High throughput CRISPR Cas cell line generation using the CellRaft Array platform

Project Summary Genome editing technologies such CRISPR Cas provide a rapid and targeted means of both knocking out gene expression and knocking in gene modifications However the current workflow required for CRISPR cell line generation relies on several technologies which reduce throughput efficiency and the overall viability of genome edited cells Cell Microsystems has developed a single cell isolation and recovery platform ideally suited to high throughput production of CRISPR cell lines The core technology comprises a disposable microwell array the CellRaft Array on which cells are seeded and imaged To isolate single cells a motorized needle penetrates the resealable elastomeric underside of the Array to displace the individual CellRaft from its microwell The CellRaft material is loaded with magnetic nanoparticles allowing retrieval of the CellRaft and attached cell using a magnetic wand By enabling on array transfection and recovery the system replaces harmful trypsinization re plating recovery steps and stressful sheer forces used in fluorescence assisted cell sorting FACS resulting in a method amenable to rapid high throughput CRISPR cell line generation During Phase I we plan to build on work by one of our Early Adopter Program participants and Principal Investigator of this program William Marzluff Ph D of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Using the CellRaft Array Dr Marzluff s team has streamlined the transfection and cloning workflow for producing CRISPR cell lines Thus far his team has developed a clonal colony isolation protocol using the CellRaft System shown comparable viability of clonal colonies isolated on the CellRaft system compared to FACS and established a protocol for transfecting cells pre seeded on the CellRaft Array eliminating re plating and recovery steps required for FACS Here we will expand on this work by optimizing transfection and sorting on the array for CRISPR Cas genome editing and developing a well CellRaft Array allowing a dramatic increase in sorting throughput over other clonal isolation technologies including FACS Pending successful development of these methods in Phase I our Phase II program will focus on implementing the workflow on our under development automated instrument the Automated Isolation and Retrieval or AIR System Automating the workflow will allow higher throughput isolation of clonal colonies from multiple transfection reactions total clones in hours as well as semi quantitative sorting of cells using fluorescent marker intensities Also during Phase II we will carry out a CRIPSR Cas screen using hundreds of sgRNAs on the AIR System CRISPR Cas screening is likely to be one of the primary market drivers of this technology and using the powerful imaging capabilities of the AIR System will allow screening for more sophisticated phenotypes than merely cell death Project Narrative The ability to rapidly edit the genome using the CRISPR Cas technology has dramatically accelerated investigators ability to manipulate the expression of genes in a broad range of cell types While CRISPR mediated genome editing is flexible and straightforward the workflow relies on several technologies which limit its throughput and efficiency Cell Microsystems has developed the CellRaft Array a single cell imaging and isolation platform which allows analysis of transfection efficiency non destructive retrieval of single cells and a flexible cell culture environment amenable to growing clonal colonies from virtually any cell type As a replacement to fluorescence assisted cell sorting FACS the CellRaft System has several advantages including allowing on array transfection and recovery eliminating re suspension and re plating steps and reducing environmental stress during clonal colony formation and isolation all leading to a more rapid and efficient workflow