PATHWAY MECHANISMS FOR CANCER CELL MIGRATION THROUGH CRISPR-KO AND SCRNA-SEQ

Abstract

Genome-wide loss of function (LOF) screens via siRNA knockdown or CRISPR-knockout (CRISPR-KO) have successfully identified genes required for cancer cell viability. Most cancer fatalities, however, are from metastases, and it would be extremely valuable to identify genetic markers that contribute to tumour metastasis. Cellular phenotypes required for metastasis include increased cellular migration and invasion, which can potentially be exploited for genome-wide LOF studies. We hypothesise that new assay and genomics technologies will allow the identification and interpretation of genetic causes of migration, as well as potential identification of clinically useful biomarkers of metastasis. This paper seeks to develop an approach capable of identifying important affectors of migration. Using a migration screen coupled with genome-wide CRISPR-KO, it will be possible to identify genetic contributors to increase metastasis in breast cancer cells representing three different stages of cancer progression.