title: Interleukin 24: mechanisms and therapeutic potential of an anti-cancer gene.
abstract: Interleukin 24 (mda-7/IL-24) has been classified as an anti-cancer gene for its ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells while having little to no effect on normal cells. Although the exact mechanisms by which IL-24 functions have not been completely elucidated, several pathways have consistently been identified: endoplasmic reticulum stress, ceramide-mediated events, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In addition to these mechanistic analyses, significant progress has also been reported regarding the clinical potential of this anti-cancer gene. For example, many groups are utilizing mda-7/IL-24 in combination with other cancer therapies. This review examines the current research and potential future of this important anti-cancer gene.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States.
authors.forename: Erin L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Whitaker
authors.forename: Valery A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Filippov
authors.forename: Penelope J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Duerksen-Hughes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D000099180:Interleukin-24
chemical_list: D007378:Interleukins; D000099180:Interleukin-24