A programmable CRISPR/dCas9-based epigenetic editing system enabling loci-targeted histone citrullination and precise transcription regulation

Histone citrullination, an important post-translational modification mediated by peptidyl arginine deiminases, is essential for many physiological processes and epigenetic regulation. However, the causal relationship between histone citrullination and specific gene regulation remains unresolved. In this study, we develop a programmable epigenetic editor by fusing the peptidyl arginine deiminase PPAD from Porphyromonas gingivalis with dCas9. With the assistance of gRNA, PPAD-dCas9 can recruit peptidyl arginine deiminases to specific genomic loci, enabling direct manipulation of the epigenetic landscape and regulation of gene expression. Our citrullination editor allows for site-specific manipulation of histone H3R2,8,17 and 26 at target human gene loci, resulting in the activation or suppression of different genes in a locus-specific manner. Moreover, the epigenetic effects of the citrullination editor are specific and sustained. This epigenetic editor offers an accurate and efficient tool for exploring gene regulation of histone citrullination.