Gene Editing Services

Overview

We accept the following cell types for gene editing:

• Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

We are happy to advise on obtaining an appropriate cell line for your project.

Our gene editing services include:

• CRISPR gene knock-outs
• CRISPR knock-ins
  • Introduce or repair a mutation/modify a SNP
  • Insert a short sequence <50 nt
• CRISPR-mediated transgene insertion
  • E.g. Gene reporter lines
• Selection cassette removal
  • Cre-LoxP, PiggyBac or FLP-FRT

See pricing and service details, see below.

To request a quote or discuss your project with us, please use our service request form.

Have another idea? Custom projects can be arranged by consultation; please contact us.

Rates

These rates are effective July 1st, 2026.

To place an order, please use our service request form. The HSCI iPS Core offers the following gene editing services (rates differ according to Harvard affiliation and for-profit/non-profit status; all rates are subject to change):

^* "Harvard and HMS Faculty" includes two groups of users: 1) all Harvard faculty and researchers using a Harvard University 33-digit billing code, and 2) HMS Quad A and Quad B faculty members.

Service Details

CRISPR Module 1: Background Study and gRNA Design

In this module, which takes about one week to complete, the iPS Core consults with the investigator to develop a targeting strategy for the generation of an edited human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) line.

This module delivers custom design of CRISPR guide RNAs complementary to the DNA sequence in the genomic site to be targeted.

CRISPR Module 2: CRISPR-mediated KO relying on indel to create frameshift

In this module, which takes about 6-12 weeks to complete, the iPS Core targets a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) line to produce a frameshift mutation in a protein-coding gene, usually targeted to trigger decay of the mRNA transcript.

Service steps include transfection of one hPSC line with CRISPR guide RNA and Cas9 (Neon system: 3 voltages), analysis and subcloning of the transfected cell pool, screening of 96 clones, analysis and expansion of clones with desired genotypes, cryopreservation, and QC consisting of thaw testing, mycoplasma testing and sequence confirmation of the edited locus.

This module delivers cryopreserved stocks for four clones with desired genotypes; typically two knock-out and two non-targeted control clones. 

CRISPR Module 3: CRISPR-mediated KI using ssODN

In this module, which takes about 6-12 weeks to complete, the iPS Core targets an hPSC line to modify a genomic sequence using a short template encoded in a single-stranded oligo DNA nucleotide (ssODN).

Examples include modifying a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or inserting a short sequence <50 nt in length.

Service steps include transfection of one hPSC line with CRISPR guide RNA, Cas9 and ssODN; analysis and subcloning of the transfected cell pool, screening of 96 clones, analysis and expansion of clones with desired genotypes, cryopreservation, and QC consisting of thaw testing, mycoplasma testing and sequence confirmation of the edited locus.

This module delivers cryopreserved stocks for four clones with desired genotypes; typically two knock-in and two non-targeted control clones. 

CRISPR Module 4a: CRISPR-mediated transgene insertion with selection cassette (one genotype)

In this module, which takes about 6-12 weeks to complete, the iPS Core targets an hPSC line to insert a transgenic sequence >50 nt in length that includes a selection marker. The investigator provides a plasmid that encodes the transgenic sequence and homology arms corresponding to the desired insertion site.

Choose between: 

• Transgene insertion in one allele; 2nd allele unedited
• Transgene insertion in both alleles
• No preference

Examples include the generation of reporter lines.

Service steps include transfection of one hPSC line with CRISPR guide RNA, Cas9 and plasmid; antibiotic selection of the transfected cell pools, analysis and expansion of clones with desired transgene insertion, cryopreservation and sequence confirmation of the edited locus. If selection cassette removal (Module 5) is not chosen, service steps of Module 4a will also include thaw testing and mycoplasma testing.

This module delivers cryopreserved stocks for two clones with desired transgene insertion.

CRISPR Module 4b: CRISPR-mediated transgene insertion with selection cassette (two genotypes)

This module includes the same service steps as Module 4a above, but delivers both genotypes:

• One clone with single-allele transgene insertion; 2nd allele unedited
• One clone with transgene insertion in both alleles. 

CRISPR Module 5: Selection cassette removal

In this module, which takes about 6-8 weeks to complete, the iPS Core removes a cassette from an hPSC line using Cre recombinase, PiggyBac transposase or FLP recombinase.

Service steps include transfection of one hPSC line; subcloning of the transfected cell pool, analysis and expansion of clones with the selection cassette removed, cryopreservation, and QC consisting of thaw testing, mycoplasma testing and sequence confirmation of the edited locus.

This module delivers cryopreserved stocks for two clones with desired transgene removal.