Advantages:
- Novel targeted RNA aptamers to inhibit ADAM8 and block cancer associated fibroblast maintenance in the tumor microenvironment.
- RNA aptamer benefits: high affinity, high specificity, and low immunogenicity
- Promising preclinical in vitro and in vivo outcomes
Summary:
This research delves into the intricate dynamics of cancer progression, focusing on the pivotal role of the transmembrane glycoprotein: disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8" (Adam8). Adam8 signaling is required for cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and promotes tumor growth and metastasis in various types of cancer.
Our researchers focused on developing Adam8 inhibitors, which are currently unavailable. RNA aptamers are an established technology that bind and inactivate extracellular targets with high affinity, high specificity, and low immunogenicity with the added benefit of relative ease of manufacturing. They showed that the Apt-1 RNA aptamer could interfere with the interactions between cancer cells and mesenchymal stem cells in cell culture. Initial mouse studies indicate the aptamer induces established human breast cancer regression. Delineation of this novel signaling pathway for CAF maintenance will generate additional targets. This research suggests a new way to target and treat cancer and paves the way for a more effective and targeted approach to cancer therapy.
Breast, lung and liver MDA-MB-231 luciferase activity in saline and Apt-1 treated mice after sacrifice at week 6.
Desired Partnerships:
- License
- Sponsored Research
- Co-Development