Microscopy & CRISPR-Genome Engineering: COA 2023

Overview

The ability to custom edit genes through CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized all aspects of science and biomedical research, and the discoverers of this technology received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. In this short course, students will learn CRISPR techniques, design CRISPR reagents, and use CRISPR in the nematode C. elegans to tag an endogenous gene with a fluorescent reporter. Discussions will center on CRISPR-based applications and the ethics of using such a powerful tool.  Activities will include:

• C. elegans husbandry and phenotypic analysis
• Experimental design to address and test variables that impact CRISPR efficiency
• Microinjection of CRISPR reagents into C. elegans
• Light and fluorescence microscopy
• Genotyping (PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing)

Faculty

About the Maine INBRE program

This short course is supported and organized by the Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).

Maine is one of 23 states that have been identified by the National Institutes of Health as having historically received low levels of NIH funding. The INBRE program was established to strengthen research networks in each of these states, so that they could become more competitive for federal research grants. In Maine, our network is comprised of 14 institutions, with the MDI Biological Laboratory as the lead institution. Other institutions in our network include the following: Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, College of the Atlantic, the Honors College at the University of Maine, the Jackson Laboratory, Southern Maine Community College, the University of Maine, UMaine Farmington, UMaine Fort Kent, UMaine Machias, UMaine Presque Isle, and the University of New England.

Money from Maine INBRE supports research training experiences like this short course, as well biomedical research and laboratory facilities throughout our network. Other training experiences include academic year and summer student research. Please check with Chris Petersen, the INBRE contact at College of the Atlantic, for the most accurate information about opportunities on your campus. He may be able to share additional opportunities with you as well.

Funding

This research training opportunity is supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103423.

The IDeA program builds research capacities in states that historically have had low levels of NIH funding by supporting basic, clinical and translational research; faculty development; and infrastructure improvements.