A beginner’s guide to CRISPR genome editing

In a recent DECODED Online entry, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), the world leader in oligonucleotide synthesis, provides an overview of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to scientists looking to enhance their genome modification strategy in model organisms or cell lines.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has rapidly become a leading method for genome editing. Faster and more efficient than other methods, the system is continually being improved. This entry informs researchers on the latest developments and highlight the potential of this evolving technology.

Bringing together the latest information on CRISPR/Cas9, the piece links through to resources that cover the many advantages over other methods such as zinc-finger nucleases and TALENs. It cites a recent protocol published by the lab of Dr George Church (Harvard Med School and MIT) on the direct editing of the genome of cultured cells through the use of IDT gBlocks® Gene Fragments. By significantly increasing the efficiency of both transfection and gene editing, the Church Laboratory method alleviates common issues encountered with standard CRISPR/Cas9 protocols.

In addition to genome editing, the uses of CRISPR have now been expanded to include gene regulation (CRISPRi) and repurposing as a biological sensor. These expanded uses, as well as a comprehensive overview of the system itself, are explored in a recent and hugely popular IDT webinar, which has now also been made freely available within the article.

More information on CRISPR, including peer-reviewed citations, posters and other educational resources including the CRISPR webinar, is available on IDT’s CRISPR resource page at www.idtdna.com/CRISPR.

About IDT

Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT) is the largest supplier of custom nucleic acids in the world, serving academic, government, and commercial researchers in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. IDT's primary business is the manufacture of custom, synthetic DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Today, IDT synthesizes and ships an average of 44,000 custom oligos per day to more than 82,000 customers worldwide. IDT manufacturing locations include facilities in Coralville, Iowa; San Diego, California; Leuven, Belgium; and Singapore.