Viruses: A Cure for Cancer?
Malignant tumours (tumours with invasive characteristics) or cancer has been an increasing problem in both animal and human health. Recent studies have discovered another weapon to stopping them - the chicken anaemia virus (CAV).
CAV causes both clinical and subclinical diseases in chickens, characterised by anaemia, lymphoid atrophy and immunosuppression. This virus is known to be link with the apoptosis of cells, a form of cell death. The virus contains genes that generate 3 distinct proteins: VP1, VP2 and VP3. The VP3 protein was determined to be responsible for inducing cell apoptosis in chicken mononuclear cells, leading it to be named Apoptin. The good news is that VP3 not only induces apoptosis in chicken mononuclear cells, but also in malignant tumour cells. The ‘special’ ability of the VP3 protein is that it only attacks tumour cells and non-tumour cells, making it an exceptional anti-tumour agent.
Studies have begun investigating the effect of the VP3 gene, which produces the VP3 protein on canine mammary tumour cells. The VP3 gene was introduced into tumour and non-tumour cells via expression vectors (genes constructed containing at least a promoter, transcribed and transcription region) encoded with the VP3 gene of the CAV. The results indeed confirmed VP3 gene’s ‘special’ ability. Therefore, it may be an encouraging agent in treating mammary gland tumours in dogs. Veterinary medicine is not the only area to benefit from this discovery, as it could also lead to a better treatment of human breast cancer.
Primary Source
Lee, JJ., Chen, PB., Yang, SH., Cheng, CH., Chueh, LL., Pang, VF., Hsiao, M., Lin, CT., 2007. Effect of the VP3 gene of chicken anemia virus on canine mammary tumor cells. American Journal of Veterinary Research 68, 411-422. [electronic abstract]
Secondary Sources
Noteborn, MH., 2004. Chicken anemia virus induced apoptosis: underlying molecular mechanisms. Veterinary Microbiology 98, 89-94. [electronic abstract]
Houdebine, L., 2003. Animal Transgenesis and Cloning, edition unknown. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, West Sussex, p.16.
Posted by Sarah Zhang (41426957)
