Identifying Long Noncoding RNA Dependencies Using CRISPR Interference (CRISPRi)-Based Platform in Multiple Myeloma

To identify therapeutically actionable genetic dependencies we have pursued various approaches to derive a deeper understanding of the oncogenic hallmarks of myelomagenesis. We have studied the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) landscape in multiple myeloma (MM) and identified a large number of differentially expressed lncRNAs in MM versus normal plasma cells. These lncRNAs presumably drive the tumorigenesis and MM cell growth, and in turn be susceptible to therapeutic intervention. To this end, we have developed and utilized a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based platform for decoding and targeting the lncRNA dependencies (LongDEPs) in MM.