Development of a Nature-Inspired Vector for Targeted Systemic Breast Cancer Gene Therapy

Project Details

Description

PUBLIC ABSTRACT

Gene therapy is perceived as a revolutionary new technology with the promise to cure almost any disease, provided that we understood its genetic or molecular basis. However, enthusiasm has rapidly abated as multiple clinical trials failed to show efficacy. The limiting factor seems to be the lack of a suitable delivery system (vector) to carry the therapeutic molecules (genes) safely and efficiently to the target tissue (breast cancer cells).

Our objective is to develop a gene delivery system that is able to transfer genes to breast cancer cells efficiently while preserving the healthy cells. The structure of the vector is inspired by the motifs that exist in nature and have evolved to be highly efficient in their function. This concept provides a foundation for the development of highly efficient and safe nonviral gene delivery systems for targeted breast cancer gene therapy.

To address the major barriers to safe and efficient breast cancer gene therapy, this research proposal delineates a novel approach to design and develop a gene delivery system that can (1) bind to the genes and condense them into nanosize particles suitable for uptake by the breast cancer cells, (2) target breast cancer cells via the specific receptors on their surface and maximize accumulation of the therapeutic genes in tumors while preserving the healthy cells, and (3) transfer the genes efficiently to the target breast cancer cells for maximum therapeutic efficacy.

StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/1/0612/31/06

Funding

  • U.S. Department of Defense: $112,125.00

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