A Leslie Orgel professor at the University of Colorado, John Rinn studies the human genome and how it is regulated. Currently, John Rinn and his associates at RinnLab are engaged in several research projects revolving around human genetics.
One project involves IncRNA mouse models. IncRNA play crucial roles within human cells. However, the ultimate test of their contributions can be done through genetic testing. While IncRNAs in the body have been mapped, few have undergone in vivo testing to determine their individual contributions. The researchers at RinnLab are identifying IncRNAs in disease-risk regions of the human body and then using mutant mice to test out their functional impacts on disease development.
Another research project involves CRISPR-Display technology. RinnLab researchers have long been interested in developing RNA sequencing technology to allow the analysis of both single and bulk cells to discover IncRNA and their characteristics. In this regard, the researchers developed an application for CRISPR-Cas9 systems called CRISPR-Display. The tool is much like a programmable drone that can be loaded with specific RNA cargo and delivered in the genome to perform specific programmable functions. The technology even allows for the deployment of several such drones into a single cell, making it possible to program different functions at different cell sites. This technology has tremendous applications in cell engineering.
