Protocol

CRISPR–Cas9 Genome Editing in Nothobranchius furzeri for Gene Knockout and Knock-In

  1. Itamar Harel2
  1. Department of Genetics, the Silberman Institute, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel
  1. 2Correspondence: itamarh{at}mail.huji.ac.il

Abstract

The African turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri has recently gained interest as an emerging vertebrate model system for the study of aging, owing to its naturally short life span and generation time. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide for effective genome engineering using the CRISPR–Cas9 system to generate loss-of-function (i.e., knockout) alleles and for precise editing (i.e., knock-in) of short sequences into the genome. Using this approach, a new stable line can be created within several months. The killifish's tough chorion, rapid growth, and short life span are considered in this protocol and account for the key deviations from similar protocols in other fish models.

Footnotes

  • 1 Equal contribution

  • From the African Turquoise Killifish collection, edited by Anne Brunet.

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