Work

Targeting FANCM by antisense oligonucleotides in ALT-positive cancers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Effective therapies for cancers relying on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanisms are still needed. Here, using CRISPR-Cas9 strategies, we validate FANCM (Fanconi anemia complementation group M) as a crucial target for ALT-associated cancers and demonstrate its importance in both in vitro and in vivo models. We further explore the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), specifically gapmers, to target FANCM mRNA. We designed and screened several gapmers, identifying effective candidates that potently reduced FANCM expression, which led to an increased ALT activity and telomeric dysfunction, concomitant with a reduced viability of ALT-positive cancer cells. Notably, gapmer 14, one of the identified ASOs, significantly impaired the viability of ALT cells and reduced tumor growth in an ALT-positive liposarcoma xenograft model, highlighting its therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that FANCM-targeting ASOs could represent a promising effective strategy for treating ALT-positive cancers.

Source: Molecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids

DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102492

Authors: Galen Tieo, Natalie Bao Ying Lim, Kah Wai Lim, Peter Dröge, Anh Tuân Phan, Maya Jeitany

Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Language: English

Topic: Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,900