Agilent Technologies Launches SureGuide CRISPR Libraries for Functional Genomics

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today launched a comprehensive offering of pooled CRISPR libraries for functional genomics. SureGuide harnesses Agilent’s industry-leading oligonucleotide synthesis platform
to create CRISPR guide libraries, which are a critical component of the CRISPR/Cas genome editing system. The flexibility of Agilent’s SureGuide platform enables CRISPR-based functional screening for any application,
from genome-wide knock-outs (GeCKO) to fully customized, user-designed libraries.
The introduction of genome engineering tools, based on CRISPR, has
rapidly accelerated research related to functional studies of complex
diseases and drug discovery. Genetic screens using pooled libraries are
typically performed to locate and identify genes that are involved in
cellular response, such as in signaling pathways, or to discover the
function of novel genes. The introduction of CRISPR-based tools has
provided an opportunity to overcome the limitations of previous
technologies used in functional screening.
As a key component in any CRISPR experiment, guide library quality and
composition can affect all of the downstream segments of the workflow
including screening effort, sequencing cost and false positive/negative
identification. SureGuide offers high-fidelity CRISPR guides alongside
SureVector cloning technology, which enable an optimal distribution of
guides to be maintained across even the most complex libraries.
SureGuide CRISPR libraries are available in three formats:
Ready-to-package plasmid libraries consist of GeCKO libraries;
target all exons in the human or mouse genome; and have been validated
by researchers studying functional gene interactions on an -omics scale.
Ready-to-clone custom libraries enable user-defined custom CRISPR
targets in mammalian cells. These custom libraries can be prepared for
delivery with Agilent’s SureVector library cloning kits, which makes
plasmid library generation a simple and rapid process.
Ready-to-amplify custom libraries enable researchers to design
every aspect of their CRISPR library, allowing the use of alternative
delivery systems, cloning approaches, and the development of CRISPR
libraries targeting any set of genomic regions in any organism.
“Agilent SureGuide CRISPR Libraries are built on Agilent’s well known,
high-fidelity oligo synthesis platform,” said Herman Verrelst, Agilent
vice president and general manager, Genomics Solutions Division and
Clinical Applications Division. “Our unique technology allows us to
provide researchers with fully customizable guide libraries at the same
exceptional quality as our GeCKO offerings.”
Verrelst noted that Agilent offers an extensive range of instrumentation
and reagents that can help laboratories get the best possible results
from their CRISPR screens.
“The new libraries represent the first of several planned products in a
CRISPR-focused portfolio, supporting every aspect of the CRISPR
screening workflow all the way through analysis and hit validation,” he
said.
Agilent will host a workshop today at ASHG 2016 in Vancouver titled: A
CRISPR Guide to Superior Custom sgRNA Libraries, where the SureGuide
technology and workflow will be highlighted. In addition, customers will
speak about their novel research applications using SureGuide CRISPR
Libraries.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A), a global leader in life sciences,
diagnostics and applied chemical markets, is the premier laboratory
partner for a better world. Agilent works with customers in more than
100 countries, providing instruments, software, services and consumables
for the entire laboratory workflow. The company generated revenues of
$4.04 billion in fiscal 2015 and employs about 12,000 people worldwide.
Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.