Cryo-shocked tumor cells deliver CRISPR-Cas9 for lung cancer regression by synthetic lethality

Sci Adv. 2024 Mar 29;10(13):eadk8264. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk8264. Epub 2024 Mar 29.

Abstract

Although CRISPR-mediated genome editing holds promise for cancer therapy, inadequate tumor targeting and potential off-target side effects hamper its outcomes. In this study, we present a strategy using cryo-shocked lung tumor cells as a CRISPR-Cas9 delivery system for cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) gene editing, which initiates synthetic lethal in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By rapidly liquid nitrogen shocking, we effectively eliminate the pathogenicity of tumor cells while preserving their structure and surface receptor activity. This delivery system enables the loaded CRISPR-Cas9 to efficiently target to lung through the capture in pulmonary capillaries and interactions with endothelial cells. In a NSCLC-bearing mouse model, the drug accumulation is increased nearly fourfold in lung, and intratumoral CDK4 expression is substantially down-regulated compared to CRISPR-Cas9 lipofectamine nanoparticles administration. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 editing-mediated CDK4 ablation triggers synthetic lethal in KRAS-mutant NSCLC and prolongs the survival of mice.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Gene Editing
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Lung
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Mice
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics
  • Synthetic Lethal Mutations

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)