TITLE:
Utility of adeno-associated viruses to target members of the TGF-β superfamily in prostate cancer therapy
AUTHORS:
Priya Ramarao, Elspeth Gold
KEYWORDS:
AAV; Prostate Cancer; TGF-β Superfamily
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.4 No.10C,
October
18,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Components of the TGF-β superfamily have been well established
in their intricate and multifaceted roles in cancer progression and survival.
The TGF-βs have been targeted
therapeutically in an attempt to modify complex tumour networks to favour
cancer cell destruction. Goals of these therapies are often to attack the “hallmarks”
of cancer: characteristics acquired by cancer cells via re-wiring or manipulating
existing biological pathways to their survival advantage. Of the multitude of
targeted therapies currently available, viral therapies have shown much promise
in their efficacy of treatment. This review highlights current viral therapies
targeting members of the TGF-β superfamily,
with a focus on the strengths and limitations associated with this form of
targeted cancer therapy.