HER-2/neu-targeting gene therapy--a review

Gene. 1995 Jun 14;159(1):65-71. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(94)00459-6.

Abstract

The HER-2/neu (also named c-erbB-2) oncogene is known to be overexpressed in many human cancers, including breast, ovarian, lung, gastric and oral cancers. In animal models, HER-2/neu overexpression was shown to enhance malignancy and metastasis phenotypes. Repression of HER-2/neu overexpression suppresses the malignant phenotypes of HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells, suggesting that HER-2/neu may serve as an excellent target for developing anti-cancer agents. We have previously shown that the adenovirus-5 (Ad5) E1a gene products and the SV40 large T antigen (large T) inhibit transcription of the HER-2/neu promoter and accordingly suppresses transformation induced by HER-2/neu. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on using cationic liposomes or an Ad vector to deliver E1a or large T into tumor-bearing mice. Our results indicate that both cationic liposomes or an Ad vector can efficiently deliver E1a or large T into tumor cells in mice, and this results in suppression of tumor growth and longer survival of the mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • Genes, erbB-2 / genetics*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Liposomes