LGC and Desktop Genetics receive SynbiCITE funding to develop novel methods for CRISPR genome editing analysis

Date:12-06-2016

Desktop Genetics and LGC have been awarded funding from SynbiCITE, the UK’s national center for the commercialization of synthetic biology, to develop screening and validation tools for functional genomics, cell line engineering and synthetic biology. Desktop Genetics and LGC will develop a novel pipeline for rapid assessment of CRISPR-mediated editing efficiencies. They will assess and develop two different PCR-based methods and one sequencing-based method for analyzing genomic DNA, ultimately delivering a protocol for detecting and quantifying targeted mutations. This will address the dire need in biology for a standardized approach to genome editing.

“We’re excited to work with LGC on improving standards for genome editing experiments,” said Riley Doyle, CEO at Desktop Genetics. “We have repeatedly seen demand for standardization in genome editing, and this project will improve our capability to offer top-of-the-line single and multiplex CRISPR experimental support and validation to labs around the world.”

“LGC is delighted to be working with Desktop Genetics to develop tools to support the rapidly developing and growing field of synthetic biology,” said Dr. Carole Foy, Principal Scientist in the Molecular & Cell Biology group at LGC. “The project will enable us to combine our highly complementary skill sets to provide novel QC approaches alongside time and cost savings to this sector.”

Desktop Genetics provides CRISPR bioinformatics support to industry and academic laboratories performing genome editing for fundamental and clinical research. LGC houses the UK’s National Measurement Laboratory and Designated Institute for chemical and bio-measurement. Through this SynbiCITE project, LGC, with their expertise in high performance assay development, and Desktop Genetics, with their expertise in genome editing, will deliver significant labor and cost savings and improved confidence in the routine application of CRISPR-based genome engineering.