Targeting a Novel Vector for Breast Cancer Gene Therapy
Abstract
We are testing the hypothesis that a model parasite gene therapy vector can be genetically altered to safely, specifically and effectively target breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We have developed a novel strategy to establish the protozoan parasite T gondii as the next generation vector for breast cancer gene therapy. The significant innovative aspect of this approach is the promise of this strategy to deliver a novel vector for breast cancer gene therapy that is superior to the current vectors under current development and refinement. The primary purpose and scope of this IDEA award project is to experimentally examine approaches to target the Toxoplasma gondii parasite gene therapy vector to breast cancer tissue using in vitro and in vivo models. In this reporting period we have found that both the cytosine deaminase (CD) and thymidine kinase (TK) markers expressed in T gondii produce a bystander killing effect on cells in vitro. Using trifunctional ezyme expression plasmids we have co-expressed both the TK and CD markers in transgenic T gondii. A newly developed and highly affenuated (avirulent) auxotroph mutant of T gondii will provide an improved vector for targeting breast cancer gene therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385377
Entities
People
- David Bzik
Organizations
- Dartmouth College