Horizon Discovery (LSE: HZD), a global leader in the application of gene editing and gene modulation to deliver inspired cell solutions, has announced the introduction of Edit-R™ CRISPRa arrayed crRNA (CRISPR RNA) libraries, the latest addition to its CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) reagent platform from the recently acquired Dharmacon™ business. The new libraries offer a powerful tool for drug discovery, pathway analysis, and disease progression studies.

Unlike lentiviral pooled screens, Edit-R synthetic crRNA arrayed libraries enable one-gene-per-well investigation, using high-content assays to answer more in-depth biological questions. A CRISPRa-based system for overexpression studies also overcomes many of the shortcomings of early generations of DNA plasmid-encoded gene expression tools. By triggering the endogenous gene’s expression, the gene is transcribed in its native form, so researchers can be assured of highly relevant results in their cell system.

The Edit-R CRISPRa portfolio includes catalogue libraries for popular human and mouse gene families, such as ubiquitin enzymes, transcription factors, and kinases, in addition to druggable gene targets and the whole human genome. Bespoke collections are also available to support researchers working with a specialized gene target list.

Richard Vellacott, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Discovery, commented: “The expansion of Horizon’s already impressive portfolio of functional genomics screening libraries demonstrates our global leadership and commitment to continuing to address the needs of the research community. By providing advanced tools and services to support cutting-edge academic and drug discovery research, we are helping drive the genomic revolution.”