Laboratory for Genomics Research

From Genetic Perturbation to Biological Insight

The Laboratory for Genomics Research (LGR) is a state-of-the-art laboratory that combines CRISPR-based genetic perturbation, automation, disease-relevant models, and computational analysis to uncover novel biology and accelerate advances in human health.

Principal Investigators

Research Projects

Published Papers

112k

Samples Tested

ABOUT THE LGR

An Integrated Engine for Genetic Discovery

The Laboratory for Genomics Research (LGR) is a leading center for cutting-edge functional genomics, combining advanced technologies with applied disease research. The LGR is hosted by the University of San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and is housed at the UCSF Mission Bay Campus.

Founded in 2019 by Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna (CRISPR co-inventor), Jonathan Weissman (CRISPR screening pioneer), and Hal Barron (Former GSK CSO), the LGR was initially established as a collaboration between and University of California Berkeley (UCB), UCSF, and GSK.

The LGR is focused on building new partnerships that expand our ability to address critical challenges in science and health, leveraging collective expertise to achieve breakthroughs that benefit all.

Learn more about the LGR

Where technology meets functional genomics at scale.

The Laboratory for Genomics Research brings together advanced automation, high-throughput experimental platforms, genome engineering, disease-relevant models, and data-driven approaches to tackle complex biological questions. Our integrated infrastructure enables precise, reproducible experimentation at scale—accelerating the path from experimental design to biological discovery.

Goal #1

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Goal #2

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Advancing functional genomics research

Learn more about who we are, what we do, and why we do it.

OUR CAPABIILTIES

Built Through Research. Designed for What’s Next.

The LGR brings together deep expertise in biology, engineering, and data science with functional genomics technologies and infrastructure developed through years of ambitious research. Our integrated capabilities span disease-relevant models, genetic perturbation, large-scale experimentation, and computational analysis—enabling us to tackle complex biological questions from experimental design through discovery.

MODEL

Bring genetic screening into the models that matter.

Our biologists have developed and optimized approaches for functional genomics across immortalized cell lines, primary cells, iPSC-derived models, and 3D organoid systems—bringing deep expertise in cell biology, model development, and screening to complex, disease-relevant systems.

PERTURB

Build the tools to interrogate gene function.

LGR scientists develop and apply cutting-edge CRISPR technologies to systematically perturb biology. Our expertise spans library design and construction, CRISPR-based screening strategies, and the development and optimization of functional genomics approaches around the biological question.

SCALE

Turn complex experiments into robust, scalable workflows.

Our automation engineers have built integrated infrastructure and high-throughput workflows for parallel screening, library construction, cell-based experimentation, and advanced phenotypic readouts—bringing scale and reproducibility to experiments that would otherwise be difficult to execute.

DISCOVER

Connect perturbation to phenotype—and phenotype to biology.

Our biologists and data scientists work together to integrate advanced readouts with established and customized analytical approaches, transforming complex functional genomics datasets into interpretable biological insights and new hypotheses.

PUBLICATIONS & IMPACT

From Innovation to Biological Insight Discoveries Enabled by the LGR

LGR scientists work alongside academic and industry collaborators to develop new perturbation technologies and assays, execute ambitious genetic screens, and uncover biological mechanisms that advance our understanding of human health and disease.

Explore Publications & Impact

Capabilities

Automation Suite for CRISPR Library Generation and Screening

Manually executing large-scale CRISPR screens is a labor-intensive process prone to human error. At the LGR, we've automated this process by leveraging advanced platforms to generate custom-made libraries at scale with reproducible standards. These libraries, combined with disease-relevant cell models in imaging-based CRISPR screens, yield data-rich phenotypic information that we pair with AI/ML-driven analysis. By providing these cutting-edge resources, we empower researchers to advance scientific discovery and improve drug development in ways that go beyond the capabilities of individual labs.

Custom library generation

Leveraging our collective expertise in automation, the LGR has developed a platform that streamlines the creation of custom arrayed and pooled genome-wide CRISPR guide libraries in both plasmid and lentiviral forms.

High throughput automation

We’ve automated processes starting with arrayed library cloning, followed by the generation of functionally titered arrayed lentivirus libraries, and culminating in high-content screening platforms that deliver high-dimensional phenotypic data.

Customized Screens with Sophisticated Readouts

Successful functional genomics experiments depend on selecting the right system for the biology. At LGR, we design and implement custom, CRISPR-based screening platforms by optimizing cell models, libraries, and assays. These platforms enable translation of complex genetic datasets into actionable therapeutic insights.

Biologically-relevant cell-based models

We develop disease-specific cell models using iPSC-derived systems to capture the underlying biology and mechanisms of action.

High-content imaging screens

We combine microscopy-based screening with advanced computational analysis to quantify morphological and intracellular changes, enabling deeper insight into disease biology.

Single-cell genetic perturbation capabilities

We integrate single-cell transcriptomic readouts with CRISPR perturbations to generate high-resolution functional maps of gene activity and cellular response.

Standardizing the CRISPR toolset

Manually executing large-scale CRISPR screens is a laborious, time-intensive process subject to human error. The LGR is investing in automation platforms that generate custom-made libraries at scale with reproducible standards. These libraries, when combined with disease-relevant cell models in imaging-based CRISPR screens, will yield data-rich phenotypic information that can be paired with AI/ML-based analysis. Such resources will provide opportunities to advance research and improve drug discovery in ways that would be challenging in individual labs.

Standardization of existing protocols

The LGR is establishing broadly applicable quality control metrics to develop the best in-field practices that can be shared and disseminated.

Improving guide libraries

Guide libraries are a critical component of CRISPR screens. By increasing the quality of libraries, we are able to decrease experiment cost and improve screen sensitivity.

From Genetic Perturbation to Biological Insight

An Integrated Engine for Genetic Discovery

Advancing functional genomics research

Built Through Research. Designed for What’s Next.

Bring genetic screening into the models that matter.

Build the tools to interrogate gene function.

Turn complex experiments into robust, scalable workflows.

Connect perturbation to phenotype—and phenotype to biology.

From Innovation to Biological Insight Discoveries Enabled by the LGR

Capabilities

Automation Suite for CRISPR Library Generation and Screening

Customized Screens with Sophisticated Readouts

Standardizing the CRISPR toolset

What’s Next Starts With the Right Question.