Computational Design of gRNAs for CRISPR/Cas۹-Mediated Suppression of STAT۳, MYC, and EGFR in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with significant global health implications, particularly in endemic regions. The oncogenes STAT۳, MYC, and EGFR play critical roles in NPC pathogenesis, driving tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis. This study aims to design highly specific and efficient guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting these oncogenes using the CRISPR/Cas۹ system, with the goal of developing a novel therapeutic strategy for NPC prevention and treatment. Computational tools, including CRISPOR and CHOPCHOP, were employed to identify optimal gRNA sequences, ensuring minimal off-target effects and maximal on-target activity. Subsequently, the MFOLD tool was employed to analyze the secondary structure of the gRNAs, identifying potential hairpins, loops, and other structural motifs that could influence their functionality. Furthermore, GGGnome and Nucleotide BLAST were leveraged to assess the specificity and evolutionary conservation of the designed gRNAs, ensuring their suitability for targeted gene editing. The results demonstrate the successful design of gRNAs with high predicted efficiency and specificity, paving the way for further experimental validation and potential clinical application. This approach highlights the promise of CRISPR/Cas۹-based gene editing in precision oncology, offering a targeted and potentially curative intervention for NPC.

کلیدواژه ها:

EGFR ، gRNA design ، MYC ، Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ، STAT۳