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Essentials of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing
Provider: Faculty of Science

Activity no.: 5105-24-01-31 
Enrollment deadline: 31/10/2024
Date and time18.11.2024, at: 09:00 - 20.11.2024, at: 16:00
Regular seats30
ECTS credits2.00
Contact personMirna Perez-Moreno    E-mail address: mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk
Enrolment Handling/Course OrganiserMirna Perez-Moreno    E-mail address: mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk
Course workload
Course workload categoryHours
Course Preparation15.00
Lectures12.00
Class Instruction6.00
Theoretical exercises22.00
Sum55.00
Content

HOW TO APPLY:

You have to apply online on this page and send a motivational letter to** mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk, indicating any prior knowledge on CRISPR/Cas9.

Aim and content
To provide a comprehensive theoretical overview of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a powerful genome editing tool, and its applications in various biological systems. The course will cover the fundamental principles, gene knockout and knock-in strategies and screening approaches. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.

This course is ideal for Ph.D. students with a basic understanding of molecular biology who are interested in or planning to utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology in their research.

Formal requirements
Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields
Students must have fundamental knowledge in cell biology, genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.
All participants must bring their own laptop.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Must possess knowledge at the highest international level within the research field.
  • Must have made a significant contribution to the development of new knowledge and understanding within the research field based on scientific studies.
  • Gain an advanced understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its mechanisms at a level that aligns with international standards in genome editing research, contextualizing its significance in the broader field of genetic engineering.


Skills:

  • Must master the scientific methodologies and tools as well as master other skills related to research and development tasks within the field.
  • Must be able to analyse, evaluate and develop new ideas, including design and develop new techniques and skills within the subject area.
  • Must be able to participate in international discussions within the subject area and disseminate scientific findings and progress to a wide audience.
  • Master the design of guide RNAs and the strategic planning of CRISPR experiments including knockout and knockin strategies.
  • Develop the ability to analyze experimental results, particularly in identifying and mitigating off-target effects, enhancing both the safety and efficacy of CRISPR applications.
  • Enhance skills in articulating CRISPR research findings and engaging in scholarly discussions at international level.

Competences:

  • Must be able to plan and carry out research and development tasks in complex and unpredictable contexts.
  • Must be able to independently initiate and participate in national and international collaboration on research and development with scientific integrity.
  • Must be able to independently initiate research and development projects and, through these, generate new knowledge and new skills which develop the research field.
  • Equip with the competencies to design and execute CRISPR experiments, addressing complex genetic landscapes such as those found in polyploid organisms.
  • Prepare to collaborate effectively across disciplinary and geographical boundaries, upholding high standards of scientific integrity and ethical considerations in genome editing.
  • Foster the ability to launch independent research initiatives that explore innovative applications of CRISPR technology.

Literature
Suggestion:
CRISPR-Cas: A Laboratory Manual
Edited by Jennifer Doudna, University of California, Berkeley; Prashant Mali, University of California, San Diego
Selected Articles.

Target group
PhD students in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and related fields.

Lecturers
Hans Thordal-Christensen, Professor. Affiliation: PLEN KU. Email: htc@plen.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Hans Thordal-Christens will cover genome editing technologies, focusing on CRISPR-Cas9. His lectures will address transgene-free editing, strategies for improving target specificity, and techniques like base and prime editing. He will also introduce gene-drive technology and its use in modifying populations such as mosquitos. These sessions will provide a solid understanding of CRISPR and other editing tools.

Mirna Perez-Moreno, Ass. prof. Affiliation: BIO KU. Email: mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Mirna Perez-Moreno will discuss CRISPR-Cas9 delivery methods, comparing RNPs, plasmids, and episomal vectors. She will explore challenges in CRISPR experiments with stem cells (iPSCs, HSCs), highlighting ethical and safety considerations. This session will provide practical insights into effective CRISPR delivery strategies.

Xu Peng, Ph.D. Affiliation: BIO KU. Email: peng@bio.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Her lectures and workshops will delve into advanced genomic applications of CRISPR, highlighting her expert work on microbial and viral interactions with CRISPR systems and the biotechnological applications of novel CRISPR-derived tools, providing students with insights into the cutting-edge of genomic research.

Vibe H. Oestergaard, Ph.D. Affiliation: BIO KU. Email: vibe@bio.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Expertise in molecular genetics and CRISPR-Cas9 technology, combined with advanced cellular imaging and molecular techniques, will offer students a unique perspective on the challenges of genome editing in unstable regions and the causes and consequences of genomic instability, demonstrating how CRISPR can be applied to investigate and manipulate these complex genomic elements. Through her contribution, participants will gain crucial insights into designing more effective and precise CRISPR experiments, taking into account the biological functions and implications of target genomic regions.

Michael Lisby, Ph.D. Affilication: BIO KU. Email: Email: mlisby@bio.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Provide a detailed exploration of homologous recombination’s (HR) interface with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. His sessions will focus on the pivotal role of HR in DNA repair and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, particularly in the context of the yeast model organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Michael Broberg Palmgren, Ph.D. Affiliation: PLEN KU. Email: palmgren@plen.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Provide students with a unique perspective on the real-world applications and implications of CRISPR technology, especially in the context of plant sciences. His participation would be instrumental in bridging the gap between basic CRISPR mechanisms and their applications in addressing global challenges.

Bent Larsen Petersen, Affiliation: PLEN KU. Email: blp@plen.ku.dk
Contribution to the Course:
Bent Larsen Petersen will give lectures and lead a hands-on exercise on gRNA selection for potatoes. This will demonstrate the challenges of using CRISPR-Cas9 in polyploid plants, offering practical experience designing CRISPR experiments for complex genomes.

BIO/PLEN Ph.D. students/postdocs. Theoretical Exercises

Remarks
Theoretical exercises include individual/group work.

The course is free of charge for KU students
External: TBD to cover license software access

How to apply:
You have to apply online on this page and send a motivational letter to** mirna.pmoreno@bio.ku.dk, indicating any prior knowledge on CRISPR/Cas9.

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