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Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 has become a powerful method for making changes to the genome of many
organisms. First discovered in bacteria as part of an adaptive immune system, CRISPR/Cas9
and modified versions have found a widespread use to engineer genomes and to activate
or to repress the expression of genes. As such, CRISPR/Cas9 promises to accelerate
cancer research by providing an efficient technology to dissect mechanisms of tumorigenesis,
identify targets for drug development, and possibly arm cells for cell-based therapies.
Here, we review current applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for cancer research
and therapy. We describe novel Cas9 variants and how they are used in functional genomics
to discover novel cancer-specific vulnerabilities. Furthermore, we highlight the impact
of CRISPR/Cas9 in generating organoid and mouse models of cancer. Finally, we provide
an overview of the first clinical trials that apply CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic approach
against cancer.