Construction of CRISPR Plasmids and Detection of Knockout Efficiency in Mammalian Cells through a Dual Luciferase Reporter System

J Vis Exp. 2020 Dec 5:(166). doi: 10.3791/59639.

Abstract

Although highly efficient, modification of a genomic site by the CRISPR enzyme requires the generation of a sgRNA unique to the target site(s) beforehand. This work describes the key steps leading to the construction of efficient sgRNA vectors using a strategy that allows the efficient detection of the positive colonies by PCR prior to DNA sequencing. Since efficient genome editing using the CRISPR system requires a highly efficient sgRNA, a preselection of candidate sgRNA targets is necessary to save time and effort. A dual luciferase reporter system has been developed to evaluate knockout efficiency by examining double-strand break repair via single strand annealing. Here, we use this reporter system to pick up the preferred xCas9/sgRNA target from candidate sgRNA vectors for specific gene editing. The protocol outlined will provide a preferred sgRNA/CRISPR enzyme vector in 10 days (starting with appropriately designed oligonucleotides).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Repair
  • Gene Knockout Techniques*
  • Genes, Reporter*
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism*
  • Mammals / metabolism*
  • Oligonucleotides / metabolism
  • Plasmids / genetics*
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sheep
  • Transformation, Genetic

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • DNA
  • Luciferases