Targeting the oncogene LSF with either the small molecule inhibitor FQI1 or siRNA causes mitotic delays with unaligned chromosomes, resulting in cell death or senescence.
Jennifer L S WilloughbyKelly GeorgeMark P RobertoHang Gyeong ChinPatrick StoiberHyunjin ShinChandra Sekhar PedamalluScott E SchausKevin FitzgeraldJagesh ShahUlla HansenPublished in: BMC cancer (2020)
These data strongly support that cellular phenotypes observed upon FQI1 treatment are due specifically to the loss of LSF activity. Specific inhibition of LSF by either small molecules or siRNA results in severe mitotic defects, leading to cell death or senescence - consequences that are desirable in combating cancer. Taken together, these findings confirm that LSF is a promising target for cancer treatment. Furthermore, this study provides further support for developing FQIs or other LSF inhibitory strategies as treatment for LSF-related cancers with high unmet medical needs.