CRISPR Cas System: Applications in Gene Editing and Beyond from Udemy

Gene editing with the CRISPR-Cas system has been called "one of the biggest technologies of the decade" for its applications in medicine, agriculture, and much more. And in this course we will delve deep into the details of gene editing and why it is being seen as a promising strategy for the treatment of numerous genetic diseases like sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, etc to the generation of engineered crops, wiping out of malaria causing mosquitoes and others. You will get advanced learning of how CRISPR functions as a gene-editing tool, its comparison to other gene editing tools like Zinc Finger Nucleases, TALENs, etc, components of the CRISPR-Cas system, and the different ways in which CRISPR can be applied to healthcare, agriculture, and many other industries.

The beauty of the CRISPR system is that its applications extend much further beyond just gene editing.

For instance, the CRISPR-Cas system can be used as a powerful tool to regulate gene expression. In this course, we will learn how scientists have been modifying the CRISPR system to reversibly activate or silence genes and edit the epigenome in previously unimaginable ways. This can open the doors to new treatment options and a better understanding of human pathogenesis.

This course will cover how fluorescent proteins can be attached to the components of CRISPR-Cas to detect and locate the positions of specific DNA sequences on the chromosomes. This, in turn, can be useful to visualize the 3D architecture of the genome or to know various chromosomal abnormalities, including deletions, duplications, and translocations that influence cell function in normal and diseased states.

Additionally, we will also discuss, how using CRISPR, the researchers have expanded chromatin immunoprecipitation or ChIP to identify proteins associated with a particular genomic sequence.

Further in this course, we will talk about how scientists have harnessed the CRISPR-Cas technology for diagnosing infectious diseases including COVID-19.

The limitations and challenges of the CRISPR-Cas system have also been discussed. Additionally, this course will provide a detailed discussion on CRISPR-mediated precise gene editing techniques like prime editing and base editing, that can revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases while limiting the negative effects of the CRISPR-Cas system. For precise gene editing and non-gene editing applications, several variants of Cas9 nuclease have been engineered. In this course, you will get a thorough understanding of these variants, their engineering, and their significance.

This course is an invaluable resource for medical students, doctors, and students of disciplines like biotechnology, biology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics. In the course, the most challenging concepts are presented in a simple and palatable format using animations and graphics.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introductory overview of basic concepts of molecular biology
What is gene editing?
Gene editing tools: zinc finger nucleases (zfns) and talens and their limitations
Dna repair by homology directed repair (hdr) pathway and non homologous end joining (nhej) repair
Introduction to crispr-cas system and how it can be used as a gene editing tool?
Components, types and mechanism of crispr-cas system
Protospacer adjacent motifs or pams
Off target activity of spcas9 nuclease
Variants of cas9 nuclease: cas9 nickase, dead cas9 (dcas9) and foki fused catalytically inactive cas9,
Cas9 nucleases with novel pam specificities
High fidelity spcas9
Cas9 orthologs: sacas9, nmcas9, cjcas9
Viral vectors for crispr delivery: retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, aav vectors, etc.
Prime editing: its components, mechanism, applications, advantages and limitations

Crispr-mediated base editing: its components, mechanism, applications, advantages and limitations
Crispr activation or crispra
Crispr interference or crispri
Epigenetic editing with dcas9
Crispr-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (chip)
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (fish)
Crispr-mediated live-cell imaging of genomic loci
Cas12 and cas13 enzymes for diagnosing infectious diseases
Sherlock crispr-cas13-based diagnostic kit
Detector: crispr-cas12-based diagnostic kit
Feluda: crispr-cas19-based diagnostic kit
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Introductory overview of basic concepts of molecular biology
What is gene editing?
Gene editing tools: zinc finger nucleases (zfns) and talens and their limitations
Dna repair by homology directed repair (hdr) pathway and non homologous end joining (nhej) repair
Introduction to crispr-cas system and how it can be used as a gene editing tool?
Components, types and mechanism of crispr-cas system
Protospacer adjacent motifs or pams
Off target activity of spcas9 nuclease
Variants of cas9 nuclease: cas9 nickase, dead cas9 (dcas9) and foki fused catalytically inactive cas9,
Cas9 nucleases with novel pam specificities
High fidelity spcas9
Cas9 orthologs: sacas9, nmcas9, cjcas9
Viral vectors for crispr delivery: retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, aav vectors, etc.
Prime editing: its components, mechanism, applications, advantages and limitations
Crispr-mediated base editing: its components, mechanism, applications, advantages and limitations
Crispr activation or crispra
Crispr interference or crispri
Epigenetic editing with dcas9
Crispr-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (chip)
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (fish)
Crispr-mediated live-cell imaging of genomic loci
Cas12 and cas13 enzymes for diagnosing infectious diseases
Sherlock crispr-cas13-based diagnostic kit
Detector: crispr-cas12-based diagnostic kit
Feluda: crispr-cas19-based diagnostic kit
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Basic concepts of Molecular Biology (Optional)

Introduction

Concept of directionality

Quiz on structure of DNA and its directionality

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides an overview of molecular biology, which is foundational for understanding gene editing and its applications in various biological and medical fields

Explores CRISPR-mediated gene regulation, including CRISPRa and CRISPRi, which are cutting-edge techniques for controlling gene expression and epigenetic editing

Discusses viral vectors for CRISPR delivery, which is essential knowledge for researchers and clinicians aiming to translate CRISPR-based therapies into clinical applications

Examines the limitations and challenges of the CRISPR-Cas system, which is important for a balanced understanding of the technology's potential and drawbacks

Covers CRISPR-based diagnostics for infectious diseases, including specific kits like Sherlock, DETECTOR, and FELUDA, which are relevant for those interested in disease detection

Requires learners to understand concepts such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation, which may be challenging for those without a prior background in molecular biology

Reviews summary

In-depth look at crispr-cas system

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, covering its mechanism, various variants, and numerous applications in gene editing and beyond. Many find the explanations clear and well-structured, often aided by helpful animations and graphics that simplify complex concepts. Students particularly appreciate the coverage of recent advancements like prime and base editing, as well as its use in diagnostics and live-cell imaging. While largely positive, some reviewers note that the course moves at a fast pace and is best suited for those with some prior biology or molecular biology background.

Covers many topics, some may need more depth.

"While it covers a lot of ground, I wished some specific application areas were explored in more depth."

"It provides a broad survey, which is great, but don't expect extremely detailed protocols or hands-on guidance."

"Good for understanding the scope, but might require further study for deep specialization in one area."

Highlights real-world uses in health, biotech.

"Learning about the diagnostic applications of CRISPR was particularly interesting and relevant."

"The course effectively demonstrates the potential of CRISPR in medicine, agriculture, and research."

"I appreciated the focus on current applications and recent advancements in the field."

Complex topics explained simply using visuals.

"The instructor does a great job explaining complex topics in a clear and understandable way."

"The animations and graphics used in the lectures were incredibly helpful for visualizing the processes."

"I found the explanations of how CRISPR works at a molecular level to be very easy to follow."

Deep dive into CRISPR mechanism, variants, uses.

"This course provides a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, covering its mechanism, variants, and diverse applications..."

"I gained a solid understanding of the different types of CRISPR-Cas systems and how they function..."

"The coverage of gene editing techniques like prime and base editing was very informative."

Moves quickly, beneficial with prior knowledge.

"I would recommend having a basic background in molecular biology to fully grasp everything covered."

"The pace can be quite fast if you are not already familiar with the foundational concepts."

"This course is definitely not for complete beginners; some prior knowledge is expected."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CRISPR Cas System: Applications in Gene Editing and Beyond with these activities:

Review Basic Molecular Biology Concepts

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Reinforce foundational knowledge of molecular biology to better understand the mechanisms and applications of CRISPR-Cas systems.

Browse courses on Molecular Biology

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Review key concepts in molecular biology.
Study the structure and function of DNA and RNA.
Understand the processes of transcription and translation.

Read 'A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the history, science, and ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR technology.

View A Crack in Creation on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'A Crack in Creation'.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and ethical considerations.
Reflect on the implications of CRISPR technology discussed in the book.

Explore 'Gene Editing: The Next Frontier in Biotechnology'

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Broaden your understanding of gene editing technologies beyond CRISPR-Cas systems.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Gene Editing: The Next Frontier in Biotechnology'.
Read the book, focusing on the comparison of different gene editing technologies.
Reflect on the ethical implications of gene editing discussed in the book.

Four other activities

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Create an Animated Video Explaining CRISPR Mechanism

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Solidify your understanding of the CRISPR-Cas mechanism by creating an animated video that explains the process.

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Outline the key steps of the CRISPR-Cas mechanism.
Create a storyboard for the animated video.
Develop the animation using appropriate software.
Add narration and music to the video.

Design a CRISPR-Based Therapeutic Strategy

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Apply your knowledge of CRISPR-Cas systems to design a therapeutic strategy for a specific genetic disease.

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Choose a genetic disease to target.
Research the disease's genetic basis and potential CRISPR targets.
Design a CRISPR-Cas system to correct the genetic defect.
Outline a delivery strategy for the CRISPR components.

Develop a Presentation on CRISPR-Based Diagnostics

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Deepen your understanding of CRISPR-based diagnostics by creating a presentation on the topic.

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Research CRISPR-based diagnostic techniques like SHERLOCK and DETECTOR.
Create a presentation outline covering the principles, applications, and limitations of these techniques.
Develop visually appealing slides with clear explanations.
Practice delivering the presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.

Contribute to CRISPR Genome Analysis Tools

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Contribute to open-source projects related to CRISPR genome analysis to gain practical experience and collaborate with other researchers.

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Identify open-source projects related to CRISPR genome analysis.
Explore the project's codebase and documentation.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, documentation improvements, or new features.
Submit your contributions to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete CRISPR Cas System: Applications in Gene Editing and Beyond will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

A research scientist conducts experiments and studies to further scientific knowledge. This course will help build a strong understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system, and its capabilities. The course covers a variety of related topics, including off-target activity, Cas9 variants, and delivery systems, which are helpful for a research scientist. The course is also helpful because it introduces various applications of CRISPR, such as gene regulation, diagnostics, and genome imaging, which are critical for research design. This course will improve skills and understanding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Gene Therapy Researcher

A gene therapy researcher develops methods to treat diseases by modifying genes. The CRISPR-Cas system is a leading technology for gene therapy. This course will help build an understanding of how CRISPR-Cas works, including its components and variants. An improved grasp of techniques like prime editing and base editing, which are covered in the course, is valuable for a gene therapy researcher. The course's emphasis on both applications and limitations of CRISPR-based techniques will also prove useful. A student of this course will be well prepared to work with others on this technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gene Therapy Researcher

Geneticist

A geneticist studies genes, genetic variation, and heredity. A strong understanding of gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas is crucial for a geneticist. This course provides extensive detail on the CRISPR-Cas system, including its mechanisms, variants, and applications in gene editing and regulation, helping build a foundation for a career as a geneticist, especially one focused on research. The course topics such as prime editing, base editing, and epigenetic editing can help lead to success in this career. Furthermore, the course will be helpful to those wishing to understand the applications of Cas9 proteins.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists develop and improve biological processes and products across diverse industries. This course will be useful to a biotechnologist, especially one who focuses on genetic engineering. It covers a range of topics directly relevant to this field, including the CRISPR-Cas system, its components, and its various applications such as gene regulation, diagnostics, and genome imaging. The course's discussion of CRISPR variants and delivery methods, such as viral vectors, directly applies to the work of a biotechnologist, and the course can help those seeking to gain an advantage in this field.

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Molecular Biologist

A molecular biologist studies the structure, function, and interactions of biological molecules including DNA, RNA, and proteins. Given that the CRISPR-Cas system is an exceptional tool that alters DNA, a molecular biologist who wants to study gene editing and regulation should consider taking this course. This course will be helpful since it focuses on the CRISPR-Cas system in detail, including its mechanism, components, and applications. The course explores how CRISPR is used as a gene editing tool as well as other functions such as gene regulation, diagnostics, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, equipping a molecular biologist with relevant knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Cell Biologist

A cell biologist studies the structure and function of cells, and how they interact in life processes. The CRISPR-Cas system is often used in cell biology research to modify genes and study cell behavior. This course will be useful for a cell biologist by providing a strong understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system in research. The course details the techniques for using CRISPR to modify genes, regulate gene expression, and visualize genomic loci. The course's focus on these methods will help a cell biologist who wishes to use CRISPR in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cell Biologist

Immunologist

An immunologist studies the immune system. Because scientists are now using CRISPR based technologies to diagnose infectious diseases, this system is very relevant to immunology. This course will help provide an immunologist with a good understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system, its components, and its applications in disease diagnosis. The course would be especially useful to researchers focused on the diagnostic uses of CRISPR. The course also discusses the use of Cas12 and Cas13 enzymes in diagnostics, which is a skill directly relevant to this area of research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Clinical Geneticist

A clinical geneticist diagnoses and manages genetic disorders in patients. This course may be useful for those who wish to use gene editing technologies for clinical therapies, and it covers the applications of CRISPR-Cas in treating genetic diseases. The course provides a strong understanding of gene editing, precise gene editing, and gene regulation using CRISPR. A clinical geneticist would be greatly assisted by an improved knowledge of how CRISPR can be helpful or harmful in a therapeutic setting and this course provides that knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Geneticist

Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians analyze biological data, often genetic data. The CRISPR-Cas system can generate a wealth of data, the analysis of which is necessary to understand and optimize its effects. This course may be useful to a bioinformatician wishing to work on gene editing data, as it provides a detailed understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system, including its mechanisms, applications, and limitations. A bioinformatician needs to stay aware of different gene editing techniques and this course is dedicated to this particular area. The course will assist in learning how data generated from techniques discussed can be interpreted.

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Drug Discovery Scientist

Drug discovery scientists identify and develop new drug candidates. The CRISPR-Cas system is used in identifying potential drug targets and modeling disease mechanisms. This course may prove useful to a drug discovery scientist, as it covers various applications of CRISPR. The course covers gene expression regulation, diagnostic potential, and precise gene editing, all of which can be useful in discovering novel drugs. This course would be especially useful for those interested in using CRISPR as a drug discovery tool.

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Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical laboratory scientists conduct tests on biological specimens to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This course will help build a foundation for working with CRISPR-based diagnostics by providing a general understanding of this technology. This course covers how CRISPR can be applied to diagnose infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and how Cas12 and Cas13 enzymes are used in diagnostic kits. Medical laboratory scientists interested in using molecular technologies for infectious disease research may find this course to be quite helpful. This course covers the theory that makes those techniques possible.

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Science Writer

A science writer communicates complex scientific ideas to the general public. This course may be useful for a science writer who will need to explain gene editing technologies to a lay audience. This course will help generate content on the CRISPR Cas system. It provides a detailed overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, its workings, and its diverse applications, which is essential for producing accurate and engaging content. A science writer will find the course's discussion of how CRISPR works, as well as its applications and limitations helpful.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

A pharmaceutical scientist develops and tests new medications. The CRISPR-Cas system opens possibilities in the development of novel therapies through gene editing. This course may be useful for a pharmaceutical scientist seeking to understand how gene modifying technologies function. The course gives a thorough overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, its components, mechanisms, and applications. The pharmaceutical scientist working on new therapeutics will benefit from the course's focus on gene editing techniques, precise gene editing and its limitations.

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Agricultural Scientist

An agricultural scientist focuses on enhancing crop production and sustainability. CRISPR-Cas technology offers opportunities for creating engineered crops with improved traits. This course may be useful to someone pursuing this career, as it provides a detailed overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, its components, and its potential applications in agriculture. An agricultural scientist can benefit from the course's discussion of how CRISPR can be used to modify plant genomes. The course material will provide valuable theoretical background.

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Science Educator

A science educator teaches scientific concepts to students. This course may be useful for a science educator who wishes to broaden their understanding of gene editing technologies and teach this topic to students. The course thoroughly outlines the CRISPR-Cas system, its components, mechanisms, and applications, which will help educators to create materials more accurately. The course makes complicated material easier to understand using animations, which will assist in teaching the topic effectively. A science educator will have a solid foundation.

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CRISPR Cas System

Applications in Gene Editing and Beyond

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

In-depth look at crispr-cas system

Activities

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