Understanding Leukemia Biology Using Genome Editing Techniques

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About this Research Topic

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Background

Leukemia is a broad spectrum malignant disease of the blood that arises due to a block in differentiation during hematopoiesis, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Aberrant genomic events leading to somatic mutations of genes, or abnormal karyotype arising due to translocation events, are the major causes attributed to leukemogenesis. In addition, secondary mutations acquired during the course of disease amplify the complexity of the disease. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas genome engineering techniques have demonstrated its impact in understanding disease progression at the genomic level. Thus, characterizing the effect of genomic mutations on leukemogenesis and leukemic progression using genome modification technologies remains critical in understanding malignant hematopoiesis and facilitating the development of future therapeutics.

The research of the last few decades has succeeded in characterizing hematological malignancies to a great extent; however, several subtypes of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia, still remain poorly characterized with a poor prognosis. CRISPR-Cas based genome editing has revolutionized the way complex diseases like hematological malignancies can be studied. Understanding leukemia by utilizing CRISPR-Cas remains in its infancy, although some pioneer advancements have been made over the last few years. In-depth analysis of genome-wide negative selection screens and exploration of mutations on cellular proliferation and genetic alterations leading to drug resistance are therefore critical to understanding this heterogeneous disease and for the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

This Research Topic aims to collect basic and translational research pertaining to the utilization of genome engineering in studying leukemia. We welcome original research and review articles on the following, but not limited to, topics:
- Utilizing genome engineering techniques to genome-wide screen in leukemia, including in vitro and in vivo screens
- Utilizing genome engineering for targeted screening (screening few genes)
- Utilizing genome engineering to model specific mutations reported in patients, and characterizing their functions
- Utilizing genome engineering to investigate the effect of mutations on inducing drug resistance
- Identification of novel protein targets using genome engineering using in vitro and in vivo modeling
- Immunotherapy in leukemia
- Drug screening based on genome engineering
- Next generation sequencing and genome engineering

Please note. Genome engineering is not limited to CRISPR Cas based methodologies. We welcome research utilizing different approaches of genome engineering to study leukemia.

Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.

Keywords: Leukemia, CRISPR-Cas genome engineering, genome-wide screen, targeted screen, genome editing, drug resistance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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