TRAIL-Based Anticancer Drug Development
Abstract
The specific aim of the funded research was to develop a TRAIL-based anticancer drug using a gene therapy approach. To accomplish the proposed aim, I have created a novel TRAIL gene composed of three functional elements (secretion signal, trimer-forming domain, and TRAIL gene segment for apoptosis induction), and a naked DNA- type delivery vector. Functional analysis revealed that this novel artificial gene expresses and secrets into the culture supernatant, and efficiently kills various tumor cells but not normal cells tested. Recombinant TRAIL protein was observed to be more potent in target cell killing when combined with other potentiators such as Actinomycin D, Interferon-gamma, and Akt inhibitors. Thus, novel TRAIL gene-based therapy in combination with these potentiators is expected to produce better therapeutic efficacy. Currently, developed gene therapy tool is tested in animal tumor models. If proven to be safe and effective in vivo, this novel gene therapy approach will be tested for human cancers. Successful completion of the current research project will provide a powerful therapeutic tool for treatment of human cancers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407205
Entities
People
- Dai-wu Seol
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh