bit.bio launches first-of-their-kind human iPSC-derived cells for gene activation and interference, expanding functional genomics product range

bit.bio launches first-of-their-kind human iPSC-derived cells for gene activation and interference, expanding functional genomics product range.

For the first time, researchers can modulate gene activity in human iPSC-derived neurons and glial cells with a set of CRISPR-ready tools for gene knockout, activation, and interference experiments.

• bit.bio’s CRISPR-Ready ioCells™ range now includes CRISPR activation-Ready and CRISPR interference-Ready ioGlutamatergic Neurons, in addition to existing CRISPR knockout-Ready ioCells.

• This complementary set of products are designed for performing over-expression, loss-of-function and knockdown studies, and large scale CRISPR screens in highly defined human iPSC-derived cells.

• Activation and interference experiments help scientists to elucidate how genes are linked to disease, and to identify and validate potential drug targets for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Cambridge, UK, 16:00, 3 March 2025 – bit.bio, the global leader in cell programming technology, today announces the expansion of its CRISPR-Ready ioCells range, starting with CRISPR activation (CRISPRa)- and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-Ready ioGlutamatergic Neurons, designed to provide researchers with a fast and simple toolkit to perform precise gene perturbation experiments in human iPSC-derived neurons. These products complement bit.bio’s existing CRISPR knockout (CRISPRko)-Ready neurons and microglia to provide an unmatched functional genomics toolkit for scientists in disease research and drug discovery. 

bit.bio’s ioCells are human iPSC-derived cells manufactured using the company’s deterministic cell programming technology, opti-ox™. They are widely recognised as best-in-class for their unparalleled consistency, functionality, and scalability. The ioCells portfolio now features 49 products, including ioWild Type Cells, ioDisease Model Cells, CRISPR-Ready ioCells, and the newly introduced ioTracker Cells.

The CRISPRa- and CRISPRi-Ready ioGlutamatergic Neurons enable researchers to explore gene function with precision, for studying disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. These cells allow for systematic activation or repression of specific genes in a physiologically-relevant human neuronal model, eliminating the need for complex differentiation protocols. By enabling large-scale CRISPR screens and gene function studies, they accelerate target identification and validation for drug discovery in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Developing iPS cell lines and optimising the differentiation protocols to generate human neurons and glia ready for CRISPR experiments is complex and can take months. As a result, many scientists still rely on immortalised cells, sacrificing physiological relevance and translatability for practicality and ease of use. The CRISPRa- and CRISPRi-Ready ioGlutamatergic Neurons are delivered ready for use with optimised guide delivery protocols, cutting experimental timelines for gene perturbations and large-scale CRISPR screens to a matter of weeks.

Using CRISPR activation, interference and knockout-ready ioGlutamatergic Neurons can provide a comprehensive picture of a gene’s role in cellular processes, enabling scientists to explore how it contributes to disease. By selectively tuning gene expression levels, scientists can investigate disease pathways, identify genes involved in neuronal survival and degeneration. This approach is particularly valuable for modelling diseases where gene misregulation is a key factor, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. 

For more information or to purchase, please visit our CRISPR-Ready ioCells page.