Genetic Engineering Publications - GEG Tech top picks

In this chapter, the authors discuss the current state of epigenomic profiling and how functional information can be indirectly inferred. They also present new approaches that promise definitive functional answers, which are collectively referred to as 'epigenome editing'. In particular, they explore CRISPR-based technologies for single-locus and multi-locus manipulation. Finally, they discuss which level of function can be achieved with each approach and introduce emerging strategies for high-throughput progression from profiles to function.

Large genome-mapping consortia and thousands of genome-wide association studies have identified non-protein-coding elements in the genome as having a central role in various biological processes. However, decoding the functions of the millions of putative regulatory elements discovered in these studies remains challenging. Here the scientists describe CRISPR–Cas9-based epigenomic regulatory element screening (CERES) for improved high-throughput screening of regulatory element activity in the native genomic context. This technology allows the high-throughput functional annotation of putative regulatory elements in their native chromosomal context.