Gene Therapy Development for Breast Cancer
Gene therapy represents a transformative approach in the treatment of breast cancer, leveraging the ability to modify genetic material within a patient's cells to combat this complex disease. This innovative strategy aims to address the underlying genetic mutations responsible for tumorigenesis, providing a potential curative solution where traditional therapies may fall short. Alfa Cytology is dedicated to advancing gene therapy development specifically for breast cancer.
Introduction to Gene Therapy
In recent years, with the vigorous development of gene editing technology and biomedical materials science, the dawn of gene therapy has arrived. Thanks to great advances in gene editing technologies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and gene editing technology, gene therapy can be delivered in a more convenient and precise manner. The concept of gene therapy was developed based on the theory that correcting cancer-related mutations can control or inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve patient prognosis. Gene delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors, also determine their clinical safety and efficiency. Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most lethal cancers in women, and using DNA- or RNA-based gene therapy has the potential to address key candidate genes in BC.
Fig.1 Ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. (Dastjerd NT, et al, 2022)
Our Services
Gene therapy development is a young field facing a wide range of challenges, including a dynamic regulatory environment, pre-existing and treatment-induced immunity to viral vectors. Alfa Cytology's preclinical gene therapy development services ensure the comprehensive services and expertise needed to create solutions for every gene therapy development challenge, from IND-enabled testing to commercialization, ready to advance your development program.
DNA-Based Gene Therapy Development Services
Our DNA-based gene therapy services focus on the delivery of therapeutic genes to correct genetic defects or to introduce new functionalities in breast cancer cells. Key components of our DNA-based services include:
- Vector Design and Optimization: We develop and optimize various delivery systems, including viral vectors (adenoviral, lentiviral) and non-viral methods (liposomes, nanoparticles), to ensure efficient and stable gene delivery. Our experienced team tailors the vectors to maximize transduction efficiency and minimize immunogenicity.
- Gene Editing Technologies: Utilizing advanced genome-editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, we facilitate precise modifications in the genome of breast cancer cells. This capability allows for the correction of specific mutations or the disruption of oncogenic pathways, providing powerful therapeutic options.
- In Vitro and In Vivo Testing: Comprehensive testing protocols are implemented to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DNA-based therapies. This includes in vitro assays with breast cancer cell lines and in vivo studies using xenograft models to assess therapeutic outcomes and pharmacokinetics.
RNA-Based Gene Therapy Development Services
Our RNA-based gene therapy services focus on leveraging RNA molecules to modulate gene expression in breast cancer. These services include:
- siRNA and shRNA Development: We design and synthesize small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to specifically target and silence oncogenes. This approach can effectively reduce the expression of cancer-promoting proteins, leading to decreased tumor growth.
- mRNA Therapeutics: Our team develops messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies aimed at restoring the expression of tumor suppressor genes or delivering therapeutic proteins directly to cancer cells. These mRNA constructs are engineered to enhance stability and translation efficiency, ensuring robust therapeutic effects.
- Delivery System Optimization: The successful application of RNA-based therapies relies heavily on effective delivery mechanisms. We specialize in optimizing delivery systems to ensure that RNA molecules reach their intended targets within tumor cells while minimizing degradation by extracellular RNases.
Alfa Cytology is a world-leading preclinical CRO company dedicated to assisting scientists around the world in BC research. We can provide you with BC gene therapy development services and help in the development of therapies and diagnostics for BC. If you have any questions about BC research, please contact us and our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
Reference
- Dastjerd NT, et al. Gene therapy: A promising approach for breast cancer treatment. Cell Biochem Funct. 2022 Jan;40(1):28-48.