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Updated: May 31, 2026

Universal and Efficient Electroporation Protocol for Genetic Engineering of Gastrointestinal Organoids
Published on: February 18, 2020
Large-scale CRISPR screening in primary human 3D gastric organoids enables comprehensive dissection of gene-drug
Yuan-Hung Lo1,2, Hudson T Horn3, Mo-Fan Huang4,5
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. ylo1@mdanderson.org.
Abstract:
Understanding how genes influence drug responses is critical for advancing personalized cancer treatments. However, identifying these gene-drug interactions in a physiologically relevant human system remains a challenge, as it requires a model that reflects the complexity and heterogeneity among individuals. Here we show that large-scale CRISPR-based genetic screens, including knockout, interference (CRISPRi), activation (CRISPRa), and single-cell approaches, can be applied in primary human 3D gastric organoids to systematically identify genes that affect sensitivity to cisplatin. Our screens uncover genes that modulate cisplatin response. By combining CRISPR perturbations with single-cell transcriptomics, we resolve how genetic alterations interact with cisplatin at the level of individual cells and uncover an unexpected link between fucosylation and cisplatin sensitivity. We identify TAF6L as a regulator of cell recovery from cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. These results highlight the utility of human organoid models for dissecting gene-drug interactions and offer insights into therapeutic vulnerabilities in gastric cancer.
Insights
Researchers used CRISPR screens in human gastric organoids to find genes affecting cisplatin drug response. This work reveals new insights into gene-drug interactions and potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Personalized cancer treatment requires understanding gene-drug interactions.
- Physiologically relevant human models are needed to study these complex interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify genes influencing cisplatin sensitivity using human gastric organoids.
- To explore gene-drug interactions at a single-cell level.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale CRISPR screens (knockout, CRISPRi, CRISPRa) in primary human 3D gastric organoids.
- Integration of CRISPR perturbations with single-cell transcriptomics.
- Analysis of gene modulation of cisplatin response.
Main Results:
- Identified genes that modulate sensitivity to cisplatin in gastric cancer cells.
- Uncovered a link between fucosylation and cisplatin sensitivity.
- Identified TAF6L as a key regulator of cell recovery from cisplatin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Human organoid models are effective for dissecting gene-drug interactions.
- Findings offer insights into therapeutic vulnerabilities in gastric cancer.
- This approach advances personalized medicine strategies.
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