journal article·2025-09Open access

PTf‐SRiApt Targeting SCAF4‐POLR2A Interaction Suppresses Tumor Growth and Promotes Antitumor Immunity in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer

Liyan Fei, Yichun Pan, Jie Zhai, Tongqing Li, Yuxin Zhou, Sheyu Zhang, Juan Wei, Qian Hu, Xueying Liu, Lu Guo, Weizhu Wu, Yong Wei, Qin Wu, Weihong Tan

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 35

Abstract

Abstract The interaction between SCAF4 and RNA polymerase II (POLR2A) is crucial for proper mRNA termination, with its dysregulation leading to truncated mRNAs and nonfunctional proteins, impairing cellular growth. Despite its potential relevance, the role of this interaction in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unexplored due to the lack of effective molecular tools. To address this, we employed SRiApt, an aptamer generated through the recently established Blocker‐SELEX pipeline. Its biological stability is improved by phosphorothioate modifications to form PTf‐SRiApt. Using this aptamer, the critical role of the SCAF4‐POLR2A interaction in driving TNBC tumor growth and immune regulation is uncovered. PTf‐SRiApt effectively inhibits tumor growth and induces cell cycle arrest in TNBC cells with elevated SCAF4 and POLR2A expression. Additionally, PTf‐SRiApt promotes premature mRNA termination, boosting antigen presentation and promoting T‐cell infiltration. Analysis of patient samples further confirmed the negative correlation between SCAF4‐POLR2A interaction and the effectiveness of immunotherapy, highlighting the potential of PTf‐SRiApt in improving immune efficacy. Together, the work provides a powerful tool not only for dissecting previously “undruggable” protein‐protein interactions but also for enhancing tumor immunogenicity and reshaping the tumor microenvironment.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: RNA Interference and Gene Delivery · RNA modifications and cancer · Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Chemistry and Materials Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 P. R. China

The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM) Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310022 P. R. China

Department of Breast Surgery Zhejiang Cancer Hospital Hangzhou 310022 P. R. China

Department of Breast Surgery Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital Ningbo 315040 P. R. China

School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 311300 P. R. China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province · Key Technologies Research and Development Program

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