CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing approaches in colorectal cancer: Current progress and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized by genetic heterogeneity and the accumulation of mutations in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has greatly advanced genetic research by enabling precise genome editing. This review focuses on the innovative applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in CRC research, particularly its role in identifying novel therapeutic targets, elucidating mechanisms of drug resistance, and uncovering metabolic and stem cell pathway alterations in tumorigenesis. We highlight the diverse CRISPR systems, including Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and advanced variants such as CRISPR activation (CRISPRa), CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), base editing, and prime editing, which have expanded gene knockout studies and enhanced our understanding of CRC. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges such as off-target effects and delivery limitations remain. Ongoing efforts to refine CRISPR technology aim to enhance its precision and clinical applicability, ultimately paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies for CRC. In this review, we explore these advances and focus on the latest developments in CRISPR-based approaches for CRC treatment.