# CrisprBuildr: an open-source application for CRISPR-mediated genome engineering in Drosophila melanogaster

## TL;DR

CrisprBuildr is a web-based tool that simplifies CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in fruit flies by helping design guide RNAs and repair templates.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is CrisprBuildr, an open-source application streamlining CRISPR design for Drosophila genome engineering.

## Key findings

- CrisprBuildr guides users through creating guide RNAs and repair template vectors for genome modifications.
- New tagging vectors with EGFP, mCherry, and SspB-Q73R were developed for optogenetic experiments.
- The tool is tailored for Drosophila melanogaster but can be adapted for other genomes.

## Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful tool for targeted genome editing experiments. Using CRISPR/Cas9, genes can be deleted or modified by inserting specific DNA sequences, encoding for fluorescent proteins, small peptide tags, or other modifications. Such experiments are essential for detailed gene and protein characterization. However, designing and cloning the corresponding constructs can be repetitive, time-consuming, and laborious. To assist users in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering, we developed CrisprBuildr, an open-source, web-based application for designing modifications to their target genes. CrisprBuildr guides users through creating guide RNAs and repair template vectors to generate cloning maps. The application is designed for the Drosophila melanogaster genome but can serve as a template for other available genomes. We also created new tagging vectors using EGFP and mCherry combined with the small peptide SspB-Q73R for use in iLID-based optogenetic experiments.