Gene Therapy in Melanoma
The identification of genes involved in different biologic functions and in the pathogenesis of diseases has paved the way to the possibility of either interfering with the role of such genes or replacing them in somatic cells in case of loss, which may occur in some genetic diseases or cancer. Such progress has been accomplished thanks to advances in molecular biology and applied technology that allow the transport and insertion of genes into recipient cells by viral or physical vectors as well as the inhibition of gene transcription by antisense oligonucleotides. Methods have also been devised to transfer genes not only in vitro but also in vivo, although this latter approach is still limited owing to poor selectivity and targeting of most vectors when given systemically. Viral and physical vectors have been employed; each of these vectors has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and, therefore, the appropriate vector should be selected according to the therapeutic system involved (1 ). Retro viral vectors have been used largely for their ability to selectively transfect proliferating cells, a feature that can be advantageous in case one wishes to target only proliferating tumor cells. Owing to the heterogeneous proliferation rate in different parts of a tumor, however, it could be desirable, under some circumstances, to be able to target even the fraction of nonproliferating tumor cells. This can now be obtained by the use of lentivirus (2 ) or by switching to the use of adenoviruses that can target both dividing and quiescent cells but also induce unwanted inflammmatory reactions from the host.
- Assessment of TNFα-Induced Endothelial Damage Through the Loss of Its Barrier Function
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genes
- Detecting DNA Methylation Using the Methylated CpG Island Amplification and Microarray Technique
- Use of siRNA to Study the Function of MDC1 in DNA Damage Responses
- Flow Cytometry for Non-Hodgkin and Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Models of Hormone Resistance In Vitro and In Vivo
- Recombinant Single-Chain and Disulfide-Stabilized Fv Immunotoxins for Cancer Therapy
- 甲醇酵母表达系统的应用及前景
- 细胞电融合的原理和方法
- Stereotyped B Cell Receptors in B Cell Leukemias and Lymphomas