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Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
DNA fragmentation factor 40-based therapeutic approaches for cancer: a review article
Faezeh Masaeli1, Saba Omoomi1, Fatemeh Shafiee2,3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jarib Ave., Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract:
DNA Fragmentation Factor (DFF) is a heterodimer protein involved in DNA fragmentation during apoptosis, which acts as a trigger downstream of caspase-3 activation. DFF40 catalytically active homo-oligomers break down chromosomal DNA. Previous scientific investigations have revealed a link between DFF40 expression changes and various cancers. DFF40 deletion or down-regulation has been observed in some cancers. Consequently, therapeutic strategies involving the DFF40 molecule compensating led to an increased rate of cancer cell apoptosis. In this review article, we aimed to introduce cancers with low expression of this protein first. The second part of this paper focuses on studies that utilized exogenous DFF40 protein produced by recombinant DNA technology and surveyed during in vitro and in vivo tests. Finally, compensation for diminished expression of the mentioned protein via gene therapy-based techniques to make up for this apoptotic molecule's low expression is the topic of the last part of this review article.
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