Original article (Basic research)

Inducible multiplexed CRISPR interference system in human embryonic stem cells

  • ZHU Chao-nan ,
  • CHEN Qin-wen ,
  • XIN Chen-ge ,
  • LI Hui
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  • Department of Histoembryology, Genetics & Development, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200025, China

Online published: 2019-07-26

Supported by

Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, 19ZR1428300

Abstract

Objective · To generate a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible multiplexed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system for multiple gene inhibition in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to explore the function of gene families and model multigene diseases. Methods · A Dox-inducible multiplexed CRISPRi system was developedGolden Gate assembly in hESCs. This system consisted of two plasmids, one expressing modified repressive nucleasedeactivated CRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) and Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) transcriptional repressor domain under the control of Dox, the other carrying eight independent guide RNA (gRNA) cassettes. PCR was conducted using total genomic DNA as a template to confirm whether these two plasmids were integrated into genome. Western blotting was performed to confirm whether the of dCas9-KRAB could be inducedDox treatment. Results · Using this tunable CRISPRi system, multiple genes were successfully silenced simultaneously in hESCs. The silence of genes and related to hESC self-renewal caused obvious cell differentiation in terms of changed cell morphology, decreased activity of alkaline phosphatase, and reduced of stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4), a marker of undifferentiated hESCs. Conclusion · This Dox-inducible multiplexed CRISPRi system can be used for quick and efficient silence of multiple genes in hESCs in a highly controlled manner.

Cite this article

ZHU Chao-nan , CHEN Qin-wen , XIN Chen-ge , LI Hui . Inducible multiplexed CRISPR interference system in human embryonic stem cells[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2019 , 39(5) : 478 . DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2019.05.007

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