The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to highlight the recent publication of two major studies, from the laboratory of Dr. Tarik Möröy, offering innovative avenues in the fight against certain aggressive cancers.
An Innovative Strategy Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
In a first study, Dr. Tarik Möröy and his team — Dr. Kaifee Arman, Dr. Julie Ross, and Dr. Eva-Maria Piskor — in collaboration with researchers from Université de Montréal and McGill University, shed light on the role of a non-coding RNA molecule called ELDR. This molecule acts as a powerful brake on leukemia progression by disrupting DNA replication and chromatin organization, thereby limiting the activity of the cancer-causing protein MLL-AF9. Tested in mice, this strategy significantly slowed leukemia growth and improved survival, especially when combined with differentiating agents such as LSD1 inhibitors or retinoic acid. These findings pave the way for complementary RNA-based treatments that are more targeted and less toxic.
A New Therapeutic Target for Burkitt Lymphoma
A second study, led by Dr. Tarik Möröy and associate researcher Dr. Hugues Beauchemin, reveals that inhibiting the RNA helicase DDX3X with the molecule RK-33 induces oxidative stress and slows tumor progression in Burkitt lymphoma models. The effect is amplified when RK-33 is combined with a glutathione synthesis inhibitor, suggesting a synergistic therapeutic strategy. The researchers also highlighted the dependency of mutated tumor cells on the paralog DDX3Y, adding an important dimension to the understanding of this disease.
These two publications reflect the IRCM’s tradition of excellence in innovative, healing-driven research and its commitment to advancing fundamental and translational oncology research in collaboration with top academic partners.
References:
1: Arman K, Ross J, Piskor EM, Lazzari L, Calderon V, Reulet G, Vera M, St Hilaire E, Wurtele H, Wilhelm BT, Möröy T. The lncRNA ELDR suppresses tumorigenicity of AML by interfering with DNA replication and chromatin accessibility. Blood Adv. 2025 Sep 8:bloodadvances.2024015427. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024015427. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40921006.
2: Beauchemin H, Dalloul Z, Piskor EM, Calderon V, Chatr-Aryamontri A, Bertomeu T, Möröy T. Inhibiting the RNA helicase DDX3X in Burkitt lymphoma induces oxydative stress and impedes tumor progression in xenografts. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2025 Jul 23;13:1642006. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1642006. PMID: 40772229; PMCID: PMC12325266.
