Cancer CRISPR Screens In Vivo

Trends Cancer. 2018 May;4(5):349-358. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Abstract

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screening is a powerful toolset for investigating diverse biological processes. Most CRISPR screens to date have been performed with in vitro cultures or cellular transplant models. To interrogate cancer in animal models that more closely recapitulate the human disease, autochthonous direct in vivo CRISPR screens have recently been developed that can identify causative drivers in the native tissue microenvironment. By empowering multiplexed mutagenesis in fully immunocompetent animals, direct in vivo CRISPR screens enable the rapid generation of patient-specific avatars that can guide precision medicine. This Opinion article discusses the current status of in vivo CRISPR screens in cancer and offers perspectives on future applications.

Keywords: CRISPR screen; cancer; functional genomics; in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats*
  • Gene Editing
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mutagenesis
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Precision Medicine