Developing a pan cancer therapy based on DISE-inducing short RNAs

RNA interference (RNAi) regulates gene expression through small RNAs that act via Argonaute-containing RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). We previously found that short RNAs with G-rich 6mer seeds (e.g., GGGGGC and G5C) can kill cells by targeting C-rich 3' UTR seed matches in essential survival genes (SGs), a mechanism termed death induced by survival gene elimination (DISE). To assess therapeutic potential, we systemically delivered two DISE-inducing sRNAs, sG5C and sCAG (based on CAG trinucleotide repeats), using lipopolyplexes (LPPs) composed of low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimines and lipids. In mouse ovarian and prostate cancer models and a rat hepatocellular carcinoma model, LPP-delivered small RNAs (sRNAs) markedly reduced or eliminated tumors without harming normal tissues. Predicted SG targets were engaged in tumors. Transcriptomic analyses across 10 major human cancers showed that many sG5C-targeted SGs are consistently upregulated in tumors and increase with stage, revealing a therapeutic window. These results support LPP-delivered DISE-inducing sRNAs as a promising pan-cancer therapy.