How CRISPR works
Overview
CRISPR genome editing enables precise, intentional, and permanent changes in the DNA of living organisms and cells. This editing technology relies on Cas enzymes and guide RNAs (gRNAs) and allows for genetic changes to be made at a targeted site.
WHAT IS CRISPR GENOME EDITING?
CRISPR genome editing enables precise, intentional, and permanent changes in the DNA of living organisms and cells. This editing technology relies on Cas enzymes and guide RNAs (gRNAs) that are part of the bacterial immune systems found in nature. A gRNA binds the Cas enzyme and directs it to a genomic DNA target, where the Cas enzyme then cleaves the DNA. Mutations, gene knockouts, and knock-ins can be precisely placed at the targeted site.
BENEFITS OF CRISPR
CRISPR technology is cost-effective, rapid, and easy to use. The flexibility of this technology allows scientists to use it in a wide range of applications from research to industry, medicine to agriculture.
Precision
Speed
Flexibility
HOW DOES CRISPR WORK?
Scientists select an appropriate Cas enzyme and design a gRNA targeting a genomic site. After synthesis, gRNA is combined with the Cas enzyme, forming a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The RNP is delivered to cells by various means such as electroporation, and genome editing takes place inside cells. For a quantitative assessment after editing, DNA from edited cells can be sequenced by next generation sequencing (NGS).
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The CRISPR basics handbook
Everything you need to know about CRISPR, from A to Z, from theory to practice, for beginners as well as advanced users.
Get started with CRISPR
Alt-R™ CRISPR-Cas9 System
Efficient CRISPR reagents based on the commonly used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 system for lipofection or electroporation experiments. Protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) = NGG.
Alt-R™ CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1) System
For additional target sites or for targeting AT-rich regions, use the CRISPR-Cas12a system in electroporation experiments. Protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) = TTTV. The Alt-R Cas12a (Cpf1) Ultra also can recognize many TTTT PAM sites in addition to TTTV motifs, increasing target range for genome editing studies.
Cas9 guide RNA design tool
Select from our predesigned gRNAs targeting human, mouse, rat, zebrafish, or nematode genes. For other species, use our proprietary algorithms to design custom gRNAs. For protospacer designs of your own or from publications, use our design checker tool to assess targeting potential before ordering gRNAs that are synthesized using Alt-R gRNA modifications.
Cas9 HDR donor template and gRNA design
Provide basic information about your target site, then use the HDR tool to design and visualize your desired edit within the sequence. The HDR Design Tool will provide the recommended gRNA(s) and HDR donor template for your specifications.
rhAmpSeq™ CRISPR Analysis System
An end-to-end solution to design, deploy, and analyze next generation sequencing data for on- and off-target interrogation after your CRISPR experiment.
Alt-R™ Genome Editing Detection Kit
T7 endonuclease I (T7EI) mismatch cleavage assay for detection of on-target editing, known off-target events, and estimation of genome editing efficiency in cultured cells.