Biology subjects

Laws, M. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Laws, M. E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in Drosophila via visual selection in a summer classroom

CRISPR/Cas9 methods are a powerful in vivo approach to edit the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. To convert existing Drosophila GAL4 lines to LexA driver lines in a secondary school classroom setting, we applied the CRISPR-based genetic approach to a collection of Gal4 driver lines. The integration of the yellow+ coat color marker into homology-assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) enabled visual selection of Gal4-to-LexA conversions using brightfield stereo-microscopy available in a broader set of standard classrooms. Here, we report the successful conversion of eleven Gal4 lines with expression in neuropeptide-expressing cells into corresponding, novel LexA drivers. The conversion was confirmed by LexA- and Gal4-specific GFP reporter gene expression. This curriculum was successfully implemented in a summer course running 16 hours/week for seven weeks. The modularity, flexibility, and compactness of this course should enable development of similar classes in secondary schools and undergraduate curricula, to provide opportunities for experience-based science instruction, and university-secondary school collaborations that simultaneously fulfill research needs in the community of science.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2023

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate Drosophila LexA lines in secondary school classes

Genome editing in vivo with CRISPR/Cas9 generates powerful tools to study gene regulation and function. We developed CRISPR-based methods that permitted secondary school student scientists to convert Drosophila GAL4 lines to LexA lines. Our novel curricula implement a new donor strain optimizing Homology-assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) that simplifies screening using light microscopy. Successful curricula adoption by a consortium of schools led to the generation and characterization of 16 novel LexA lines. This includes extensive comparative tissue expression analysis between the parental Gal4 and derived LexA lines. From this collaboration, we established a workflow to systematically generate LexA lines from frequently-used GAL4 lines. Modular courses developed from this effort can be tailored to specific secondary school scheduling needs, and serve as a template for science educators to innovate courses and instructional goals. Our unique collaborations highlight that resources and expertise harnessed by university-based research laboratories can transform experiential science instruction in secondary schools while addressing research needs for the community of science.

genetics↗