ERS Genomics

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🔬 CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screening is uncovering exciting new insights into the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) activation, especially in ageing brains. In a recent study, researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out genes in both young and old neural stem cells, identifying over 300 genes that improve the activation of aged NSCs when disrupted. One key finding was that genes involved in glucose transport, such as Slc2a4, which encodes the GLUT4 transporter, play a significant role in the age-related decline of NSC activity. Reducing glucose uptake through targeted gene knockouts led to improved NSC function and neurogenesis in old mice. This research demonstrates how gene-editing tools like CRISPR can identify potential targets to counteract the effects of ageing on brain regeneration. These findings are particularly exciting as they open the door to novel interventions aimed at slowing down or reversing age-related cognitive decline by targeting specific genetic pathways. https://lnkd.in/gkmRh-Pv Photo by Bioscience Image Library by Fayette Reynolds

We are excited to announce that we have signed a non-exclusive #CRISPRCas9 license agreement with Université de Montréal, a leading Canadian research institution renowned for scientific innovation and technology transfer.   The license agreement provides the university access to CRISPR/Cas9 technology, enabling the launch of two CRISPR/Cas9 screening facility platforms at the university’s Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer.   Read more: https://shorturl.at/Ru39b

Fungi play a crucial role in the creation of foods such as bread, cheese, alcohol, and soy sauce.   Using #CRISPR, scientists modified the genes of Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold) to create a meat-like patty with boosted nutritional and sensory value by overexpressing genes for ergothioneine (an antioxidant) and heme (a molecule that gives meat its color and flavor).    Learn more at The Scientist: https://shorturl.at/X0tul

CRISPR/Cas9 Prime Editing pushes the boundaries of precision and safety in gene editing. By utilizing a modified Cas9 (nCas9) and a guide RNA fused with a reverse transcriptase, researchers can now introduce highly specific and complex mutations—without creating double-strand breaks. This innovative approach offers a safer alternative to traditional CRISPR methods, particularly in therapeutic applications, and opens new doors for studying and treating genetic diseases. 🌱 Applications range from correcting genetic mutations and creating disease models to engineering cells for synthetic biology applications like biofuel production. Despite some challenges, including edit size limitations and delivery methods, Prime Editing has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology and medicine. Let’s keep an eye on the exciting future of gene editing! #CRISPR #PrimeEditing #Biotech #GeneTherapy #SyntheticBiology #GeneticEngineering https://lnkd.in/e_wEY5FZ

Global-scale sequencing of marine samples has revealed a novel #CRISPRCas9 system.   In a recent article published in Nature, researchers recovered over 40 000 bacterial and archaeal genomes from marine metagenomes. In silico bioprospecting of these marine genomes led to the discovery of a novel CRISPR/Cas9 system, as well as ten antimicrobial peptides and three plastic degrading enzymes.   Learn more at Nature Portfolio: https://shorturl.at/hrymX 

The annual #Fierce50 report is out—congratulations to CRISPR Therapeutics for being named a 2024 Fierce 50 honoree in the Breakthroughs category!   Highlighting companies that are driving advancements in medicine, this recognition, and following the landmark approval of #casgevy last year, demonstrates the power of #CRISPRCas9 technology, co-developed by Emmanuelle Charpentier, co-founder of CRISPR Therapeutics and ERS Genomics. 

#CRISPRCas9 has been used to enhance hybrid production in rapeseed, a major oilseed crop used in vegetable oil production.   Hybridization is a common strategy to improve yield and sustainability, but it often faces several challenges. By using CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the BnDAD1 gene, researchers created male-sterile rapeseed plants, which can be crossed with male-fertile lines to establish a two-line hybrid system.   This method provides a simpler and more efficient approach to hybrid seed production and holds significant potential to improve rapeseed breeding through heterosis.   Read more at Horticulture Research: https://shorturl.at/CcymR

CRISPR/Cas9 technology has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the field of genetics and biotechnology, allowing for precise and targeted editing of the genome of various organisms, including bacteria. This technology has been widely used in a variety of applications, such as the development of new medicines, improvements in agriculture, and the production of biofuels. In this article, we will explore a multitude of examples of how CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been used to edit the genome of bacteria. https://lnkd.in/e8fSjUqs

#CRISPRCas9 was used to increase potato resistance to the late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. Potato is the third most important food crop but faces various cultivation challenges. Knocking out the DMR6 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 enhances potato resistance to multiple diseases and stresses. A four-year field trial demonstrated increased resistance to late blight without negative impacts on yield or quality. Additionally, the variants showed better tolerance to drought and salinity, highlighting their potential for sustainable cultivation practices. Read more at Horticulture Research: https://shorturl.at/ZGHQP  

📢 News: New Gene Editing License Agreement Set to Unlock Deeper Drug Discovery Insights. A partnership between ERS Genomics and MDC will use CRISPR gene editing technology to transform the way medicines are developed. Great news for those involved in preclinical research, as it extends our ability to help create breakthrough products and services that will help to de-risk them, drive sector productivity and attract investment. Read the full article here: https://hubs.li/Q02Nzm680 #GeneEditing #DrugDiscovery #LifeSciences #CRISPR