CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Enhancers

While first described in 1987, CRISPR/Cas9's repurposing as a genome editing tool that allows for targeted modification of specific gene sequences in 2012 has caused it to become the matter-of-fact genome editing technology, used in fields ranging from basic research to drug discovery. By combining a single guide RNA (sgRNA) with the Cas9 protein, target DNA can be cleaved with high precision, allowing for gene modification and downstream analyses by taking advantage of the cell's natural DNA repair mechanisms. In recent years, as the demand for greater experimental efficiency and improved reproducibility has continued to grow, several CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing enhancers have been reported.

Note: The products listed below have not been sterilized, are not DNase- or RNase-free, and their suitability for any applications is not guaranteed.

• NU 7441 (Product No. N1110)

  A DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) inhibitor. By inhibiting DNA-PKcs, NU 7441 suppresses non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), thereby relatively promoting homology-directed repair (HDR).

• RS-1 (Product No. R0215)

  RS-1 enhances HDR efficiency by activating RAD51.

• Brefeldin A (Product No. B3820)

  Brefeldin A enhances HDR efficiency by inhibiting transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.

• Pifithrin-α (Product No. P2751)

  Pifithrin-α increases cell viability after CRISPR editing by suppressing the p53 pathway.

• Thymidine (Product No. T0233)

  Thymidine promotes HDR by synchronizing the cell cycle at the S phase.

• Nocodazole (Product No. N1138)

  Nocodazole promotes HDR by arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.

• Trichostatin A (Product No. T2477)

  A histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. By inhibiting HDAC, Trichostatin A increases histone acetylation, opens chromatin, and improves Cas9 accessibility.

• Valproic Acid (Product No. P0823) and Sodium Butyrate (Product No. S0519)

  Valproic Acid and Sodium Butyrate are weak HDAC inhibitors that improve Cas9 accessibility.

• JQ-1 Carboxylic Acid (Product No. J0039)

  A BET protein inhibitor. JQ-1 Carboxylic Acid alters chromatin structure and improves Cas9 accessibility.

• 5-Azacytidine (Product No. A2033) and Decitabine (Product No. A2232)

  DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors. 5-Azacytidine and Decitabine inhibit DNA methylation, leading to chromatin opening and improved Cas9 accessibility.

• Chloroquine (Product No. C3730)

  Chloroquine enhances endosomal escape and improves intracellular trafficking by increasing the pH of endosomes and lysosomes.