Uncovering the role of long non-coding RNA PAN3-AS1 in acute myeloid leukemia

In Canada, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) presents a significant challenge, with only a 30% five-year survival rate and 30% of patients relapsing after treatment. While the genetic mutations in AML’s protein-coding genes are well identified and characterized, the impact of changes in non-coding genes, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), remains largely unclear. Our research has identified a specific lncRNA, PAN3-AS1, as a critical factor in leukemia development, with its high expression linked to worse outcomes in AML patients. Our goal is to unravel the molecular functions of PAN3-AS1 in regulating gene expression in AML and to develop targeted therapies against it. We plan to use comprehensive multi-omics analyses to understand PAN3-AS1’s effects and apply innovative drug delivery techniques, such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), to target PAN3-AS1 in human cells. This work aims to enhance our understanding of lncRNAs in cancer development and spearhead new, effective cancer treatments.