BIT 495/595 – Genome Engineering: CRISPR Technologies

Overview:

Introduction to how CRISPR-Cas systems work, available tools and the application of these technologies.
Students will work in teams to design and perform a gene knockout in Serratia marcescens using CRISPR-Cas12a.
Students will communicate broad applications of CRISPR in group presentations as well as novel applications in individual poster presentations.

Class Topics:

Native CRISPR-Cas Systems
DNA Repair Mechanisms & Genetic Engineering
Tools & Applications
CRISPR-Cas Permutations
On and Off-Target Effects
CRISPR Bioethics

Labs

Guide RNA Design & Plasmid Mutagenesis (Weeks 1-3)
Golden Gate Assembly (Week 4)
Competent Cells & Bacterial Transformation (Weeks 5-6)
Experimental Design, Hypothesis Testing & Data Analysis (Weeks 5-8)