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A Customizable Protocol for String Assembly gRNA Cloning (STAgR)
Published on: December 26, 2018
A cross-strain CRISPRi sgRNA library for Streptococcus agalactiae
William D Cutts1, Austin D Sandobal1, Aidan W Flanagan2
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Microbiology Resource Announcements
|June 4, 2026
Summary
We developed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) sgRNA database for hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1. This resource aids in studying Group B Strep (GBS) biology and pathogenesis by enabling scalable genetic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a hypervirulent pathogen.
- Understanding GBS pathogenesis requires effective genetic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and present a comprehensive CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) sgRNA database.
- To target the hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1.
- To enable scalable interrogation of GBS biology, colonization, and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- In silico design of single-guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences.
- Database development for CRISPRi applications.
- Focus on Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive, in silico-designed CRISPRi sgRNA database for S. agalactiae COH1.
- The database offers broad, redundant, and cross-strain functional coverage.
- Facilitates investigation of conserved and strain-specific GBS determinants.
Conclusions:
- The developed database is a valuable resource for studying GBS.
- Enables scalable CRISPRi-based research into GBS virulence and host interactions.
- Supports future investigations into GBS biology and therapeutic strategies.
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