The Genome Editing Facility, based within the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, and headed by Professor Nick Allen, carries out the derivation, genome editing and culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC’s) and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC’s). This technology is a vital tool in the understanding and modelling of genetic diseases, and the assessment and development of new treatments and therapies. The facility will provide support to CRISPR genome editing projects, including study design, generation, screening and validation of edited cell lines.

Our Expertise

Professor Allen has extensive expertise in the engineering, development and use of iPSC-derived disease models. Bridget Allen, the Wales Gene Park Genome Editing Facility Research Manager, has technical expertise in iPSC culture and the CRISPR genome editing technologies in human iPSC’s.

In addition, as manager of the Wales Gene Park transgenic facility, Bridget Allen has longstanding experience in the production, maintenance and cryopreservation of transgenic and knockout mice, and all associated techniques. Although no longer carrying out transgenic and knockout mouse production as a service, we can provide consultations, advice and support for researchers throughout Wales in these techniques, colony management and breeding programmes.

Core Activities

• Developing CRISPR genome editing technology to produce novel genetically modified (GM) iPSC lines
• iPSC reprogramming
• ES cell derivation
• Consultation provision for researchers requiring support in ES/iPSC and genome editing techniques
• Continued use of existing transgenic models for research into disease mechanisms and pre-clinical trials

Examples of work undertaken

• Developing a preclinical fetal programming model combining fetal growth restriction and aberrant behaviour (Prof. Ros John, BIOSI)
• Axin1 mutation drives hepatocellular carcinoma while reducing mutant b-catenin reverses intestinal hyperplasia (Prof. Trevor Dale, BIOSI)

For any enquiries, please contact the Genome Editing Facility Manager, Bridget Allen (AllenBR@cardiff.ac.uk)