Lentivirus-Mediated Gene Delivery is a common method for introducing therapeutic genes into cancer cells. One such gene is Tiam1, known for its potential impact on cancer cell behavior.
Dear Dr. Cyril Robinson Azariah J.
T lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) has been identified as an oncogene. The role of this gene in cellular migration, invasion, and metastasis may not be limited to T lymphoma. It has been reported to be important in promoting tumor progression in a variety of other cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
Gene silencing would be an appropriate method to inhibit cell growth and invasive ability of cancer cells. For this purpose, one could use the RNA interference (RNAi), also known as gene silencing technology. Tiam1 silencing with lentiviral vector-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) technology would be appropriate.
However, there are many obstacles that one would come across. First and foremost, the phosphodiester bond of siRNA is vulnerable to RNases and phosphatases. Once it is systematically administered into circulation, endonucleases or exonucleases throughout the body will quickly degrade siRNA into fragments, thus preventing the accumulation of intact therapeutic siRNA in the intended tissue. Also, immune recognition in blood circulation, effective transmembrane trafficking, and escape from endosomes and lysosomes to the cytoplasm where antisense strands of siRNAs need to be loaded into RISCs are among others that need to be addressed.
Also, there is the issue of delivery systems and the off-target effects. Improving delivery to target sites and reducing the harmful effects on non-cancerous cells need to be looked into.
So, delivering siRNAs efficiently and safely to desired tissues and cells, and enhancing the performance of siRNAs with respect to their activity, stability, specificity must be investigated.
Regards,
Malcolm Nobre
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