic acid binding domains disclosed herein enables the development of genome editing complexes that can precisely target any nucleic acid sequence of interest.

In particular embodiments, modular nucleic acid binding domains (NBDs), also referred to herein as “DNA binding polypeptides,” are provided herein from the genus of Ralstonia solanacearum . In some embodiments, modular nucleic acid binding domains derived from Ralstonia (RNBDs) can be engineered to bind to a target gene of interest for purposes of gene editing or gene regulation. An RNBD can be engineered to target and bind a specific nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence can be DNA or RNA.

In some embodiments, the RNBD can comprise a plurality of repeat units, wherein each repeat unit recognizes and binds to a single nucleotide (in DNA or RNA) or base pair. Each repeat unit in the plurality of repeat units can be specifically selected to target and bind to a specific nucleic acid sequence, thus contributing to the modular nature of the DNA binding polypeptide. A non-naturally occurring Ralstonia -derived modular nucleic acid binding domain can comprise a plurality of repeat units, wherein each repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units recognizes a single target nucleotide, base pair, or both.

Ralstonia -Derived DNA Binding Domains

In some embodiments, the repeat unit of a modular nucleic acid binding domain can be derived from a bacterial protein. For example, the bacterial protein can be a transcription activator like effector-like protein (TALE-like protein). The bacterial protein can be derived from Ralstonia solanacearum . Repeat units derived from Ralstonia solanacearum can be 33-35 amino acid residues in length. In some embodiments, the repeat unit can be derived from the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum TALE-like protein.

TABLE 1 below shows exemplary repeat units derived from the genus of Ralstonia , which are capable of binding a target nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 1 to 50 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units. In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 9 and 36 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units. Preferably, in some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 12 and 30 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units. A RNBD described herein can comprise between 5 to 10 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, between 10 to 15 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, between 15 to 20 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, between 20 to 25 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, between 25 to 30 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, or between 30 to 35 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, between 35 to 40 Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units. A RNBD described herein can comprise at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, or more Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units.

A Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat unit can be derived from a wild-type repeat unit, such as any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356. A Ralstonia solanacearum -repeat unit can have at least 80% sequence identity with any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356. A Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat unit can also comprise a modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat unit enhanced for specific recognition of a nucleotide or base pair. An RNBD described herein can comprise one or more wild-type Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, one or more modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat unit can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 mutations that can enhance recognition of a specific nucleotide or base pair. In some embodiments, a modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat unit can comprise more than 1 modification, for example 1 to 5 modifications, 5 to 10 modifications, 10 to 15 modifications, 15 to 20 modifications, 20 to 25 modification, or 25-29 modifications. In some embodiments, An RNBD can comprise more than one modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units, wherein each of the modified Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units can have a different number of modifications.

The Ralstonia solanacearum -derived repeat units comprise amino acid residues at positions 12 and 13, what is referred to herein as, a repeat variable diresidue (RVD). The RVD can modulate binding affinity of the repeat unit for a particular nucleic acid base (e.g., adenosine, guanine, cytosine, thymidine, or uracil (in RNA sequences)). In some embodiments, a single amino acid residue can modulate binding to the target nucleic acid base. In some embodiments, two amino acid residues (RVD) can modulate binding to the target nucleic acid base. In some embodiments, any repeat unit disclosed herein can have an RVD selected from HD, HG, HK, HN, ND, NG, NH, NK, NN, NP, NT, QN, RN, RS, SH, SI, or SN. In some embodiments, an RVD of HD can bind to cytosine. In some embodiments, an RVD of NG can bind to thymidine. In some embodiments, an RVD of NK can bind to guanine. In some embodiments, an RVD of SI can bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, an RVD of RS can bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, an RVD of HN can bind to guanine. In some embodiments, an RVD of NT can bind to adenosine.

In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 209 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to cytosine. In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 197 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to thymidine. In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 233 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to guanine. In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 253 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 203 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, a repeat unit having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 218 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to guanine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 209 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to cytosine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 197 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to thymidine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 233 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to guanine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 253 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 203 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to adenosine. In some embodiments, the repeat unit of SEQ ID NO: 218 can be included in a DNA binding domain of the present disclosure to bind to guanine.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides repeat units as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 267-SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: 279. Unspecified amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 267-SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: 279 can be any amino acid residues. In particular embodiments, unspecified amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 267-SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: 279 can be those set forth in the Variable Definition column of TABLE 2.

TABLE 2 shows consensus sequences of Ralstonia -derived repeat units.

In some aspects, the at least one repeat unit comprises any one of SEQ ID NO: 267-SEQ ID NO: 279. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD or MAP-NBD), wherein the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a repeat unit with a sequence of A 1-11 X 1 X 2 B 14-35 , wherein A 1-11 comprises 11 amino acid residues and wherein each amino acid residue of A 1-11 can be any amino acid. In some embodiments, A 1-11 can be any amino acids in position 1 through position 11 of any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356. X 1 X 2 comprises any repeat variable diresidue (RVD) disclosed herein and comprises at least one amino acid at position 12 or position 13. As described herein, this RVD contacts and binds to a target nucleic acid base of a target site. Said RVD can be the RVD of any repeat unit disclosed herein, such as position 12 and position 13 of any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356. B 14-35 can comprise 22 amino acid residues and each amino acid residue of B 14-35 can be any amino acid. In some embodiments, B 14-35 can be any amino acid in position 14 through position 35 of any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356. In particular embodiments, a modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD or MAP-NBD) having the above sequence of A 1-11 X 1 X 2 B 14-35 can have a first repeat unit with at least one residue in A 1-11 , B 14-35 , or a combination thereof that differs from a corresponding residue in a second repeat unit in the modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD or MAP-NBD). In other words, at least two repeat units in a modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD or MAP-NBD) described herein can have different amino acid residues with respect to each other, at the same position outside the RVD region. Thus, in some embodiments, a modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD or MAP-NBD) described herein can have variant backbones with respect to each repeat unit in the plurality of repeat units that make up the modular nucleic acid binding domain. In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can have a sequence of GGKQALEAVRAQLLDLRAAPYG (SEQ ID NO: 280) at B 14-35 .

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a polypeptide comprising a modular nucleic acid binding domain and a functional domain, wherein: the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a plurality of repeat units; at least one repeat unit of the plurality comprises a sequence of A 1-11 X 1 X 2 B 14-35 ; each amino acid residue of A 1-11 comprises any amino acid residue; X 1 X 2 comprises a binding region configured to bind to a target nucleic acid base within a target site; each amino acid residue of B 14-35 comprises any amino acid; and a first repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units comprises at least one residue in A 1-11 , B 14-35 , or a combination thereof that differs from a corresponding residue in a second repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units. In some embodiments, the binding region comprises an amino acid residue at position 13 or an amino acid residue at position 12 and the amino acid residue at position 13. In further aspects, the amino acid residue at position 13 binds to the target nucleic acid base. In some aspects, the amino acid residue at position 12 stabilizes the configuration of the binding region.

In some embodiments, the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a Ralstonia repeat unit. In further aspects, the Ralstonia repeat unit is a Ralstonia solanacearum repeat unit. In still further aspects, the B 14-35 of at least one repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units has at least 92% sequence identity to GGKQALEAVRAQLLDLRAAPYG (SEQ ID NO: 280).

In some embodiments, a modular nucleic acid binding sequence (e.g., RNBD) can comprise one or more of the following characteristics: the modular nucleic acid binding sequence (e.g., RNBD) can bind a nucleic acid sequence, wherein the target site comprises a 5′ guanine, the modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD) can comprise 7 repeat units to 25 repeat units, a first modular nucleic acid binding sequence (e.g., RNBD) can bind a target nucleic acid sequence and be separated from a second modular nucleic acid binding domain (e.g., RNBD) from 2 to 50 base pairs, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring N-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein. In some embodiments, any truncation of the full length naturally occurring N-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein can be used at the N-terminus of an RNBD of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, amino acid residues at positions 1 (H) to position 137 (F) of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein N-terminus can be used. In particular embodiments, said truncated N-terminus from position 1 (H) to position 137 (F) can have a sequence as follows: FGKLVALGYSREQIRKLKQESLSEIAKYHTTLTGQGFTHADICRISRRRQSLRVVARNYPELA AALPELTRAHIVDIARQRSGDLALQALLPVATALTAAPLRLSASQIATVAQYGERPAIQALY RLRRKLTRAPLH (SEQ ID NO: 264). In some embodiments, the naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to any length and used at the N-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. For example, the naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to amino acid residues at position 1 (H) to position 120 (K) as follows: KQESLSEIAKYHTTLTGQGFTHADICRISRRRQSLRVVARNYPELAAALPELTRAHIVDIARQ RSGDLALQALLPVATALTAAPLRLSASQIATVAQYGERPAIQALYRLRRKLTRAPLH (SEQ ID NO: 303) and used at the N-terminus of the RNBD. The naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated such that it includes amino acid residues at positions 1 to 115 and used as the N-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. In certain aspects, the truncated N-terminus sequence may be at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or more identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 320. The naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the N-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. Truncation of the N-termini can be particularly advantageous for obtaining DNA binding domains, which are smaller in size including number of amino acids and overall molecular weight. A reduced number of amino acids can allow for more efficient packaging into a viral vector and a smaller molecular weight can result in more efficient loading of the DNA binding domains in non-viral vectors for delivery.

In some embodiments, the N-terminus, referred to as the amino terminus or the “NH2” domain, can recognize a guanine. In some embodiments, the N-terminus can be engineered to bind a cytosine, adenosine, thymidine, guanine, or uracil.

In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can have a DNA binding domain, in which the final full length repeat unit of 33-35 amino acid residues is followed by a half repeat also derived from Ralstonia solanacearum . The half repeat can have 15 to 23 amino acid residues, for example, the half repeat can have 19 amino acid residues. In particular embodiments, the half repeat can have a sequence as follows: LSTAQVVAIACISGQQALE (SEQ ID NO: 265).

In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein. In some embodiments, any truncation of the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein can be used at the C-terminus of an RNBD of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the RNBD can comprise amino acid residues at position 1 (A) to position 63 (S) as follows: AIEAHMPTLRQASHSLSPERVAAIACIGGRSAVEAVRQGLPVKAIRRIRREKAPVAGPPPAS (SEQ ID NO: 266) of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein C-terminus. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to any length and used at the C-terminus of the RNBD. For example, the naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 63 and used at the C-terminus of the RNBD. The naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated amino acid residues at positions 1 to 50 and used at the C-terminus of the RNBD. The naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 63, 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the C-terminus of the RNBD.

TABLE 3 shows N-termini, C-termini, and half repeats derived from Ralstonia .

In some embodiments, an RNBD can be engineered to target and bind to a site in the PDCD1 gene. For example, an RNBD with the sequence FGKLVALGYSREQIRKLKQESLSEIAKYHTTLTGQGFTHADICRISRRRQSLRVVARNYPELA AALPELTRAHIVDIARQRSGDLALQALLPVATALTAAPLRLSASQIATVAQYGERPAIQALY RLRRKLTRAPLHLTPQQVVAIASNTGGKRALEAVCVQLPVLRAAPYRLSTEQVVAIASHDG GKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALST AQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASNKGGKQALEAVKAHLLDL LGAPYVLSTEQVVAIASNKGGKQALEAVKAHLLDLLGAPYVLSTEQVVAIASNKGGKQAL EAVKAHLLDLLGAPYVLSTEQVVVIANSIGGKQALEAVKVQLPVLRAAPYELSTEQVVAIA SHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTEQVVVIANSIGGKQALEAVKVQLPVLRAAPYE LSTEQVVAIASNKGGKQALEAVKAHLLDLLGAPYVLSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQL LKLRTAPYGLSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQ ALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTEQVVA IASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAP YALSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGE QLLKLRTAPYGLSTAQVVAIACISGQQALEAIEAHMPTLRQASHSLSPERVAAIACIGGRSAV EAVRQGLPVKAIRRIRREKAPVAGPPPAS (SEQ ID NO: 311) can bind to the GACCTGGGACAGTTTCCCTT (SEQ ID NO: 312) nucleic acid sequence in the PDCD1 gene. As another example, an RNBD with the sequence FGKLVALGYSREQIRKLKQESLSEIAKYHTTLTGQGFTHADICRISRRRQSLRVVARNYPELA AALPELTRAHIVDIARQRSGDLALQALLPVATALTAAPLRLSASQIATVAQYGERPAIQALY RLRRKLTRAPLHLTPQQVVAIASNTGGKRALEAVCVQLPVLRAAPYRLSTAQVVAIASNGG GKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTA QVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELR GAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTEQVVVIANSIGGKQALEA VKVQLPVLRAAPYELSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASH NGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALS TEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLL KLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHNGGKQ ALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVVIANSIGGKQALEAVKVQLPVLRAAPYELSTEQVVA IASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAP YALSTAQVVAIACISGQQALEMEAHMPTLRQASHSLSPERVAAIACIGGRSAVEAVRQGLP VKAIRRIRREKAPVAGPPPAS (SEQ ID NO: 313) can bind to the GATCTGCATGCCTGGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 314) nucleic acid sequence in the PDCD1 gene. As yet another example, an RNBD with the sequence FGKLVALGYSREQIRKLKQESLSEIAKYHTTLTGQGFTHADICRISRRRQSLRVVARNYPELA AALPELTRAHIVDIARQRSGDLALQALLPVATALTAAPLRLSASQIATVAQYGERPAIQALY RLRRKLTRAPLHLTPQQVVAIASNTGGKRALEAVCVQLPVLRAAPYRLSTAQVVAIASNGG GKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTA QVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELR GAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTAQVVAIATRSGGKQALE AVRAQLLDLRAAPYGLSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQLLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIAS HNGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYA LSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRAAPYALSTAQVVAIASNGGGKQALEGIGEQ LLKLRTAPYGLSTEQVVAIASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHNGGK QALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTAQVVAIATRSGGKQALEAVRAQLLDLRAAPYGLSTEQV VAIASHNGGKQALEAVKADLLELRGAPYALSTEQVVAIASHDGGKQALEAVGAQLVALRA APYALSTAQVVAIACISGQQALEMEAHMPTLRQASHSLSPERVAAIACIGGRSAVEAVRQG LPVKAIRRIRREKAPVAGPPPAS (SEQ ID NO: 315) can bind to the GATCTGCATGCCTGGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 314) nucleic acid sequence in the PDCD1 gene. Any one of SEQ ID NO: 311, SEQ ID NO; 313, or SEQ ID NO: 315 can be fused to any repression domain described herein (e.g., KRAB) to yield a gene repressor capable of repressing expression of the target gene.

Xanthomonas Derived Transcription Activator Like Effector (TALE)

The present disclosure provides a modular nucleic acid binding domain derived from Xanthomonas spp., also referred to herein as a transcription activator-like effector (TALE) protein, can comprise a plurality of repeat units. A repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units recognizes a single target nucleotide, base pair, or both. A repeat unit from Xanthomonas spp. can comprise 33-35 amino acid residues. In some embodiments, a repeat unit can be from Xanthomonas spp. protein having the sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 299)

NEEELAWLMELLPQ .

In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can comprise between 1 to 50 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units. In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can comprise between 9 and 36 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units. Preferably, in some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can comprise between 12 and 30 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units. A TALE described herein can comprise between 5 to 10 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, between 10 to 15 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, between 15 to 20 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, between 20 to 25 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, between 25 to 30 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, or between 30 to 35 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, between 35 to 40 Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units. A TALE described herein can comprise at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, or more Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, such as, repeat units derived from Xanthomonas spp. protein having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:299.

A Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can be derived from a wild-type repeat unit, such as any one of SEQ ID NO: 323-SEQ ID NO: 326. For example, a Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can have a sequence of LTPDQVVAIASNHGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQDHG (SEQ ID NO: 323) comprising an RVD of NH, which recognizes guanine. A Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can have a sequence of LTPDQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQDHG (SEQ ID NO: 324) comprising an RVD of NG, which recognizes thymidine. A Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can have a sequence of LTPDQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQDHG (SEQ ID NO: 325) comprising an RVD of NI, which recognizes adenosine. A Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can have a sequence of LTPDQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQDHG (SEQ ID NO: 326) comprising an RVD of HD, which recognizes cytosine.

A Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat unit can also comprise a modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units enhanced for specific recognition of a nucleotide or base pair. A TALE described herein can comprise one or more wild-type Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, one or more modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 mutations that can enhance recognition of a specific nucleotide or base pair. In some embodiments, a modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat unit can comprise more than 1 modification, for example 1 to 5 modifications, 5 to 10 modifications, 10 to 15 modifications, 15 to 20 modifications, 20 to 25 modification, or 25-29 modifications. In some embodiments, A TALE can comprise more than one modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units, wherein each of the modified Xanthomonas spp.-derived repeat units can have a different number of modifications.

In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring N-terminus of a naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, such as the N-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 299. The N-terminus sequence in SEQ ID NO:299 is indicated by underlining.

In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can comprise the amino acid residues at position 1 (N) through position 137 (M) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 300)

PLQLDTGQLLKIAKRGGVTAVEAVHAWRNALTGAPLN.

The amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:300 includes a M added to the N-terminus which is not present in the wild type N-terminus region of a TALE protein. The N-terminus fragment sequence set out in SEQ ID NO:300 is generated by deleting amino acids N+288 through N+137 of the N-terminus region of a TALE protein, adding a M, such that amino acids N+136 through N+1 of the N-terminus region of the TALE protein are present.

In some embodiments, the N-terminus can be truncated such that the fragment of the N-terminus includes amino acids from position 1 (N) through position 120 (K) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 301)

VTAVEAVHAWRNALTGAPLN.

In some embodiments, the N-terminus can be truncated such that the fragment of the N-terminus includes amino acids from position 1 (N) through position 115 (S) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 321)

AVHAWRNALTGAPLN.

In some embodiments, the N-terminus can be truncated such that the fragment of the N-terminus includes amino acids from position 1 (N) through position 110 (H) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 447)

RNALTGAPLN.

In some embodiments, a truncation of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein can be used at the N-terminus of a TALE disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a truncation of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein can be used at the N-terminus of a TALE disclosed herein and may include an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequences set forth in one of SEQ ID NOs: 300, 301, 321, and 447. The naturally occurring N-terminus of Xanthomonas spp. can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the N-terminus of the TALE.

FIGS. 1 A- 1 C show schematics of the domain structure of a TALE protein (not drawn to scale). ‘N’ and ‘C’ indicate the amino and carboxy termini, respectively. The TALE repeat domain comprising TALE repeat units, N-Cap and C-Cap regions are labeled and the residue numbering scheme for the N-Cap and C-Cap regions and the N-terminus and C-terminus fragments are indicated. FIG. 1 A includes the full-length N-cap region that extends from amino acid position N+1 to N+288 and full-length C-cap region that extends from amino acid position C+1 through C+278. FIG. 1 B provides a schematic of a DNA binding protein comprising TALE repeat units and a truncated N-terminus that extends from amino acid position N+1 to N+136 (the notation N+137 indicates that a methionine added to the N-terminus increases the length to 137) and a truncated C-terminus that extends from amino acid position C+1 through C+63. FIG. 1 C provides a schematic of a DNA binding protein comprising TALE repeat units and a truncated N-terminus that extends from amino acid position N+1 to N+115 and a truncated C-terminus that extends from amino acid position C+1 through C+63. In certain cases, the last repeat domain may be a half-repeat or a partial repeat as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can have a DNA binding domain, in which the final full length repeat unit of 33-35 amino acid residues is followed by a half repeat also derived from Xanthomonas spp. The half repeat can have 15 to 23 amino acid residues, for example, the half repeat can have 19 amino acid residues. In particular embodiments, the half repeat can have a sequence as set forth in LTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALE (SEQ ID NO: 297). In some embodiments, the half repeat can have a sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, or 334).

In some embodiments, a TALE of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, such as the C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 299. The C-terminus of the TALE protein sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:299 is italicized. In some embodiments, the C-terminus can be a fragment of the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein. In some embodiments, the C-terminus can be less than 250 amino acids long. In some embodiments, the C-terminus can be positions 1 (S) through position 278 (Q) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein as follows: SIVAQLSRPDPALAALTNDHLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLPHAPALIKRTNRRIPERTSHRV ADHAQVVRVLGFFQCHSHPAQAFDDAMTQFGMSRHGLLQLFRRVGVTELEARSGTLPPAS QRWDRILQASGMKRAKPSPTSTQTPDQASLHAFADSLERDLDAPSPTHEGDQRRASSRKRS RSDRAVTGPSAQQSFEVRAPEQRDALHLPLSWRVKRPRTSIGGGLPDPGTPTAADLAASSTV MREQDEDPFAGAADDFPAFNEEELAWLMELLPQ (SEQ ID NO: 302). In some embodiments, any truncation of the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein can be used at the C-terminus of a TALE of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the naturally occurring N-terminus of Xanthomonas spp. can be truncated to amino acid residues at position 1 (S) to position 63 (X) as follows: SIVAQLSRPDPALAALTNDHLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLPHAPALIKRTNRRIPERTSHRV A (SEQ ID NO: 298). The naturally occurring C-terminus of Xanthomonas spp. can be truncated amino acid residues at positions 1 to 50 and used at the C-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. The naturally occurring C-terminus of Xanthomonas spp. can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 63, 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the C-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain.

The terms “N-cap” polypeptide and “N-terminal sequence” are used to refer to an amino acid sequence (polypeptide) that flanks the N-terminal portion of the first TALE repeat unit. The N-cap sequence can be of any length (including no amino acids), so long as the TALE-repeat unit(s) function to bind DNA. An N-terminal fragment and grammatical equivalents thereof refers to a shortened sequence of an N-terminal sequence which fragment is sufficient for the TALE repeat units to bind to DNA.

The term “C-cap” or “C-terminal region” refers to optionally present amino acid sequences that may be flanking the C-terminal portion of the last TALE repeat unit. The C-cap can also comprise any part of a terminal C-terminal TALE repeat, including 0 residues, truncations of a TALE repeat or a full TALE repeat. A C-terminal fragment and grammatical equivalents thereof refers to a shortened sequence of a C-terminal sequence which fragment is sufficient for the TALE repeat units to bind to DNA.

Animal Pathogen Derived Modular Nucleic Acid Binding Domains

The present disclosure provides a modular nucleic acid binding domain derived from an animal pathogen protein (MAP-NBD) can comprise a plurality of repeat units, wherein a repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units recognizes a single target nucleotide, base pair, or both.

In some embodiments, the repeat unit can be derived from an animal pathogen, and can be referred to as a non-naturally occurring modular nucleic acid binding domain derived from an animal pathogen protein (MAP-NBD), or “modular animal pathogen-nucleic acid binding domain” (MAP-NBD). For example, in some cases, the animal pathogen can be from the Gram-negative bacterium genus, Legionella . In other cases, the animal pathogen can be from Burkholderia . In some cases, the animal pathogen can be from Paraburkholderia . In other cases, the animal pathogen can be from Francisella.

In particular embodiments, the repeat unit can be derived from a species of the genus of Legionella , such as Legionella quateirensis , the genus of Burkholderia , the genus of Paraburkholderia , or the genus of Francisella . In some embodiments, the repeat unit can comprise from 19 amino acid residues to 35 amino acid residues. In particular embodiments, the repeat unit can comprise 33 amino acid residues. In other embodiments, the repeat unit can comprise 35 amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the MAP-NBD is non-naturally occurring, and comprises a plurality of repeat units and wherein a repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units recognizes a single target nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, a repeat unit can be derived from a Legionella quateirensis protein with the following sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 281)

NFWSLFPFDDVGYHPHSNDVGYHLHSDEESPFFDF.

In some embodiments, a repeat from a Legionella quateirensis protein can comprise a repeat with a canonical RVD or a non-canonical RVD. In some embodiments, a canonical RVD can comprise NN, NG, HD, or HD. In some embodiments, a non-canonical RVD can comprise RN, HA, HN, HG, HG, or HK.

In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 282 comprises an RVD of HA and primarily recognizes a base of adenine (A). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 283 comprises an RVD of HN and recognizes a base comprising guanine (G). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 284 comprises an RVD of HG and recognizes a base comprising thymine (T). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 285 comprises an RVD of NN and recognizes a base comprising guanine (G). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 286 comprises an RVD of NG and recognizes a base comprising thymine (T). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 287 comprises an RVD of HD and recognizes a base comprising cytosine (C). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 288 comprises an RVD of HG and recognizes a base comprising thymine (T). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 289 comprises an RVD of HD and recognizes a base comprising cytosine (C). In some embodiments, a half-repeat of SEQ ID NO: 290 comprises an RVD of HK and recognizes a base comprising guanine (G). In some embodiments, a repeat of SEQ ID NO: 357 comprises an RVD of RN and recognizes a base comprising guanine (G).

TABLE 5 illustrates exemplary repeats from Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella that can make up a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure and the RVD at position 12 and 13 of the particular repeat. A MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of the repeats disclosed in TABLE 5 including any one of SEQ ID NO: 357, SEQ ID NO: 282-SEQ ID NO: 290, or SEQ ID NO: 358-SEQ ID NO: 446. A MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can comprise any combination of repeats disclosed in TABLE 5 including any one of SEQ ID NO: 357, SEQ ID NO: 282-SEQ ID NO: 290, or SEQ ID NO: 358-SEQ ID NO: 446.

In any one of the animal pathogen-derived repeat domains of SEQ ID NO: 357, SEQ ID NO: 282-SEQ ID NO: 290, and SEQ ID NO: 358-SEQ ID NO: 446, there can be considerable sequence divergence between repeats of a MAP-NBD outside of the RVD.

In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 1 to 50 animal pathogen-derived repeat units. In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 9 and 36 animal pathogen-derived repeat units. In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can comprise between 12 and 30 animal pathogen-derived repeat units. A MAP-NBD described herein can comprise between 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15-20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 35, or 35 to 40, e.g., 15-25 animal pathogen-derived repeat units. A MAP-NBD described herein can comprise 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 animal pathogen-derived repeat units.

A MAP-NBD described herein can comprise 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 animal pathogen-derived repeat units.

An animal pathogen-derived repeat units can be derived from a wild-type repeat unit, such as any one of SEQ ID NO: 357, SEQ ID NO: 282-SEQ ID NO: 290, and SEQ ID NO: 358-SEQ ID NO: 446. An animal pathogen-derived repeat unit can also comprise a modified animal pathogen-derived repeat units enhanced for specific recognition of a nucleotide or base pair. A MAP-NBD described herein can comprise one or more wild-type animal pathogen-derived repeat units, one or more modified animal pathogen-derived repeat units, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a modified animal pathogen-derived repeat units can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 mutations that can enhance recognition of a specific nucleotide or base pair. In some embodiments, a modified animal pathogen-derived repeat unit can comprise more than 1 modification, for example 1 to 5 modifications, 5 to 10 modifications, 10 to 15 modifications, 15 to 20 modifications, 20 to 25 modification, or 25-29 modifications. In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD can comprise more than one modified animal pathogen-derived repeat units, wherein each of the modified animal pathogen-derived repeat units can have a different number of modifications.

In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring N-terminus of a naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein, such as the N-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 281. A N-terminus can be the full length N-terminus sequence and can have a sequence of MPDLELNFAIPLHLFDDETVFTHDATNDNSQASSSYSSKSSPASANARKRTSRKEMSGPPSK EPANTKSRRANSQNNKLSLADRLTKYNIDEEFYQTRSDSLLSLNYTKKQIERLILYKGRTSA VQQLLCKHEELLNLISPDG (SEQ ID NO: 291). In some embodiments, any truncation of SEQ ID NO: 291 can be used as the N-terminus in a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a MAP-NBD comprises a truncated N-terminus including amino acid residues at position 1 (G) to position 137 (S) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis N-terminus as follows: NFAIPLHLFDDETVFTHDATNDNSQASSSYSSKSSPASANARKRTSRKEMSGPPSKEPANTK SRRANSQNNKLSLADRLTKYNIDEEFYQTRSDSLLSLNYTKKQIERLILYKGRTSAVQQLLC KHEELLNLISPDG (SEQ ID NO: 335). For example, in some embodiments, a MAP-NBD comprises a truncated N-terminus including amino acid residues at position 1 (G) to position 120 (S) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis N-terminus as follows: DATNDNSQASSSYSSKSSPASANARKRTSRKEMSGPPSKEPANTKSRRANSQNNKLSLADR LTKYNIDEEFYQTRSDSLLSLNYTKKQIERLILYKGRTSAVQQLLCKHEELLNLISPDG (SEQ ID NO: 304). In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD comprises a truncated N-terminus including amino acid residues at position 1 (G) to position 115 (K) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis N-terminus as follows: NSQASSSYSSKSSPASANARKRTSRKEMSGPPSKEPANTKSRRANSQNNKLSLADRLTKYNI DEEFYQTRSDSLLSLNYTKKQIERLILYKGRTSAVQQLLCKHEELLNLISPDG (SEQ ID NO: 322). In some embodiments, any truncation of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein can be used at the N-terminus of a DNA binding domain disclosed herein. The naturally occurring N-terminus of Legionella quateirensis can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the N-terminus of the MAP-NBD.

In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can have the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein. In some embodiments, A MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can have at its C-terminus amino acid residues at position 1 (A) to position 176 (F) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 305)

DVGYHPHSNDVGYHLHSDEESPFFDF.

In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD of the present disclosure can have at its C-terminus amino acid residues at position 1 (A) to position 63 (P) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein as follows: ALVKEYFPVFSSFHFTADQIVALICQSKQCFRNLKKNHQQWKNKGLSAEQIVDLILQETPPK P (SEQ ID NO: 306).

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for identifying an animal pathogen-derived repeat unit. For example, a consensus sequence can be defined comprising a first repeat motif, a spacer, and a second repeat motif. The consensus sequence can be 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1xxxx1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 292), 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1xxxxx1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 293), 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1xxxxxx1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 294), 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1xxxxxxx1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 295), 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1xxxxxxxx1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 296). For any one of SEQ ID NO: 292-SEQ ID NO: 296, x can be any amino acid residue, 1, 2, and 3 are flexible residues that are defined as follows: 1 can be selected from any one of A, F, I, L, M, T, or V, 2 can be selected from any one of D, E, K, N, M, S, R, or Q, and 3 can be selected from any one of A, G, N, or S. Thus, in some embodiments, a MAP-NBD can be derived from an animal pathogen comprising the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 293, SEQ ID NO: 294, SEQ ID NO: 295, or SEQ ID NO: 296. Any one of consensus sequences of SEQ ID NO: 292-SEQ ID NO: 296 can be compared against all sequences downloaded from NCBI, MGRast, JGI, and EBI databases to identify matches corresponding to animal pathogen proteins containing repeat units of a DNA-binding repeat unit.

In some embodiments, a MAP-NBD repeat unit can itself have a consensus sequence of 1xxx211x1xxx33x2x1xxxxxxxxx1 (SEQ ID NO: 293), wherein x can be any amino acid residue, 1, 2, and 3 are flexible residues that are defined as follows: 1 can be selected from any one of A, F, I, L, M, T, or V, 2 can be selected from any one of D, E, K, N, M, S, R, or Q, and 3 can be selected from any one of A, G, N, or S.

Mixed DNA Binding Domains

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides DNA binding domains in which the repeat units, the N-terminus, and the C-terminus can be derived from any one of Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella . For example, the present disclosure provides a DNA binding domain wherein the plurality of repeat units are selected from any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356 and can further comprise an N-terminus and/or C-terminus from Xanthomonas spp., (N-termini: SEQ ID NO: 298, SEQ ID NO: 300, SEQ ID NO: 301, and SEQ ID NO: 321; C-termini: SEQ ID NO: 302 and SEQ ID NO: 298) or Legionella quateirensis (N-termini: SEQ ID NO: 304 or SEQ ID NO: 322; C-termini: SEQ ID NO: 305 and SEQ ID NO: 306). In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides modular DNA binding domains in which the repeat units can be from Ralstonia solanacearum (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 168-SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 336-SEQ ID NO: 356), Xanthomonas spp. (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 323-SEQ ID NO: 334), an animal pathogen such as Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 357, SEQ ID NO: 282-SEQ ID NO: 290, or SEQ ID NO: 358-SEQ ID NO: 446), or any combination thereof.

Nucleases for Genome Editing

Genome editing can include the process of modifying a DNA of a cell in order to introduce or knock out a target gene or a target gene region. In some instances, a subject may have a disease in which a protein is aberrantly expressed or completely lacking. One therapeutic strategy for treating this disease can be introduction of a target gene or a target gene region to correct the aberrant or missing protein. For example, genome editing can be used to modify the DNA of a cell in the subject in order to introduce a functional gene, which gives rise to a functional protein. Introduction of this functional gene and expression of the functional protein can relieve the disease state of the subject.

In other instances, a subject may have a disease in which protein is overexpressed or is targeted by a virus for infection of a cell. Alternatively, a therapy such as a cell therapy for cancer can be ineffective due to repression of certain processes by tumor cells (e.g., checkpoint inhibition). Still alternatively, it may be desirable to eliminate a particular protein expressed at the surface of a cell in order to generate a universal, off-the-shelf cell therapy for a subject in need thereof (e.g., TCR). In such cases, it can be desirable to partially or completely knock out the gene encoding for such a protein. Genome editing can be used to modify the DNA of a cell in the subject in order to partially or completely knock out the target gene, thus reducing or eliminating expression of the protein of interest.

Genome editing can include the use of any nuclease as described herein in combination with any DNA binding domain disclosed herein in order to bind to a target gene or target gene region and induce a double strand break, mediated by the nuclease. Genes can be introduced during this process, or DNA binding domains can be designed to cut at regions of the DNA such that after non-homologous end joining, the target gene or target gene region is removed. Genome editing systems that are further disclosed and described in detail herein can include DNA binding domains from Xanthomonas, Ralstonia, Legionella, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella fused to nucleases.

The specificity and efficiency of genome editing can be dependent on the nuclease responsible for cleavage. More than 3,000 type II restriction endonucleases have been identified. They recognize short, usually palindromic, sequences of 4-8 bp and, in the presence of Mg2+, cleave the DNA within or in close proximity to the recognition sequence. Naturally, type IIs restriction enzymes themselves have a DNA recognition domain that can be separated from the catalytic, or cleavage, domain. As such, since cleavage occurs at a site adjacent to the DNA sequence bound by the recognition domain, these enzymes can be referred to as exhibiting “shifted” cleavage. These type IIs restriction enzymes having both the recognition domain and the cleavage domain can be 400-600 amino acids. The main criterion for classifying a restriction endonuclease as a type II enzyme is that it cleaves specifically within or close to its recognition site and that it does not require ATP hydrolysis for its nucleolytic activity. An example of a type II restriction endonucleases is FokI, which consists of a DNA recognition domain and a non-specific DNA cleavage domain. FokI cleaves DNA nine and thirteen bases downstream of an asymmetric sequence (recognizing a DNA sequence of GGATG).

In some embodiments, the DNA cleavage domain at the C-terminus of FokI itself can be combined with a variety of DNA-binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, TALEs, MAP-NBDs) of other molecules for genome editing purposes. This cleavage domain can be 180 amino acids in length and can be directly linked to a DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, TALEs, MAP-NBDs). In some embodiments, the FokI cleavage domain only comprises a single catalytic site. Thus, in order to cleave phosphodiester bonds, these enzymes form transient homodimers, providing two catalytic sites capable of cleaving double stranded DNA. In some embodiments, a single DNA-binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, TALEs, MAP-NBDs) linked to a Type IIS cleaving domain may not nick the double stranded DNA at the targeted site. In some embodiments, cleaving of target DNA only occurs when a pair of DNA-binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, TALEs, MAP-NBDs), each linked to a Type IIS cleaving domain (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)) bind to opposing strands of DNA and allow for formation of a transient homodimer in the spacer region (the base pairs between the C-terminus of the DNA binding domain on a top strand of DNA and the C-terminus of the DNA binding domain on a bottom strand of DNA). Said spacer region can be greater than 2 base pairs, greater than 5 base pairs, greater than 10 base pairs, greater than 15 base pairs, greater than 24 base pairs, greater than 25 base pairs, greater than 30 base pairs, greater than 35 base pairs, greater than 40 base pairs, greater than 45 base pairs, or greater than 50 base pairs. In some embodiments, the spacer region can be anywhere from 2 to 50 base pairs, 5 to 40 base pairs, 10 to 30 base pairs, 14 to 40 base pairs, 24 to 30 base pairs, 24 to 40 base pairs, or 24 to 50 base pairs. In some embodiments, the nuclease disclosed herein (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) can be capable of cleaving over a spacer region of greater than 24 base pairs upon formation of a transient homodimer.

Comparative analyses showed that FokI phylogenetic groupings can largely be at least partially explained by a combination of local gene duplication, and the whole-genome duplication event that predates their speciation, however enzymes vary significantly in their activities. In some aspects, the disclosure provides enzymes identified in a phylogenetic, molecular, and comparative analyses of sequences from various proteins related to FokI in various sequenced species. In some instances, such enzymes can comprise one or more mutations relative to SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162). In some cases, the non-naturally occurring enzymes described herein can comprise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more mutations. A mutation can be engineered to enhance cleavage efficiency. A mutation can abolish cleavage activity. In some cases, a mutation can enhance homodimerization. For example, FokI can have a mutation at one or more amino acid residue positions 446, 447, 479, 483, 484, 486, 487, 490, 491, 496, 498, 499, 500, 531, 534, 537, and 538 to modulate homodimerization, and similar mutations can be designed based on the phylogenetic analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162).

TABLE 6 shows exemplary amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81) of endonucleases for genome editing and the corresponding back-translated nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) of the endonucleases, which were obtained using Genius software and selecting for human codon optimization.

In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have a sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 X 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 X 35 X 36 X 37 X 38 X 39 X 40 X 41 X 42 X 43 KX 44 X 45 X 46 X 47 X 48 X 49 X 50 X 51 X 52 X 53 X 54 X 55 GX 56 HLGGX 57 RX 58 PDGX 59 X 60 X 61 X 62 X 63 X 64 X 65 X 66 X 67 X 68 X 69 X 70 X 71 X 72 X 73 X 74 GX 751 X 76 DTKX 77 YX 78 X 79 GYX 80 L PIX 81 QX 82 DEMX 83 RYX 84 X 85 ENX 86 X 87 RX 88 X 89 X 90 X 91 NX 92 NX 93 WWX 94 X 95 X 96 X 97 X 98 X 99 X 100 X 101 X 102 X 103 X 104 X 105 X 106 FX 107 X 108 X 109 X 110 FX 111 GX 112 X 113 X 114 X 115 X 116 X 117 X 118 RX 119 X 120 X 121 X 122 X 123 X 124 X 125 X 126 GX 127 X 128 X 129 X 130 X 131 X 132 X 133 LLX 134 X 135 X 136 X 137 X 138 X 139 X 140 X 141 X 142 X 143 X 144 X 145 X 146 X 147 X 148 X 149 X 150 X 151 X 152 X 153 FX 154 X 155 X 156 X 157 X 158 X 159 X 160 (SEQ ID NO: 316), wherein X 1 is F, Q, N, D, or absent, X 2 is L, I, T, S, N, or absent, X 3 is V, I, G, A, E, T, or absent, X 4 is K, C, or absent, X 5 is G, S, or absent, X 6 is A, S, E, D, N, or absent, X 7 is M, I, V, Q, F, L, or absent, X 8 is E, S, T, N, or absent, X 9 is I, M, E, T, Q, or absent, X 10 is K, S, L, I, T, E, or absent, X 11 is K or absent, X 12 is S, A, E, D, or absent, X 13 is E, N, Q, K, or absent, X 14 is L, M, V, or absent, X 15 is R or absent, X 16 is H, D, T, G, E, N, or absent, X 17 is K, N, Q, E, A, or absent, X 18 is L or absent, X 19 is R, Q, N, T, D, or absent, X 20 is H, M, V, N, T, or absent, X 21 is V, L, I, or absent, X 22 is P, S, or absent, X 23 is H or absent, X 24 is E, D, or absent, X 25 is Y or absent, X 26 is I, L, or absent, X 27 is E, Q, G, S, A, Y, or absent, X 28 is L or absent, X 29 is I, V, L, or absent, X 30 is E, D, or absent, X 31 is I, L, or absent, X 32 is A, S, or absent, X 33 is Q, Y, F, or absent, X 34 is D or absent, X 35 is S, P, or absent, X 36 is K, Y, Q, T, or absent, X 37 is Q or absent, X 38 is N or absent, X 39 is R, K, or absent, X 40 is L, I, or absent, X 41 is L, F, or absent, X 42 is E or absent, X 43 is F, M, L, or absent, X 44 is V, T, or I, X 45 1 S V, M, L, or I, X 46 is E, D, or Q, X 47 is F or L, X 48 is F or L, X 40 is K, I, T, or V, X 50 is K, N, or E, X 51 is I or E, X 52 is Y, F, or C, X 53 is G, or N, X 54 is Y, or F, X 55 is R, S, N, E, K, or Q, X 56 is K, S, L, V, or T, X 57 is S, A, or V, X 58 is K or R, X 59 is A, I, or V, X 60 is L, M, V, I, or C, X 61 is F or Y, X 62 is T, A, or S, X 63 is K, E, or absent, X 64 is D, E, or absent, X 65 is E, A, or absent, X 66 is N, K, or absent, X 67 is E, S, or absent, X 68 is D, E, Q, A, or absent, X 69 is G, V, K, N, or absent, X 70 is L, G, E, S, or absent, X 71 is V, S, K, T, E, or absent, X 72 is L, H, K, E, Y, D, or A, X 73 is N, G, or D, X 74 is H, F, or Y, X 75 is I, or V, X 76 is L, V, or I, X 77 is A or S, X 78 is K or S, X 79 is D, G, K, S, or N, X 80 is R, N, S, or G, X 81 is S, A, or G, X 82 is A, I, or V, X 83 is Q, E, I, or V, X 84 is V or I, X 85 is D, R, G, I, or E, X 86 is N, I, or Q, X 87 is K, D, T, E, or K, X 88 is S, N, D, or E, X 89 is Q, E, I, K, or A, X 90 is V, H, R, K, L, or E, X 91 is I, V, or R, X 92 is P, S, T, or R, X 93 is E, R, C, Q, or K, X 94 is E, N, or K, X 95 is I, V, N, E, or A, X 96 is Y or F, X 97 is P, G, or E, X 98 is T, E, S, D, K, or N, X 99 is S, D, K, G, N, or T, X 100 is I, T, V, or L, X 101 is T, N, G, or D, X 102 is D, E, T, K, or I, X 103 is F or Y, X 104 is K or Y, X 105 is F or Y, X 106 is L, S, or M, X 107 is V or I, X 108 is S or A, X 109 is G or A, X 110 is F, Y, H, E, or K, Xiii is Q, K, T, N, or I, X 112 is D, N, or K, X 113 is Y, F, I, or V, X 114 is R, E, K, Q, or F, X 115 is K, E, A, or N, X 116 is Q or K, X 117 is L or I, X 118 is E, D, N, or Q, X 119 is V, I, or L, X 120 is S, N, F, T, or Q, X 121 is H, I, C, or R, X 122 is L, D, N, S, or F, X 123 is T or K, X 124 is K, G, or N, X 125 is C, V, or I, X 126 is Q, L, K, or Y, X 127 is A, G, or N, X 128 is V or A, X 129 is M, L, I, V, or A, X 130 is S, T, or D, X 131 is V or I, X 132 is E, Q, K, S, or I, X 133 is Q, H, or T, X 134 is L, R, or Y, X 135 is G, I, L, or T, X 136 is G, A, or V, X 137 is E, N, or D, X 138 is K, Y, D, E, A, or R, X 139 is I, F, Y, or C, X 140 is K or R, X 141 is E, R, A, G, or T, X 142 is G or N, X 143 is S, K, R, or E, X 144 is L, I, or M, X 145 is T, S, D, or K, X 146 is L, H, Y, R, T, or F, X 147 is E, Y, M, A, or L, X 148 is E, D, R, or G, X 149 is V, F, M, L, or I, X 150 is G, K, R, L, V, or E, X 151 is K, N, D, L, H, or S, X 152 is K, L, C, or absent, X 153 is K, S, I, Y, M, or F, X 154 is K, L, C, H, D, Q, or N, X 155 is N or Y, X 156 is D, K, T, E, C, or absent, X 157 is E, V, R, or absent, X 158 is I, F, L, or absent, X 159 is V, Q, E, L, or absent, and X 160 is F or absent.

In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have a sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 X 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 X 35 X 36 X 37 X 38 X 39 X 40 X 41 X 42 X 43 KX 44 X 45 X 46 X 47 X 48 X 49 X 50 X 51 X 52 X 53 X 54 X 55 GX 56 HLGGX 57 RX 58 PDGX 59 X 60 X 61 X 62 X 63 X 64 X 65 X 66 X 67 X 68 X 69 X 70 X 71 X 72 X 73 X 74 GX 75 IX 76 DTKX 77 YX 78 X 79 GYX 80 L PIX 81 QX 82 DEMX 83 RYX 84 X 85 ENX 86 X 87 RX 88 X 89 X 90 X 91 NX 92 NX 93 WWX 94 X 95 X 96 X 97 X 98 X 99 X 100 X 101 X 102 X 103 X 104 X 105 X 106 FX 107 X 108 X 109 X 110 FX 111 GX 112 X 113 X 114 X 115 X 116 X 117 X 118 RX 119 X 120 X 121 X 122 X 123 X 124 X 125 X 126 GX 127 X 128 X 129 X 130 X 131 X 132 X 133 LLX 134 X 135 X 136 X 137 X 138 X 139 X 140 X 141 X 142 X 143 X 144 X 145 X 146 X 147 X 148 X 149 X 150 X 151 X 152 X 153 FX 154 X 155 X 156 X 157 X 158 X 159 X 160 (SEQ ID NO: 317), wherein X 1 is F, Q, N, or absent, X 2 is L, I, T, S, or absent, X 3 is V, I, G, A, E, T, or absent, X 4 is K, C, or absent, X 5 is G, S, or absent, X 6 is A, S, E, D, or absent, X 7 is M, I, V, Q, F, L, or absent, X 8 is E, S, T, or absent, X 9 is I, M, E, T, Q, or absent, X 10 is K, S, L, I, T, E, or absent, X 11 is K or absent, X 12 is S, A, E, D, or absent, X 13 is E, N, Q, K, or absent, X 14 is L, M, V, or absent, X 15 is R or absent, X 16 is H, D, T, G, E, N, or absent, X 17 is K, N, Q, E, A, or absent, X 18 is L or absent, X 19 is R, Q, N, T, D, or absent, X 20 is H, M, V, N, T, or absent, X 21 is V, L, I, or absent, X 22 is P, S, or absent, X 23 is H or absent, X 24 is E, D, or absent, X 25 is Y or absent, X 26 is I, L, or absent, X 27 is E, Q, G, S, A, or absent, X 28 is L or absent, X 29 is I, V, L, or absent, X 30 is E, D, or absent, X 31 is I, L, or absent, X 32 is A, S, or absent, X 33 is Q, Y, F, or absent, X 34 is D or absent, X 35 is S, P, or absent, X 36 is K, Y, Q, T, or absent, X 37 is Q or absent, X 38 is N or absent, X 39 is R or absent, X 40 is L, I, or absent, X 41 is L, F, or absent, X 42 is E or absent, X 43 is F, M, L, or absent, X 44 is V, T, or I, X 45 is V, M, L, or I, X 46 is E, D, or Q, X 47 is F or L, X 48 is F or L, X 49 is K, I, T, or V, X 50 is K, N, or E, X 51 is I or E, X 52 is Y, F, or C, X 53 is G, or N, X 54 is Y, or F, X 55 is R, S, N, E, K, or Q, X 56 is K, S, L, V, or T, X 57 is S or A, X 58 is K or R, X 59 is A, I, or V, X 60 is L, M, V, I, or C, X 61 is F or Y, X 62 is T, A, or S, X 63 is K, E, or absent, X 64 is D, E, or absent, X 65 is E, A, or absent, X 66 is N, K, or absent, X 67 is E, S, or absent, X 68 is D, E, Q, A, or absent, X 69 is G, V, K, N, or absent, X 70 is L, G, E, S, or absent, X 71 is V, S, K, T, E, or absent, X 72 is L, H, K, E, Y, D, or A, X 73 is N, G, or D, X 74 is H, F, or Y, X 75 is I, or V, X 76 is L, V, or I, X 77 is A or S, X 78 is K or S, X 79 is D, G, K, S, or N, X 80 is R, N, S, or G, X 81 is S, A, or G, X 82 is A, I, or V, X 83 is Q, E, I, or V, X 84 is V or I, X 85 is D, R, G, I, or E, X 86 is N, I, or Q, X 87 is K, D, T, E, or K, X 88 is S, N, D, or E, X 89 is Q, E, I, K, or A, X 90 is V, H, R, K, L, or E, X 91 is I, V, or R, X 92 is P, S, T, or R, X 93 is E, R, C, Q, or K, X 94 is E, N, or K, X 95 is I, V, N, E, or A, X 96 is Y or F, X 97 is P, G, or E, X 98 is T, E, S, D, K, or N, X 99 is S, D, K, G, N, or T, X 100 is I, T, V, or L, X 101 is T, N, G, or D, X 102 is D, E, T, K, or I, X 103 is F or Y, X 104 is K or Y, X 105 is F or Y, X 106 is L, S, or M, X 107 is V or I, X 108 is S or A, X 109 is G or A, X 110 is F, Y, H, E, or K, Xiii is Q, K, T, N, or I, X 112 is D, N, or K, X 113 is Y, F, I, or V, X 114 is R, E, K, Q, or F, X 115 is K, E, A, or N, X 116 is Q or K, X 117 is L or I, X 118 is E, D, N, or Q, X 119 is V, I, or L, X 120 is S, N, F, T, or Q, X 121 is H, I, C, or R, X 122 is L, D, N, S, or F, X 123 is T or K, X 124 is K, G, or N, X 125 is C, V, or I, X 126 is Q, L, K, or Y, X 127 is A, G, or N, X 128 is V or A, X 129 is M, L, I, V, or A, X 130 is S, T, or D, X 131 is V or I, X 132 is E, Q, K, S, or I, X 133 is Q, H, or T, X 134 is L, R, or Y, X 135 is G, I, L, or T, X 136 is G, A, or V, X 137 is E, N, or D, X 138 is K, Y, D, E, A, or R, X 139 is I, F, Y, or C, X 140 is K or R, X 141 is E, R, A, G, or T, X 142 is G or N, X 143 is S, I, K, R, or E, X 144 is L, I, or M, X 145 is T, S, D, or K, X 146 is L, H, Y, R, or T, X 147 is E, Y, I, M, or A, X 148 is E, D, R, or G, X 149 is V, F, M, L, or I, X 150 is G, K, R, L, V, or E, X 151 is K, N, D, L, H, or S, X 152 is K, L, C, or absent, X 153 is K, S, I, Y, M, or F, X 154 is K, L, C, H, D, Q, or N, X 155 is N or Y, X 156 is D, K, T, E, C, or absent, X 157 is E, V, R, or absent, X 158 is I, F, L, or absent, X 159 is V, Q, E, L, or absent, and X 160 is F or absent.

In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have a sequence of X 1 LVKSSX 2 EEX 3 KEELREKLX 4 HLSHEYLX 5 LX 6 DLAYDSKQNRLFEMKVX 7 ELLINECGYX 8 G LHLGGSRKPDGIX 9 YTEGLKX 10 NYGIIIDTKAYSDGYNLPISQADEMERYIRENNTRNX 11 X 12 V NPNEWWENFPX 13 NINEFYFLFVSGHFKGNX 14 EEQLERISIX 15 TX 16 IKGAAMSVX 17 TLLLLAN EIKAGRLX 18 LEEVX 19 KYFDNKEIX 20 F (SEQ ID NO: 318), wherein X 1 is F, Q, N, D, or absent, X 2 is M, I, V, Q, F, L, or absent, X 3 is K, S, L, I, T, E, or absent, X 4 is R, Q, N, T, D, or absent, X 5 is E, Q, G, S, A, Y, or absent, X 6 is I, V, L, or absent, X 7 is V, M, L, or I, X 8 is R, S, N, E, K, or Q, X 9 is L, M, V, I, or C, X 10 is L, H, K, E, Y, D, or A, X 11 is Q, E, I, K, or A, X 12 is V, H, R, K, L, or E, X 13 is T, E, S, D, K, or N, X 14 is Y, F, I, or V, X 15 is L, D, N, S, or F, X 16 is K, G, or N, X 17 is E, Q, K, S, or I, X 18 is T, S, D, or K, X 19 is G, K, R, L, V, or E, and X 20 is V, Q, E, L, or absent.

In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have a sequence of X 1 LVKSSX 2 EEX 3 KEELREKLX 4 HLSHEYLX 5 LX 6 DLAYDSKQNRLFEMKVX 7 ELLINECGYX 8 G LHLGGSRKPDGIX 9 YTEGLKX 10 NYGIIIDTKAYSDGYNLPISQADEMERYIRENNTRNX 11 X 12 V NPNEWWENFPX 13 NINEFYFLFVSGHFKGNX 14 EEQLERISIX 15 TX 16 IKGAAMSVX 17 TLLLLAN EIKAGRLX 18 LEEVX 19 KYFDNKEIX 20 F (SEQ ID NO: 319), wherein X 1 is F, Q, N, or absent, X 2 is M, I, V, Q, F, L, or absent, X 3 is K, S, L, I, T, E, or absent, X 4 is R, Q, N, T, D, or absent, X 5 is E, Q, G, S, A, or absent, X 6 is I, V, L, or absent, X 7 is V, M, L, or I, X 8 is R, S, N, E, K, or Q, X 9 is L, M, V, I, or C, X 10 is L, H, K, E, Y, D, or A, X 11 is Q, E, I, K, or A, X 12 is V, H, R, K, L, or E, X 13 is T, E, S, D, K, or N, X 14 is Y, F, I, or V, X 15 is L, D, N, S, or F, X 16 is K, G, or N, X 17 is E, Q, K, S, or I, X 18 is T, S, D, or K, X 19 is G, K, R, L, V, or E, and X 20 is V, Q, E, L, or absent. In some embodiments, a cleavage domain disclosed herein comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 316-SEQ ID NO: 319.

In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have conserved amino acid residues at position 76 (D or E), position 98 (D), and position 100 (K), which together preserve catalytic function. In some embodiments, an endonuclease of the present disclosure can have conserved amino acid residues at position 114 (D) and position 118 (R), which together preserve dimerization of two cleavage domains.

In some embodiments, endonucleases disclosed herein (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)) can have at least 33.3% divergence from SEQ ID NO: 163 (FokI) and, is immunologically orthogonal to SEQ ID NO: 163 (FokI). In some embodiments, an immunologically orthogonal endonuclease (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)) can be administered to a patient that has already received, and is thus can have an adverse immune reaction to, FokI. In some embodiments, endonucleases disclosed herein (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)) can have at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, or at least 75% divergence from SEQ ID NO: 163 (FokI).

In some embodiments, an endonuclease disclosed herein (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)) can be fused to any nucleic acid binding domain disclosed herein to form a non-naturally occurring fusion protein. This fusion protein can have one or more of the following characteristics: (a) induces greater than 1% indels (insertions/deletions) at a target site; (b) the cleavage domain comprises a molecular weight of less than 23 kDa; (c) the cleavage domain comprises less than 196 amino acids; and (d) capable of cleaving across a spacer region greater than 24 base pairs. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring fusion protein can induce greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% indels at the target site. In some embodiments, indels are generated via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway upon administration of a genome editing complex disclosed herein to a subject. Indels can be measured using deep sequencing.

In still various embodiments, the functional domain can be a cleavage domain or a repression domain. In some aspects, the cleavage domain comprises at least 33.3% divergence from SEQ ID NO: 163 and is immunologically orthogonal to SEQ ID NO: 163. In further aspects, the polypeptide can comprise one or more of the following characteristics: (a) induces greater than 1% indels at a target site; (b) the cleavage domain comprises a molecular weight of less than 23 kDa; (c) the cleavage domain comprises less than 196 amino acids; (d) capable of cleaving across a spacer region greater than 24 base pairs.

DNA Binding Domains Fused to SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (Nucleic Acid Sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162)

The present disclosure provides for novel compositions of endonucleases with modular nucleic acid binding domains (e.g., TALEs, RNBDs, or MAP-NBDs) described herein. In some instances the novel endonucleases can be fused to a DNA binding domain from Xanthomonas spp. (TALE), Ralstonia (RNBD), or Legionella (MAP-NBD) resulting in genome editing complexes. A TALEN, RNBD-nuclease, or MAP-NBD-nuclease can include multiple components including the DNA binding domain, an optional linker, and a repressor domain. The genome editing complexes described herein can be used to selectively bind and cleave to a target gene sequence for genome editing purposes. For example, a DNA binding domain from Xanthomonas, Ralstonia , or Legionella of the present disclosure can be used to direct the binding of a genome editing complex to a desired genomic sequence.

The genome editing complexes described herein, comprising a DNA binding domain fused to an endonuclease, can be used to edit genomic loci of interest by binding to a target nucleic acid sequence via the DNA binding domain and cleaving phosphodiester bonds of target double stranded DNA via the endonuclease.

In some aspects, DNA binding domains fused to nucleases can create a site-specific double-stranded DNA break when fused to a nuclease. Such breaks can then be subsequently repaired by cellular machinery, through either homology-dependent repair or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Genome editing, using DNA binding domains fused to nucleases described herein, can thus be used to delete a sequence of interest (e.g., an aberrantly expressed or mutated gene) or to introduce a nucleic acid sequence of interest (e.g., a functional gene). DNA binding domains of the present disclosure can be programmed to delivery virtually any nuclease, including those disclosed herein, to any target site for therapeutic purposes, including ex vivo engineered cell therapies obtained using the compositions disclosed herein or gene therapy by direct in vivo administration of the compositions disclosed herein. In addition, the DNA binding domain can bind to specific DNA sequences and in some cases they can activate the expression of host genes. In some instances, the disclosure provides for enzymes, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) that can be fused to the DNA binding domains of TALEs, RNBDs, and MAP-NBDs. In some instances, enzymes of the disclosure, including SEQ ID NO: 1 (nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82), SEQ ID NO: 4 (nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85), and SEQ ID NO: 8 (nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 89), can achieve greater than 30% indels via the NHEJ pathway on a target gene when fused to a DNA binding domain of a TALE, RNBD, and MAP-NBD.

A non-naturally occurring fusion protein of the disclosure, e.g., any one of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) fused to a DNA binding domain, can comprise a repeat unit. A repeat unit can be from a wild-type DNA-binding domain ( Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella ) or a modified repeat unit enhanced for specific recognition of a particular nucleic acid base. A modified repeat unit can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25 or more mutations that can enhance the repeat module for specific recognition of a particular nucleic acid base. In some embodiments, a modified repeat unit is modified at amino acid position 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35. In some embodiments, a modified repeat unit is modified at amino acid positions 12 or 13.

As described in further detail below, a non-naturally occurring fusion protein of the disclosure, e.g., anyone of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) fused to a plurality of repeat units (e.g., derived from Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella ), can further comprise a C-terminal truncation, which can served as a linker between the DNA binding domain and the nuclease.

A non-naturally occurring fusion protein of the disclosure, e.g., anyone of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) fused to a DNA binding domain, can further comprise an N-terminal cap as described in further detail below. An N-terminal cap can be a polypeptide portion flanking the DNA-binding repeat module. An N-terminal cap can be any length and can comprise from 0 to 136 amino acid residues in length. An N-terminal cap can be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130 amino acid residues in length. In some embodiments, an N-terminal cap can modulate structural stability of the DNA-binding repeat units. In some embodiments, an N-terminal cap can modulate nonspecific interactions. In some cases, an N-terminal cap can decrease nonspecific interaction. In some cases, an N-terminal cap can reduce off-target effect. As used here, off-target effect refers to the interaction of a genome editing complex with a sequence that is not the target binding site of interest. An N-terminal cap can further comprise a wild-type N-terminal cap sequence of a protein from Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas spp., Legionella quateirensis, Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia , or Francisella or can comprise a modified N-terminal cap sequence.

In some embodiments, a DNA binding domain comprises at least one repeat unit having a repeat variable diresidue (RVD), which contacts a target nucleic acid base. In some embodiments, a DNA binding domain comprises more than one repeat unit, each having an RVD, which contacts a target nucleic acid base. In some embodiments, the DNA binding domain comprises 1 to 50 RVDs. In some embodiments, the DNA binding domain components of the fusion proteins can be at least 14 RVDs, at least 15 RVDs, at least 16 RVDs, at least 17 RVDs, at least 18 RVDs, at least 19 RVDs, at least 20 RVDs in length, or at least 21 RVDs in length. In some embodiments, the DNA binding domains can be 16 to 21 RVDs in length.

In some embodiments, any one of the DNA binding domains described herein can bind to a region of interest of any gene. For example, the DNA binding domains described herein can bind upstream of the promoter region, upstream of the gene transcription start site, or downstream of the transcription start site. In certain embodiments, the DNA binding domain binding region is no farther than 50 base pairs downstream of the transcription start site. In some embodiments, the DNA binding domain is designed to bind in proximity to the transcription start site (TSS). In other embodiments, the TALE can be designed to bind in the 5′ UTR region.

A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise between 1 to 50 repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise between 5 and 45, between 8 to 45, between 10 to 40, between 12 to 35, between 15 to 30, between 20 to 30, between 8 to 40, between 8 to 35, between 8 to 30, between 10 to 35, between 10 to 30, between 10 to 25, between 10 to 20, or between 15 to 25 repeat units.

A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 50, or more repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, or 50 repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise 5 repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise 10 repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise 11 repeat units. A DNA binding domain described herein can comprise 12 repeat units, or another suitable number.

A repeat unit of a DNA binding domain can be 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 37, 38, 39 or 40 residues in length.

In some embodiments, the effector can be a protein secreted from Xanthomonas or Ralstonia bacteria upon plant infection. In some embodiments, the effector can be a protein that is a mutated form of, or otherwise derived from, a protein secreted from Xanthomonas or Ralstonia bacteria. The effector can further comprise a DNA-binding module which includes a variable number of about 33-35 amino acid residue repeat units. Each amino acid repeat unit recognizes one base pair through two adjacent amino acids (e.g., at amino acid positions 12 and 13 of the repeat unit). As such, amino acid positions 12 and 13 of the repeat unit can also be referred to as repeat variable diresidue (RVD).

Linkers

A nuclease, e.g., anyone of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) fused to a DNA binding domain (e.g., an RNBD, a MAP-NBD, a TALE), can further include a linker connecting SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) to the DNA binding domain. A linker used herein can be a short flexible linker comprising 0 base pairs, 3 to 6 base pairs, 6 to 12 base pairs, 12 to 15 base pairs, 15 to 21 base pairs, 21 to 24 base pairs, 24 to 30 base pairs, 30 to 36 base pairs, 36 to 42 base pairs, 42 to 48 base pairs, or 1 to 48 base pairs. The nucleic acid sequence of the linker can encode for an amino acid sequence comprising 0 residues, 1-3 residues, 4-7 residues, 8-10 residues, 10-12 residues, 12-15 residues, or 1-15 residues. Linkers can include, but are not limited to, residues such as glycine, methionine, aspartic acid, alanine, lysine, serine, leucine, threonine, tryptophan, or any combination thereof.

When linking a repressor domain to an RNBD, MAP-NBD, or TALE, the linker can have a nucleic acid sequence of GGCGGTGGCGGAGGGATGGATGCTAAGTCACTAACTGCCTGGTCC (SEQ ID NO: 165) and an amino acid sequence of GGGGGMDAKSLTAWS (SEQ ID NO: 166).

A nuclease, e.g., anyone of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) can be connected to a DNA binding domain via a linker, a linker can be between 1 to 70 amino acid residues in length. A linker can be from 5 to 45, from 5 to 40, from 5 to 35, from 5 to 30, from 5 to 25, from 5 to 20, from 5 to 15, from 10 to 40, from 10 to 35, from 10 to 30, from 10 to 25, from 10 to 20, from 12 to 40, from 12 to 35, from 12 to 30, from 12 to 25, from 12 to 20, from 14 to 40, from 14 to 35, from 14 to 30, from 14 to 25, from 14 to 20, from 14 to 16, from 15 to 40, from 15 to 35, from 15 to 30, from 15 to 25, from 15 to 20, from 15 to 18, from 18 to 40, from 18 to 35, from 18 to 30, from 18 to 25, from 18 to 24, from 20 to 40, from 20 to 35, from 20 to 30, from 25 to 30, from 25 to 70, from 30 to 70, from 5 to 70, from 35 to 70, from 40 to 70, from 45 to 70, from 50 to 70, from 55 to 70, from 60 to 70, or from 65 to 70 amino acid residues in length.

A linker for linking a nuclease, e.g., anyone of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81 (or any one of nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) to a DNA binding domain can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 amino acid residues in length.

In some embodiments, the linker can be the N-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or animal pathogen-derived protein, wherein any functional domain disclosed herein is fused to the N-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the linker comprising the N-terminus can comprise the full length naturally occurring N-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or animal pathogen-derived protein, or a truncation of the naturally occurring N-terminus, such as amino acid residues at positions 1 to 137 of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein N-terminus (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 264), positions 1 (H) to 115 (S) of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein N-terminus (SEQ ID NO: 320), positions 1 (N) to 115 (S) of the naturally occurring Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein N-terminus (SEQ ID NO: 321), or positions 1 (G) to 115 (K) of the naturally occurring Legionella quateirensis -derived protein N-terminus (SEQ ID NO: 322). In some embodiments, the linker can comprise amino acid residues at positions 1 to 120 of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein (SEQ ID NO: 303), Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein (SEQ ID NO: 301), or Legionella quateirensis -derived protein (SEQ ID N): 304). In some embodiments, the linker can comprise the naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum truncated to any length. For example, the naturally occurring N-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 120, 1 to 115, 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the N-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain as a linker to a nuclease or a repressor.

In other embodiments, the linker can be the C-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or animal pathogen-derived protein, wherein any functional domain disclosed herein is fused to the C-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the linker comprising the C-terminus can comprise the full length naturally occurring C-terminus of a naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or animal pathogen-derived protein, or a truncation of the naturally occurring C-terminus, such as positions 1 to 63 of the naturally occurring Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein (SEQ ID NO: 266), Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein (SEQ ID NO: 298), or Legionella quateirensis -derived protein (SEQ ID NO: 306). In some embodiments, the naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or Legionella quateirensis -derived protein can be truncated to any length and used at the C-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain and used as a linker to a nuclease or repressor. For example, the naturally occurring C-terminus of Ralstonia solanacearum -derived protein, Xanthomonas spp.-derived protein, or Legionella quateirensis -derived protein can be truncated to amino acid residues at positions 1 to 63, 1 to 50, 1 to 70, 1 to 100, 1 to 120, 1 to 130, 10 to 40, 60 to 100, or 100 to 120 and used at the C-terminus of the engineered DNA binding domain.

Linkers Comprising Recognition Sites

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides DNA binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) with gapped repeat units for use as gene editing complexes. A DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) with gapped repeat can comprise of a plurality of repeat units in which each repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units is separated from a neighboring repeat unit by a linker. This linker can comprise a recognition site for additional functionality and activity. For example, the linker can comprise a recognition site for a small molecule. As another example, the linker can serve as a recognition site for a protease. In yet another example, the linker can serve as a recognition site for a kinase. In other embodiments, the recognition site can serve as a localization signal.

Each repeat unit of a DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) comprises a secondary structure in which the RVD interfaces with and binds to a target nucleic acid base on double stranded DNA, while the remainder of the repeat unit protrudes from the surface of the DNA. Thus, the linkers comprising a recognition site between each repeat unit are removed from the surface of the DNA and are solvent accessible. In some embodiments, these solvent accessible linkers comprising recognition sites can have extra activity while mediating gene editing. In some embodiments, the at least one repeat unit comprises 1-20 additional amino acid residues at the C-terminus. In some aspects, the at least repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units is separated from a neighboring repeat unit by a linker. In further aspects, the linker comprises a recognition site. In some aspects, the recognition site is for a small molecule, a protease, or a kinase. In some aspects, the recognition site serves as a localization signal. In some aspects, the plurality of repeat units comprises 3 to 60 repeat units.

Examples of a left and a right DNA binding domain comprising repeat units derived from Xanthomonas spp. are shown below in TABLE 7 for AAVS1 and GA7. “X,” shown in bold and underlining, represents a linker comprising a recognition site and can comprise 1-40 amino acid residues. An amino acid residue of the linker can comprise a glycine, an alanine, a threonine, or a histidine.

Tunable Repeat Units

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides DNA binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) with expanded repeat units. For example, a DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) comprises a plurality of repeat units in which each repeat unit is usually 33-35 amino acid residues in length. The present disclosure provides repeat units, which are greater than 35 amino acid residues in length. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides repeat units, which are greater than 39 amino acid residues in length. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides repeat units which are 35 to 40, 39 to 40, 35 to 45, 39 to 45, 35 to 50, 39 to 50, 35 to 50, 35 to 60, 39 to 60, 35 to 70, 39 to 70, 35 to 79, or 39 to 79 amino acid residues long.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides DNA binding domains (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) with contracted repeat units. For example, the present disclosure provides repeat units, which are less than 32 amino acid residues in length. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides repeat units, which are 15 to 32, 16 to 32, 17 to 32, 18 to 32, 19 to 32, 20 to 32, 21 to 32, 22 to 32, 23 to 32, 24 to 32, 25 to 32, 26 to 32, 27 to 32, 28 to 32, 29 to 32, 30 to 32, or 31 to 32 amino acid residues in length.

In some embodiments, said expanded repeat units can be tuned to modulate binding of each repeat unit to its target nucleic acid, resulting in the ability to overall modulate binding of the DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) to a target gene of interest. For example, expanding repeat units can improve binding affinity of the repeat unit to its target nucleic acid base and thereby increase binding affinity of the DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) to a target gene. In other embodiments, contracting repeat units can improve binding affinity of the repeat unit to its target nucleic acid base and thereby increase binding affinity of the DNA binding domain (e.g., RNBDs, MAP-NBDs, TALEs) for a target gene.

Functional Domains

An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a functional domain. The functional domain can provide different types activity, such as genome editing, gene regulation (e.g., activation or repression), or visualization of a genomic locus via imaging.

A. Genome Editing Domains

For example, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a nuclease, wherein the RNBD provides specificity and targeting and the nuclease provides genome editing functionality. In some embodiments, the nuclease can be a cleavage domain, which dimerizes with another copy of the same cleavage domain to form an active full domain capable of cleaving DNA. In other embodiments, the nuclease can be a cleavage domain, which is capable of cleaving DNA without needing to dimerize. For example, a nuclease comprising a cleavage domain can be an endonuclease, such as FokI or Bfil. In some embodiments, two cleavage domains (e.g., FokI or Bfil) can be fused together to form a fully functional single cleavage domain. When cleavage domains are used as the nuclease, two RNBDs can be engineered, the first RNBD binding to a top strand of a target nucleic acid sequence and comprising a first FokI cleavage domain and a second RNBD binding to a bottom strand of a target nucleic acid sequence and comprising a second FokI cleavage domain.

In some embodiments, a fully functional cleavage domain, capable of cleaving DNA without needing to dimerize include meganucleases, also referred to as homing endonucleases. For example, a meganuclease can include I-Anil or I-OnuI. In some embodiments, the nuclease can be a type IIS restriction enzyme, such as FokI or Bfil.

A nuclease domain fused to an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be an endonuclease or an exonuclease. An endonuclease can include restriction endonucleases and homing endonucleases. An endonuclease can also include S1 Nuclease, mung bean nuclease, pancreatic DNase I, micrococcal nuclease, or yeast HO endonuclease. An exonuclease can include a 3′-5′ exonuclease or a 5′-3′ exonuclease. An exonuclease can also include a DNA exonuclease or an RNA exonuclease. Examples of exonuclease includes exonucleases I, II, III, IV, V, and VIII; DNA polymerase I, RNA exonuclease 2, and the like.

A nuclease domain fused to an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be a restriction endonuclease (or restriction enzyme). In some instances, a restriction enzyme cleaves DNA at a site removed from the recognition site and has a separate binding and cleavage domains. In some instances, such restriction enzyme is a Type IIS restriction enzyme.

A nuclease domain fused to an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be a Type IIS nuclease. A Type IIS nuclease can be FokI or Bfil. In some cases, a nuclease domain fused to an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived) is FokI. In other cases, a nuclease domain fused to an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived) is Bfil.

FokI can be a wild-type FokI or can comprise one or more mutations. In some cases, FokI can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more mutations. A mutation can enhance cleavage efficiency. A mutation can abolish cleavage activity. In some cases, a mutation can modulate homodimerization. For example, FokI can have a mutation at one or more amino acid residue positions 446, 447, 479, 483, 484, 486, 487, 490, 491, 496, 498, 499, 500, 531, 534, 537, and 538 to modulate homodimerization.

In some instances, a FokI cleavage domain is, for example, as described in Kim et al. “Hybrid restriction enzymes: Zinc finger fusions to Fok I cleavage domain,” PNAS 93: 1156-1160 (1996), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, a FokI cleavage domain described herein has a sequence as follows: QLVKSELEEKKSELRHKLKYVPHEYIELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLG GSRKPDGAIYTVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRNKHINPNEWW KVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNGAVLSVEELLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEE VRRKFNNGEINF (SEQ ID NO: 163). In other instances, a FokI cleavage domain described herein is a FokI, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,526, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived) can be linked to a functional group that modifies DNA nucleotides, for example an adenosine deaminase.

In some embodiments, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived) can be linked to any nuclease as set forth in TABLE 6 showing exemplary amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 81) of endonucleases for genome editing and the corresponding back-translated nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 82-SEQ ID NO: 162) of the endonucleases.

For purposes of gene editing, a first DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain and a second DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain can be provided. The first DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain can recognize a top strand of double stranded DNA and bind to said region of double stranded DNA. The second DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain can recognize a separate, non-overlapping bottom strand of double stranded DNA and bind to said region of double stranded DNA. The target nucleic acid sequence on the bottom strand can have its complementary nucleic acid sequence in the top strand positioned 10 to 20 nucleotides towards the 3′ end from the first region. In some embodiments this stretch of 10 to 20 nucleotides can be referred to as the spacer region. In some embodiments, this first DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain and the second DNA binding domain (e.g., of a TALE, RNBD, or MAP-NBD) linked to a cleavage domain both bind at a target site, allowing for dimerization of the two cleavage domains in the spacer region and allowing for catalytic activity and cleaving of the target DNA.

a. Potency and Specificity of Genome Editing

In some embodiments, the efficiency of genome editing with a genome editing complex of the present disclosure (e.g., any one of an RNBD, MAP-NBD, or TALE fused to any nuclease disclosed herein) can be determined. Specifically, the potency and specificity of the genome editing complex can indicate whether a particular modular nucleic acid binding domain fused to a nuclease provides efficient editing. Potency can be defined as the percent indels (insertions/deletions) that are generated via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway at a target site after administering a modular nucleic acid binding domain fused to a nuclease to a subject. A modular nucleic acid binding domain can have a potency of greater than 50%, greater than 55%, greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 92%, greater than 95%, greater than 97%, or greater than 99%. A modular nucleic acid binding domain can have a potency of from 50% to 100%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to 90%, or 90% to 100%.

Specificity can be defined as a specificity ratio, wherein the ratio is the percent indels at a target site of interest over the percent indels at the top-ranked off-target site for a particular genome editing complex (e.g., any DNA binding domain linked to a nuclease described herein) of interest. A high specificity ratio would indicate that a modular nucleic acid binding domain fused to a nuclease edits primarily at the desired target site and exhibits fewer instances of undesirable, off-target editing. A low specificity ratio would indicate that a modular nucleic acid binding domain fused to a nuclease does not edit efficiently at the desired target site and/or can indicate that the modular nucleic acid binding domain fused to a nuclease exhibits high off-target activity. A modular nucleic acid binding domain can have a specificity ratio for the target site of at least 50:1, 55:1, 60:1, 65:1, 70:1, 75:1, 80:1, 85:1, 90:1, 92:1, 95:1, 97:1, 99:1, 50:2, 55:2, 60:2, 65:2, 70:2, 75:2, 80:2, 85:2, 90:2, 92:2, 95:2, 97:2, 99:2, 50:3, 55:3, 60:3, 65:3, 70:3, 75:3, 80:3, 85:3, 90:3, 92:3, 95:3, 97:3, 99:3, 50:4, 55:4, 60:4, 65:4, 70:4, 75:4, 80:4, 85:4, 90:4, 92:4, 95:4, 97:4, 99:4, 50:5, 55:5, 60:5, 65:5, 70:5, 75:5, 80:5, 85:5, 90:5, 92:5, 95:5, 97:5, or 99:5. A modular nucleic acid binding domain can have a specificity ratio for the target site from 50:1 to 100:1, 99:5 to 50:1, or 99:5 to 100:1. Percent indels can be measured via deep sequencing techniques.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a polypeptide comprising a modular nucleic acid binding domain comprising a potency for a target site greater than 65% and a specificity ratio for the target site of at least 50:1; and a functional domain; wherein: the modular nucleic acid binding domain comprises a plurality of repeat units; at least one repeat unit of the plurality of repeat units comprises a binding region configured to bind to a target nucleic acid base within the target site; the potency comprises indel percentage at the target site, and wherein the specificity ratio comprises indel percentage at the target site over indel percentage at a top-ranked off-target site of the polypeptide. Indel percentage can be measured by deep sequencing.

The top-ranked off-target site for a polypeptide (e.g., a modular nucleic acid binding domain linked to a cleavage domain) can be determined using the predicted report of genome-wide nuclease off-target sites (PROGNOS) ranking algorithms as described in Fine et al. (Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 April; 42(6):e42. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkt1326. Epub 2013 Dec. 30.). As described in Fine et al, the PROGNOS algorithm TALEN v2.0 can use the DNA target sequence as input; prior construction and experimental characterization of the specific nucleases are not necessary. Based on the differences between the sequence of a potential off-target site in the genome and the intended target sequence, the algorithm can generate a score that is used to rank potential off-target sites. If two (or more) potential off-target sites have equal scores, they can be further ranked by the type of genomic region annotated for each site with the following order: Exon>Promoter>Intron>Intergenic. A final ranking by chromosomal location can be employed as a tie-breaker to ensure consistency in the ranking order. Thus, a score can be generated for each potential off-target site.

B. Regulatory Domains

As another example, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a gene regulating domain. A gene regulation domain can be an activator or a repressor. For example, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to an activation domain, such as VP16, VP64, p65, p300 catalytic domain, TET1 catalytic domain, TDG, Ldb1 self-associated domain, SAM activator (VP64, p65, HSF1), or VPR (VP64, p65, Rta). Alternatively, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a repressor, such as KRAB, Sin3a, LSD1, SUV39H1, G9A (EHMT2), DNMT1, DNMT3A-DNMT3L, DNMT3B, KOX, TGF-beta-inducible early gene (TIEG), v-erbA, SID MBD2, MBD3, Rb, or MeCP2.

In some embodiments, an RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a DNA modifying protein, such as DNMT3a. An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a chromatin-modifying protein, such as lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1). An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a protein that is capable of recruiting other proteins, such as KRAB. The DNA modifying protein (e.g., DNMT3a) and proteins capable of recruiting other proteins (e.g., KRAB) can serve as repressors of transcription. Thus, RNBDs (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), linked to a DNA modifying protein (e.g., DNMT3a) or a domain capable of recruiting other proteins (e.g., KRAB, a domain found in transcriptional repressors, such as Kox1) can provide gene repression functionality, can serve as transcription factors, wherein the RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), provides specificity and targeting and the DNA modifying protein and the protein capable of recruiting other proteins provides gene repression functionality, which can be referred to as a TALE-transcription factor (TALE-TF), RNBD-transcription factor (RNBD-TF), or MAP-NBD-transcription factor (MAP-NBD-TF).

In some embodiments, expression of the target gene can be reduced by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% by using a DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) of the present disclosure as compared to non-treated cells. In some embodiments, expression of the target gene can be reduced by 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 20%, 20%, to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 99% by using an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF of the present disclosure as compared to non-treated cells. In some embodiments, expression of the checkpoint gene can be reduced by over 90% by using an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF of the present disclosure as compared to non-treated cells.

In some embodiments, repression of the target gene with a DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) of the present disclosure and subsequent reduced expression of the target gene can last for at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 7 days, at least 8 days, at least 9 days, at least 10 days, at least 11 days, at least 12 days, at least 13 days, at least 14 days, at least 15 days, at least 16 days, at least 17 days, at least 18 days, at least 19 days, at least 20 days, at least 21 days, at least 22 days, at least 23 days, at least 24 days, at least 25 days, at least 26 days, at least 27 days, or at least 28 days. In some embodiments, repression of the target gene with an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF of the present disclosure and subsequent reduced expression of the target gene can last for 1 days to 3 days, 3 days to 5 days, 5 days to 7 days, 7 days to 9 days, 9 days to 11 days, 11 days to 13 days, 13 days to 15 days, 15 days to 17 days, 17 days to 19 days, 19 days to 21 days, 21 days to 23 days, 23 days to 25 days, or 25 days to 28 days.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of identifying a target binding site in a target gene of a cell, the method comprising: (a) contacting a cell with an engineered genomic regulatory complex comprising a DNA binding domain, a repressor domain, and a linker; (b) measuring expression of the target gene; and (c) determining expression of the target gene is repressed by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% for at least 3 days, wherein the target gene is selected from: a checkpoint gene and a T cell surface receptor.

In some aspects, expression of the target gene is repressed in at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of a plurality of the cells. In some aspects, the engineered genomic regulatory complex is undetectable after at least 3 days. In some aspects, determining the engineered genomic regulatory complex is undetectable is measured by qPCR, imaging of a FLAG-tag, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the measuring expression of the target gene comprises flow cytometry quantification of expression of the target gene.

In some embodiments, repression of the target gene with a DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) of the present disclosure can last even after the DNA binding domain-gene regulator becomes undetectable. The DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) can become undetectable after at least 3 days. In some embodiments, the DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) can become undetectable after at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, or at least 4 weeks. In some embodiments, qPCR or imaging via the FLAG-tag can be used to confirm that the DNA binding domain fused to a repression domain (e.g., an RNBD-TF, a MAP-NBD-TF, or TALE-TF) is no longer detectable.

C. Imaging Moieties

An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived), or another binding domain (e.g., MAP-NBD or TALE), can be linked to a fluorophore, such as Hydroxycoumarin, methoxycoumarin, Alexa fluor, aminocoumarin, Cy2, FAM, Alexa fluor 488, Fluorescein FITC, Alexa fluor 430, Alexa fluor 532, HEX, Cy3, TRITC, Alexa fluor 546, Alexa fluor 555, R-phycoerythrin (PE), Rhodamine Red-X, Tamara, Cy3.5, Rox, Alexa fluor 568, Red 613, Texas Red, Alexa fluor 594, Alexa fluor 633, Allophycocyanin, Alexa fluor 633, Cy5, Alexa fluor 660, Cy5.5, TruRed, Alexa fluor 680, Cy7, GFP, or mCHERRY. An RNBD (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum -derived) can be linked to a biotinylation reagent.

Genes and Indications of Interest

In some embodiments, genome editing can be performed by fusing a nuclease of the present disclosure with a DNA binding domain for a particular genomic locus of interest. Genetic modification can involve introducing a functional gene for therapeutic purposes, knocking out a gene for therapeutic gene, or engineering a cell ex vivo (e.g., HSCs or CAR T cells) to be administered back into a subject in need thereof. For example, the genome editing complex can have a target site within PDCD1, CTLA4, LAGS, TET2, BTLA, HAVCR2, CCR5, CXCR4, TRA, TRB, B2M, albumin, HBB, HBA1, TTR, NR3C1, CD52, erythroid specific enhancer of the BCL11A gene, CBLB, TGFBR1, SERPINA1, HBV genomic DNA in infected cells, CEP290, DMD, CFTR, IL2RG, CS-1, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a genome editing complex can cleave double stranded DNA at a target site in order to insert a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), alpha-L iduronidase (IDUA), iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), or Factor 9 (F9). Cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and T cells, can be engineered ex vivo with the genome editing complex. Alternatively, genome editing complexes can be directly administered to a subject in need thereof.

The subject receiving treatment can be suffering from a disease such as transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), HIV, glioblastoma multiforme, cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, MPSI, MPSII, Hemophilia B, multiple myeloma, melanoma, sarcoma, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA10), CD19 malignancies, BCMA-related malignancies, duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID), or Hepatitis B.

Samples for Analysis

In some aspects, described herein include methods of modifying the genetic material of a target cell utilizing an RNBD described herein. A sample described herein may be a fresh sample. The sample may be a live sample.

The sample may be a cell sample. The cell sample may be obtained from the cells or tissue of an animal. The animal cell may comprise a cell from an invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, or mammal. The mammalian cell may be obtained from a primate, ape, equine, bovine, porcine, canine, feline, or rodent. The mammal may be a primate, ape, dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, or the like. The rodent may be a mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil, hamster, chinchilla, or guinea pig. The bird cell may be from a canary, parakeet, or parrot. The reptile cell may be from a turtle, lizard, or snake. The fish cell may be from a tropical fish. For example, the fish cell may be from a zebrafish (such as Danio rerio ). The amphibian cell may be from a frog. An invertebrate cell may be from an insect, arthropod, marine invertebrate, or worm. The worm cell may be from a nematode (such as Caenorhabditis elegans ). The arthropod cell may be from a tarantula or hermit crab.

The cell sample may be obtained from a mammalian cell. For example, the mammalian cell may be an epithelial cell, connective tissue cell, hormone secreting cell, a nerve cell, a skeletal muscle cell, a blood cell, an immune system cell, or a stem cell. A cell may be a fresh cell, live cell, fixed cell, intact cell, or cell lysate. Cell samples can be any primary cell, such as a hematopoetic stem cell (HSCs) or naïve or stimulated T cells (e.g., CD4+ T cells).

Cell samples may be cells derived from a cell line, such as an immortalized cell line. Exemplary cell lines include, but are not limited to, 293A cell line, 293FT cell line, 293F cell line, 293 H cell line, HEK 293 cell line, CHO DG44 cell line, CHO-S cell line, CHO-K1 cell line, Expi293F™ cell line, Flp-In™ T-REx™ 293 cell line, Flp-In™-293 cell line, Flp-In™-3T3 cell line, Flp-In™-BHK cell line, Flp-In™-CHO cell line, Flp-In™-CV-1 cell line, Flp-In™-Jurkat cell line, FreeStyle™ 293-F cell line, FreeStyle™ CHO-S cell line, GripTite™ 293 MSR cell line, GS-CHO cell line, HepaRG™ cell line, T-REx™ Jurkat cell line, Per.C6 cell line, T-REx™-293 cell line, T-REx™-CHO cell line, T-REx™-HeLa cell line, NC-HIMT cell line, PC12 cell line, A549 cells, and K562 cells.

In some embodiments, an RNBD of the present disclosure can be used to modify a target cell. The target cell can itself be unmodified or modified. For example, an unmodified cell can be edited with an RNBD of the present disclosure to introduce an insertion, deletion, or mutation in its genome. In some embodiments, a modified cell already having a mutation can be repaired with an RNBD of the present disclosure.

In some instances, a target cell is a cell comprising one or more single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In some instances, an RNBD-nuclease described herein is designed to target and edit a target cell comprising a SNP.

In some cases, a target cell is a cell that does not contain a modification. For example, a target cell can comprise a genome without genetic defect (e.g., without genetic mutation) and an RNBD-nuclease described herein can be used to introduce a modification (e.g., a mutation) within the genome.

The cell sample may be obtained from cells of a primate. The primate may be a human, or a non-human primate. The cell sample may be obtained from a human. For example, the cell sample may comprise cells obtained from blood, urine, stool, saliva, lymph fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, cystic fluid, ascites, pleural effusion, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sample, vaginal fluid, interstitial fluid, buccal swab sample, sputum, bronchial lavage, Pap smear sample, or ocular fluid. The cell sample may comprise cells obtained from a blood sample, an aspirate sample, or a smear sample.

The cell sample may be a circulating tumor cell sample. A circulating tumor cell sample may comprise lymphoma cells, fetal cells, apoptotic cells, epithelia cells, endothelial cells, stem cells, progenitor cells, mesenchymal cells, osteoblast cells, osteocytes, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) (e.g., a CD34+HSC), foam cells, adipose cells, transcervical cells, circulating cardiocytes, circulating fibrocytes, circulating cancer stem cells, circulating myocytes, circulating cells from a kidney, circulating cells from a gastrointestinal tract, circulating cells from a lung, circulating cells from reproductive organs, circulating cells from a central nervous system, circulating hepatic cells, circulating cells from a spleen, circulating cells from a thymus, circulating cells from a thyroid, circulating cells from an endocrine gland, circulating cells from a parathyroid, circulating cells from a pituitary, circulating cells from an adrenal gland, circulating cells from islets of Langerhans, circulating cells from a pancreas, circulating cells from a hypothalamus, circulating cells from prostate tissues, circulating cells from breast tissues, circulating cells from circulating retinal cells, circulating ophthalmic cells, circulating auditory cells, circulating epidermal cells, circulating cells from the urinary tract, or combinations thereof.

The cell can be a T cell. For example, in some embodiments, the T cell can be an engineered T cell transduced to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The CAR T cell can be engineered to bind to BCMA, CD19, CD22, WT1, L1 CAM, MUC16, ROR1, or LeY.

A cell sample may be a peripheral blood mononuclear cell sample.

A cell sample may comprise cancerous cells. The cancerous cells may form a cancer which may be a solid tumor or a hematologic malignancy. The cancerous cell sample may comprise cells obtained from a solid tumor. The solid tumor may include a sarcoma or a carcinoma. Exemplary sarcoma cell sample may include, but are not limited to, cell sample obtained from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, ameloblastoma, angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, desmoid, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, epithelioid fibrosarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, epithelioid sarcoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, extrarenal rhabdoid tumor, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, extraskeletal osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, giant cell tumor, hemangiopericytoma, infantile fibrosarcoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, Kaposi sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma of bone, liposarcoma, liposarcoma of bone, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone, malignant mesenchymoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, myxoid liposarcoma, myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma, neoplasms with perivascular epitheioid cell differentiation, osteosarcoma, parosteal osteosarcoma, neoplasm with perivascular epitheioid cell differentiation, periosteal osteosarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma, PNET/extraskeletal Ewing tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, round cell liposarcoma, small cell osteosarcoma, solitary fibrous tumor, synovial sarcoma, or telangiectatic osteosarcoma.

Exemplary carcinoma cell samples may include, but are not limited to, cell samples obtained from an anal cancer, appendix cancer, bile duct cancer (i.e., cholangiocarcinoma), bladder cancer, brain tumor, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), esophageal cancer, eye cancer, fallopian tube cancer, gastroenterological cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, medulloblastoma, melanoma, oral cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, parathyroid disease, penile cancer, pituitary tumor, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, or vulvar cancer.

The cancerous cell sample may comprise cells obtained from a hematologic malignancy. Hematologic malignancy may comprise a leukemia, a lymphoma, a myeloma, a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or a Hodgkin's lymphoma. The hematologic malignancy may be a T-cell based hematologic malignancy. The hematologic malignancy may be a B-cell based hematologic malignancy. Exemplary B-cell based hematologic malignancy may include, but are not limited to, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), high risk CLL, a non-CLL/SLL lymphoma, prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma, nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, non-Burkitt high grade B cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, B cell prolymphocytic leukemia, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma, plasmacytoma, mediastinal (thymic) large B cell lymphoma, intravascular large B cell lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, or lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Exemplary T-cell based hematologic malignancy may include, but are not limited to, peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), anaplastic large cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), blastic NK-cell lymphoma, enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma, hematosplenic gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas, or treatment-related T-cell lymphomas.

A cell sample described herein may comprise a tumor cell line sample. Exemplary tumor cell line sample may include, but are not limited to, cell samples from tumor cell lines such as 600MPE, AU565, BT-20, BT-474, BT-483, BT-549, Evsa-T, Hs578T, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SkBr3, T-47D, HeLa, DU145, PC3, LNCaP, A549, H1299, NCI-H460, A2780, SKOV-3/Luc, Neuro2a, RKO, RKO-AS45-1, HT-29, SW1417, SW948, DLD-1, SW480, Capan-1, MC/9, B72.3, B25.2, B6.2, B38.1, DMS 153, SU.86.86, SNU-182, SNU-423, SNU-449, SNU-475, SNU-387, Hs 817.T, LMH, LMH/2A, SNU-398, PLHC-1, HepG2/SF, OCI-Ly1, OCI-Ly2, OCI-Ly3, OCI-Ly4, OCI-Ly6, OCI-Ly7, OCI-Ly10, OCI-Ly18, OCI-Ly19, U2932, DB, HBL-1, RIVA, SUDHL2, TMD8, MEC1, MEC2, 8E5, CCRF-CEM, MOLT-3, TALL-104, AML-193, THP-1, BDCM, HL-60, Jurkat, RPMI 8226, MOLT-4, RS4, K-562, KASUMI-1, Daudi, GA-10, Raji, JeKo-1, NK-92, and Mino.

A cell sample may comprise cells obtained from a biopsy sample, necropsy sample, or autopsy sample.

The cell samples (such as a biopsy sample) may be obtained from an individual by any suitable means of obtaining the sample using well-known and routine clinical methods. Procedures for obtaining tissue samples from an individual are well known. For example, procedures for drawing and processing tissue sample such as from a needle aspiration biopsy are well-known and may be employed to obtain a sample for use in the methods provided. Typically, for collection of such a tissue sample, a thin hollow needle is inserted into a mass such as a tumor mass for sampling of cells that, after being stained, will be examined under a microscope.

A cell may be a live cell. A cell may be a eukaryotic cell. A cell may be a yeast cell. A cell may be a plant cell. A cell may be obtained from an agricultural plant.

These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the claims provided herein.