Editing of the MALAT1 Gene in MDA-MB-361 Breast Cancer Cell Line using the Novel CRISPR Method

The expression of genes related to apoptosis was analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by MTT and flow cytometry methods, respectively. (Ethic code: IR.IAU.M.REC.1399.010) Findings: The MALAT1 gene was edited by the CRISPR method in MDA-MB-361 cells. The rate of cell proliferation in the cells of the treatment group, compared to the control groups, showed a significant decrease (P<0.05). Apoptosis levels were significantly increased in cancer cells the MALAT1 gene of which had been deleted. Moreover, the expression of BCL2 and survivin anti-apoptotic genes in treated (edited) cells was significantly reduced, compared to control cells (P<0.05). Increased expression of proapoptotic genes P53, BAK, BAX, and FAS was also observed in the edited cells (P<0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the deletion of the MALAT1 gene has a significant effect on increasing apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation. A reduction in the expression of the MALAT1 gene can prevent the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, it seems that the control of MALAT1 oncogene expression is useful and effective for controlling tumors.