CRISPR-based genetic screens are powerful tools to uncover new biology. The Kampmann lab previously pioneered CRISPR screens in human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes and microglia in culture (and co-culture). However, some research questions need to be addressed in the context of an intact brain.
To address this need, a team of researchers in the Kampmann lab, led by Dr. Biswa Ramani and Indigo Rose developed a technology called CrAAVe-seq, which enables highly scalable, yet cell type-specific screens in mouse brains. In a first application, this platform was used to uncover genes required for neuronal survival.
The results were recently published:
Ramani B, Rose IVL, Teyssier N, Pan A, Danner-Bocks S, Sanghal T, Yadanar L, Tian R, Ma K, Palop JJ, Kampmann M. CRISPR screening by AAV episome-sequencing (CrAAVe-seq): a scalable cell-type-specific in vivo platform uncovers neuronal essential genes. Nature Neuroscience 28(10):2129-2140.
Read the publication here.