CRISPR gene-editing screens are mapping the genetic roots of treatment failure in blood cancer.
This protocol describes using CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens to systematically identify genes mediating drug resistance in AML. Cells surviving better when a particular gene is deleted implicate that gene in resistance to cytarabine or venetoclax.
CRISPR gene-editing screens are mapping the genetic roots of treatment failure in blood cancer.
This protocol describes using CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens to systematically identify genes mediating drug resistance in AML. Cells surviving better when a particular gene is deleted implicate that gene in resistance to cytarabine or venetoclax.
Key Findings
- CRISPR-Cas9 screens identify drug resistance genes in AML systematically
- Genes whose knockout increases drug tolerance implicated as resistance drivers
- Applicable to cytarabine and venetoclax resistance
- Identified genes provide rational targets for combination therapies
Implications
Methodology accelerates AML resistance discovery, potentially enabling combination therapies that prevent relapse.
Caveats
Methods protocol paper; abstract-only. Results require extensive experimental and clinical validation.
Source: Methods in cell biology — 2026-01-01