Genetic chemoprotection with mutant O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferases.
One of the main barriers to more efficacious use of modern chemotherapeutic agents, is the collateral toxicity exhibited in normal, highly proliferative tissues, primarily the haemopoietic, gastrointestinal and pulmonary tissues. Drug resistance of tumours to these drugs compounds this problem. This review discusses the role of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (ATase) in conferring protection against O6-alkylating agents in normal tissue, focusing mainly on the haemopoietic compartment. The development of mutant forms of ATase, which are resistant to the effects of soluble analogues of O6-alkylation such as O6-benzylguanine, is examined and the gene therapy approach of combining these two strategies to confer chemoprotection to vulnerable tissues whilst sensitising malignant tissue is reviewed.
Hobin
D A
DA
CRC Gene Therapy Group, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK.
Fairbairn
L J
LJ
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D019853:O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D013997:Time Factors
D019853:O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase