CRISPR-Based Genome Editing for Breast Cancer Research

DATE: MAY 2022
Aarhus University | Denmark | Department of Biomedicine
Sabreen Fostok, PhD, Cell and Molecular Biology, Postdoctoral Fellow

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The acidity of the cellular microenvironment promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to tumor acidification is thus essential for the development of breast cancer therapeutics. As such, we aim to investigate the role of specific acid-base transporters and sensors in the development of breast cancer using a CRISPR-based in-vivo approach.

We will use a Hamilton Neuros syringe to perform intraductal injections of viruses, which will act as vectors for local gene delivery and as tools for genome editing in the mouse mammary gland. Using a Hamilton needle with a fine gauge that is compatible with the nipple size in mice will ensure the targeted delivery of viral particles into the mammary ductal system to locally knockout genes of interest and induce cancer, while sparing other body tissues. The Hamilton syringe will allow the injection of microvolumes of viruses into the mammary gland, while maintaining accuracy and precision. This will in turn permit the delivery of the desired doses of viruses and will make it possible to compare different viral vectors. Successful intraductal injections will allow us to establish a new in-vivo model of breast cancer and to study the role of specific acid-base regulators in breast cancer development. Overall, Hamilton products will support the ultimate goal of our research in contributing towards the development of an effective breast cancer treatment.

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