Genetic Engineering of Mammalian Stem Cells

This laboratory-based training course will provide a comprehensive overview of the theory and practical laboratory skills required for the genetic manipulation of mammalian stem cells, focusing on human iPS cells. Genome informatics, reagent design and CRISPR-based editing strategies will be covered in interactive practicals and demonstrations, with further discussion and lectures by international experts.

Laboratory work includes the use of CRISPR-Cas9 systems for advanced genome engineering and both pooled and arrayed genetic screens, the construction of vectors, and the culture, transfection and genotypic analysis of human iPS cells.

An emphasis will be placed on the integrated planning, design and successful experimental execution of gene targeting projects, allowing participants to gain the skills necessary to design, construct and perform experiments to target their own genes of interest.

Target Audience

This course is designed for postdoctoral scientists or advanced PhD students actively engaged in or soon to commence relevant research. The course is also suitable for facility managers and principal investigators wishing to bring the latest genetic modification technologies into their facilities or groups.

The programme will include lectures and practical laboratory/computer-based sessions covering the following topics:

1. Informatics
The visualization and interpretation of gene models will be presented focusing on the practical design of gene targeting strategies, including CRISPR gRNA selection and the design of oligonucleotide and other HDR substrates. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own CRISPR-mediated gene targeting designs using web-based tools and learn how to exploit public genomic data resources.

2. Stem Cell Culture/Genome Editing
Genome editing experiments will be performed where participants will learn feeder-free culture of human iPS cells and transfection techniques for protein-based delivery of Cas9 to engineer a variety of useful alleles, including knockouts, protein tagging and the introduction of SNPs using HDR and base-editing methods. Cell manipulation techniques including picking, expansion, archiving and genotyping of iPS cell clones will also be covered.

3. Genome-wide functional genomics screens
Practical application of the CRISPR-based systems (including CRISPRa/i) needed to undertake in vitro genetic screens will also be explored. This includes both the design and implementation of genome-wide screens, with bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data.

Learning Outcomes
After attending this course, participants should be able to:

• Assess targeting strategies within a genomic context, identifying suitable targets and evaluate CRISPR gRNAs.
• Design and generate reagents for CRISPR-assisted gene targeting both knock-in and knockouts.
• Undertake genome editing of human iPS cells, including manipulation of cells under culture conditions, delivery of reagents, and isolation and analysis of clones.
• Apply knowledge of CRISPR based genetic screening approaches for both pooled and arrayed formats to be able to design and execute these experiments.

Course Instructors

Mark Thomas
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Andrew Bassett
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Nneka Anyanwu
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Panos Zalmas
Open Targets Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Target Audience
Applicants should be postdoctoral scientists or advanced PhD students actively engaged in or soon to commence relevant research. The course is also suitable for facility managers and principal investigators wishing to bring the latest genetic modification technologies into their facilities or groups.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button to begin the online application process. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor, line manager or head of department). A request for a supporting statement will be sent to your nominated sponsor automatically during the application process. Applicants must ensure that their sponsor provides this supporting statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting statement cannot be considered.

Travel visas
Successful applicants will be provided with a support letter for their visa application, if required.

Please visit the following websites for further information on visiting the UK:

• UK Border Agency website
• Information for general visitors and business visitors

*The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences and applies to non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available (up to 50% reduction on the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the online application form.

Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may issue smaller amounts.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form. Applicants will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on the course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The decision of the selection committee is final.

Please note that both the applicant and sponsor are required to provide a justification for the bursary as part of the application.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

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Feedback from the 2019 course: