Gastroenterology February 2026 Gastric Organoid-Based Ectopic and Orthotopic In Vivo CRISPR Screening for Tumor Suppressors in Gastric Cancer

This research utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to identify specific genes that normally prevent the development of stomach cancer. By testing thousands of potential targets within mouse-derived organoids, the researchers discovered that the loss of genes like Pten and those in the TGF-ß pathway significantly accelerates tumor growth and creates early-stage cancer lesions. The study further explores how the environment surrounding a tumor changes, noting that the presence of Helicobacter pylori does not alter genetic mutations but instead recruits immune cells that promote tumor progression. Ultimately, this work establishes a versatile experimental model that mimics human disease, allowing scientists to better understand the complex relationship between genetics and external risk factors in gastric carcinogenesis.