Implementation of an Undergraduate Laboratory-Based Mammalian Genome Editing Course

Abstract

Genome engineering methods can be utilized to perform complex genetic manipulations in living cells with remarkable efficiency and precision. Given the transformative potential of these enabling technologies, their applications are steadily expanding into most biology and biomedical fields where they play a central role in many experimental frameworks. For these reasons, in order to effectively prepare future generations of biologists and bioengineers for successful careers, there is a high need to incorporate courses teaching genome editing fundamentals into existing curricula. To accomplish this objective, lecture-based courses are rapidly integrating genome editing concepts; however, there are few laboratory courses that teach the practical skills needed to successfully perform genome editing experiments. Here, we describe the development and implementation of a semester-long laboratory course that teaches students not only the techniques needed to perform gene knockout, gene activation, gene repression, and base editing in mammalian cells but also prepares them to design and troubleshoot experiments, write scientific manuscripts, as well as prepare and deliver scientific presentations. Course evaluations demonstrate that this class effectively equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in careers related to genome engineering, cell and tissue engineering, and, more broadly, biology.