Laboratory for Genomics Research

Unraveling the mysteries of the human genome using CRISPR to rapidly accelerate the discovery of new medicines

State-of-the-art laboratory to advance functional genomics research and accelerate drug discovery

Principal Investigators

Research Projects

Published Papers

112k

Samples Tested

About Us

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.

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Featured Photo

The figure shows iPSC-derived neurons made by the LGR to study biological activity in neurodegenerative diseases. The cells were stained with MAP2 antibody (white) and DAPI (blue) and imaged on the ImageXpress confocal microscope.

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.

Capabilities

Automation Suite for CRISPR Library Generation and Screening

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.

Custom library generation

Tapping into our collective automation experience, the LGR is building 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 are equipped to automate processes beginning with arrayed library cloning, then generating functionally titered arrayed lentivirus libraries, and ending with high-content screening platform to yield high-dimensional phenotypic data.

Customized Screens with Sophisticated Readouts

The key to a successful functional genomics experiment lies in choosing the correct screen to tackle the biological question at hand. At the LGR, we are dedicated to designing & implementing custom, CRISPR-based screening platforms. By optimizing these platforms with the most suitable cell models, libraries, and assays, we can help translate genetic datasets and generate new therapeutic targets.

Biologically-relevant cell-based models

To truly understand cell-type specific diseases, we have to study the disease within the appropriate context. A key focus at the LGR is to develop custom human iPSC-derived culture models that elucidate disease-specific biological mechanisms of action.

High-content imaging screens

Microscopy-based screening is a powerful tool for understanding morphological & intracellular changes. By developing high-content microscopy-based screening platforms at scale, we are enabling new tools to help us better understand disease biology & processes.

Single-cell genetic perturbation capabilities

Single-cell transcriptome readouts can capture quantitative ‘fingerprints’ associated with genetic perturbations at the cellular level. The LGR aims to develop the best-in-class procedures for this technology, and also find ways to make it more accessible to others.

Standardizing the CRISPR toolset

While a large part of the LGR is dedicated to furthering CRISPR technology by developing sophisticated new screens coupled with automation platforms, we also recognize the importance of improving existing technologies. Although the explosion of CRISPR has produced a diverse toolset for researchers, there is still much to be done to optimize these tools for the appropriate research context. An important goal for the LGR is to create and optimize next-generation CRISPR technologies that will become future best practice.

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.

Unraveling the mysteries of the human genome using CRISPR to rapidly accelerate the discovery of new medicines

About Us

Advancing functional genomics research

Capabilities

Automation Suite for CRISPR Library Generation and Screening

Customized Screens with Sophisticated Readouts

Standardizing the CRISPR toolset

Join academic & industry researchers to push the boundaries of functional genomics