Genetic Engineering Publications - GEG Tech top picks

In this study, the scientists used a transposon mutagenesis strategy based on a two-step sleeping beauty (SB) forward genetic screen to identify and validate new tumor suppressors (TS) in this disease. They generated 120 siRNAs targeting 40 SB-identified candidate breast cancer TS genes and used them to downregulate expression of these genes in four human TNBC cell lines. Their validation of several new TS genes in TNBC demonstrate the utility of two-step forward genetic screens in mice and offer an invaluable tool to identify novel candidate therapeutic pathways and 

Here, the scientists examined the piggyBac (PB) transposon as an alternative vehicle to deliver a guide RNA (gRNA) library for in vivo screening. Through hydrodynamic tail vein injections, they delivered a PB-CRISPR library into mouse liver. Rapid tumor formation could be observed in less than 2 mo. By sequencing analysis of PB-mediated gRNA insertions, they identified corresponding genes mediating tumorigenesis. Their results demonstrate that PB is a simple and nonviral choice for efficient in vivo delivery of CRISPR libraries for phenotype-driven screens.