Objective: To explore the possibility of Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase (CD) gene on human pancreatic carcinoma gene therapy.
Methods: Recombinant adenoviruses containing a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) promoter were transiently introduced into SW1990, Capan-2 and Hela cells, separately. The expression of CD gene mRNA was examined by RT-PCR. CD protein level in the transduced cells was analyzed by Western blotting. The sensitivity of the cells to 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) was determined by MTT assay.
Results: A specific expression of cytosine deaminase gene by adenovirus-mediated transfer exhibited only in SW1990 cells (CEA-producing). Transduction of CD gene resulted in significant sensitivity of SW1990 cells to 5-FC. The anticancer effect was seen in vivo in SW1990 xenografts nude mice with in situ CD gene transduction.
Conclusion: The targeted expression of CD gene combined prodrug 5-FC may be a potential approach for gene therapy for human pancreatic carcinoma.