Horizon Discovery introduces predesigned synthetic sgRNAs to streamline CRISPR gene editing workflows

Individual sgRNA and library collections expand Edit-R™ gene editing platform

Cambridge, UK, 09 December 2019: Horizon Discovery Group plc (LSE: HZD) (“Horizon”, “the Company” or “the Group”), a global leader in the application of gene editing and gene modulation technologies, today announced the addition of predesigned synthetic single guide RNA (sgRNA) to its product range. The sgRNAs, available individually or as library collections, expand the Company’s Edit-R gene engineering platform which provides a convenient and accessible approach to successful CRISPR gene editing.

 

Using synthetic sgRNAs enables researchers to achieve reliable gene knockouts in even complex, difficult-to-edit cell types and experimental models. The synthetic sgRNAs have been designed using Horizon’s proprietary algorithm to maximize the likelihood of functionally knocking out the gene(s) of interest while minimizing off-target effects.

These predesigned synthetic sgRNAs, when paired with Cas9 mRNA or Cas9 protein, allow researchers to perform DNA-free gene editing in a new one-part format thereby streamlining their gene editing workflows, without the potential for nuclease or guide integration into the cell’s genome. They can also be paired with expressed formats such as Cas9 integrated cell lines, which is ideal for high-throughput library screening.

The release of predesigned sgRNA expands Horizon’s Edit-R platform. Library collections of sgRNAs, from common gene families up to the entire genome, are available to support large-scale screening applications. The Company will continue to provide its CRISPR design tool, where customers can design custom guide RNA to edit a specific region within a DNA transcript or input their own guide RNA target sequence to generate ready-to-use sgRNA. 

Ryan Donnelly, Product Manager, Horizon Discovery, said: “Previously, Horizon had only offered synthetic sgRNAs through the CRISPR Design tool. Providing predesigned synthetic sgRNAs guarantees editing the gene of interest, and gives researchers a more convenient option for gene knockout experiments. For those that require site-specific editing, are working in unique organisms, or use alternative editing nucleases; our CRISPR design tool is still available.”

For further information on Horizon’s Edit-R predesigned synthetic sgRNA, click here.

 

ENDS

 

 

Illustration of Cas9 nuclease programmed by the sgRNA complex cutting both strands of genomic DNA 5' of the PAM

For further information from Horizon Discovery Group plc, please contact:

 

Zyme Communications (Trade and Regional Media)

Lorna Cuddon

Tel: +44 (0)7811 996 942

Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com

 

Horizon Discovery Group plc

Ryan Donnelly

ryan.donnelly@horizondiscovery.com

 

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About Horizon Discovery Group plc www.horizondiscovery.com

Horizon Discovery Group plc (LSE: HZD) ("Horizon") drives the application of gene editing and gene modulation within the global life science market – supporting scientists on the path from research to therapy.

 

Built upon more than a decade of experience in the engineering of cell lines, Horizon offers an unmatched portfolio of tools and services to help scientists gain a greater understanding of gene function, identify genetic drivers behind human disease, deliver biotherapeutics, cellular and gene therapies for precision medicine as well as develop and validate diagnostic workflows.

Horizon’s solutions enable almost any gene to be altered, or its function modulated, in human and other mammalian cell lines.

The Company’s customers include many of the world’s foremost academic institutes, global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as clinical diagnostic laboratories. Insight into the challenges faced by these organizations enables the company to focus efforts on development of innovative solutions that not only differentiate the company’s offering, but also fuel development of the next wave of precision medicines.

Horizon is headquartered in Cambridge, UK with offices in USA and Japan.  The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market under the ticker HZD.