crispr

CRISPR enzyme kills cancer cells by shredding their DNA

2 months 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.