The present and future of genome editing in cancer research

Abstract

The widespread use of high-throughput genome sequencing methods is profoundly changing the way we understand, classify, and treat human cancers. To make sense of the deluge of sequencing data generated in the clinic, more effective and rapid assessments of the functional relevance of newly discovered cancer-associated mutations are urgently needed. In this review, we discuss how genome editing technologies are responding to this major challenge. Largely focusing on CRISPR-based methods, we will highlight their potential to accelerate discovery, discuss their current limitations, and speculate about future applications.

Figure 1. Genome-editing tools in cancer research

Applications of programmable nucleases of potential relevance to cancer research are shown. The left panel illustrates applications resulting in genetic changes in the recipient cell, while the right panel lists applications that do not modify its genome.