Establishing a transferable prokaryotic prime-editing tool for search-and-replace gene editing

Purpose and goal:

The project aims at developing a proof-of-concept prime-editing tool to enable rapid and efficient search-and-replace gene-editing in industrial prokaryotes. In particular, the project intends on exploring tool transferability with the goal of designing a universal bacterial tool with limited species-specific optimisation, thus streamlining tool implementation in different laboratory settings.

Expected results and effects:

The project aims to demonstrate a proof-of-concept application of a prime-editing technique in the selected bacterial species, thereby expanding their gene-editing toolbox. This work will evaluate the efficiency and limitations of the editing process, allowing for further tool optimisation accelerating strain engineering in future projects. Additionally, the project will assess the feasibility of developing a transferable tool compatible with multiple species, streamlining genetic engineering workflows across various laboratories.

Approach and implementation:

The initial tool will be designed with compatible genetic components for all three selected species to enhance transferability. The applicability of the tool will then be explored simultaneously in the three bacterial species using a fluorescence-based screening method to assess editing efficiency.