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Genetic screens and functional genomics using CRISPR /Cas9 technology
Author(s) -
Hartenian Ella,
Doench John G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.13248
Subject(s) - crispr , cas9 , computational biology , genome editing , genomics , genome , functional genomics , computer science , toolbox , function (biology) , gene , genetics , biology , programming language
Functional genomics attempts to understand the genome by perturbing the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein, in order to learn how gene dysfunction leads to disease. CRISPR /Cas9 technology is the newest tool in the geneticist's toolbox, allowing researchers to edit DNA with unprecedented ease, speed and accuracy, and representing a novel means to perform genome‐wide genetic screens to discover gene function. In this review, we first summarize the discovery and characterization of CRISPR /Cas9, and then compare it to other genome engineering technologies. We discuss its initial use in screening applications, with a focus on optimizing on‐target activity and minimizing off‐target effects. Finally, we comment on future challenges and opportunities afforded by this technology.