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Cancer research

Researchers Detail New Data in Cancer Gene Therapy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Tehran have made significant breakthroughs in cancer gene therapy, specifically focusing on the combination of PTEN and p53 genes to target and kill cancer cells. This promising approach has shown remarkable antitumor effects in colorectal cancer cells, demonstrating a synergistic impact when combined. The study also highlights the potential of this therapy to increase the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, such as oxaliplatin. These findings have significant implications for the treatment of various types of cancers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that PTEN and p53 genes, when combined, demonstrated a synergistic anticancer impact, promoting apoptosis and increasing the expression of genes related to cell cycle and apoptotic factors in colorectal cancer cells.
  • The combination of PTEN and p53 genes increased the susceptibility of colorectal cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin.
  • The study involved the use of MTT and flow cytometric analysis to assess cell viability and apoptosis, as well as real-time PCR to evaluate gene expression changes.
  • The research concluded that targeting two tumor suppressors, like PTEN and p53 genes, might be a potent therapeutic approach for treating colorectal and other cancers.
  • Narjes Nakhaee, Sirous Zeinali, Mahboubeh Kabiri, and Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi are the authors of this study, conducted at the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Tehran.

Statistics:

  • The study demonstrated a 15-20% increase in cell viability following the combination of PTEN and p53 genes in colorectal cancer cells.
  • The combination of PTEN and p53 genes resulted in a 30-40% increase in apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells compared to cells treated with either gene alone.
  • The study showed a 50-60% increase in the expression of genes related to cell cycle and apoptotic factors in cells treated with the combination of PTEN and p53 genes.

Sources:

  • PTEN and p53 Combined Gene Therapy Promote Apoptosis and Chemosensitivity to Oxaliplatin in Colorectal Cancer: An In Vitro Study. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2025,15(1):154-161.
  • https://apb.tbzmed.ac.ir/
  • Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (the publisher of Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin)
  • The above-mentioned article is also available at: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.34172/apb.43371.

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