Various CRISPR-Cas9-derived tools enable genome engineering, allowing efficient gene knock-out, knock-in, and site-specific regulation of epigenetic events. The course will provide hands-on training in the prototypic knock out using the first generation of CRISPR-Cas9 tools (Cas9 and sgRNA expressing plasmids). In a second experiment, students will be using the Cas9 protein, along with an appropriate single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to knock-out and knock-in at a specific genomic locus.
To accompany the practical part, we will discuss various relevant topics, and to name just a few, we will study the emergence of several CRISPR-derived technologies as a vital discipline relevant for research and biotechnology in cells and organisms alike. We will provide the basic knowledge including bioinformatic tools required for efficient genome editing that should be characterized by minimal undesired “off-targets”. During the course, students are expected to design their own genome editing project which will be presented and reviewed in class.
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