The Innovative Genomics Initiative and the Future of Genomics Research

The Innovative Genomics Initiative at the Li Ka Shing Center for Genomic Engineering in Berkeley, CA, is defining the next-generation of genetic engineering and genomics research using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. CRISPR technology, discovered at UC Berkeley in 2012, enables scientists to learn about the specific functions of chromosomes by activating or inhibiting genes, and to change the functions of living cells and organisms by reprograming genetic information.

This introductory video provides an overview of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and describes some of the research applications the IGI and its collaborators will initially be investigating. Appearing in the video are Jennifer Doudna (IGI Executive Director; Professor, UC Berkeley; Investigator, HHMI), Mike Botchan (IGI Administrative Director and Professor, UC Berkeley), Jonathan Weissman (IGI Co-Director and Professor, UCSF; Investigator, HHMI), Jacob Corn (IGI Scientific Director, UC Berkeley), Jennifer Puck (Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF School of Medicine) and Janet Napolitano (President, University of California).