Other

Miami University

Michael A Kennedy

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides novel artificial, non-naturally-occurring double stranded DNA segments (and related methods) capable of acting as decoy binding sites for oncogenic transcription factors and a general method for suppressing aberrant activity of oncogenic transcription factors that promote cancer progression. In various embodiments, the present invention involves the sequestration of targeted oncogenic transcription factors at these artificial, non-naturally occurring engineered transcription factor binding sites, which have been introduced into the cells using oncolytic or other viruses that can be engineered to selectively target cancer cells. These artificial, non-naturally occurring engineered transcription factor binding sites act as decoys for binding so as to competitively sequester oncogenic transcription factors away from the host genomic DNA, thus abolishing or reducing oncogenic transcription factor activity and resulting in restored sensitivity to chemotherapy, increased apoptosis, and reduced cancer cell proliferation.

Engineered oncolytic viruses containing hyper-binding sites to sequester and suppress activity of oncogenic transcription factors as a novel treatment for human cancer

Elevated high mobility group A (HMGA) protein expression in human cancer cells, and especially human pancreatic cancer cells, is correlated with resistance to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. The present invention uses HMGA-targeted AT-rich phosphorothioate DNA (AT-sDNA) aptamers to suppress HMGA carcinogenic activity. Cell growth of human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1 and Miapaca-2) transfected with AT-sDNA were monitored after treatment with gemcitabine. Significant increases in cell death in AT-sDNA transfected cells compared to non AT-rich sDNA treated cells were observed in both cell lines. The data indicates the potential use of HMGA targeted DNA aptamers to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in human cancer treatment, and in particular human pancreatic cancer treatment.

Use of HMGA-targeted phosphorothioate DNA aptamers to suppress carcinogenic activity and increase sensitivity to chemotherapy agents in human cancer cells

Use of HGMA-targeted phosphorothioate DNA aptamers to suppress carcinogenic activity and increase sensitivity to chemotherapy agents in human cancer cells

Growing community of inventors

Oxford, OH, United States of America

Michael A Kennedy