2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

CRISPR/Cas9 Techniques to Assess Mechanoregulation of Cisplatin-DNA Adducts

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Anamaria Zavala and Dr. Gunes Uzer

Abstract

Cisplatin is a common chemotherapy treatment used to decrease the rapid growth of cancer cells. While cisplatin is highly effective, it induces DNA damage that can prevent bone growth in healthy stem cells. Over 70% of diagnosed cancer patients experience significant bone loss, thereby increasing the risk of bone-related illnesses such as osteoporosis. Mechanical stimulation, such as low-intensity vibration (LIV), has been shown to promote bone differentiation and potentially enhance cellular repair mechanisms following chemotherapy-induced damage.

To assess the mechanoregulation effects of low-intensity vibration, CRISPR/Cas9 techniques were used. Endogenous ERCC6 is tagged with the fluorescent protein mClover to track the recruitment of repair proteins. CRISPR/Cas9 introduces a targeted DNA break, and the mClover tag is inserted through the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway. Fluorescence will be used to monitor ERCC6 recruitment and DNA repair activity.

This approach allows measurement of DNA repair pathway activity in response to cisplatin treatment and mechanical stimulation. Understanding how LIV influences ERCC6-mediated repair may provide insight into non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent bone wasting due to chemotherapy.

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