Inducible genetic knockdown library for Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This technology is a comprehensive CRISPR-interference library optimized for Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) that enables precise, inducible, and robust transcriptional silencing of a gene.

Unmet Need: Well-characterized gene knockdown tools for yeast

Genetic tools to interrogate yeast biology have provided a wealth of information and led to significant discoveries impacting human health. However, current methods to conduct genome-wide screening within yeast have major limitations regarding genome coverage and temporal control. Improved methods for precise, rapid, and inducible genetic modification of yeast are needed to further understand eukaryotic cellular function and enhance existing technologies.

The Technology: Comprehensive gene knockdown toolkit with temporal control for yeast

This technology is a comprehensive CRISPR-interference (CRISPRi) library optimized for yeast that enables tetracycline-inducible transcriptional repression of a desired gene. The library consists of 41,000 guide RNAs (gRNAs) that target 6,000 genes (6-12 gRNAs/gene). Importantly, this library indicates optimal parameters for gene repression and can identify genes and pathways with high precision and low false discovery rates across diverse experimental conditions. As such, this technology has wide applicability for rapid target discovery and validation using yeast.

This technology has been validated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for genome-wide interrogation of gene function across various applications.

Applications:

  • CRISPRi screens for eukaryotic genes
  • Identification of genetic interactions and biological pathways
  • CRISPR optimization testing platform

Advantages:

  • High-throughput pooled screening platform
  • Interrogation of 6,000 genes
  • Tetracycline-inducible gene silencing
  • Redundant and robust targeting of each gene

Lead Inventor:

Saeed Tavazoie, Ph.D.

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