A UC San Diego team applies the CANDiT AI framework to map gene networks in colon cancer, pinpointing the stress-response protein PRKAB1. Activating PRKAB1 with PF-06409577 restores CDX2 expression in cancer stem cells, driving differentiation and selective self-destruction.
Key points
- CANDiT AI framework analyzes >4,600 tumor genomes to identify differentiation therapy targets like PRKAB1.
- PF-06409577, a clinical-grade PRKAB1 agonist, restores CDX2 in colon CSCs, triggering differentiation and apoptosis.
- Patient-derived organoids validate selective CSC targeting and predict up to 50% reduced recurrence risk via a 50-gene signature.
Why it matters: This work demonstrates a scalable AI-guided differentiation therapy that selectively reprograms and eradicates cancer stem cells, promising more precise and durable cancer treatments.
Q&A
- What are cancer stem cells?
- How does the CANDiT AI framework work?
- Why target CDX2 in colon cancer?
- What advantages do organoids offer over animal models?