Year: 2017
Type: review
Abstract: Protein kinase CK2 demonstrates increased protein expression relative to non-transformed cells in the majority of cancers that have been examined. The elevated levels of CK2 are involved in promoting not only continued proliferation of cancer cells but also their resistance to cell death; thus, CK2 has emerged as a plausible target for cancer therapy. Our focus has been to target CK2 catalytic subunits at the molecular level using RNA interference (RNAi) strategies to achieve their downregulation. The delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutic agents warrants that they are protected and are delivered specifically to cancer cells. The latter is particularly important since CK2 is a ubiquitous signal that is essential for survival. To achieve these goals, we have developed a nanocapsule that has the properties of delivering an anti-CK2 RNAi therapeutic cargo, in a protected manner, specifically to cancer cells. Tenfibgen (TBG) is used as the ligand to target tenascin-C receptors, which are elevated in cancer cells. This strategy is effective for inhibiting growth and inducing death in several types of xenograft tumors, and the nanocapsule elicits no safety concerns in animals. Further investigation of this therapeutic approach for its translation is warranted.
Source: Pharmaceuticals
DOI: 10.3390/ph10010025
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Funders: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Center for Research Resources, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Awards: G1326130407, G1345980661, University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UMN CTSI), Antisense gene therapy with tumor-targeted nanocapsules, G2793680420, G2843654982, G3736430847, G3793580326, University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UMN CTSI), In Utero Correction of the OTC Defect in Liver, G692898594, Tumor-targeted anti-CK2 RNAi for treatment of HCC, G840109269, G9000103015, G9000300471, Cancer Center Support Grant
OpenAlex ID: W2591001571