Efficient CRISPR-based genome editing using tandem guide RNAs and editable surrogate reporters

Cleavage efficiency plays a key role in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based gene editing, particularly when the given guide RNA exhibits low cleavage activity. Here, we describe the packaging of tandem guide RNAs and single-strand annealing-based surrogate reporter cassettes into the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 vector, which increased gene-editing efficiency by 4.94-6.31-fold and simultaneously enriched the proportion of genetically modified cells. This strategy may substantially improve genome-editing efficiency for demanding applications.