Korean Researchers Introduce Web Tool to Boost Accuracy of CRISPR

Led by Professor Jeongbin Park, a research team from Pusan National University in South Korea has developed a new web-based tool, called Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder, that improves the accuracy of the CRISPR gene editing technique. Developed using the human genome and pepper plant cultivars, this web-based tool enhances off-target site prediction by incorporating individual genetic variants. Their findings are published in Nucleic Acids Research.

The researchers developed a tool that accepts phased single-sample VCF files and performs haplotype-level analysis, providing a more detailed and accurate picture of potential off-target effects. “In my view, genome editing tools should be as individualized as the genomes they target,” Prof. Park said. Human and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) genomes were used to test and analyze the system.

The results showed that the web-based tool identified unique off-target effects caused by small genetic variants. The system revealed off-target sites on chromosome 10 in humans, while it identified allele-specific targets useful for breeding in sweet pepper. “We believe Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder will play a central role in developing safer, more effective CRISPR therapies and agricultural applications,” Prof. Park said. Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder is a login-free platform, with code, benchmark tools, and datasets available on GitHub and Zenodo.

For more information, read the article from Pusan National University.