Genetic screens in vivo using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

Abstract

An unmet and paramount need in the field of cancer research is to rapidly translate basic biological findings to clinically relevant therapeutics for cancer patients. Recent technological advances have generated many innovative applications to cancer biology and in a short time have yielded a wealth of information about putative vulnerabilities across a range of cancers. The proposed work involves the development of a technique to quickly probe potential cancer-specific vulnerabilities in vivo adopting methods used in genetic screens. By harnessing the information obtained from large datasets in vitro and the utility of cutting-edge endogenous mouse models, the general aim of this work is to create a method that shortens the gap between findings in the lab to viable treatment options for cancer patients.