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Horizon Launches New Genome-Wide CRISPRi and CRISPRa Screening Services

New CRISPR screening services substantially broaden range of possible genetic studies

17 Sept 2017
Finn Price
Administrator / Office Personnel

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Horizon Discovery, a global leader in gene editing and gene modulation technologies, has announced that it has expanded its functional genomic screening portfolio to include first-to-market CRISPRi (interference) and CRISPRa (activation) screening services.

Although functional genomic screening using CRISPR gene knockout technology has provided a powerful and precise way to identify and validate novel drug targets, and to elucidate unknown drug mechanisms, there are some biological studies for which CRISPR knockout screens are not appropriate. Horizon’s novel CRISPRi/CRISPRa screening platform substantially broadens the range of possible studies through the capacity to reduce or increase, rather than completely eliminating gene expression. This enables customers to address critical gaps in target ID and validation as they work to develop novel and more effective drug therapies.

Learn more about CRISPR as a tool for gene editing. Click here to visit our Gene Editing Special Feature. >>

Horizon’s CRISPRi and CRISPRa screening capabilities are based on the Company’s highly optimized CRISPR knockout screening platform, which has been used in over 200 screens to date including for 5 of the top 20 pharma. Using multiple parallel analytical approaches, sophisticated bioinformatics enable clear hit identification from data of outstanding quality, driving the performance of Horizon’s CRISPRi and CRISPRa platforms to show a 10-fold better performance over previously published platforms. Horizon’s customers are already adopting CRISPRi and CRISPRa screening, with the first commercial projects currently underway. Each project is customized according to customer need, offering different types of screens and readouts, and a comprehensive report on conclusion.

Horizon has also developed an enhanced solution that combines both CRISPRi and CRISPRa screening, providing greater confidence in hits identified in genome-wide screens. This combined solution can reveal ‘switch’ like genes that display opposing effects when activated or inhibited in the presence of the drug of interest, bringing the prospect of unambiguous target discovery closer.

Dr. Darrin M Disley, CEO Horizon Discovery, commented “CRISPRi and CRISPRa screening are powerful additions to Horizon’s best-in-class CRISPR knockout screening platform, and demonstrate our leadership in functional genomic screening. These first-to-market platforms will open new, exciting opportunities to identify and validate new drug targets and better understand drug mechanisms to advance our pharmaceutical and biotech customers’ discovery and drug development programs.

“As a result of Horizon’s recent acquisition of Dharmacon, CRISPRi and CRISPRa screening is now part of a unique mixed product and service portfolio that extends Horizon’s capacity to generate the highest quality data, giving customers the highest level of confidence in their results. Further, non-proprietary insights gained by Horizon during the project can then be fed back into the development of future libraries in a process of continuous improvement.”

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene EditingGene editing is the precise alteration to an organism's DNA, with CRISPR being the most well-known technique. It is used in a wide range of applications, including the development of disease models and gene therapy, and crop improvement. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best gene editing solutions, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Drug DiscoveryDrug discovery is the process of identifying potential new medications, involving stages such as target identification, compound screening, and preclinical development. It relies on cutting-edge technologies like high-throughput screening, artificial intelligence, and molecular modeling to accelerate the identification of drug candidates. Drug discovery plays a pivotal role in developing new therapies for diseases ranging from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the latest drug discovery technologies, compare options, check customer feedback, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Genetic EngineeringCRISPRCRISPR technology enables precise editing of genes, allowing scientists to modify DNA at specific locations. This revolutionary tool is used in genetic research, drug development, and gene therapy. CRISPR has applications in agriculture, disease treatment, and creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Explore CRISPR solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Drug Discovery & Development Screening

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Horizon Launches New Genome-Wide CRISPRi and CRISPRa Screening Services