Jeff Nivala

Bio: Jeff Nivala is an academic researcher from University of Washington. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nanopore & CRISPR. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 26 publications receiving 1027 citations. Previous affiliations of Jeff Nivala include University of California, Santa Cruz & Harvard University.

Unfoldase-mediated protein translocation through an α-hemolysin nanopore.

Abstract: Using nanopores to sequence biopolymers was proposed more than a decade ago1. Recent advances in enzyme-based control of DNA translocation2 and in DNA nucleotide resolution using modified biological pores3 have satisfied two technical requirements of a functional nanopore DNA sequencing device. Nanopore sequencing of proteins was also envisioned1. Although proteins have been shown to move through nanopores4, 5, 6, a technique to unfold proteins for processive translocation has yet to be demonstrated. Here we describe controlled unfolding and translocation of proteins through the α-hemolysin (α-HL) pore using the AAA+ unfoldase ClpX. Sequence-dependent features of individual engineered proteins were detected during translocation. These results demonstrate that molecular motors can reproducibly drive proteins through a model nanopore—a feature required for protein sequence analysis using this single-molecule technology.

Molecular digital data storage using DNA

Abstract: Molecular data storage is an attractive alternative for dense and durable information storage, which is sorely needed to deal with the growing gap between information production and the ability to store data. DNA is a clear example of effective archival data storage in molecular form. In this Review, we provide an overview of the process, the state of the art in this area and challenges for mainstream adoption. We also survey the field of in vivo molecular memory systems that record and store information within the DNA of living cells, which, together with in vitro DNA data storage, lie at the growing intersection of computer systems and biotechnology.

CRISPR–Cas encoding of a digital movie into the genomes of a population of living bacteria

Abstract: DNA is an excellent medium for archiving data. Recent efforts have illustrated the potential for information storage in DNA using synthesized oligonucleotides assembled in vitro. A relatively unexplored avenue of information storage in DNA is the ability to write information into the genome of a living cell by the addition of nucleotides over time. Using the Cas1-Cas2 integrase, the CRISPR-Cas microbial immune system stores the nucleotide content of invading viruses to confer adaptive immunity. When harnessed, this system has the potential to write arbitrary information into the genome. Here we use the CRISPR-Cas system to encode the pixel values of black and white images and a short movie into the genomes of a population of living bacteria. In doing so, we push the technical limits of this information storage system and optimize strategies to minimize those limitations. We also uncover underlying principles of the CRISPR-Cas adaptation system, including sequence determinants of spacer acquisition that are relevant for understanding both the basic biology of bacterial adaptation and its technological applications. This work demonstrates that this system can capture and stably store practical amounts of real data within the genomes of populations of living cells.

Molecular recordings by directed CRISPR spacer acquisition

Abstract: ### INTRODUCTION Although recent advances in DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies have made practical the writing and readout of arbitrary data in the form of synthetic DNA, still lacking are the robust tools necessary to generate a dynamic record of such information within the genomes of living cells. An in vivo system, built out of biological parts with large storage capacity, would enable the recording of defined biological events into stable genetic memory and facilitate the tracking of long molecular and cellular histories. ### RATIONALE The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–Cas system is a prokaryotic type of immunological memory. Foreign DNA sequences originating from viral infections are stored within genome-based arrays in the form of short sequences—called spacers—that confer sequence-specific resistance to the invading nucleic acids. These arrays not only preserve the spacer sequences but also record the order in which the sequences are acquired, generating a temporal record of acquisition events. We harnessed this system to record arbitrary DNA sequences into a genomic CRISPR array in the form of spacers acquired from synthetic oligonucleotides electroporated into a population of cells overexpressing the CRISPR adaptation proteins Cas1 and Cas2. This enabled the recording of defined molecular events into a stable genomic locus over time and the storage of arbitrary information across a population of cells. ### RESULTS We show that the Cas1-Cas2 complex can be used in vivo to integrate synthetic DNA of a defined sequence into the Escherichia coli genome. We used this feature to examine the type I-E CRISPR-Cas spacer acquisition process and optimized the synthetic spacer design to achieve higher acquisition efficiency and specific integration orientation through the addition of an AAG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). We then generated stable genomic recordings of multiple molecular events by electroporating sets of oligonucleotides over several days. These molecular records were read out with high-throughput sequencing and then decoded with a program that identified and faithfully reconstructed the temporal event order. Last, we used directed evolution to generate many Cas1-Cas2 mutants with modified PAM specificity (PAMNC). By modulating expression of these mutant and wild-type Cas1-Cas2 complexes, we could dynamically control the orientation of spacer integration. This enabled us to record acquisition events in multiple modes. That is, information was encoded in both the temporal order of the spacers and the orientation in which they were integrated. ### CONCLUSION Our results establish a recording system that uses the nucleotide content, temporal ordering, and orientation of defined DNA sequences within a CRISPR array in order to encode arbitrary information within the genomes of a population of cells. Because information can be encoded in spacer nucleotide space (up to two bits per base) and in alternate modes, the system has the potential to record and permanently store higher capacities of information than any other synthetic biological system to date. This lays the foundation for an in vivo recording device that could be coupled with diverse molecular phenomena and used for applications that require tracing of long molecular histories. We also demonstrate that delivery of synthetic DNA substrates to a CRISPR-Cas adaptation system in vivo is a practical method to probe and adapt the system. ![Figure][1] Two modes of encoding information into the CRISPR locus. ( A ) Oligonucleotides containing an AAG PAM and 32 variable bases were electroporated into cells overexpressing Cas1-Cas2 and inserted into the genomic CRISPR array. Delivery of oligos with distinct sequence over time generates a molecular record. ( B ) Cas1-Cas2 mutants identified through directed evolution alter the orientation of acquisition. Varying expression ratios of wild-type and mutant Cas1-Cas2 over time generates a record encoded in spacer orientation. The ability to write a stable record of identified molecular events into a specific genomic locus would enable the examination of long cellular histories and have many applications, ranging from developmental biology to synthetic devices. We show that the type I-E CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–Cas system of Escherichia coli can mediate acquisition of defined pieces of synthetic DNA. We harnessed this feature to generate records of specific DNA sequences into a population of bacterial genomes. We then applied directed evolution so as to alter the recognition of a protospacer adjacent motif by the Cas1-Cas2 complex, which enabled recording in two modes simultaneously. We used this system to reveal aspects of spacer acquisition, fundamental to the CRISPR-Cas adaptation process. These results lay the foundations of a multimodal intracellular recording device. [1]: pending:yes

Discrimination among protein variants using an unfoldase-coupled nanopore.

Abstract: Previously we showed that the protein unfoldase ClpX could facilitate translocation of individual proteins through the α-hemolysin nanopore. This results in ionic current fluctuations that correlate with unfolding and passage of intact protein strands through the pore lumen. It is plausible that this technology could be used to identify protein domains and structural modifications at the single-molecule level that arise from subtle changes in primary amino acid sequence (e.g., point mutations). As a test, we engineered proteins bearing well-characterized domains connected in series along an ∼700 amino acid strand. Point mutations in a titin immunoglobulin domain (titin I27) and point mutations, proteolytic cleavage, and rearrangement of beta-strands in green fluorescent protein (GFP), caused ionic current pattern changes for single strands predicted by bulk phase and force spectroscopy experiments. Among these variants, individual proteins could be classified at 86-99% accuracy using standard machine learning tools. We conclude that a ClpXP-nanopore device can discriminate among distinct protein domains, and that sequence-dependent variations within those domains are detectable.

The Oxford Nanopore MinION: delivery of nanopore sequencing to the genomics community

Abstract: Nanopore DNA strand sequencing has emerged as a competitive, portable technology. Reads exceeding 150 kilobases have been achieved, as have in-field detection and analysis of clinical pathogens. We summarize key technical features of the Oxford Nanopore MinION, the dominant platform currently available. We then discuss pioneering applications executed by the genomics community.

The next generation of CRISPR-Cas technologies and applications.

Abstract: The prokaryote-derived CRISPR-Cas genome editing systems have transformed our ability to manipulate, detect, image and annotate specific DNA and RNA sequences in living cells of diverse species. The ease of use and robustness of this technology have revolutionized genome editing for research ranging from fundamental science to translational medicine. Initial successes have inspired efforts to discover new systems for targeting and manipulating nucleic acids, including those from Cas9, Cas12, Cascade and Cas13 orthologues. Genome editing by CRISPR-Cas can utilize non-homologous end joining and homology-directed repair for DNA repair, as well as single-base editing enzymes. In addition to targeting DNA, CRISPR-Cas-based RNA-targeting tools are being developed for research, medicine and diagnostics. Nuclease-inactive and RNA-targeting Cas proteins have been fused to a plethora of effector proteins to regulate gene expression, epigenetic modifications and chromatin interactions. Collectively, the new advances are considerably improving our understanding of biological processes and are propelling CRISPR-Cas-based tools towards clinical use in gene and cell therapies.

DNA sequencing at 40: past, present and future

Abstract: This review commemorates the 40th anniversary of DNA sequencing, a period in which we have already witnessed multiple technological revolutions and a growth in scale from a few kilobases to the first human genome, and now to millions of human and a myriad of other genomes. DNA sequencing has been extensively and creatively repurposed, including as a 'counter' for a vast range of molecular phenomena. We predict that in the long view of history, the impact of DNA sequencing will be on a par with that of the microscope.

Applications of CRISPR technologies in research and beyond

Abstract: Programmable DNA cleavage using CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient, site-specific genome engineering in single cells and whole organisms. In the research arena, versatile CRISPR-enabled genome editing has been used in various ways, such as controlling transcription, modifying epigenomes, conducting genome-wide screens and imaging chromosomes. CRISPR systems are already being used to alleviate genetic disorders in animals and are likely to be employed soon in the clinic to treat human diseases of the eye and blood. Two clinical trials using CRISPR-Cas9 for targeted cancer therapies have been approved in China and the United States. Beyond biomedical applications, these tools are now being used to expedite crop and livestock breeding, engineer new antimicrobials and control disease-carrying insects with gene drives.