Primary cell models offer increased biological relevance compared to traditional immortalized cell lines. For this reason, researchers often prefer to use primary cells to study gene function, interrogate molecular pathways, or model a disease.
Performing gene manipulation in primary cells allows researchers to:
- Obtain clinically-relevant phenotypic data
- Avoid misleading hits from non-reproducible phenotypes
- Reduce the risk of unforeseen downstream complications in the drug discovery pipeline
Horizon offers reliable siRNA and CRISPR based solutions for researchers to perform loss- or gain-of-function experiments in biologically relevant models, including stem cells, immune cells, and neurons.
Gene knockout
Gene activation
Immune cells
Functional genomics studies in primary immune cells are providing new opportunities for drug target identification and validation, and accelerating the development of diagnostic tools and therapies across a broad spectrum of diseases.
Horizon is focused on optimizing strategies and research tools for RNAi and CRISPR based gene manipulation and screening in primary T and B cell models.

RNA-based screens in primary human immune cells

Cell based screens for immuno-oncology discovery
CRISPR editing & RNAi in primary immune cells
In this webinar, Dr Verena Brucklacher-Waldert discusses strategies and applications for CRISPRko and RNAi in primary human T cells.
The best siRNA transfection reagent for primary macrophages?
References for CRISPR based gene editing in primary cells
RNAi techniques for difficult-to-transfect immune cell types
References for siRNA mediated gene silencing in primary cells
Stem cells
Performing functional genomics experiments in primary stem cells provides insight into developmental pathways and the genes involved in hereditary and autoimmune diseases.
Horizon offers many resources to support the use of our research tools for RNAi and CRISPR based gene manipulation and screening in primary stem cell models.
Gene manipulation in human iPSCs
References for CRISPR based gene editing in stem cells
Transfecting siRNA into embryonic stem cells
Build a custom CRISPR or siRNA libraryDesign your own primary cell screening library with as few as 20 individual siRNA or CRISPR guide RNA using our Cherry-Pick Library Tool. Simply upload your gene list to get started! |
Neurons
Functional genomic studies in primary neurons provide better understanding of the genetic basis for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis.
Horizon offers the following resources to support the use of our research tools for RNAi and CRISPR based gene manipulation and screening in primary neuron cell models.