CRISPR-Cas9 is a technique that can be used to edit specific genes. The technique utilizes a Cas9 enzyme that can cleave DNA and is guided by a guide RNA. The CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used to study and cure diseases, to improve crops for plant breeding or to increase biofuel yields, among other things. The discoverers of this technique were recently awarded a Nobel prize.

During the minor Bioengineering and -omics you will use CRISPR-Cas9 to knock-out the Nrf2 gene that encodes a transcription factor that is dysregulated in some types of cancer. A human cancer cell line is available that will be used to study the effects of the knock-out. In addition, you knock-in a gene encoding a green fluorescent protein that can be viewed using a fluorescent microscope.

You start the project by designing your CRISPR-Cas9 experiment. Next, you have the freedom in the lab to organize your own project. In weekly work discussions, we discuss your progress and there is time to ask questions. The minor also contains an introduction on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. We explore these fields in the context of the role NRF2 plays in cancer.

• Students will be able to orientate in the field of genetic engineering.
• Students will be able to perform a predesigned CRISPR-Cas9 experiment and design their own CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing project.
• Students will be able to set up a research proposal and execute the practical part in the laboratory.
• Students will be able to use cloning software and online tools to visualize a cloning strategy.
• Students will be able to present a cloning design/research proposal.
• Students will be able to interpret and report data obtained from molecular cloning and software tools.
• Students will be able to interpret data obtained from research articles.
• Students will be able to work in a research group and reflect on their work.

To start the minor students should have completed a minimum of 75 EC related to Life Sciences including courses on cell culturing and DNA cloning. Foreign students are asked to deliver proof of a successfully completed course on working safely in a biological laboratory setting. The documents that show the student is eligible can be send to wouter.suring@hvhl.nl.

No mandatory literature

Students receive 30 EC when successfully completing the course. The course consists of six parts (A, B, C, D, E, F).

Part A: Theory on gene editing
Lectures on gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9.

Part B: Practicals on cell culturing and cloning
Laboratory practicals on culturing of human cells and molecular cloning. These are meant as a refresher and to get you up to speed on working in our labs.

Part C: Project design
Workshops on designing a successful CRISPR-Cas9 experiment. This part also includes weekly project meetings.

Part D: Project
Laboratory sessions to performs your CRISPR-Cas9 experiment. This part also includes weekly project meetings and work discussions.

Part E: Omics technologies
Lectures and journal club on DNA sequencing, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

Part F: Self-reflection
You reflect on your work and your professional growth during the minor.

Students are graded based on six assessments.

Part A: Theory on gene editing
Theoretical exam.

Part B: Practicals on cell culturing and cloning
Attendance mandatory.

Part C: Project design
Report and presentation.

Part D: Project
Poster presentation.

Part E: Omics technologies
Group discussion.

Part F: Self-reflection
Reports.

A total of 5 external students can participate in this minor.