Research Progress on Nanoparticles-Based CRISPR/Cas9 System for Targeted Therapy of Tumors

Biomolecules. 2022 Sep 5;12(9):1239. doi: 10.3390/biom12091239.

Abstract

Cancer is a genetic mutation disease that seriously endangers the health and life of all human beings. As one of the most amazing academic achievements in the past decade, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been sought after by many researchers due to its powerful gene editing capability. CRISPR/Cas9 technology shows great potential in oncology, and has become one of the most promising technologies for cancer genome-editing therapeutics. However, its efficiency and the safety issues of in vivo gene editing severely limit its widespread application. Therefore, developing a suitable delivery method for the CRISPR/Cas9 system is an urgent problem to be solved at present. Rapid advances in nanomedicine suggest nanoparticles could be a viable option. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the potential use of nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 systems in cancer therapeutics, in order to further their clinical application. We hope that this review will provide a novel insight into the CRISPR/Cas9 system and offer guidance for nanocarrier designs that will enable its use in cancer clinical applications.

Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9; cancer; delivery; nanoparticles; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Gene Editing / methods
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine China (XZR2020093), the Social Development Plan of Taizhou, China (TS202001), and Taizhou People’s Hospital Medical Innovation Team Foundation, China (CXTDA201901).