Testing Delivery Platforms for New Anticancer tRNA-Based Drugs
Abstract
Engineered transfer RNAs (tRNA) can be used to reprogram the genetic code and synthesize proteins of interest with new cellular properties. We developed a new class of tRNA mutants that promote numerous and harmful amino acid substitutions upon entering human cells and induce apoptosis. Our objective is to target this tRNA prototype (called killer-tRNA) specifically to cancer cells but sparing healthy blood stem cells and progenitors thereby developing the killer-tRNA as a potential therapeutic agent. Because the killer tRNAs share the exact same feature as all cellular tRNAs, they are undetectable and cannot be cleared by any defense mechanism, thereby constituting a perfect molecular Trojan horse for cell damage and cell death. We aim to test nanocarriers containing killer-tRNAs to human blood cancer cells (acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma) via the high-affinity folate receptors. Since the action of the killer-tRNA is on the synthesis of cellular proteins, it is not restricted to specific stages of cancer. Killer-tRNA can be used to reduce growth of the primary tumor, limit metastatic spread or target tumors at anatomical sites where surgery is difficult to perform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA581694
Entities
People
- Tao Pan
Organizations
- University of Chicago