Speaker 1: Bita Moghaddam, USA

Genome editing techniques have revolutionized the way that researchers study genes and their functions in eukaryotic systems and model species. Here we report the development of the whole genome CRISPR/Cas knockout library and its application in the identification of new drug targets through function-based screening and high-throughput sequencing analysis. Representative screenings will be presented, especially for the identification of host components important for Clostridium difficile infections and HCV infection. In addition, we have recently developed CRISPR/ Cas9-mediated genomic deletion screening for long non-coding RNAs using paired-gRNAs, further expanding CRISPR toolbox for mammalian genetics. The application of these powerful genetic screening strategies will have broad application in the discovery of disease mechanisms and drug targets.