Nanotechnology could disable cancerous gene--study

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena used nanotechnology--the science of tiny objects--to create small polymeric robots coated with a blood plasma protein called transferring which looks for molecular access on many types of cancers.

The research suggested that a novel methodology called RNA interference (RNAi)--system within living cells that helps monitor the functioning of active genes is an important player in the course of development of the disease.

RNA also called ribonucleic acid is a chemical messenger comprising structural molecular units.

Use of nanotechnology
Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies like Alnylam, Merck, Pfizer, Novartis and Roche are finding more ways to control RNA to obstruct proteins in genes that cause diseases like cancer, blindness or AIDS.

For the current study, the research team used nanotechnology in which they transferred nano-particles into the bloodstream to break down the cancer cells.

Researchers carried out the test on three people with various types of melanoma--cancer.

In phase 1, 30-minute intravenous clinical trial, the subjects were given four concocted dosages of the targeted nano-particles for about 21 days.

The test was based on the premise that once the nano-particles locate the tumor and move to wear it down, discharging small interfering RNAs.

The RNAs are responsible for blocking a gene that produces a cancer-forming protein called ribonucleotide reductase.

Findings of the study
The researchers established that the nano-therapy deactivated the protein ribonucleotide reductase, thereby suggestive of the effective functioning of RNA.

Lead researcher, Mark Davis, chemical engineering professor and a consultant to Calando Pharmaceuticals Inc, manufacturer of the therapy said, “In the particle itself, we’ve built what we call a chemical sensor. When it recognizes that it’s gone inside the cell, it says OK, now it’s time to disassemble and give off the RNA.”

“This is the first study to be able to go in there and show it’s doing its mechanism of action,” added Davis.

Davis further stated that their team is excited about it, as each novel technology accompanies cynicism.

Davis, however, concluded that it was not certain if the technology could contract the tumor, but with second phase of treatment, one patient showed signs that it might.

The study will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June.