Abstract

Synthego develops automated platforms for engineering cell lines at scale, As well as a whole-genome knockout library using the CRISPR-Cas technology. The combinatory power of these two platforms led to revolutionary approaches to drug discovery research during the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 worldwide pandemic, we sought to leverage our genome engineering capabilities to help fight COVID-19. Through a series of collaborations with the UCSF QBI Coronavirus Research Group (QCRG), we provided hundreds of gene knockout, assay ready cells to consortium researchers across the globe in order to validate 332 host-pathogen protein-protein interactors identified from network maps developed using mass spectrometry.Taken together, a platform combining proteomics, CRISPR-based genetics, and structural biology proved to be a powerful tool for drug discovery during the worldwide pandemic.