DNA Aptamer Induces Cancer Cell “Overwork Death,” Chinese Researchers Find

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Chinese researchers have proposed a new anticancer treatment strategy that disrupts cancer cell metabolism and induces cellular senescence by overexpressing a specific protein.

According to the Chinese media outlet BioOn on April 7 (local time), a joint research team led by professors Guo Chuping, Hwang Jin and Wang Honghui of Hunan University published the findings in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on March 23.

The researchers identified a DNA aptamer, “CW06,” that binds with high affinity to breast cancer cells. An aptamer is a short, single-stranded nucleic acid molecule that binds specifically to a particular molecule.

Analysis confirmed that “CW06” targets “SLC25A24,” a mitochondrial transport protein. Interestingly, rather than inhibiting the function of the target protein, “CW06” substantially increased its expression.

Overexpression of “SLC25A24” disrupted methionine metabolism in cancer cells. This induced cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence, ultimately producing an “overwork death” effect that led to cancer cell death.

In a mouse model implanted with breast cancer, administration of “CW06” significantly inhibited tumor growth without affecting healthy tissue. When the target, “SLC25A24,” was artificially degraded, the anticancer effect disappeared, demonstrating that it is a key mechanism of action.

The research team said, “This study shows that inducing target protein overexpression using aptamers could become a new paradigm for cancer treatment.”