CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Products

• Greater precision than existing technologies such as TALEN and ZFN
• Simple plasmid design
• Saves time- can be applied directly in embryo
• Easily programmable by changing the guide sequence of the sgRNA to any sequence of interest
• Modifies chromosomal targets with high fidelity

The first step is to design a guide RNA which is complementary to your target gene, and inject into the cell you wish to modify along with a Cas9 protein. Cas9 is a CRISPR-associated endonuclease and acts as a pair of molecular scissors by cutting the target DNA in the specific desired location.

The guide RNA and the Cas9 form a complex, and the Cas9 is guided to the target gene, where the enzyme unwinds the DNA duplex and cleaves both strands specifically at this site. Target recognition can only occur in the presence of a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) which flanks the target site.

By harnessing the cell’s natural repair mechanisms, we can cause frameshift mutations leading to gene knockout or provide a template for the cell to repair from, leading to targeted insertions. CRISPR/Cas9 technology therefore has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we treat disease, as well as a whole host of other applications, offering numerous advantages over other gene editing methods.