Notably, these effects were more robust but non-specific in cancer cells treated with constructs containing the CMV general promoter, while induction via the MUC1 promoter was more specific.<h4>Conclusion</h4>A genetic construct featuring strong universal CMV and specific MUC1 promoter, expressing the guanylin peptide hormone, demonstrated highly effective and specific anticancer effects when transfected with nanocarriers characterized by high efficiency and low cytotoxicity. Here, MUC1 is linked to cancer.