RNA Sensor Platform for Targeting Cancer Fusion Genes and Transcripts

Many cancers have recurrent chromosomal translocations leading to the fusion of two genes. Often, said cancers are aggressive, have a poor prognosis with metastasis or recurrence, and do not have effective and targeted treatment. The challenge of many fusion-positive cancers is the lack of established targets downstream of the

gene fusion despite years of intensive research to understand the biology of the gene fusion. Approaches to develop more targeted therapeutics focus on unique molecular pathways or programming the immune system, which are not only expensive, but require a lot of time to develop.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University in conjunction with collaborators at The Jackson Laboratory developed novel RNA sensor platform which targets chromosomal fusions, mutant genes and/or viral transcripts. These RNA sensors detect sequences on either side of the target to increase detection specificity. The RNA sensors can trigger programmed downstream events such as apoptosis, expression of immunostimulatory proteins or other therapeutic functions upon binding. This platform technology may be readily reprogrammed to target many different types of cancers harboring fusion genes and transcripts. It targets only cancer cells with the fusion and saves significant time by eliminating the need to study the biology of the fusion before developing relevant therapeutics.

 

This RNA sensor platform detects specific nucleic acid sequences related to cancer, such as mutant genes, chromosomal fusions, and viral transcripts and then initiates a therapeutic response to mitigate the effects of these anomalies, offering a precise, rapid, and cost-effective treatment option.

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages