BIOL324: Editing the Drosophila Genome using CRISPR- Cas9 to Knockout the WFS1 gene

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool that allows scientists to knockdown a particular gene and add in specific sequences. In humans, the gene WFS1 plays a role in responding to oxidative stress. We believe that if a knockdown of the WFS1 gene occurs, then cells that are exposed to Copper(II) oxide at high levels will cause cell death. Therefore, if we remove this gene, and its protein, then the cell will not be able to respond well to high levels of oxidative stress which will be triggered by adding varying levels of Copper(II) oxide.