Lipid nanoparticles – a step towards targeted cancer gene therapy

At the annual session of the American Association of Anatomists held on April 18-22 in New Orleans, a group of scientists led by Dr. Esther Chang from Georgetown University Medical Center presented nanoparticles, which are spheres of lipid molecules, inside of which there is a fully functional copy of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Outside, the nanoparticles are coated with antibodies, specific to proteins typical of cancer cells. This allows for targeted delivery of the oncosuppressor gene through the bloodstream to the cells of the tumor itself and its metastases. As a result of the normal p53 gene, tumor growth stops.

Normally, there are 2 functioning copies of the p53 gene in the cell. The protein encoded by them participates both in reparative cellular processes and in programmed cell death – apoptosis. Violations of the function of the p53 gene leads to the degeneration of cells into cancer cells and is often associated with the resistance of tumors to radiation and chemotherapy.

Previously, working with animal models, Dr. Chang managed to achieve targeted delivery of functional p53 as part of nanoparticles to tumors and metastases in 16 different types of cancer, including prostate, pancreatic, skin, breast, head and neck cancers. The presence of "substitute genes" significantly increased the effectiveness of conventional anti-cancer therapy. Thus, the use of the described p53 delivery system will reduce the therapeutic effect on the patient, while obtaining the same or even better results. At the same time, this should lead to a reduction in the side effects of cancer treatment, which are a big problem.

Due to the fact that lipid molecules, once inside the cell, simply dissolve like any droplet of fat, such a targeted delivery system has no side effects of its own, which compares favorably with nanoparticles made of materials that are not biodegradable previously used for the same purposes.

Currently, clinical trials are in the first stage. 6 patients with various types of cancer take part in the experiment, a total of 14 people agreed to participate. According to others . Chang, promising results have already been obtained. If successful, gene therapy of oncological diseases can make a noticeable step forward due not only to the greater effectiveness of treatment, but also to a significant reduction in the likelihood of secondary tumors.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of PhysOrg: Fat droplet nanoparticle delivers tumor suppressor gene to tumor and metastatic cells. 

23.04.2009