CRISPR Genome-wide Screening for Glycan-binding Bacterial Toxins and Viruses

For the accurate biosynthesis of glycans, not only the expression levels of the enzymes but also the transport of lipids and proteins, which are substrates for glycosylation, and the biosynthetic enzyme itself must be correctly regulated. Genome-wide search for cellular factors using CRISPR gene knockout libraries is a useful method to elucidate this regulatory mechanism. In particular, since some bacterial toxins and viruses utilize glycans as receptors, a host cell factor search against these pathogens can comprehensively identify factors that affect glycan biosynthesis. This review outlines factors related to glycan biosynthesis that have been isolated in our group’s screening against bacterial toxins and viruses.