title: Induction of apoptosis by gene transfer of human TRAIL mediated by arginine-rich intracellular delivery peptides.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, has shown potent and high selective antitumor activity as a promising therapy for cancer. We have developed an arginine-rich intracellular delivery (AID) peptide-mediated system for nontoxic and efficient gene transfer in cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  To evaluate antitumor activity and therapeutic potential of TRAIL gene, a bifunctional expression plasmid was constructed encoding the secretory signal peptide of human immunoglobulin kappa (Ig kappa) light chain, the extracellular portion (amino acids 95-281) of human TRAIL and the humanized green fluorescent protein (GFP).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We demonstrated that AID peptides were able to effectively deliver TRAIL gene into human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Soluble TRAIL-GFP protein purified from media after gene delivery was further evaluated regarding selective induction of apoptosis in cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AID peptide-mediated DNA transfer provides a potential and convenient tool in nonviral gene therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Jheng-Fong
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yuliana
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Rong-Long
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Han-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D001120:Arginine; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010957:Plasmids; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; C505653:TNFSF10 protein, human; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D001120:Arginine