APPR

APPR (Artificial-intelligence-powered Peptide-Producing mRNAs) is an experimental mRNA-based therapeutic designed to target the Akt-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Developed by researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and collaborating institutions, APPR utilizes AI-optimized mRNA sequences to produce peptides that disrupt the interaction between Akt and β-catenin. Specifically, these peptides are designed to inhibit Akt-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser552 and Ser675, thereby reducing its transcriptional activity and translocation to the nucleus. This mechanism aims to overcome immune escape and eliminate leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in cancers such as T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In preclinical studies, APPR has demonstrated the ability to reduce Wnt-responsive gene expression and decrease LSC populations in mouse models without significant tissue damage.

Other names

Artificial-intelligence-powered Peptide-Producing mRNAs