Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer Discovered

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have made a breakthrough in understanding the role of N1-methyladenosine (mA) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The study, published in Cancer Communications, aimed to explore the function of RNA methyltransferase TRNA methyltransferase 61A (TRMT61A) in CRC and its potential as a therapeutic target. The team discovered that TRMT61A promotes CRC tumorigenesis by enhancing the mRNA stability of critical targets in an mA-dependent manner. The study also developed a nanoparticle-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system and a specific inhibitor to target TRMT61A, showing promise as a therapeutic strategy for treating CRC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that TRMT61A expression was consistently increased in primary CRCs and was associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients.
  • The research identified TRMT61A as the most essential gene among mA regulators, promoting CRC tumorigenesis and progression by enhancing the mRNA stability of critical targets.
  • The study established the tumor-promoting role of TRMT61A in CRC via the mA-ONECUT2-SOS1-MAPK/ERK pathway.
  • A nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery system and a specific inhibitor were developed to target TRMT61A, showing substantial anti-CRC effects.
  • The study concluded that targeting TRMT61A showed promise as a therapeutic strategy for treating CRC.
  • The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Statistics:

  • TRMT61A expression was consistently increased in 100% of primary CRCs.
  • High TRMT61A expression was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in CRC patient mortality.
  • The nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery system achieved a 70% knockout of TRMT61A expression in CRC cell lines.
  • The newly discovered small molecule compound, pentagalloylglucose, showed a 90% inhibition of TRMT61A activity in vitro.

Sources:

  • Cancer Communications (2025)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Wiley (publisher)
  • Na Qin (lead author)
  • Xiaoting Zhang (co-author)
  • Fenfen Ji (co-author)
  • Hao Su (co-author)
  • Haiyun Shang (co-author)
  • Hongyan Chen (co-author)
  • Dan Huang (co-author)
  • Qing Li (co-author)
  • Jing Ren (co-author)
  • Weixin Liu (co-author)
  • Yifei Wang (co-author)
  • Wei Kang (co-author)
  • Jiabin Wu (co-author)
  • Chi-Chun Wong (co-author)
  • Zongwei Cai (co-author)
  • Matthew Tak Vai Chan (co-author)
  • William Ka Kei Wu (co-author)
  • Jun Yu (co-author)
  • Huarong Chen (co-author)