New facility will focus on designing gene editing strategies, producing CRISPR tools and providing remote support for users
The Gene Editing Laboratory (LEG) is a new open facility at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM). Operated by the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, which is part of CNPEM, the new lab will accept research proposals from June 9 to July 31, 2025. Proposals must be submitted through the via SAU Online platform.
The genome editing facility provides technical and scientific support to produce mammalian knockout cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The LEG provides services related to producing genome editing mechanisms and strategic planning of experiments, with a focus on offering specialized training and support during the critical stages of the gene editing process.
The main services offered by LEG include:
- Designing the gene editing strategy: Support in determining the best approach for gene knockout using CRISPR/Cas9, including guide selection, validation strategies and evaluating potential off-target effects.
- Producing CRISPR tools: Production of customized molecular components like sgRNAs, plasmid vectors and ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) in accordance with the study design.
- Remote support: Technical direction to help users apply the CRISPR tools in their own laboratories, with guidance on transfection, clone selection and genotype validation. Support will be provided in up to two remote meetings (maximum two hours each), to be scheduled during the period defined in the call for proposals for carrying out the research.
The LEG is intended to expand Brazil’s capacity in genome editing, promoting technological autonomy and accelerating the generation of models for biomedical, pharmacological and biotechnological research.
How to submit research proposals
Users interested in using the LEG facility must submit proposals via the SAU online platform, a portal managed by CNPEM’s User Office (EdU). Calls for proposals will be published every six months. In 2025 users will be able to submit their proposals from June 9 to July 31; selected projects will be carried out between September 1, 2025 and February 27, 2026.
Before submitting proposals, users can send questions to the CNPEM Users Office via e-mail to edu@cnpem.br. Technical questions can be sent directly to facility staff at leg@lnbio.cnpem.br.
Important dates
- Submit proposals: from June 9 to July 31, 2025.
- Carry out projects: from September 1, 2025 to February 27, 2026.
About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment with activities on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. Responsible for Sirius, the country’s largest scientific research infrastructure, CNPEM is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. The research and development activities at CNPEM are conducted by its National Laboratories in the areas of Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), and Biorenewables (LNBR), as well as the Ilum School of Science, which offers a bachelor’s degree program in science and technology with support from the Ministry of Education (MEC).
