"Two-in-One" Molecule Shows Promise in Treating Cancers with KRAS and MYC Genes

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a molecule that can simultaneously turn off two notoriously difficult-to-target cancer-related genes, KRAS and MYC, and deliver drugs to tumors expressing these genes. This breakthrough technology holds significant promise for treating cancers that have been historically challenging to treat. The new molecule incorporates novel compositions of inverted RNAi molecules, which have shown a marked ability to co-silence mutated KRAS and over-expressed MYC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "two-in-one" molecule can simultaneously target KRAS and MYC genes, which are notoriously difficult to target individually.
  • Co-silencing of these genes resulted in a 40-fold improvement in inhibition of cancer cell viability compared to using individual siRNAs.
  • Mutated KRAS and MYC can work together to promote and maintain aggressive tumor development through various mechanisms.
  • KRAS mutations are present in nearly 25% of all human cancers, and MYC is dysfunctional in approximately 50-70% of cancers.
  • The molecule has shown the ability to silence three targets at one time, offering vast opportunities for cancer treatment.
  • This discovery holds promise for treating cancers with KRAS mutations, including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, which account for nearly half a million new cases in the U.S. this year.
  • The development of this "two-in-one" molecule is a result of the researchers' work at the UNC RNA Discovery Center.

Statistics:

  • KRAS mutations are present in nearly 25% of all human cancers.
  • MYC is dysfunctional in approximately 50-70% of cancers.
  • The "two-in-one" molecule resulted in a 40-fold improvement in inhibition of cancer cell viability.
  • Lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, which have high rates of KRAS mutations, account for nearly half a million new cases in the U.S. this year.

Sources:

  • Chad V. Pecot, MD, corresponding author of the article, professor of medicine at UNC School of Medicine, and co-leader of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Therapeutics Program.
  • The Journal of Clinical Investigation (July 31, 2023).
  • UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • American Cancer Society.
  • NewsRx LLC (2025).