In vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of fusion oncogenes for selective elimination of cancer cells

Nat Commun. 2020 Oct 8;11(1):5060. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18875-x.

Abstract

Fusion oncogenes (FOs) are common in many cancer types and are powerful drivers of tumor development. Because their expression is exclusive to cancer cells and their elimination induces cell apoptosis in FO-driven cancers, FOs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, specifically targeting the resulting chimeric products is challenging. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, here we devise a simple, efficient and non-patient-specific gene-editing strategy through targeting of two introns of the genes involved in the rearrangement, allowing for robust disruption of the FO specifically in cancer cells. As a proof-of-concept of its potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of intron-based targeting of transcription factors or tyrosine kinase FOs in reducing tumor burden/mortality in in vivo models. The FO targeting approach presented here might open new horizons for the selective elimination of cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / genetics
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genetic Loci
  • Genomic Instability
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Introns / genetics
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Oncogene Fusion / genetics*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems / metabolism
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • EWSR1-FLI1 fusion protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Doxorubicin
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl