Manufacturing and Delivering Genome-Editing Proteins

Abstract

Genome-editing technologies have revolutionized the biomedical sciences by providing researchers with the ability to quickly and efficiently modify genes. While programmable nucleases can be introduced into cells using a variety of techniques, their delivery as purified proteins is an effective approach for limiting off-target effects. Here, we describe step-by-step procedures for manufacturing and delivering genome-modifying proteins-including Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and TALE and zinc-finger nucleases-into mammalian cells. Protocols for combining Cas9 RNP with naturally recombinogenic adeno-associated virus (AAV) donor vectors for the seamless insertion of transgenes by homology-directed genome editing are also provided.

Keywords: CRISPR; Genome editing; Protein delivery; RNP; TALENs; ZFNs.