Boranophosphate siRNA-aptamer chimeras for tumor-specific downregulation of cancer receptors and modulators

Nucleic Acids Symp Ser (Oxf). 2008:(52):655-6. doi: 10.1093/nass/nrn331.

Abstract

There is a need for novel, effective, and cell- and gene-specific therapeutics for cancer. Modified oligonucleotides can be used to modulate specifically and potently the expression of several genes that are upregulated in breast and prostate cancer and have been found to be causal to the tumor phenotype. Synergistic downregulation of these genes may be a potent therapeutic intervention. We are investigating the use of boranophosphate (BP) analogues of RNA as promising candidates for enhancing the potential of three relatively new, gene-specific, anticancer strategies: (1) Tumor-targeted borane siRNA against a combination of genes that control metabolism and transduction; (2) Tumor-specific modified aptamers against prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and ERB2 in breast cancer as delivery agents; and (3) Cancer cell obliteration by cell-specific radiation therapy: Boron-Neutron-Capture-Therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Surface / genetics
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Boranes / chemistry*
  • Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Phosphates / chemistry*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / chemistry*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Boranes
  • Phosphates
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • boranophosphate
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • FOLH1 protein, human
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II