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CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: An Approach to Prevent Hereditary Cancers

Cayla
Cayla
Hello! My name is Cayla and my Polygence project is on how genome editing technology can prevent the occurrence and recurrence of genetic cancers. I chose to focus on this topic because I wanted to integrate my love for biology and biochemistry with an issue that has impacted my friends and family. I would like to create a research paper with my findings and submit this paper for publication.
Graduation Year
2025
Student review
I was able to completely learn a new topic and study an area that I previously knew little about.
Project description

Mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes can give rise to a variety of genetic cancers. The use of CRISPR/Cas9 can be applicable in the prevention of these cancers through the knockout of oncogenes and the upregulation of tumor-suppressor genes. This paper proposes this use of the technology by reviewing previous research and successes of CRISPR in treating genetic diseases and the application of those methods to preventing cancer. CRISPR/Cas9 can alter mutated DNA; in the case of oncogenes, CRISPR/Cas9 would restore the cell’s ability to grow and divide, while it would restore the tumor-suppressor gene’s ability to induce apoptosis. This paper also discusses the limitations of this technology, including off-target effects and the delivery of CRISPR into cells.

CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: An Approach to Prevent Hereditary Cancers
Project outcome

The outcome of my project was a completed review paper proposing the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to prevent genetic cancers.

Read the research paper

Sophie
Sophie
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Subjects
Biology
Expertise
cell and molecular biology, genetics, gene therapy
View Polygence mentor page
Mentor review

Sophie helped me create an entire paper on a topic I knew very little on, guiding me through the research and writing process.

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