Preclinical Advances in LNP-CRISPR Therapeutics for Solid Tumor Treatment

Cells. 2024 Mar 24;13(7):568. doi: 10.3390/cells13070568.

Abstract

Solid tumors, with their intricate cellular architecture and genetic heterogeneity, have long posed therapeutic challenges. The advent of the CRISPR genome editing system offers a promising, precise genetic intervention. However, the journey from bench to bedside is fraught with hurdles, chief among them being the efficient delivery of CRISPR components to tumor cells. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a potential solution. This biocompatible nanomaterial can encapsulate the CRISPR/Cas9 system, ensuring targeted delivery while mitigating off-target effects. Pre-clinical investigations underscore the efficacy of LNP-mediated CRISPR delivery, with marked disruption of oncogenic pathways and subsequent tumor regression. Overall, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, when combined with LNPs, presents a groundbreaking approach to cancer therapy, offering precision, efficacy, and potential solutions to current limitations. While further research and clinical testing are required, the future of personalized cancer treatment based on CRISPR/Cas9 holds immense promise.

Keywords: CRISPR; genome editing; lipid nanoparticles (LNPs); solid tumors; translational research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Gene Editing
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Nanostructures*
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Grants and funding

This research was supported by Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (824QN263, 824QN272).