TAG-RNAi overcomes off-target effects in cancer models

Oncogene. 2020 Jan;39(4):935-945. doi: 10.1038/s41388-019-1020-2. Epub 2019 Sep 26.

Abstract

RNA interference offers therapeutic opportunities for the clinical targeting of otherwise undruggable oncogenes. However RNAi can have off-target effects that considerably increase treatment risks. To manage these side effects and allow an easy subtraction of their activity in healthy tissues, we present here the TAG-RNAi approach where cells that are not designated targets do not have the mRNA tag. Using TAG-RNAi we first established the off-target signatures of three different siRNAs specific to the Cyclin D1 oncogene by RNA-sequencing of cultured cancer cells expressing a FLAG-HA-tagged-Cyclin D1. Then, by symmetrical allografts of tagged-cancer cells and untagged controls on the left and right flanks of model mice, we demonstrate that TAG-RNAi is a reliable approach to study the functional impact of any oncogene without off-target bias. Finally we show, as examples, that mutation-specific TAG-RNAi can be applied to downregulate two oncogenic mutants, KRAS-G12V or BRAF-V600E, while sparing the expression of the wild-type proteins. TAG-RNAi will thus avoid the traditional off-target limitations of RNAi in future experimental approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cyclin D1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology*

Substances

  • CCND1 protein, human
  • KRAS protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Cyclin D1
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)