Cancer gene therapy targeting cellular apoptosis machinery
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Updated: May 20, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
Lin-Tao Jia1, Si-Yi Chen, An-Gang Yang
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China. jialth@fmmu.edu.cn
Abstract:
The unraveling of cellular apoptosis machinery provides novel targets for cancer treatment, and gene therapy targeting this suicidal system has been corroborated to cause inflammation-free autonomous elimination of neoplastic cells. The apoptotic machinery can be targeted by introduction of a gene encoding an inducer, mediator or executioner of apoptotic cell death or by inhibition of anti-apoptotic gene expression. Strategies targeting cancer cells, which are achieved by selective gene delivery, specific gene expression or secretion of target proteins via genetic modification of autologous cells, dictate the outcome of apoptosis-based cancer gene therapy. Despite so far limited clinical success, gene therapy targeting the apoptotic machinery has great potential to benefit patients with threatening malignancies provided the availability of efficient and specific gene delivery and administration systems.
Insights
Gene therapy targeting cellular apoptosis offers a novel approach for cancer treatment, inducing inflammation-free elimination of cancer cells. Further advancements in gene delivery systems are crucial for realizing its full clinical potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cellular apoptosis machinery presents promising targets for innovative cancer therapies.
- Gene therapy offers a strategy for autonomous elimination of neoplastic cells by modulating apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of gene therapy in targeting cellular apoptosis for cancer treatment.
- To review strategies for inducing or inhibiting apoptotic pathways in neoplastic cells.
Main Methods:
- Targeting apoptotic inducers, mediators, or executioners via gene introduction.
- Inhibiting anti-apoptotic gene expression through genetic modification.
- Utilizing selective gene delivery and expression for cancer cell targeting.
Main Results:
- Gene therapy can induce inflammation-free elimination of cancer cells by targeting apoptosis.
- Successful strategies rely on specific gene delivery and expression in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy targeting apoptosis holds significant potential for treating malignancies.
- Efficient and specific gene delivery and administration systems are essential for clinical success.
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