title: Redox gene therapy protects human IB-3 lung epithelial cells against ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis.
abstract: Toxicity to nontumor-derived tissue has proven to be a significant obstacle in achieving therapeutic levels of gamma irradiation in the treatment of cancer. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals (O2-) following irradiation is thought to be a major determinant of cellular damage. To this end, we describe the generation of two recombinant adenoviral vectors expressing the radical-scavenging enzymes MnSOD and CuZnSOD to test therapeutic strategies of radioprotection. Using a human lung epithelial cell line (IB-3), we have demonstrated that infections with both Ad.CMVMnSOD or Ad.CMVCuZnSOD significantly increase both the levels of SOD protein and enzymatic activity as compared to control cells. This increase in SOD expression reduced the level of apoptosis at 72 hr post-irradiation by 50% as compared to mock- or Ad.CMVLacZ-infected cells. Such studies provide the foundation for radioprotective gene therapies in the treatment of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1109, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zwacka
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dudus
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Epperly
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Greenberger
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Engelhardt
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics; D017209:Apoptosis; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D019076:Transgenes
chemical_list: D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase