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.

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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 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.

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

Build what’s next in functional genomics.