Dynamic gene expression patterns orchestrate cellular functions. To understand the link between dynamic behaviour and cellular phenotype, and to direct cell fate in a user-defined way, tools enabling precise tuning of gene activation levels and temporal dynamics were developed.

In the eye, a tiny pit in the central retina provides us the clearest vision of all. This region contains the highest number of cone photoreceptors – responsible for our daylight, high acuity vision. Unfortunately, several diseases lead to the degeneration of these photoreceptor cells.

Using next-generation sequencing, we show that adeno-associated virus (AAV) DNA can cut-and-paste into CRISPR-induced breaks in the host genome.

CRISPR arrays have proven difficult to generate due to the repetitive nature of their repeats. We developed a new method for assembly CRISPR arrays called CRATES, and we gained unique insights into CRISPR RNA biogenesis along the way.