Apoptosis by genetic engineering.
Apoptotic cell death is physiological. Malignant cells often escape programmed cell death. Many genes that promote (p53) or antagonize (bcl-2, fes) apoptosis have been recognized. Apoptosis promoter genes can be activated by growth factor or hormone withdrawal in growth factor- or hormone-dependent tumor cells. Malignant cells acquiring apoptosis-resistance, still can be killed by cytotoxic lymphocytes releasing lymphotoxins. This phenomenon gives further support to the therapeutic use of activated and expanded lymphocyte populations and/or apoptosis-inducing cytokines. Chemotherapeutic agents (esp. topoisomerase inhibitors) frequently kill tumor cells by activating programmed cell death (PCD). Biologicals and chemotherapeutics may synergize in evoking apoptosis. We propose the cloning of apoptotic genes and their transfer by transfection in vivo into tumor cells. While transfection of genes into tumor cells in vitro is widely practiced, the lack of proper technology for transfection in vivo and the unknown aspects of apoptotic cell death are recognized.
Sinkovics
J
J
Cancer Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa, Florida 33607.
Horvath
J
J
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014162:Transfection