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Published on: September 21, 2017
Antisense therapeutics in oncology: current status
Ammad Ahmad Farooqi1, Zia Ur Rehman2, Jordi Muntane3
1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract:
There is increasing progress in translational oncology and tremendous breakthroughs have been made as evidenced by preclinical and clinical trials. Data obtained from high-throughput technologies are deepening our understanding about the molecular and gene network in cancer cells and rapidly emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence is highlighting the role of antisense agents as specific inhibitors of the expression of target genes, thus modulating the response of cancer cells to different therapeutic strategies. Much information is continuously being added into various facets of molecular oncology and it is now understood that overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, oncogenes, oncogenic microRNAs (miRNA), and fusion proteins make cancer cells difficult to target. Delivery of antisense oligonucleotides has remained a challenge and technological developments have helped in overcoming hurdles by improving the ability to penetrate cells, effective and targeted binding to gene sequences, and downregulation of target gene function. Different delivery systems, including stable nucleic acid lipid particles, have shown potential in enhancing the delivery of cargo to the target site. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current progress in the development of antisense therapeutics and their potential in medical research. We partition this multicomponent review into introductory aspects about recent breakthroughs in antisense therapeutics. We also discuss how antisense therapeutics have shown potential in resensitizing resistant cancer cells to apoptosis by targeted inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins, oncogenic miRNAs, and BCR-ABL.
Insights
Antisense therapeutics show promise in cancer treatment by inhibiting target gene expression. Advances in delivery systems enhance their ability to resensitize resistant cancer cells to apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Translational oncology is rapidly advancing, with high-throughput technologies deepening the understanding of cancer's molecular and gene networks.
- Overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, oncogenes, oncogenic microRNAs (miRNA), and fusion proteins contributes to cancer cell resistance.
- Antisense agents are emerging as specific inhibitors of target gene expression, offering novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current progress in the development of antisense therapeutics for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the potential of antisense agents in medical research and clinical applications.
- To highlight how antisense therapeutics can overcome cancer cell resistance mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical trial data on antisense therapeutics.
- Analysis of high-throughput technologies for understanding cancer molecular networks.
- Evaluation of various delivery systems, including stable nucleic acid lipid particles, for antisense oligonucleotides.
Main Results:
- Antisense agents demonstrate potential in specifically inhibiting target gene expression.
- Technological advancements are improving antisense oligonucleotide delivery, cell penetration, and target binding.
- Antisense therapeutics show promise in resensitizing resistant cancer cells to apoptosis by inhibiting key oncogenic factors.
Conclusions:
- Antisense therapeutics represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
- Improved delivery systems are crucial for the clinical success of antisense oligonucleotides.
- Antisense agents hold potential for modulating cancer cell response and overcoming therapeutic resistance.
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