GENE EDITING SERVICES

Go bigger, stay on target, and develop the cell lines that get the job done

Whether you need pin-point single base editing with negligible off-target activity, large insertions at a safe harbor site, or other knock-out or knock-in achieved, our exclusive technologies and experienced scientists will deliver more than you may have thought possible.


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10+ years of experience

Research or GMP grade

Downstream Differentiation

Start your gene editing service project today

Choose from our different technology platforms or ask our scientists to customize a project to achieve your goals. We’ll use our patented and proprietary technologies, such as our Rapid Automated Cell Line Editing (RACE™) protocol, to ensure quality, accuracy, and fast turnaround times.  

Capabilities

  • Knock-out 
  • Knock-in (up to 20 kb) 
  • Point mutation or single-base editing 
  • Complex, multi-step cell line engineering 
  • Footprint-free 
Cell types* 

  • iPSCs (healthy or diseased) 
  • HEK293 
  • CHO 
  • Custom 
  • Research grade 
  • cGMP grade  
  • Matched research and cGMP grade 
Applications 

  • Disease modeling 
  • Tissue engineering 
  • Regenerative medicine R&D 
  • Therapeutic R&D 
  • Basic research 
  • Library construction 
  • Cell product cGMP manufacturing 
*We also offer CRISPR editing to generate rodent animal models — contact us to learn more. 

With over 1,800 unique cell line models engineered by the scientist and technology developers at Applied StemCell, you can be confident in the quality and reliability of our service.  

  • Fast turnaround timesAs quick as 6 – 8 weeks when you select one of the ASC control lines or master cell lines. Alternatively, send in your cells for a 2 – 3 month turnaround time.  
  • High success rates—Over 98% projects completed to customer’s specifications 
  • Customizable deliverables—Choose homozygous mutations, heterozygous mutations, footprint-free genome editing (ideal for GMP applications), or other customization options 
  • iPSC engineering specialists—Pluripotency and genomic stability maintained throughout genome editing process  
  • Supply chain security—All projects completed at our facilities in California (cell-based projects) and Oklahoma (animal projects)  


Learn about our comprehensive gene editing technologies


Gene Editing Platform | ASC

TARGATT™—High efficiency, non-viral, large payload integration at a specific intergenic site

Co-invented by Applied StemCell’s CEO, Ruby Chen-Tsai, PhD., and our Head of Research and Development, Alfonso Farruggio, PhD., TARGATT™ gene editing technology enables rapid, efficient, and precise integration of large DNA fragments—up to 20 kb—into a specific intergenic locus. Because integration is precise, single copy, and targeted to a defined site, we can avoid the challenges encountered with random integration mechanisms such as position effects, gene silencing, and gene instability due to the integration of multiple transgene copies. 

Together, these features make TARGATT™ an incredibly versatile tool for stable cell line development, especially when creating large fragment knock-in cell lines, protein expression cell lines, screening libraries, and gene edited iPSCs.

How TARGATT™ works

TARGATT™ | Applied StemCell

TARGATT™ consists of an integrase and two DNA sequences—the attB site, which is placed on the donor plasmid containing your DNA payload, and the attP site which we engineer into the genome at your location of choice (or you can use one of our master TARGATT™ cell lines which have an attP site at the H11 safe harbor genomic locus).  The TARGATT™ integrase binds the attP and attB sites, mediating a site-specific recombination event that results in the stable insertion of a single copy of the donor plasmid into the genome at the attP site. 

TARGATT™ advantages 

  • Screen directly in human and CHO cellsMost efficient and high-throughput library screening platform for HEK293 and CHO cells on the market, covering up to 1 x 109 clones 
  • Large cargo-friendly—up to 20 kb 
  • Safe—Integration only occurs at a specific site that we engineer into the genome 
  • Product development-ready—Patented technology can be licensed, ensuring full freedom-to-operate from RUO to commercialization 
Our TARGATT™gene editing service 

  • We offer research grade and cGMP grade editing in a variety of cell types, including iPSCs 
  • Choose one of our master TARGATT™ cell lines which have the attP site integrated into the well-characterized H11 safe harbor site—available as human iPSC (male and female cells available), HEK293, and CHO cell lines 
  • Turn-around times are as fast as 6 – 8 weeks with a TARGATT™ master cell line or 2 – 3 months  

A. Schematic | ASC

B.Gel | ASC
C.Table | ASC

Figure 2.  We achieved 46% (hygromycin only) and 67% (hygromycin + GCV) knock-in efficiency using TARGATT™ to insert a 22.2 CAG-MCS-attB plasmid into the hiPSC master cell line ASE-9211-TGT-PH3. A. Genotyping strategy that uses 2 sets of primers to confirm knock-in at the 5’ and 3’ junctions (575 and 848 bp, respectively). B. Image of the PCR gel electrophoresis. C. Summary of the genotyping results.  

AccuBase—High efficiency, negligible off-target base editing technology for commercial applications

When you are developing a cell line with single or multiple point mutations for commercial use and need the certainty of negligible off-target effects, we will use our patented AccuBase technology for your genome editing service project.  

How AccuBase works 

AccuBase is a synthetic protein containing the targeting regions of the CRISPR Cas9 protein fused to a deaminase that directly edits the target base. Like the CRISPR Cas9 system, AccuBase uses a guide RNA (gRNA) to localize the AccuBase protein to the target sequence. Once bound, the AccuBase protein undergoes a conformational change that enables the base editing activity.  

AccuBase advantages 

  • Safe—Off-target edits are not detectable 
  • High-efficiency—Achieves multiple edits in a single cell at the same efficiency as a single edit 
  • Product development-ready—Patented technology can be licensed, ensuring full freedom-to-operate from RUO to commercialization 
Our AccuBase gene editing service 

  • We provide sgRNA design and off-target analysis 
  • We have demonstrated success editing a diverse selection of targets, including immune cell surface proteins and disease-related genes 
  • We have successfully edited 12 targets in a single cell line 
AccuBase 

Figure 1. We achieve 80-90% efficiency when using AccuBase to edit as many as 4 targets in the same T cells.  

 

Learn about our other gene editing technologies 

In addition to our patented technologies, we also use CRISPR/Cas9 and MAD7® technologies as part of our gene editing service offering. 

How CRISPR/Cas9 works

CRISPR | ASC
CRISPR/Cas9 is a site-specific nuclease that uses a small guide RNA to target the Cas9 nuclease to a specific sequence in the genome. Wild-type Cas9 creates double stranded breaks in the genome that can be repaired using non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)—creating an indel (insertion/deletion)—or via homologous recombination with a donor plasmid to create knock-ins or point mutations. 

Challenges with CRISPR/Cas9 limit its use in therapeutic applications 

  • Safety is limited—The prevalence of off-target events limits accuracy and safety, raising concerns for clinical translation. 
  • Delivery is inefficient—Ensuring all CRISPR components—the Cas9 enzyme, the guide RNA, and the homology-directed repair donor plasmid—enter the target cells in sufficient quantities is challenging. In addition, the large size of the Cas9 enzyme pushes the limit of viral packaging systems such as AAV. 
  • Knock-in efficiency is low and decreases with increasing insertion size—CRISPR/Cas9 relies on the host’s homologous recombination system which occurs at a low rate 
  • Commercial development is not straightforward—Our CRISPR/Cas9 license is for research use only. Product developers will need to obtain a license for commercialization.  

 

How MAD7 works


Mad7 Editing | ASC
MAD7, or ErCas12a, is a Class 2 Type V Cas nuclease that can be used for gene editing. It was developed by Inscripta and is a royalty-free alternative to CRISPR/Cas9 for academic and industrial research.  

MAD7 is based on a codon-optimized gene from Eubacterium rectale and is similar to Cas9 in that it is an RNA-guided nuclease. However, unlike Cas9, MAD7 uses a single RNA species to guide it to the target DNA, where it creates double stranded breaks with sticky ends rather than blunt ends.  

MAD7 displays a preference for a 5′-TTTN-3′ or 5’ –CTTN-3’ PAM site rather than 5′-NGG-3′, which is preferred by Cas9.  

We have successfully used MAD7 for gene editing in iPSC lines and HEK293 cells. 

MTA Agreement

Material Transfer Agreement

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN ORDER. THIS IS A CONTRACT.

This Material Transfer Agreement (“MTA”) is between you (“Purchaser”) and the Applied StemCell, Inc. a California company, having its principal place of business at 521 Cottonwood Drive Suite 111, Milpitas, CA 95035 USA (“ASC”). Purchaser must have an approved, current ASC account to place an order. This MTA is effective for a period of five (5) years as of the last date of execution by the parties and governs the purchase and use of all ASC Materials under the terms and conditions set forth below.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Definitions

“ASC Material(s)” means materials acquired from ASC as documented on an ASC Sales Order, such as iPS Cell lines.

"ASC Sales Order" means an order submitted for ASC Materials in a form and format as determined by ASC from time to time. "Biological Material(s)" means ASC Materials, Progeny, Unmodified Derivatives and Modifications, either individually or jointly. "Commercial Use" means the sale, license, lease, export, transfer or other distribution of the Biological Materials to a person or entity not party to this MTA for financial gain or other commercial purposes and/or the use of the Biological Material: (a) to provide a service to a person or entity not party to this MTA for financial gain; (b) to produce or manufacture products for general sale or products for use in the manufacture of products ultimately intended for general sale (c) in connection with ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) testing; (d) in connection with drug potency or toxicity testing (e) in connection with proficiency testing service(s), including but not limited to, providing the service of determining laboratory performance by means of comparing and evaluating calibrations or tests on the same or similar items or materials in accordance with predetermined conditions; or (f) for research conducted under an agreement wherein a for-profit entity receives a right whether actual or contingent to the results of the research. Commercial Use specifically does not include Industry Sponsored Academic Research.

“Contributor(s)” means an organization(s) and/or individual(s) providing original material to ASC for deposit.

"Industry Sponsored Academic Research" means research sponsored by a for-profit organization carried out at a non-profit organization and by the non-profit organization’s employees. "Investigator" means the Purchaser’s principal scientist or researcher using the Biological Material(s). "Modification(s)" mean substances created by Purchaser which contain and/or incorporate a significant or substantial portion of ASC Material. "Progeny" means an unmodified descendant from the ASC Materials, such as virus from virus, cell from cell, or organism from organism. "Purchaser(s)" means the organization purchasing and receiving ASC Material pursuant to this MTA. "Unmodified Derivative(s)" mean substances created by Purchaser that constitute an unmodified functional sub-unit or product not changed in form or character and expressed by the ASC Material provided by ASC. Unmodified Derivatives include, but are not limited to, subclones of unmodified cell lines, purified or fractionated subsets of materials provided by ASC, proteins expressed by DNA/RNA supplied by ASC, or monoclonal antibodies secreted by a hybridoma cell line.

Scope of Use

Subject to the terms of this MTA, Purchaser’s Investigator may make and use the Biological Materials provided to Purchaser by ASC for research purposes only in Purchaser’s Investigator’s laboratory only. The Biological Materials are not intended for use in humans. Purchaser agrees that Biological Materials designated as biosafety level 2 or 3 constitute known pathogens and that other Biological Materials not so designated may be pathogenic under certain conditions. Purchaser assumes all risk and responsibility in connection with the receipt, handling, storage, disposal, transfer and Purchaser’s use of the Biological Materials including without limitation taking all appropriate safety and handling precautions to minimize health or environmental risk. Purchaser agrees that any activity undertaken with the Biological Materials will be conducted in compliance with all applicable guidelines, laws and regulations, and that Purchaser will obtain all permits, licenses or other approvals required by any governmental authority in connection with purchaser’s receipt, handling, storage, disposal, transfer and use of the Biological Materials.

Purchaser shall not distribute, sell, lend or otherwise transfer to a person or entity not party to this MTA the Biological Material, as defined above, for any reason, without ASC’s prior written agreement.

Any Commercial Use of the Biological Material is strictly prohibited without ASC’s prior written consent. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that Purchaser’s use of certain Biological Material may require a license from a person or entity not party to this MTA, or be subject to restrictions that may be imposed by a person or entity not party to this MTA (“Third Party Terms”). To the extent of ASC’s knowledge of the existence of any such applicable rights or restrictions, ASC will take reasonable steps to identify the same, either in ASC’s catalog of ASC Materials and/or through ASC’s customer service representatives, and to the extent they are in the possession of ASC, ASC shall make information regarding such Third Party Terms reasonably available for review by Purchaser upon request. Purchaser expressly acknowledges that if there is a conflict between this MTA and the Third Party Terms, the Third Party Terms shall govern. Use of the Biological Materials may be subject to the intellectual property rights of a person or entity not party to this MTA, the existence of which rights may or may not be identified in the ASC catalog or website, and ASC makes no representation or warranty regarding the existence or the validity of such rights. Purchaser shall have the sole responsibility for obtaining any intellectual property licenses necessitated by its possession and use of the Biological Materials.

The use permitted under this MTA for Industry Sponsored Academic Research extends only to the academic research carried out at the non-profit organization and the non-profit organization’s employees. Any non-profit Purchaser using the Biological Materials in connection with Industry Sponsored Academic Research agrees to notify the industrial sponsor that any use of the Biological Materials by the industry sponsor will require a separate license from ASC and/or its Contributors and that ASC and/or its Contributors are under no obligation hereunder to license any Biological Materials to any such industry sponsor.

Warranty; Warranty Disclaimer

ASC warrants that (a) cells and microorganisms included in the ASC Material shall be viable upon initiation of culture for a period of thirty (30) days after shipment thereof from ASC and (b) any ASC Material other than cells and microorganisms shall meet the specifications on the applicable ASC Material product information sheet, certificate of analysis, and/or catalog description until the expiration date on the applicable ASC Material’s product label (such thirty (30) day period, or period until the expiration date, referred to herein as the “Warranty Period”). Purchaser’s exclusive remedy, and ASC’s sole liability, for breach of the warranties set forth in this paragraph is for ASC to, at ASC’s sole option, either (i) refund the fee paid to ASC for such ASC Material (exclusive of shipping and handling charges), or (ii) replace the ASC Material. The warranties set forth in this paragraph apply only if Purchaser handles and stores the ASC Material as described in the applicable ASC Material product information sheet. To obtain the exclusive remedy, Purchaser must report the lack of viability or non-conformation to specifications to ASC’s Technical Service Department within the applicable Warranty Period. Any expiration date specified on the ASC Material shipment documentation states the expected remaining useful life, but does not constitute a warranty or extend any applicable Warranty Period. Except as expressly provided above, the ASC Material and any technical information and assistance provided by ASC are provided as-is, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, typicality, safety, accuracy and/or non-infringement.

Purchaser acknowledges that the ASC Material and any technical information and assistance provided by ASC are developed and provided exclusively for research purposes, and Purchaser agrees to use the same at its sole risk. Purchaser agrees that ASC and its Contributors will not be liable for any loss, claim or demand made by Purchaser, or made against Purchaser by any other party, due to or arising from the use of the ASC Material by Purchaser, except to the extent permitted by law when caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of ASC.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall ASC or its Contributors be liable for any use of the Biological Material by Purchaser, for any loss, claim, damage, or liability, of whatever kind or nature, which may arise from or in connection with this MTA or the use, handling, storage, or disposal of the Biological Material. ASC’s liability to Purchaser for any claim related to or arising from this MTA or the Biological Material, whether in contract, warranty, tort, or otherwise, shall be limited to the amount paid by Purchaser for the Biological Material. In no event shall ASC be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of profits or loss of use, even if ASC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The limitations of liability set forth in this MTA shall survive termination or expiration of this MTA for any reason.