CRISPR-Cas9 editing of synaptic genes in human embryonic stem cells for functional analysis in induced human neurons

Generating stable human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with targeted genetic mutations allows for the interrogation of protein function in numerous cellular contexts while maintaining a relatively high degree of isogenicity. We describe a step-by-step protocol for generating knockout hESC lines with mutations in genes involved in synaptic transmission using CRISPR-Cas9. We describe steps for gRNA design, cloning, stem cell transfection, and clone isolation. We then detail procedures for gene knockout validation and differentiation of stem cells into functional induced neurons.