CRISPR enzyme kills cancer cells by shredding their DNA
6 hours ago
- Scientists have used a CRISPR enzyme, Cas12a2, to shred DNA in cancer cells, triggering self-destruction.
- The enzyme is programmed to recognize a specific messenger RNA from cancer cells, acting as a molecular kill switch.
- Akribion Therapeutics is developing a therapy targeting HPV-related head and neck cancers, with clinical trial data expected by 2030.
- Cas12a2 differs from other Cas enzymes by indiscriminately cutting DNA after recognizing its target RNA, causing cell growth arrest.
- Two research teams applied this approach to cancer: one targeting TP53-mutant cells, another targeting KRAS-mutant cells.