Aptamer:toxin conjugates that specifically target prostate tumor cells.
We have used RNA aptamer:gelonin conjugates to target and specifically destroy cells overexpressing the known cancer biomarker prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Aptamer:toxin conjugates have an IC50 of 27 nmol/L and display an increased potency of at least 600-fold relative to cells that do not express PSMA. The aptamer not only promotes uptake into target cells but also decreases the toxicity of gelonin in non-target cells. These results validate the notion that "escort aptamers" may be useful for the treatment of specific tumors expressing unique antigen targets.
Chu
Ted C
TC
Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
Marks
John W
JW
Lavery
Laura A
LA
Faulkner
Sarah
S
Rosenblum
Michael G
MG
Ellington
Andrew D
AD
Levy
Matthew
M
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D008297:Male; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D054789:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D010940:Plant Proteins; D054789:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1; C025674:GEL protein, Gelonium multiflorum; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen