CRISPR-Cas9-mediated Gene Editing in Human MPS I Fibroblasts

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD). It is caused by mutations in the IDUA gene, which lead to the accumulation of the glycosaminoglycans dermatan and heparan sulfate. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a new and powerful tool that allows gene editing at precise points of the genome, resulting in gene correction through the introduction and genomic integration of a wildtype sequence. In this study, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to correct in vitro the most common mutation causing MPS I. Human fibroblasts homozygous for p.Trp402* (legacy name W402X) were transfected and analyzed for up to one month after treatment. IDUA activity was significantly increased, lysosomal mass was decreased, and next generation sequencing confirmed that a percentage of cells carried the wildtype sequence. As a proof of concept, this study demonstrates that CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing may be used to correct causative mutations in MPS I. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.