Dutch Scientists Develop Cancer-Fighting CRISPR Tool from Compost Bacteria
Wageningen, Friday, 13 February 2026.
Wageningen University researchers have received €150,000 in European funding to develop ThermoCas9, a revolutionary CRISPR variant discovered in compost that targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Unlike conventional treatments, this innovative approach exploits differences in DNA methylation patterns between tumor and normal cells. The 18-month project focuses initially on liver cancer, with the potential to transform precision medicine by attacking cancer from within cells rather than through external therapies like chemotherapy.
Revolutionary Discovery in Dutch Compost Heap
This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in healthtech and precision medicine. Professor John van der Oost, an emeritus professor of microbiology at Wageningen University & Research, received the European Research Council proof of concept grant in February 2026 [1]. Working alongside postdoc researcher Christian Südfeld, van der Oost will utilize the €150,000 funding over the next 18 months to refine ThermoCas9, a unique CRISPR variant that was originally discovered in a bacterium found in a Wageningen compost heap [1][2]. This innovative tool distinguishes itself from standard CRISPR applications by its ability to differentiate between DNA with and without methyl groups, making it particularly suited for targeting cancer cells that exhibit abnormal methylation patterns [1][2].
Targeting Cancer Through DNA Methylation Differences
The therapeutic approach exploits a fundamental biological difference between healthy and cancerous cells. As van der Oost explains, “Because some tumour cells have far fewer methyl groups on their DNA than healthy cells, they form an ideal target for our ThermoCas9” [1][2]. The CRISPR system works by causing damage to DNA in cancer cells with abnormal methylation patterns while leaving healthy cells unharmed [1]. Van der Oost elaborates on the mechanism: “Sometimes that bit of damage to the DNA leads to a scar, making the genetic code no longer readable correctly. If this happens to genes that are essential for cell survival, it may lead to cell death. And the more of those essential genes we attack, the greater the chance that the tumor cell dies” [1]. This targeted approach represents a marked departure from conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which van der Oost notes “also affect healthy cells” [1].
Initial Focus on Liver Cancer Treatment
The research team has strategically chosen to focus initially on liver cancer due to the organ’s unique biological properties that facilitate targeted therapy delivery. The liver’s role in waste processing makes it an ideal target for nanoparticle-based treatments, as van der Oost explains: “The liver plays an important role in waste processing in our body. Nanoparticles from the blood are sent there for destruction. Before the liver actually breaks down the nanoparticles, CRISPR can do its work” [1]. This natural biological mechanism allows researchers to deliver the ThermoCas9 system directly to liver cells using nanoparticles, making liver cancer particularly suitable for experimental genetic therapies [1]. The project represents an important first step toward more precise and targeted cancer therapies, though clinical application remains distant [2].
Future Collaboration and Broader Impact
Over the next 18 months, Südfeld will work to optimize the CRISPR system, with plans to collaborate with cancer specialists, potentially including researchers at the Nederlands Kankerinstituut (NKI) [1]. Van der Oost was among thirteen scientists from Dutch knowledge institutions who received ERC Proof of Concept funding this year [1], highlighting the Netherlands’ continued leadership in biotechnology innovation. While ThermoCas9 was naturally active at 60 degrees Celsius, researchers are working to modify it to function at normal body temperature [1]. The Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen expressed pride that this groundbreaking research will be conducted in their facilities, expressing hope that “ThermoCas9 will be the foundation for novel targeted cancer therapies” [4]. This development positions the Netherlands at the forefront of precision medicine research, potentially offering new hope for cancer patients through more targeted and less harmful treatment options.