Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastomas are tumors of the brain that originate from glial cells known as astrocytes. The main function of astrocytes is to provide surrounding neurons with an environment with plenty of nutrients and free of excess waste materials. These tumors are fast-growing, aggressive, and can result in an array of fatal symptoms, such as:
- Seizures
- Reduced cognitive abilities
- Changes in mood or personality
- Death
Glioblastomas are characterized by their unique morphology, one which makes them almost impossible to surgically resect. The tumors branch out in thread-like tendrils which mimic natural nerve bundles, forming hundreds of intricate connections with the brain’s blood vessels and meshing itself within the brain tissue.
Current treatment plans for GBM include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgical resection
However, many people who opt in for one of these options of treatment have a grim prognosis of 12-15 months left of life. Ultimately, these options do not provide GBM patients with any means of long term solace or comfort.
Our Solution
Team UFlorida has chosen to address this issue by placing it at the forefront of our 2022 iGEM project. Our team aimed to genetically modify a second-generation lentivirus, coupled with a CRISPR-Cas9 Exon containing-complex to target and reverse an 801 bp-in frame deletion of exons 2-7 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. The EGFRvIII mutation results in the loss of the ability of the cell to properly regulate proliferation, leading to the development of cancerous cells within the brain. By reintroducing these missing exons to the genome via our lentiviral vector, we aimed to reverse the effects of the mutation and restore the cell’s regulatory processes.