ETH researchers investigate cancer mutations in the genome
Published: Tuesday, Nov 12th 2024, 17:20
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Researchers at ETH Zurich have investigated how mutations in genetic material affect the function of a cell. Using two Crispr/Cas methods, they determined the significance of the mutations for the development and treatment of cancer.
The researchers at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich in Basel modified a gene in two human cell lines in over 50,000 different ways. This allowed them to create a correspondingly large number of different cell variants, which they then tested for their function. They worked with a gene that is central to the development of various types of cancer, including lung, brain and breast cancer.
In order to produce so many variants of this gene, they combined two Crispr/Cas methods, as the ETH announced on Tuesday. With base editing, individual building blocks of DNA can be modified easily and reliably. With prime editing, individual gene segments can be specifically modified.
According to the ETH, the researchers were able to prove and describe the significance of ten variants of the gene used with a previously unclear influence on cancer. These variants play a role in the development of cancer or make it resistant to certain drugs. The research team also discovered a new mechanism by which a mutation in the investigated gene can cause cancer. They also found six new, relevant gene variants that play a role in cancer.
Cell pools with different gene variants are very important for research. Oncologists are increasingly analyzing the genetic information of tumor cells in patients. This information provides clues as to which drugs might work for an individual patient, the report continued.
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