New genetic method targets aggressive cancers effectively

A new study by scientists from The Jackson Laboratory and UConn Health reveals that cancer cells disrupt poison exons, which normally help control protein production. This disruption leads to increased tumor growth, particularly in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer. The researchers found that cancer cells suppress poison exons in the TRA2b gene, resulting in higher levels of TRA2b protein that promote tumor proliferation. They discovered that low levels of poison exon inclusion are linked to poor patient outcomes across various cancer types. To counteract this, the team used synthetic RNA fragments called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to increase poison exon inclusion. This approach effectively restored the natural process that degrades excess TRA2b RNA, potentially offering a new, precise therapy for aggressive cancers. Further studies will focus on refining ASO therapies and their delivery to tumors.