CRISPR screening unveils ATXN3 as a new cancer treatment target

Utilizing CRISPR screening, the deubiquitinase ATXN3 has been identified as a key regulator of PD-L1 transcription in tumor cells, a critical factor in tumor immune evasion.

By: Gorm Palmgren - Dec. 7, 2023

#CRISPRMED24

The researchers transfected into melanoma cells a targeted library of all 96 mammalian deubiquitinase family members and subsequently sorted the cells for low and high PD-L1 expression to identify regulators. ATXN3 was found to positively influence PD-L1 transcription, aiding tumor cells in evading the immune system.

This novel insight provides a promising target for enhancing the efficacy of checkpoint blockade antitumor immunotherapy, potentially transforming cancer treatment strategies. The study also highlights ATXN3's broader role in regulating tumor microenvironmental responses to hypoxia and inflammation, opening new avenues for cancer research and therapy.

The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation and you can read it here: doi.org/10.1172/JCI167728

To get more of the CRISPR Medicine News delivered to your inbox, sign up to the free weekly CMN Newsletter here.

ArticleCMN BriefsMissing linksNewsCRISPR Therapeutics AG