08/07/2025
Yesterday, we officially launched off the practical course “CRISPR-Based Gene Knockout”, an ambitious program held held during the 20th annual International Summer School "Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Biomedicine." For five days from July 7 to 11, 2025 the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology at Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University has become a vibrant hub of cutting-edge science, hosting this event in close collaboration with the Biotechnology Products Development Department of YP Biotech, the R&D division of ЮРіЯ-ФАРМ / YURiA-PHARM.
This year’s course has brought together 16 participants from Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro: a diverse group of students, PhD researchers, and Assistant Professor, all united by a shared goal: to immerse themselves in a full-scale CRISPR knockout journey, from design to verification.
The School was opened with warm words by Volodymyr Ivanytsia, Doctor of Sciences, Professor, and Vice-Rector of Odesa National University, alongside Oleksandr Hubar, Head of the Biotechnology Products Development Department at YP Biotech. Thanks to the meticulous organization by Nadiia Korotaieva and Tetiana Ivanytsia from ONU, and the expertise brought by the scientific team of Natalia Shenderovska, Roman Sydor, Olha Buhakova, Nazarii Hrubiian, and Nataliia Sehenko, the program has taken on a truly hands-on approach.
Throughout these intensive days, participants dive deep into designing CRISPR experiments, creating guide RNA sequences, performing in vitro transcription, mastering electroporation of mammalian cells, working with genomic DNA, executing in vitro DNA fragment cleavage, and ultimately achieving full-gene deletions in the CHO genome — a eukaryotic system for recombinant protein production.
We’re incredibly proud to see how, despite challenging times, the scientific community not only perseveres but continues to expand opportunities like this. The energy, curiosity, and collaborative spirit of everyone involved prove once again that science knows how to unite and inspire. We can’t wait to share more moments from this scientific adventure — stay tuned!
