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Mesenchymal stem cells: A new platform for targeting suicide genes in cancer

Rana Moradian Tehrani1, Javad Verdi1,2, Mahdi Noureddini1

  • 1Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|July 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for cancer gene therapy, delivering suicide genes to tumors. Genetically modified MSCs and their exosomes offer a novel platform for targeted cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gene Therapy
  • Cell Therapy

Background:

  • Gene therapy, specifically Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT), offers targeted cancer cell eradication.
  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess unique properties like tumor homing and low immunogenicity, making them ideal for gene delivery.
  • Exosomes derived from MSCs are emerging as a novel therapeutic platform.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current applications of genetically modified MSCs in cancer gene therapy.
  • To highlight the potential of MSC-derived exosomes in cancer treatment.
  • To summarize the use of suicide genes delivered by MSCs for anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on MSCs in gene therapy and cancer treatment.
  • Analysis of studies involving genetically modified MSCs carrying suicide genes (e.g., cytosine deaminase, thymidine kinase).
  • Exploration of the role of MSC-derived exosomes in delivering therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • Genetically modified MSCs can effectively deliver suicide genes to tumor sites, leading to potent anti-cancer activity.
  • MSCs exhibit tumor-homing capabilities and low immunogenicity, enhancing their safety and efficacy.
  • MSC-derived exosomes show promise as a cell-free therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically modified MSCs represent a viable strategy for targeted cancer gene therapy.
  • The use of MSCs and their exosomes offers a versatile platform for co-delivering multiple therapeutic agents.
  • Further research into MSC-based therapies, including exosomes, is warranted for advanced cancer treatment.
Keywords:
cancermesenchymal stem cellssuicide genetherapy

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