Dz13
Dz13 is an experimental treatment developed by Australian scientists which aims to combat a range of illnesses from diabetes to heart disease and cancer.
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[edit] How it works
Dz13 is a DNAzyme that targets c-Jun, a transcription factor found in diseased blood vessels, eyes, lungs and joints. The treatment works by destroying RNA, essentially inhibiting c-Jun expression in cells. [1] The potential of Dz13 as a therapeutic derives from the fact that inactivation of c-Jun can have an effect on downstream genes such as MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF and FGF-2. [2]
[edit] Dz13 in cancer
Dz13 has been shown to inhibit tumour growth and angiogenesis. [2] Anti-cancer effects have been demonstrated in models of prostate cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma. [3]
Clinical trials of Dz13 in patients with skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) commenced in 2010. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Dass, C.R. et al (2008). DNAzyme technology and cancer therapy: cleave and let die. Mol Cancer Ther. 7(2): 243-51.
- ^ a b Fahmy, R. et al (2006). Suppression of vascular permeability and inflammation by targeting of the transcription factor c-Jun. Nat Biotechnol. 24(7): 856-863.
- ^ Tan, M.L. et al (2010). Direct anti-metastatic efficacy by the DNA enzyme Dz13 and downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP in tumours. Cancer Cell Int. 10: 9.
- ^ Australian Cancer Trials (2010). A phase I study of the Dz13 drug targeting the c-Jun gene in subjects with skin cancer (nodular basal cell carcinoma). [1].
