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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Pooled CRISPR-Based Genetic Screens in Mammalian Cells
Published on: September 4, 2019
A CRISPR Platform for Targeted In Vivo Screens
Vincent Maranda1, Yue Zhang1, Frederick S Vizeacoumar2
1Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Abstract:
Large-scale genetic screens are becoming increasingly used as powerful tools to query the genome to identify therapeutic targets in cancer. The advent of the CRISPR technology has revolutionized the effectiveness of these screens and has made it possible to carry out loss-of-function screens to identify cancer-specific genetic interactions. Such loss-of-function screens can be performed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo, depending on the scale of the screen, as well as research questions to be answered. Performing screens in vivo has its challenges but also advantages, providing opportunities to study the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunity. In this chapter, we present a procedural framework and associated notes for conducting in vivo CRISPR knockout screens in cancer models to study cancer biology, anti-tumor immune responses, tumor microenvironment, and predicting treatment responses.
Insights
This chapter outlines how to perform in vivo CRISPR knockout screens in cancer models. These genetic screens help identify therapeutic targets and understand cancer biology, immunity, and treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Large-scale genetic screens are crucial for identifying cancer therapeutic targets.
- CRISPR technology has significantly advanced loss-of-function genetic screens.
- In vivo screens offer unique insights into the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a procedural framework for conducting in vivo CRISPR knockout screens in cancer models.
- To detail associated notes for optimizing these screens.
- To highlight the application of these screens in studying cancer biology, anti-tumor immunity, and treatment response prediction.
Main Methods:
- In vivo CRISPR knockout screens in established cancer models.
- Detailed procedural framework and practical notes.
- Focus on genetic interaction identification and functional genomics.
Main Results:
- Provides a comprehensive guide for researchers.
- Enables the study of complex biological systems in vivo.
- Facilitates the discovery of novel cancer-specific genetic interactions.
Conclusions:
- In vivo CRISPR screens are powerful tools for cancer research.
- This framework supports the investigation of cancer biology, immunity, and treatment responses.
- Optimized protocols are essential for successful in vivo genetic screening.
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