Screening Sperm for the Rapid Isolation of Germline Edits in Zebrafish

J Vis Exp. 2023 Feb 10:(192):10.3791/64686. doi: 10.3791/64686.

Abstract

The advent of targeted CRISPR-Cas nuclease technologies has revolutionized the ability to perform precise genome editing in both established and emerging model systems. CRISPR-Cas genome editing systems use a synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) to target a CRISPR-associated (Cas) endonuclease to specific genomic DNA loci, where the Cas endonuclease generates a double-strand break. The repair of double-strand breaks by intrinsic error-prone mechanisms leads to insertions and/or deletions, disrupting the locus. Alternatively, the inclusion of double-stranded DNA donors or single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides in this process can elicit the inclusion of precise genome edits ranging from single nucleotide polymorphisms to small immunological tags or even large fluorescent protein constructs. However, a major bottleneck in this procedure can be finding and isolating the desired edit in the germline. This protocol outlines a robust method for screening and isolating germline mutations at specific loci in Danio rerio (zebrafish); however, these principles may be adaptable in any model where in vivo sperm collection is possible.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Endonucleases / genetics
  • Gene Editing / methods
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Male
  • Semen* / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Zebrafish* / genetics
  • Zebrafish* / metabolism

Substances

  • Endonucleases