Established and Emerging Technologies to Address Challenges in CRISPR Genome Engineering

Host: Gopal Sapkota

Venue: MSI Small Lecture Theatre, FLS

This seminar is fully funded by external sources

Abstract:

Over the past decade, our laboratory has developed widely adopted mouse genome engineering technologies, including Easi-CRISPR (Efficient additions with ssDNA inserts CRISPR) and i-GONAD (improved Genome editing via Oviductal Nucleic Acids Delivery), which have streamlined the generation of genetically engineered mouse models worldwide. These platforms have enabled the rapid and efficient production of thousands of models each year. However, their efficiency declines when introducing large DNA fragments, particularly those exceeding several kilobases, limiting more complex genome engineering applications.

In this presentation, I will discuss both our established and emerging mouse genome engineering technologies. In addition to highlighting the impact and current applications of Easi-CRISPR and i-GONAD, I will introduce two new approaches developed in our laboratory—RE-CREATING (RE-engineering using CRISPR of previously Engineered Alleles To Insert New Genes) and SCRIPT (Simultaneous CRISPR and PITT). I will present experimental data demonstrating how these methods enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of large DNA insertions, thereby enabling more sophisticated and versatile in vivo genome engineering strategies.

Bio:

Dr. Gurumurthy is a professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA and he is the director of Genome-editing Research, Education, and Animal genome Targeting (GREAT) Core. He is an internationally recognized expert in CRISPR genome editing and mouse molecular genetics. His research focuses on developing advanced genome-engineering technologies and generating genetically engineered mouse models for biomedical research. In collaboration with Dr. Masato Ohtsuka (Tokai University), he has co-authored numerous publications on genome editing and transgenic model development and co-developed the landmark technologies Easi-CRISPR and GONAD, which have greatly simplified and accelerated mouse model generation. These widely adopted methods have been cited over 1,100 times. Dr. Gurumurthy has delivered over 125 invited talks, keynote presentations, and workshops across 17 countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has received multiple honors, including the Outstanding Genomic Innovator Award from NHGRI. The seminar will appeal to those interested in employing cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies and generating accurate transgenic (knock-in and knockout) animal models rapidly.