Acral melanoma, a subtype of melanoma characterized by its occurrence on palms, soles, and beneath the nails, presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its distinct genetic and environmental factors. Despite recent advancements in targeted therapies for melanoma, the efficacy of treatments in acral melanoma remains limited, emphasizing the urgent need for a deeper understanding of its genetic landscape. CRISPR-based functional genomics screening has emerged as a powerful tool for uncovering genetic dependencies and potential therapeutic targets in various cancers. In this project, we present the results of CRISPR screening performed on acral melanoma cell lines to identify genes essential for cell survival and proliferation collectively termed “fitness". Through this screening approach, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of acral melanoma and identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. Our findings reveal key genetic drivers and pathways implicated in acral melanoma progression, offering potential targets for the development of precision therapies tailored to this aggressive subtype of melanoma
This study investigates genetic dependencies and resistance mechanisms to Werner helicase inhibitors (WRNi) in microsatellite-unstable (MSI) cancer models. To define determinants of WRN dependency and acquired resistance, we performed genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens, CRISPR base-editing mutagenesis screens targeting WRN, targeted sequencing of resistance-associated variants, bulk RNA sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing. The datasets deposited in EGA comprise raw sequencing files from CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens, CRISPR base-editing screens, targeted DNA sequencing, RNA-seq experiments, and whole-genome sequencing of parental and drug-treated cell populations, including models with spontaneously acquired resistance. These data enable investigation of WRN synthetic lethality, genetic modifiers of WRNi response, and genomic alterations emerging under selective pressure.
