Identifying Key Drivers of Tumor Spread Using CRISPR Screening
The Children’s Brain Tumor Project at Weill Cornell Medicine leverages CRISPR technology to identify key drivers of tumor behavior. This advanced gene-editing technology can be used to manipulate tumor genomes, and systematically turn off genes in brain tumor cells. Under the mentorship of Drs Jeffrey Greenfield and Nadia Dahmane, the team is studying how changing the gene affects tumor behavior, allowing them to determine which genes are critical for tumor dissemination.
CRISPR screens validate tumor vulnerabilities with speed and scale.
The screens require growing tumor cells in the lab, editing their genes using CRISPR, and observing changes in behavior — such as increased cell migration or survival — to aid discovery. The genes identified are further tested for their role in other preclinical models, their potential for cancer reprogramming therapy, and the possibility of new targeted therapies. The insights gained could help develop strategies to stop tumor progression, reduce recurrence, and prevent metastasis.
Peer-reviewed papers resulting from this innovative work include:
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY: Pooled CRISPR screens with joint single-nucleus chromatin accessibility and transcriptome profiling
