Targeting cancer-specific mutations with RNA-triggered chromatin shredding.

Abstract

Genetic mutations that drive cancer often occur in tumour-suppressor proteins such as the p53 transcription factor, which is altered in 40-50% of cases1,2. However, current therapies often fail to target these mutations because the mutant proteins typically lack defined drug-binding pockets and restoring their endogenous function has proven challenging. Here we program Cas12a2, an RNA-guided CRISPR nuclease with trans-nucleolytic cleavage activity3,4, to kill cancer cells selectively by targeting cancer-specific transcripts. This approach limited cell growth by inducing trans shredding of chromatin and triggering DNA-damage responses and cell death. In contrast to existing methods, RNA-guided Cas12a2 senses cellular RNA signatures, enabling precise targeting of undruggable mutations. Transcript-activated chromatin shredding provides an innovative approach to precision disease treatments for undruggable targets.