Technology

In the Genome Editing Unit (GEU) we are committed to integrating and applying the latest cutting edge molecular technologies. In particular we have become the hub of genome editing activity at The University of Manchester.

We have the capacity to apply our technologies according to your needs, to generate novel experimental systems, or perhaps even help to develop our own technologies to address your biological questions.

Between us, we have decades of combined experience in molecular biology. As well as CRISPR, we are able to develop a wide variety of molecular constructs, including plasmids, viral vectors and recombinant bacterial artificial chromosomes according to your needs.

CRISPR-Cas9

We have incorporated the revolutionary technology CRISPR-Cas9 into our services portfolio.

This is a re-purposed bacterial immune system, which allows us to target and break specific DNA sequences in living cells targets. We can then exploit DNA repair to make desired changes to the genome of your experimental system.

Genomic changes

These changes can range from simple gene knockouts (KO), by random disruption of a few DNA sequences, to more precise ‘knock in’ genetic changes, such as specific DNA base changes or gene tagging with small tags or fusion genes, including fluorescent proteins, degron domains, or proximity labelling enzymes, etc.

Other applications

We also help with derivative applications of CRISPR-Cas9.

In particular CRISPRa and CRISPRi, in which the Cas9 has been blunted and fused to transcriptional activators or repressors, that can be used to selectively turn endogenous target genes on or off.