Bidirectional manipulation of gene expression in adipocytes using CRISPRa and siRNA

We demonstrate that the CRISPRa SAM system can be easily adopted and used to efficiently manipulate gene expression in pre- and mature adipocytes in vitro. Moreover, we describe a novel methodological approach combining the activation of endogenous genes and siRNA-mediated gene silencing, thus providing a powerful tool to functionally decipher genetic factors controlling adipogenesis and adipocyte functions.