Efficient generation and reversion of chromosomal translocations using CRISPR/Cas technology

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal translocations are a hallmark of cancer cells and give rise to fusion oncogenes. To gain insight into the mechanisms governing tumorigenesis, adequate model cell lines are required. RESULTS: We employ the versatile CRISPR/Cas system to engineer cell lines in which chromosomal translocations are either generated de novo (CD74-ROS1) or existing translocations are reverted back to the original configuration (BCR-ABL1). To this end, we co-apply two guide RNAs to artificially generate two breakpoints and screen for spontaneous fusion events by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The approach we use is efficient and delivers clones bearing translocationsin a predictable fashion. Detailed analysis suggests that the clones display no additional undesired alterations, implying that the approach is robust and precise. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3084-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.