Molecular glue degraders of HuR suppress BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer

Researchers developed molecular glue degraders targeting the RNA-binding protein HuR, demonstrating therapeutic potential for BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. The study, published in Nature on June 10, 2026, details how these degraders effectively suppress tumor growth in preclinical models. HuR plays a critical role in stabilizing messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts, including those that promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. By inducing the degradation of HuR, these molecular glues disrupt the expression of key oncogenic proteins, thereby inhibiting cancer progression. The findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for a subset of colorectal cancers that are driven by BRAF mutations, a genetic alteration found in approximately 10-15% of these tumors. This approach offers a targeted mechanism to overcome resistance to existing BRAF inhibitors, which often develop due to the complex regulatory roles of proteins like HuR. Further investigation into the safety and efficacy of these HuR degraders is warranted for their potential translation into clinical applications.