Technological innovations

Targeting RNA Regulator of Tumor-Suppressor Transcription Factor in Cancer. US Patent Application Number: 63/054,531.

Compositions and methods for targeting tumor associated transcription factors. Jointly developed with D. Tenen. This patent application was filed on 07/21/20. Invention Disclosure Date: 12/20/2019, NIH Grant: CA222707

Despite enormous research and clinical efforts over the past several decades, survival rate of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains largely unchanged at less than 30%. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Tumor-associated transcription factors are attractive therapeutic targets. However, directly targeting these transcription factors remains a stiff challenge. We have identified: 1) RNA regulator of a transcription factor as an alternative and druggable target, 2) mechanism of modulating expression of enhancer-mediated transcription factors for therapeutic approaches for cancer, and 3) identified a potential biomarker for Acute Myeloid Leukemia patient classification and assessment of drug response.