Notes on Functional Modules in the Assembly of CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Epigenetic Modifiers

Abstract

CRISPR/cas9 is a popular tool, widely used today for genome editing. However, the modular organization of this tool allows it to be used not only for DNA modifications but also for introducing epigenetic modifications both in DNA (methylation/demethylation) and in histones (acetylation/deacetylation). In these notes we will concentrate on the ways to adapt the CRISPR/cas9 system for epigenetic DNA modification of specific regions of interest. The modular organization represents a universal principal, that allows to create infinite number of functions with a limited number of tools. CRISPR/cas9, in which each subunit can be adapted for a particular task, is an excellent example of this rule. Made of two main subunits, it can be modified for targeted delivery of foreign activity (effector, an epigenetic enzyme in our case) to a selected part of the genome. In doing this the CRISPR/cas9 system represents a unique method that allows the introduction of both genomic and epigenetic modifications. This chapter gives a detailed review of how to prepare DNA for the fully functional CRISPR/cas9 system, able to introduce required modifications in the region of interest. We will discuss specific requirements for each structural component of the system as well as for auxiliary elements (modules), which are needed to ensure efficient expression of the elements of the system within the cell and the needs of selection and visualization.