Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) plays a critical role in regulating transcriptional elongation and is essential for the expression of short-lived oncogenic and antiapoptotic mRNAs. Targeting CDK9 has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly in hematological malignancies and MYC-driven cancers. However, its clinical application remains limited by several challenges, which may be overcome through the development of more selective and potent inhibitors.

Colorectal cancer remains a prevalent and deadly form of cancer. A significant challenge to treating colorectal tumors is the creation of a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment that leads to tumor progression and resistance to immunotherapy.

Cancer cells often use epigenetic changes to resist treatment, a major factor particularly in late-stage deaths from ovarian cancer. One potential epigenetic marker, DNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s), has recently gained attention; however, their presence and role in ovarian cancer had not been studied until now.

Immune evasion continues to limit the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Among emerging regulatory molecules, transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs of 13-48 nucleotides), generated through tRNA cleavage, are gaining attention for their roles in controlling gene expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Recent research suggests that abnormal tsRNA expression is closely associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota and collaborating institutions have developed a promising stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. The team has successfully created a novel myogenic progenitor cell product called Myopaxon, derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).