
via Medical Xpress
Novel gene editing technique reveals cancer weakness in the immune system and opens possibilities to identify disease-causing genes and new drug targets
Scientists at Mount Sinai have developed a novel technology for simultaneously analyzing the functions of hundreds of genes with resolution reaching the single cell level. The technology relies on a barcoding approach using a novel protein described in a paper published in the journal Cell.
Since the sequencing of the first human genome in the early 2000s revealed a set of more than 20,000 protein-coding genes, scientists have not yet been able to characterize the many functions of individual gene. Without that information, our understanding of how the human genome works — and how to use that knowledge to predict, prevent, treat and even cure disease — is limited. In 2012 and 2013, scientists established a powerful new approach for editing genes, called CRISPR, which can be used to determine gene functions. CRISPR has taken the scientific world by storm, but researchers have still been challenged with using CRISPR to study the many thousands of genes and their numerous possible roles.
A new technology developed by scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai helps address the genomics challenge of analyzing the genome at an unprecedented scale. The research, led by postdoctoral fellows Aleksandra Wroblewska, PhD and Maxime Dhainaut, PhD, is novel tool to barcode and track different CRISPRs using synthetic proteins called epitopes. The protein barcodes referred to as Pro-codes, enables hundreds of CRISPRs to be used together to knockout a multitude of genes.
While there are existing technologies for pooling CRISPRs, these approaches rely heavily on DNA as a barcode and permit only a low resolution look into gene function. Through the Pro-Code technique, Mount Sinai researchers were able to demonstrate a way for scientists to more comprehensively characterize the biological effects of a gene.,
In the study, the researchers used the Pro-Code technology to search for genes required for the immune system to protect from cancer. They generated CRISPRs to target the deletion of suspected immune regulatory genes, and paired them with the Pro-Codes. Pro-Code/CRISPR libraries were then introduced to breast cancer cells, and the tumors were challenged with killer T cells that had been engineered to recognize the cancer cells. Most of the cancer cells were rapidly eliminated by the T cells but there were some cells that completed resisted death. The Pro-Code technology helped determine which genes were lost in the resistant cells some with unrecognized roles in sensitizing cancer cells in the immune system. The studies also identified a negative regulator of the immune checkpoint PD-L1, a major clinical target of cancer immunotherapy.
“There is still a great deal of work to be done to fully understand the human genome. We still don’t know what most genes do and how they are connected,” said Brian Brown, PhD, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Associate Director of the Immunology Institute at the Icahn Institute at Mount Sinai and senior author of the publication. “The Pro-Code technology could greatly accelerate one of the major goals of the post-genome era: annotation of the human genome. This discovery will be key to discover disease-causing genes that could lead to novel drug targets. It’s already given us new insights in cancer immunology.”
Learn more: Scientists Identify Critical Cancer Immunity Genes Using New Genetic Barcoding Technology
The Latest on: Genetic barcoding
[google_news title=”” keyword=”genetic barcoding” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Genetic barcoding
- Genetic Testing Insurance Coverage Trendson March 24, 2023 at 4:59 pm
Aim: Health plan coverage policies can influence utilization of genetic tests. Our goal was to characterize the current state of test-related policies from US private payers. Methods: We searched ...
- Why experts recommend ditching racial labels in genetic studieson March 22, 2023 at 12:16 am
Race should no longer be used to describe populations in most genetics studies, a panel of experts says. Using race and ethnicity to describe study participants gives the mistaken impression that ...
- Endometriosis has 'significant genetic overlap' with chronic pain conditionson March 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Share on Pinterest A genetic ‘map’ of endometriosis shows a ‘significant overlap with other chronic pain and immune conditions. Image credit: Duet Postscriptum/Stocksy. Endometriosis can be ...
- Genetic causes of three previously unexplained rare diseases identifiedon March 16, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Genetic causes of three previously unexplained rare diseases identified Date: March 16, 2023 Source: The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine Summary: Using a new computational ...
- Genetic causes of three previously unexplained rare diseases identifiedon March 16, 2023 at 9:10 am
New York, NY (March 16, 2023) – Using a new computational approach they developed to analyze large genetic datasets from rare disease cohorts, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at ...
- Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicineson March 14, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: APA Simmons, Hannah. (2023, March 15). Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicines. News-Medical ...
- Barcoding, Inc. Hires Michael Tassinari as New Chief Revenue Officeron March 9, 2023 at 11:46 am
Tassinari will execute on growth strategies for the company across North America BALTIMORE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Barcoding, Inc., the leader in efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity ...
- Cracking Your Genetic Codeon March 8, 2023 at 5:15 am
"Cracking Your Genetic Code" reveals that we stand on the verge of such a revolution. Meet a cancer patient who appears to have cheated death and a cystic fibrosis sufferer breathing easily ...
- Genetic Testingon March 5, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Visit us on Facebook. Opens in a new tab or window Visit us on Twitter. Opens in a new tab or window Visit us on Instagram. Opens in a new tab or window Visit us on LinkedIn. Opens in a new tab or ...
via Bing News