UCLA Researchers Find E2F3 as a Target in RB-Deficient Cancers
UCLA scientists identify a hidden weakness in RB-deficient small cell cancers by showing the cancer cells become dependent on the protein E2F3. Blocking E2F3 stops tumor growth in lab models, a relationship called synthetic lethality. Because there are no direct E2F3 inhibitors, the team explored DHODH inhibitors (like leflunomide and teriflunomide), which lower E2F3 levels and slow tumor growth, suggesting existing drugs could be repurposed to treat these aggressive cancers in the future.