Application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in research and therapy of cancer

Clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) genome editing system is a new tool that is able to edit the cellular genome guided by RNA to recognize and edit DNA, providing the possibility to more efficient gene editing, which enables researchers to precisely manipulate specific genomic elements at the base level. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system has been widely used in cancer research. This review summarizes the molecular mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, and introduces its application in cancer research and potential therapy in clinical practice based on the latest research. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2016.55.514