Scientists discover how to reactivate cancer's molecular 'kill switch'

Researchers have discovered that cancer cells suppress 'poison exons' -- genetic elements that act as an off switch for protein production -- in a key gene called TRA2 , promoting tumor growth. By using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to restore poison exon activity, the team effectively reactivated this kill switch, offering a potential new precision therapy for aggressive, hard-to-treat cancers.

Researchers have discovered that cancer cells suppress 'poison exons' -- genetic elements that act as an off switch for protein production -- in a key gene called TRA2 , promoting tumor growth. By using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to restore poison exon activity, the team effectively reactivated this kill switch, offering a potential new precision therapy for aggressive, hard-to-treat cancers.

Read more https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250314170442.htm