CRISPR-KOALA Uncovers 90 Breast Cancer Driver Genes, Pinpointing PLGRKT on Chromosome 9p
Updated
Updated · Nature.com · Jul 9
CRISPR-KOALA Uncovers 90 Breast Cancer Driver Genes, Pinpointing PLGRKT on Chromosome 9p
3 articles · Updated · Nature.com · Jul 9
Summary
Researchers screened 3,752 genes across the 10 most frequent chromosome-arm alterations in basal-like breast cancer and identified 90 driver genes, most with previously unknown roles.
The new CRISPR-KOALA platform combines knockout and activation screens in immunocompetent mouse models, letting scientists test how aneuploidy-linked copy-number changes promote tumors.
PLGRKT emerged as a potent oncogene on chromosome 9p, with experiments tying its tumor-promoting effect to stress-resistant mitochondria and stronger detoxification of reactive oxygen species.
The findings suggest broad chromosome-arm gains and losses can drive cancer by selecting specific genes across pathways including MAPK, HIPPO and WNT, helping explain basal-like breast cancer heterogeneity.
With 90 new cancer drivers found in vivo, how will this reshape the drug discovery pipeline for other deadly cancers?
If cancer's 'genomic chaos' is actually targeted evolution, what other fundamental assumptions about the disease could be completely wrong?
Could targeting a cancer cell's energy source, the mitochondria, be the key to defeating these aggressive tumors?
CRISPR-KOALA Uncovers 90 Driver Genes in Aggressive Basal-Like Breast Cancer, Paving Way for Precision Medicine
Overview
A groundbreaking study published in July 2026 identified 90 cancer driver genes for basal-like breast cancer (BLBC), with 81 being entirely new discoveries. BLBC is the most aggressive and difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because it lacks key receptors, leaving patients with few effective options and poor outcomes. Until now, pinpointing the specific genes driving BLBC was nearly impossible due to the complexity of its genetic changes. This breakthrough not only reveals the hidden drivers behind BLBC’s aggressiveness but also opens the door to developing much-needed targeted therapies for patients who previously had limited hope.