Cas-Database: web-based genome-wide guide RNA library design for gene knockout screens using CRISPR-Cas9

MOTIVATION CRISPR-derived RNA guided endonucleases (RGENs) have been widely used for both gene knockout and knock-in at the level of single or multiple genes. RGENs are now available for forward genetic screens at genome scale, but single guide RNA (sgRNA) selection at this scale is difficult. RESULTS We develop an online tool, Cas-Database, a genome-wide gRNA library design tool for Cas9 nucleases from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9). With an easy-to-use web interface, Cas-Database allows users to select optimal target sequences simply by changing the filtering conditions. Furthermore, it provides a powerful way to select multiple optimal target sequences from thousands of genes at once for the creation of a genome-wide library. Cas-Database also provides a web application programming interface (web API) for advanced bioinformatics users. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Free access at http://www.rgenome.net/cas-database/ CONTACT [email protected] or [email protected] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.