Multiplex Genome Editing of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Cpf1

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Targeted genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is critical for basic and translational research and can be achieved with site-specific endonucleases. Cpf1 (CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella) is a programmable DNA endonuclease with AT-rich PAM sequences. In this protocol, we describe procedures for using a single vector system to deliver Cpf1 and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) for genome editing in hPSCs. This protocol enables indel formation and homologous recombination-mediated precise editing at multiple loci. With the delivery of Cpf1 and a single U6 promoter-driven guide RNA array composed of an AAVS1-targeting and a MAFB-targeting crRNA array, efficient multiplex genome editing at the AAVS1 (knockin) and MAFB (knockout) loci in hPSCs could be achieved in a single experiment. The edited hPSCs expressed pluripotency markers and could differentiate into neurons in vitro. This system also generated INS reporter hPSCs with a 6 kb cassette knockin at the INS locus. The INS reporter cells can differentiate into β-cells that express tdTomato and luciferase, permitting fluorescence-activated cell sorting of hPSC-β-cells. By targeted screening of potential off-target sequences that are most homologous to crRNA sequences, no off-target mutations were detected in any of the tested sequences. This work provides an efficient and flexible system for precise genome editing in mammalian cells including hPSCs with the benefits of less off-target effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere5108
JournalBio-protocol
Volume14
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 20 2024

Keywords

  • CRISPR
  • Cpf1
  • Differentiation of hPSCs
  • Genome editing
  • Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)
  • Regenerative medicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • Plant Science

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