From Left: Lee Ho-Joung, Kim Hyun-Ju, Lee Sang-Jun

A research team of Prof. Lee Sang-Jun, Dr. Kim Hyun-Ju and Ph.D. student Lee Ho-Joung of Department of Systems Biotechnology developed a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated pinpoint microbial genome editing technology.

The research team used CRISPR-Cas9 to develop a technology that pinpoints a single base from millions of them. So far, it has been possible to edit 2 or 3 bases of a targeted DNA.

The research team used CRISPR-Cas9 to enable single-nucleotide editing in microbial genomes by referring to the fact that CRISPR-Cas9 can cut a target DNA regardless of 1- or 2- mismatches in the sgRNA sequence (mismatch tolerance).

The study results were published on April 23 in the online version of the prestigious international journal “Genome Research” issued by the cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Title of the article: CRISPR-Cas9-mediated pinpoint microbial genome editing aided by target-mismatched sgRNAs).

Prof. Lee said, “What we have found is expected to have a great ripple effect on Synthetic Biology and other bioengineering sectors as it allows researchers to edit single bases in microbial genomes.”

Gene Editing Technology Using Target-mismatched sgRNAs