Applications of CRISPR Technology to Breast Cancer and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research

Abstract

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology has transformed oncology research in many ways. Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy globally and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes with numerous challenges still to be faced. In this work, we have explained what CRISPR consists of and listed its applications in breast cancer while focusing on TNBC research. These are disease modelling, the search for novel genes involved in tumour progression, sensitivity to drugs and immunotherapy response, tumour fitness, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, we have listed the current delivery methods employed for the delivery of CRISPR systems in vivo. Lastly, we have highlighted the limitations that CRISPR technology is subject to and the future directions that we envisage. Overall, we have provided a round summary of the aspects concerning CRISPR in breast cancer/TNBC research.

Exploring the Advantages and Limitations of CRISPR-Cas in Breast Cancer

“…42 Mutations in this gene have been associated with a variety of human cancers, with the most frequent mutations occurring within the DNA-binding domain. 43 An increase in TP53 mutation burden (predominantly missense mutations) in BC, has been correlated with advanced disease, higher genetic instability and metastatic risk, 44 worse overall survival and poor clinical outcome. 45,46 Given the high implications of TP53 gene mutations in cancer prognosis, this gene constitutes an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy.…”