Targeting Epigenetic Modifications in Benzene-Induced AML with CAR T-Cell Therapy and CRISPR-Cas9
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.v13i1.2363Keywords:
Cancer, Hematological Malignancies, Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Benzene, Genetic Mutations, Epigenetic Modifications, CAR T-Cell Therapy, CRISPR-Cas9, Environmental Factors, CarcinogenesisAbstract
While the connection between genes and cancer development may be well-defined, the link between environmental exposures and the emergence of hematological malignancies remains ambiguous. This research paper explores the converging domains of benzene exposure and epigenetic modifications as pivotal contributors to the pathogenesis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). In particular, DNA methylation has emerged as a key factor in the translation of benzene exposure into abnormal gene expression profiles and disrupted hematopoietic differentiation. This review will also provide an in-depth analysis of challenges associated with existing CAR T-cell therapy for AML treatment and propose a groundbreaking alternative: CRISPR-Cas9. This innovative tool has proven to deliver enhanced effectiveness, precision, and versatility in addressing certain epigenetic modifications, thus establishing its clear superiority over conventional treatments. However, every advantage comes with a corresponding drawback for the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Its primary concerns revolve around the degree of control that scientists and researchers have over this technology, as well as its potential to give rise to the so-called ‘designer babies’. These issues will be thoroughly explored in this paper.
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