USU Scientists Unveil Cas12a2 CRISPR Tool to Kill Cancer Cells in Mice
Updated
Updated · Utah Public Radio · Jun 5
USU Scientists Unveil Cas12a2 CRISPR Tool to Kill Cancer Cells in Mice
1 articles · Updated · Utah Public Radio · Jun 5
Summary
Utah State University researchers said Cas12a2 selectively killed patient-derived human cancer cells implanted in mice by activating only when it detected cancer-linked RNA inside the cells.
Unlike CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12a2 triggers a DNA-shredding response that destroys the targeted cell, offering a potential way to hit cancer while sparing nearby healthy tissue.
The team discovered the nuclease in cave bacteria, arguing that basic research into microbial immune systems produced a tool that could target cancers by their internal genetic differences rather than surface markers.
Human use remains distant: Jackson said the next step is testing primary patient tissue and stem cells with collaborators at the Huntsman Cancer Institute before any clinical trials.
If this new CRISPR can shred cancer, what's the biggest hurdle preventing it from reaching human trials?
Beyond cancer, could this DNA-shredding technology be programmed to eliminate the cells that cause aging?
Precision Cell Killing with Cas12a2: 2026’s Breakthrough in Targeted Cancer and Virus Therapies
Overview
In May and June 2026, scientists from Utah State University, the University of Utah, and collaborators unveiled Cas12a2, a novel CRISPR-based tool that marks a significant advancement in targeted therapy. Unlike traditional CRISPR technologies that focus on gene editing, Cas12a2 operates by actively destroying cells through shredding the DNA of sick cells, effectively eliminating them from the body. This breakthrough offers remarkable selectivity, as Cas12a2 can kill diseased cells while leaving healthy ones untouched. With its unique mechanism, Cas12a2 is poised to revolutionize how we approach diseases like cancer by minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues.