The Teaching Practice of an Undergraduate Experiment in CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
WANG Wenjie, YANG Lingqi, LI Yudong*
As an emerging gene editing technology, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used in the research of various organisms and is bound to revolutionize biomedical research and disease treatment. Understanding and mastering CRISPR technology will provide a strong foundation for undergraduates majoring in biology and related fields to follow the advanced technology, and cultivate innovative thinking. This study developed an innovative teaching experiment to apply CRISPR/Cas9 technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and incorporate GFP fluorescent labeling technique into this gene editing experiment to improve the visualization. The experimental modules include the design of gRNA, the construction of pCAS/gRNA coexpression plasmids, the construction of DNA cassette for homologous repairing, PCR product purification, lithium acetate-mediated yeast transformation and fluorescence microscope observation of GFP expression. Teaching practice indicates that students could complete the laboratory modules and achieve the expected outcomes. Multiple assessments were performed using intelligent evaluation platform throughout the entire laboratory process. Post-class assessment indicates that this team’s experimental teaching course allows undergraduates to deepen their understanding of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and increase their interest in scientific research. Under the background of emerging engineering education, it is of great significance to introduce this cutting-edge scientific technique into the undergraduate classroom to improve the teaching quality.
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