Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
08:06
Somatic Genome-Engineered Mouse Models Using In Vivo Microinjection and Electroporation
Published on: May 5, 2023
1.7K
Efficient cancer modeling through CRISPR-Cas9/HDR-based somatic precision gene editing in mice
Wen Bu1,2, Chad J Creighton2,3, Kelsey S Heavener1
1Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Science Advances
|May 12, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed improved CRISPR-Cas9 technology for precise gene editing in mice. This advance enables the rapid creation of consistent, high-fidelity tumor models for cancer research and drug development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- CRISPR-Cas9 enables gene editing in somatic cells, but precise single-nucleotide editing remains challenging.
- Existing methods lack flexibility and efficiency for generating specific tumor models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report technological modifications to the CRISPR-Cas9 vector system for precise gene editing.
- To enable homology-directed repair-mediated precise editing of proto-oncogenes in murine somatic tissues.
- To generate high-flexibility and high-efficiency tumor models.
Main Methods:
- Modified CRISPR-Cas9 vector system.
- Homology-directed repair-mediated precise editing.
- Somatic editing of Kras or Pik3ca in murine mammary glands.
Main Results:
- Swift tumorigenesis observed after somatic editing of Kras or Pik3ca.
- Generated tumors shared features with lentivirus-induced tumors but showed less intertumor variation.
- Developed consistent models for cancer studies and therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Technological modifications enhance CRISPR-Cas9 for precise gene editing in vivo.
- This advance facilitates the creation of high-fidelity mouse models for cancer research.
- Improved models offer consistency for studying human tumor evolution and preclinical drug testing.
Related Concept Videos
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
5.6K
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
5.6K
01:59CRISPR
52.5K
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced...
52.5K
01:28CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
80
The CRISPR-Cas system serves as a bacterial defense mechanism against invading genetic elements such as viruses and plasmids, forming the foundation for its adaptation as a powerful genome-editing tool. Originally discovered in prokaryotes, this system has been repurposed to revolutionize genetic engineering across a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. The core component, Cas9, is an endonuclease derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, capable of introducing...
80
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
14.1K
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
14.1K