Potentials for RNAi in sarcoma research and therapy: Ewing's sarcoma as a model.

Abstract

Existing data identify EWS-FLI1 as indispensable for sustained Ewing's sarcoma growth and as the ideal therapeutic target in this disease. The siRNA may hold great promises as a fusion gene specific agent. RNAi mediated suppression of EWS-FLI1 is likely to result in an altered tumor cell phenotype including changes in chemosensitivity, and a restored differentiation potential. Thus, RNAi may serve as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. As a therapeutic means however, RNAi is hampered by limitations in the delivery of the agent and emergence of resistant clones. In vitro suppression of EWS-FLI1 expression will allow to define the phenotypic characteristics of dormant tumor cells that may give rise to late relapses, enabling improved diagnosis and treatment even of minimal residual disease.

• Authors: Heinrich Kovar, Josef Ban, Sarka Pospisilova
• Journal: Seminars in cancer biology (Semin Cancer Biol) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 275-81 (Aug 2003) ISSN: 1044-579X [Print] England
• PMID: 14563122 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• EWS-FLI fusion protein
• Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
• Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
• RNA-Binding Protein EWS
• Transcription Factors

Topics

• Animals
• Genetic Therapy (methods)
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Oncogene Proteins, Fusion (genetics)
• Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
• RNA Interference
• RNA-Binding Protein EWS
• Sarcoma, Ewing (genetics, therapy)
• Transcription Factors (genetics)