Research Tools & Reagents

Latest Innovations

Multiplexed Targeted Genome Engineering and Gene Activation

 

 

Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted...

 

 

Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted vector integration system for rapid generation of gene knock outs using selection that does not require customized targeting vectors, thereby minimizing the cost and time frame needed for gene editing. Importantly, this system is capable of remodeling native mammalian genomes through integration of DNA, up to 50 kb, enabling rapid generation and screening of multigene knockouts from a single transfection. Furthermore, this method facilitates activation of genes by introduction of specific promoters that allows for genomic scale activation screens. 

Benefits

• Minimizes cost and time for gene editing
• Multigene knockouts can be rapidly generated
• Facile integration of large constructs up to 50 kb
• Introduces speci c promoters for genomic scale activation screens 

Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing Tools for Archaea

Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes...

Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes Cas9 machinery with the native archaeal HDR mechanism to edit the genome with no off-target activity. This method can also be combined with archaeal NHEJ machinery to allow random mutagenesis at a location of interest. Notably these tools allow efficient genome editing in methanogenic species potentially leading to novel biogenic strategies for methane production.

Imaging Agents for Hypoxia Detection

Dr. Chan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a new molecular probe for detection and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of hypoxia.  This...

Dr. Chan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a new molecular probe for detection and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of hypoxia.  This probe is useful for in vivo and in vitro imaging.  Using photoacoustic imaging, this probe can be used to detect hypoxia at depths up to 7 cm. 

Dr. Chan’s molecular probe allows for rapid detection and imaging of hypoxia.  This detection and imaging is not invasive like an oxygen-sensitive electrode, does not rely on DNA or gene expression like other hypoxia probes, and does not involve ionizing radiation like PET.  The development of handheld photoacoustic imaging instruments will allow for hypoxia imaging to occur in the doctor’s office. 

CRISPR-AID

Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome...

Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome editing in yeast. With the use of CRISPR-AID technology targeted genes can be simultaneously upregulated, downregulated, and deleted allowing discovery of synergistic effects to enhance strain phenotypes. Utilizing this technology will allow fast generation of novel strains suited to industrial applications. In addition Dr. Zhao has generated novel CRISPR constructs optimized for CRISPRa and CRISPRi applications for use in yeast. This is the first use of orthogonal CRISPR strains in yeast and will greatly expand the toolbox for yeast genome engineering.

Detection of Neurotransmitters via Interfacial pH Modulated Assisted Ion Transfer

Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without...
Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without modification. In the detection, neurotransmitters are protonated thereby forming complexes with ionophores. This method is convenient and is able to monitor dynamic information of neurotransmitters. This method is compatible with both large instruments and benchtop unit.

CRISPR-SKIP System to Modulate Expression of Exons & Improve Cellular Delivery of DNA Editing Systems

Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses...
Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses single base editing, to avoid double-stranded breaks in DNA and induce a mutation that causes exon skipping to occur which can silence, knockdown or ameliorate the effects of downstream gene products. Avoiding double stranded breaks eliminates the possibility of malignant mutations which can result from improper non-homologous end joining. He also demonstrates a novel delivery method for the CRISPR-cas9 system using a split base editor inserted into an adeno-associated virus to realize greater, more efficacious delivery into the cell. This method can be used to treat diseases such as Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy with more permanence than current treatments as well as Huntington’s and cardiovascular diseases.

End-Modified Double-Strand DNA Donors for Clone-Free & Selection-Free Gene Knock-In in Mammalian Cells Lines

Dr. Zhao from the University of IL has developed a rapid, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 based gene knock-in (KI) method that utilizes Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein( Cas9 RNP)...
Dr. Zhao from the University of IL has developed a rapid, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 based gene knock-in (KI) method that utilizes Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein( Cas9 RNP) and end-modified double-strand DNA (dsDNA) generated by PCR. This method allows large gene (up to 1.1kb) knock-in with at least 5% KI efficiency in various mammalian cell lines. With high KI efficiency and short preparation time, this method can be applied in mammalian genome editing and engineering.

NitroxylFluor: A Thiol-Based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of HNO in Living Cells

Dr. Chan has developed a novel fluorescent probe, NitroxylFluor, for the detection of HNO in living cells. This fluorescent probe is highly selective for HNO, is less...
Dr. Chan has developed a novel fluorescent probe, NitroxylFluor, for the detection of HNO in living cells. This fluorescent probe is highly selective for HNO, is less toxic for use in living cells, and is capable of outcompeting biologic thiols, resulting in better fluorescent detection than existing probes.
 
NitroxylFluor: A Thiol-Based Fluorescent Probe for Live-Cell Imaging of Nitroxyl, Journal of the American Chemical Society Volume139 Issue 51- Published December 27, 2017  

Chemoselective Methylene Hydroxylation in Aromatic Molecules

Dr. White from the University of IL has developed a small molecule catalyst which enables the chemoselective methylene hydroxylation in aromatic systems. This...
Dr. White from the University of IL has developed a small molecule catalyst which enables the chemoselective methylene hydroxylation in aromatic systems. This modification is highly desired in small molecule therapeutics, natural product and natural product derivatives synthesis.

Extrapolative Prediction of Enantioselectivity Enabled by Computer-Driven Workflow, New Molecule Representations and Machine Learning

Dr. Denmark from the University of IL has developed a computer-assisted workflow for catalyst design and reaction outcome prediction. This...
Dr. Denmark from the University of IL has developed a computer-assisted workflow for catalyst design and reaction outcome prediction. This workflow significantly shortened screening process for organic synthesis and has great potential in pharmaceutical research and development.
 
Publications – Zahrt et al., Science, 363, eaau5631, 2019.

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