Orthogonal gene knockout and activation with a catalytically active Cas9 nuclease

Nat Biotechnol. 2015 Nov;33(11):1159-61. doi: 10.1038/nbt.3390.

Abstract

We have developed a CRISPR-based method that uses catalytically active Cas9 and distinct single guide (sgRNA) constructs to knock out and activate different genes in the same cell. These sgRNAs, with 14- to 15-bp target sequences and MS2 binding loops, can activate gene expression using an active Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 nuclease, without inducing double-stranded breaks. We use these 'dead RNAs' to perform orthogonal gene knockout and transcriptional activation in human cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • CRISPR-Associated Protein 9
  • Endonucleases / genetics*
  • Gene Knockout Techniques / methods*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • CRISPR-Associated Protein 9
  • Cas9 endonuclease Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Endonucleases