Nanoparticle-mediated targeting of the fusion gene RUNX1/ETO in t(8;21)-positive acute myeloid leukaemia

A hallmark of acute myeloid leukaemias (AMLs) are chromosomal rearrangements that give rise to novel leukaemia-specific fusion genes. Most of these fusion genes are both initiating and driving events in AML and therefore constitute ideal therapeutic targets but are challenging to target by conventional drug development. siRNAs are frequently used for the specific suppression of fusion gene expression but require special formulations for efficient in vivo delivery. Here we describe the use of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for the specific therapeutic targeting of the leukaemic fusion gene RUNX1/ETO. Transient knockdown of RUNX1/ETO reduces its binding to its target genes and alters the binding of RUNX1 and its co-factor CBFβ. Transcriptomic changes in vivo were associated with substantially increased median survival of a t(8;21)-AML mouse model. Importantly, transient knockdown in vivo causes long-lasting inhibition of leukaemic proliferation and clonogenicity, induction of myeloid differentiation and a markedly impaired re-engraftment potential in vivo. These data strongly suggest that temporary inhibition of RUNX1/ETO results in long-term restriction of leukaemic self-renewal. Our results provide proof for the feasibility of targeting RUNX1/ETO in a pre-clinical setting and support the further development of siRNA-LNPs for the treatment of fusion gene-driven malignancies.