Osteopontin Ribozymes in Prostate Cancer Cells: Application to Bony Metastases
Abstract
Bone represents a common site for metastasis of prostate cancer cells, where the invading cells find themselves in an environment rich in factors which promote cancer growth and progression. Genetic changes occur during disease progression in bone which include both gene mutation and changes in the pattern of gene expression. These genetic alterations provide targets for new "molecular drugs for metastatic prostate cancer. This project will investigate the role of an extracellular matrix protein, osteopontin, which is expressed by metastatic prostate cancer cells but not by normal prostate in the ability of prostate cancer cells to form metastases in bone. The functional properties of osteopontin, including interactions with the alpha(v)Beta(3) integrin and cD44 receptor, indicate that osteopontin may play an important role in tumor cell attachment, invasion and growth in the bone environment. A series of ribozymes which specifically cleave OPN mRNA sequences will be developed that will inhibit expression of the osteopontin gene.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADB258931
Entities
People
- Mary C. Farach-carson
Organizations
- University of Delaware