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Conejo-García A, Jiménez-Martínez Y, Cámara R, Franco-Montalbán F, Peña-Martín J, Boulaiz H, Carrión MD. New substituted benzoxazine derivatives as potent inducers of membrane permeability and cell death. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 111:117849. [PMID: 39068873 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The search for new agents targeting different forms of cell death is an important research focus for developing new and potent antitumor therapies. As a contribution to this endeavor, we have designed and synthesized a series of new substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives. These compounds have been evaluated for their efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer and HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines. Overall, substituting this heterocycle led to improved antiproliferative activity compared to the unsubstituted derivative 1. The most active compounds, 2b and 4b, showed IC50 values of 2.27 and 3.26 μM against MCF-7 cells and 4.44 and 7.63 μM against HCT-116 cells, respectively. To investigate the mechanism of action of the target compounds, the inhibition profile of 8 kinases involved in cell signaling was studied highlighting residual activity on HER2 and JNK1 kinases. 2b and 4b showed a consistent binding mode to both receptor kinases, establishing significant interactions with known and catalytically important domains and residues. Compounds 2b and 4b exhibit potent cytotoxic activity by disrupting cell membrane permeability, likely triggering both inflammatory and non-inflammatory cell death mechanisms. This dual capability increases their versatility in the treatment of different stages or types of tumors, providing greater flexibility in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Conejo-García
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Cartuja s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Yaiza Jiménez-Martínez
- Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Avenida de la Investigación 11, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rubén Cámara
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Cartuja s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Franco-Montalbán
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Cartuja s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Peña-Martín
- Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Avenida de la Investigación 11, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain; Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Avenida de la Investigación 11, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - M Dora Carrión
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Cartuja s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-University of Granada, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain.
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2
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From Immunotoxins to Suicide Toxin Delivery Approaches: Is There a Clinical Opportunity? Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090579. [PMID: 36136517 PMCID: PMC9506092 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide gene therapy is a relatively novel form of cancer therapy in which a gene coding for enzymes or protein toxins is delivered through targeting systems such as vesicles, nanoparticles, peptide or lipidic co-adjuvants. The use of toxin genes is particularly interesting since their catalytic activity can induce cell death, damaging in most cases the translation machinery (ribosomes or protein factors involved in protein synthesis) of quiescent or proliferating cells. Thus, toxin gene delivery appears to be a promising tool in fighting cancer. In this review we will give an overview, describing some of the bacterial and plant enzymes studied so far for their delivery and controlled expression in tumor models.
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Yahya EB, Alqadhi AM. Recent trends in cancer therapy: A review on the current state of gene delivery. Life Sci 2021; 269:119087. [PMID: 33476633 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer treatment has been always considered one of the most critical and vital themes of clinical issues. Many approaches have been developed, depending on the type and the stage of tumor. Gene therapy has the potential to revolutionize different cancer therapy. With the advent of recent bioinformatics technologies and genetic science, it become possible to identify, diagnose and determine the potential treatment using the technology of gene delivery. Several approaches have been developed and experimented in vitro and vivo for cancer therapy including: naked nucleic acids based therapy, targeting micro RNAs, oncolytic virotherapy, suicide gene based therapy, targeting telomerase, cell mediated gene therapy, and CRISPR/Cas9 based therapy. In this review, we present a straightforward introduction to cancer biology and occurrence, highlighting different viral and non-viral gene delivery systems for gene therapy and critically discussed the current and various strategies for cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esam Bashir Yahya
- School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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Malla WA, Arora R, Khan RIN, Mahajan S, Tiwari AK. Apoptin as a Tumor-Specific Therapeutic Agent: Current Perspective on Mechanism of Action and Delivery Systems. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:524. [PMID: 32671070 PMCID: PMC7330108 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide in humans and animals. Conventional treatment regimens often fail to produce the desired outcome due to disturbances in cell physiology that arise during the process of transformation. Additionally, development of treatment regimens with no or minimum side-effects is one of the thrust areas of modern cancer research. Oncolytic viral gene therapy employs certain viral genes which on ectopic expression find and selectively destroy malignant cells, thereby achieving tumor cell death without harming the normal cells in the neighborhood. Apoptin, encoded by Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus' VP3 gene, is a proline-rich protein capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells in a selective manner. In normal cells, the filamentous Apoptin becomes aggregated toward the cell margins, but is eventually degraded by proteasomes without harming the cells. In malignant cells, after activation by phosphorylation by a cancer cell-specific kinase whose identity is disputed, Apoptin accumulates in the nucleus, undergoes aggregation to form multimers, and prevents the dividing cancer cells from repairing their DNA lesions, thereby forcing them to undergo apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the present knowledge about the structure of Apoptin protein, elaborate on its mechanism of action, and summarize various strategies that have been used to deliver it as an anticancer drug in various cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Akram Malla
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Richa Arora
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Raja Ishaq Nabi Khan
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Sonalika Mahajan
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Tiwari
- Division of Biological Standardisation, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Jiménez-Martínez Y, Griñán-Lisón C, Khaldy H, Martín A, Cambrils A, Ibáñez Grau A, Jiménez G, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. LdrB Toxin with In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity as a Potential Tool for Cancer Gene Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071016. [PMID: 31330822 PMCID: PMC6678987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of cancer in recent years, it is necessary to develop new and more effective therapies that produce fewer side effects. Development of gene therapy for cancer based on the use of suicide genes that can damage the tumor cell, without requiring a prodrug for its lethal effect, is one of the recent foci of gene therapy strategies. We evaluated the cytotoxic impact of the LdrB toxin from Escherichia coli k12 as a possible tool for cancer gene therapy. For that, colorectal and breast cancer cells were transfected under the control of a TRE3G promoter inducible by doxycycline. Our results showed that ldrB gene expression induced a drastic inhibition of proliferation in vitro, in both 2D and 3D experimental models. Moreover, unlike conventional chemotherapy, the ldrB gene induced a severe loss of proliferation in vivo without any side effects in our animal model. This antitumor outcome was modulated by cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptotic death. Scanning electronic microscopy demonstrates that the LdrB toxin conserves its pore-forming ability in HCT-116 cells as in E. coli k12. Taken together, our results provide, for the first time, a proof of concept of the antitumor capacity of the ldrB gene in colorectal and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza Jiménez-Martínez
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Hoda Khaldy
- Fundamental Biology Service, Scientific Instrument Center, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Martín
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Alba Cambrils
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Ibáñez Grau
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan A Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Fundamental Biology Service, Scientific Instrument Center, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18012 Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Fundamental Biology Service, Scientific Instrument Center, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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Cáceres B, Ramirez A, Carrillo E, Jimenez G, Griñán-Lisón C, López-Ruiz E, Jiménez-Martínez Y, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. Deciphering the Mechanism of Action Involved in Enhanced Suicide Gene Colon Cancer Cell Killer Effect Mediated by Gef and Apoptin. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020264. [PMID: 30813432 PMCID: PMC6406936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the great advances in cancer treatment, colorectal cancer has emerged as the second highest cause of death from cancer worldwide. For this type of tumor, the use of suicide gene therapy could represent a novel therapy. We recently demonstrated that co-expression of gef and apoptin dramatically inhibits proliferation of the DLD-1 colon cell line. In the present manuscript, we try to establish the mechanism underlying the enhanced induction of apoptosis by triggering both gef and apoptin expression in colon tumor cells. Scanning microscopy reveals that simultaneous expression of gef and apoptin induces the apparition of many "pores" in the cytoplasmic membrane not detected in control cell lines. The formation of pores induced by the gef gene and accentuated by apoptin results in cell death by necrosis. Moreover, we observed the presence of apoptotic cells. Performing protein expression analysis using western blot, we revealed an activation of mitochondrial apoptosis (increased expression of Pp53, cytochrome c, Bax, and caspase 9) and also the involvement of the extrinsic pathway through caspase 8activation. In conclusion, in this manuscript we demonstrate for the first time that the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis and pore formation is also involved in the cell death caused by the co-expression of the gef and apoptin genes. Our results suggest that co-expression of gef and apoptin genes induces an increase in post-apoptotic necrotic cell death and could be a valuable tool in the design of new antitumor strategies focused on the enhancement of the immune response against cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Cáceres
- Motril Health Center, Hospital Santa Ana, Motril, 18600 Granada, Spain.
| | - Alberto Ramirez
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Esmeralda Carrillo
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Gema Jimenez
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Elena López-Ruiz
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Yaiza Jiménez-Martínez
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Juan A Marchal
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
- Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
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Ramírez A, Conejo-García A, Griñán-Lisón C, López-Cara LC, Jiménez G, Campos JM, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. Enhancement of Tumor Cell Death by Combining gef Gene Mediated Therapy and New 1,4-Benzoxazepin-2,6-Dichloropurine Derivatives in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:798. [PMID: 30093861 PMCID: PMC6070671 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
New treatment modalities are urgently needed to better manage advanced breast cancer. Combination therapies are usually more effective than monotherapy. In this context, the use of cyclic and acyclic O,N-acetals derivative compounds in combination with the suicide gef gene shown a potent anti-tumor activity and represent a new generation of anticancer agents. Here, we evaluate the use of the gef gene to promote and increase the anti-tumor effect of cyclic and acyclic O,N-acetals purine derivatives and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Among all compounds tested, those with a nitro group and a cyclic pattern structures (FC-30b2, FC-29c, and bozepinib) are the most benefited from the gef gene effect. These compounds, in combination with gef gene, were able to abolish tumor cell proliferation with a minimal dose leading to more effective and less toxic chemotherapy. The effect of this combined therapy is triggered by apoptosis induction which can be found deregulated in the later stage of breast cancer. Moreover, the combined therapy leads to an increase of cell post-apoptotic secondary necrosis that is able to promote the immunogenicity of cancer cells leading to a successful treatment. This data suggests that this novel combination therapy represents a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ramírez
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada, SAS-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Conejo-García
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada, SAS-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" - Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Luisa C López-Cara
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada, SAS-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" - Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquín M Campos
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan A Marchal
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada, SAS-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" - Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Biosanitary Institute of Granada, SAS-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" - Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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8
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Navarro SA, Carrillo E, Griñán-Lisón C, Martín A, Perán M, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. Cancer suicide gene therapy: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:1095-104. [PMID: 27424657 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1211640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide despite the progress made in early detection and advances in classical therapies. Advancing in the fight against cancer requires the development of novel strategies, and the suicide gene transfer to tumor cells is providing new possibilities for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED In this manuscript, authors present an overview of suicide gene systems and the latest innovations done to enhance cancer suicide gene therapy strategies by i) improving vectors for targeted gene delivery using tissue specific promoter and receptors; ii) modification of the tropism; and iii) combining suicide genes and/or classical therapies for cancer. Finally, the authors highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the future. EXPERT OPINION Even if many efforts are needed for suicide gene therapy to be a real alternative for cancer treatment, we believe that the significant progress made in the knowledge of cancer biology and characterization of cancer stem cells accompanied by the development of novel targeted vectors will enhance the effectiveness of this type of therapeutic strategy. Moreover, combined with current treatments, suicide gene therapy will improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Abenhamar Navarro
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Esmeralda Carrillo
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Ana Martín
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- d Department of Health Sciences , University of Jaén , Jaén , Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
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