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

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.

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

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.