CRISPR/Cas9

With its relative ease of implementation, the CRISPR/Cas9 device outperforms other mutagenic approaches and can alter DNA with higher efficiency than current technologies like ZFN and TALEN. Consequently, its rapid progression has fuelled plenty of other new concepts for solving current livestock challenges. It is mainly for improving animal health, characteristics, welfare, and their association with environmental preservation and impacts on human health. BioVenic's professional knowledge in animal genetics and breeding and rich practical experience in the field of gene editing enables to provide global customers with gene editing services based on CRISPR/Cas9 system for animal gene improvement to better meet research needs.

Overview of CRISPR/Cas9 System

In CRISPR Cas system type II for genetic engineering, the specificity of cleavage is given by CRISPR RNA (crRNA). This molecule needs to interact with trans activated crRNA (tracrRNA) to form crRNA_ TracrRNA double strand, which directs CRISPR related (Cas) nuclease to specific sites (spCas9 in the CRISPR system of Streptococcus pyogenes type II). The crRNA and tracrRNA sequences can be combined into a single guiding RNA (sgRNA) to direct Cas9 to the desired site and catalyze DNA cleavage. Once these components are introduced into cells (or fertilized eggs), they will guide Cas9 into complementary sites in the genome and will produce double strand breaks (DSB). The generated DSBs will be repaired through two mechanisms, namely, non-homologous end connection (NHEJ) and homologous directed repair (HDR).

The NHEJ pathway often results in small insertions or deletions or chromosome rearrangements. These usually destroy the open reading framework and effectively produce gene knockout. This mechanism led to the CRISPR Cas system successfully destroying endogenous genes in domestic animals (sheep, goats, cows, and pigs) for the first time. On the other hand, HDR uses homologous repair templates to repair DSBs. This mechanism allows for specific changes in DNA, mediated by the addition of appropriate repair templates containing the desired insertion or modification. Genome editing through this mechanism can be used to insert predefined single nucleotides or sequences, or even change or delete them in existing genes. After the first knockout birth reported by NHEJ, knock-in was successfully produced in sheep, goats and pigs through HDR.

Fig. 1 The wide range of CRISPR applications in large animals. (Menchaca, 2020)

Our Services

• BioVenic is committed to ethical and regulatory compliance combines and combines its expertise and rich experience in animal breeding, genetics and modern biotechnology to provide global customers with animal gene editing services based on CRISPR-Cas9 system. The system uses the artificially designed sgRNA (guide RNA) to identify the target genome sequence and guide Cas9 protease to effectively cut the DNA double strand to form double strand breaks. The repair after damage will cause gene knockout or knockin, and finally achieve the goal of modifying genomic DNA.
• The binding specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 system depends on the intensity of RNA-DNA interaction. Compared with TALEN based technology, CRISPR/Cas9 at BioVenic has the primary advantages of fast production, easy construction, the ability to edit multiple sites at the same time, and low cost.
• In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 technology at BioVenic has successfully mediated the production of genetically edited pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, etc.

In addition, we also provide a variety of improved gene editing technologies based on CRISPR /Cas9 for animal breeding:

Want to Learn More?

With years of experience in animal breeding and genetics, BioVenic is committed to providing high-quality animal gene editing services for animal breeding and other purposes, including but not limited to gene editing design, gene transfection, production of genomic modified animals, and gene editing validation. We are confident that we can design effective solutions to support the effective operation of your project. If you are interested in our services, please contact us and tell us more about your project.

References

1. Singh, P.; Ali, SA. Impact of CRISPR-Cas9-Based Genome Engineering in Farm Animals. Veterinary Sciences. 2021, 8(7):122.
2. Menchaca, A.; et al. CRISPR in livestock: From editing to printing. Theriogenology. 2020, 150: 247–254.