CRISPR/Cas9 in colorectal cancer: Revolutionizing precision oncology through genome editing and targeted therapeutics.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced molecular therapies to improve outcomes. The CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing platform has emerged as a transformative tool in CRC research, enabling precise genomic modifications to suppress tumor progression, enhance chemosensitivity, and modulate oncogenic pathways. This review highlights CRISPR/Cas9 applications in CRC models, including MC38 murine and CaCO-2 cell lines, where targeted gene edits demonstrate tumor-suppressive effects. For instance, Par3L protein knockout via CRISPR/Cas9 inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and sensitizes cells to chemotherapy by regulating AMPK signaling. Additionally, AAV-mediated CRISPR editing shows promise in HPV16-driven CRC models. Despite its potential, clinical translation faces challenges such as off-target effects, immunogenicity, and delivery limitations. Advances in engineered CRISPR variants (e.g., xCas9, HypaCas9) and innovative delivery systems are refining specificity and efficacy. CRISPR/Cas9 also accelerates biomarker discovery, paving the way for precision oncology. Overcoming current barriers could revolutionize CRC therapeutics, offering personalized treatment paradigms.