New precision genome engineering service from UEA

Researchers from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences have developed a revolutionary new process that speeds up the success rate of genome editing.

The technique is now available as a contract research service for academic researchers and life science industries such as agri-tech and biotech.

The OmicronCR service, started by Dr Amanda Hopes and Prof Thomas Mock, uses existing CRISPR/Cas genome-editing technology, which alters the genetic code at a specific location on the genome. Editing requires short sequences called guide-RNAs, which are identical to the genetic information of the target site. However, selecting the most efficient guide-RNAs can be time-consuming and expensive, as some guide-RNAs can edit the genome in unwanted places, whilst others do not lead to editing at all.

OmicronCR addresses these challenges with a unique, rapid laboratory test, devised by Dr Hopes. The test carefully designs, evaluates and selects the guide-RNAs that will most likely lead to precise and efficient genome editing for the relevant species, saving the time and costs of trial and error.