A new study reveals that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can allow cancer cells to inadvertently remove critical genes, potentially impacting cancer research and treatment strategies. I did.
A new study by Claudia Kutter’s research group in the Department of Microbiology, Tumors and Cell Biology (MTC) has identified potential pitfalls in the use of CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing technique used to treat cancer.
The study found that leukemia-derived cancer cell lines had removed regions encoding tumor suppressor genes and genes that control cell proliferation.
“We found that this removal often occurs when cancer cells are exposed to stress, such as when using CRISPR, gene scissors, or other treatments such as antibiotics. and as a result affect fundamental biological processes such as: DNA Research is being carried out on replication, cell cycle control, DNA repair, etc.,” says Claudia Kutter, research group leader at Karolinska Institutet MTC.
Implications for cancer research and treatment
This knowledge is important for researchers, clinicians, and biotechnologists to correctly interpret and apply gene editing results. Because the observed ablation is in a gene associated with cancer, this study also has clinical relevance, with implications for cancer research and treatment.
“Surprisingly, this removal has been unintentionally overlooked by many researchers who modify the genes of cancer cells through CRISPR screening. This removal also occurs more frequently in patients undergoing cancer treatment. “It has a selective advantage because the treated cancer cells are removed, and these cells remain after treatment, which has a negative impact on the patient’s long-term survival,” says Claudia.
A call for cautious progress
“While this study primarily serves as a warning signal, it also opens the door for further research aimed at harnessing the potential of gene editing while minimizing unintended consequences,” Claudia concluded. I am.
Reference: “10q23.31 Essential Deletion; PTEN “CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome manipulation in HAP1 cells that mimics cancer profiles worsens genetic loci” Keyi Geng, Lara G Merino, Raül G Veiga, Christian Sommerauer, Janine Epperlein, Eva K Brinkman, Claudia Kutter, 2023 November 20th, Life Science Alliance.
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302128