Epigenetic reprogramming in breast cancer: The role of CRISPR-Cas 9

Abstract

Epigenetic alterations are known to be a significant factor in the development and advancement of breast cancer (BC), which continues to be a substantial cause of illness and death in women globally. The emergence of CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9) technology has fundamentally transformed our capacity to edit the genome with unparalleled accuracy, providing novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review examines the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9 to alter epigenetic landscapes to combat BC. We examine the fundamental processes of CRISPR-Cas9 and its derivatives, including dCas9, in their ability to specifically target DNA methylation and histone alterations. The highlighted review showcases the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in reactivating silenced tumor suppressor genes and inhibiting oncogenes. In addition, we analyze the incorporation of CRISPR-based epigenetic editing into current medicines, offering valuable knowledge on the use of combination therapies to improve treatment effectiveness and overcome resistance. This review intends to highlight the revolutionary potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in generating targeted, personalized therapeutics for BC by explaining the present advancements and future applications. The incorporation of this state-of-the-art technology with conventional and developing therapies holds the potential to establish more efficient and long-lasting remedies in the battle against BC, ultimately enhancing patient results and rates of survival.