CRISPR Restores Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Lung Tumors with NRF2 Mutation

Researchers at ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute have leveraged CRISPR gene editing to overcome chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer by disabling a tumor-specific mutation in the NRF2 gene, according to a recent study published in Molecular Therapy Oncology .

“NRF2 activation in cancer promotes resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, often driven by mutations in NRF2 , like R34G, which is common in lung squamous cell carcinoma,” said the study’s lead author Kelly Banas, PhD, associate director of research at the Gene Editing Institute. “This mutation creates a unique CRISPR/Cas target site, enabling selective editing of cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.”

The NRF2 gene functions as a master regulator of genes that enable cancer cells to withstand chemotherapy, r