CRISPR-GO: A Method for Programmable Genome Re-organization

Researchers at Stanford have expanded the CRISPR method to enable programmable, targeted control of spatial genomic DNA organization in the nucleus and allow for regulated gene expression over a long distance. The spatial organization of the genome in the nucleus is important for regulating gene expression, maintaining genome stability and cellular function. Further, the nucleus possesses many subnuclear compartments that are thought to play a role in genome organization and function. Understanding the relationship between genome structure, its organization within nuclear compartments and how this effects gene expression can provide insights into many biological processes. To aid this understanding the inventors have developed this versatile system for programmable genome reorganization named CRISPR Genome Organizer (CRISPR-GO). Here, the inventors have coupled the CRISPR-dCas9 system with nuclear compartment-specific proteins via a chemically inducible dimerization system to enable programmable targeted control of genomic DNA interactions with various nuclear compartments. The CRISPR-GO system expands the CRISPR gene editing and regulation capabilities. It can be used as a research tool to study the functional role of spatiotemporal genome organization and for genome engineering.

Stage of Development –Research In Vitro
The inventors have shown that CRISPR-GO allows efficient, inducible, and dynamic re-positioning of genomic loci to the nuclear periphery, Cajal bodies, and PML nuclear bodies. Further, they found that co-localization of genomic loci with certain nuclear bodies repressed expression of adjacent genes across long distances.