Development of CRISPR/CAS9 delivery strategy into cells for genome editing using polymer-based CAS9 engineering

Project goal
The goal of the project is to develop cellular delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas9 complexes using polymeric conjugates that enable cellular penetration of the complex and gene editing.

Project tasks:

1. Development, synthesis, and characterization of Cas9-polymer conjugates.
2. Development of cellular delivery of CRISPR/Cas9-polymer complexes
3. Editing of cancer marker genes in cancer cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9-polymer complexes

Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9 delivery into cells has been extensively studied and several methods have been developed. However, all these methods have their own advantages and limitations. Delivery of the Cas9 in a protein form allows for the fastest onset of gene editing, while the delivery of the protein in a complex with RNA and DNA is considered the most difficult pathway. Herein, we propose to develop a Cas9 enzyme conjugated to polymers to enable cell membrane penetration and efficient gene editing. The data obtained may serve as a basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies for genome editing.