Viral protein apoptin as a molecular tool and therapeutic bullet: implications for cancer control. (September 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visser, Astrid E; Backendorf, Claude; Noteborn, Mathieu
• Is Part Of: Future virology. Volume 2:Number 5(2007)
• Page Start: 519
• Page End: 527
• Publication Date: 2007-09
• Subjects: anaphase-promoting complex -- anticancer therapy -- apoptin -- apoptosis -- cancer -- ceramide -- chicken anemia virus -- drug targets -- pathway discovery; Virology -- Periodicals; Virus diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.9101
• DOI: 10.2217/17460794.2.5.519
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0794

Abstract

The chicken anemia virus-derived protein apoptin induces apoptosis in human tumor cells via a p53-independent pathway, while leaving normal cells intact. Moreover, apoptin treatment in preclinical animal studies leads to reduced tumor growth or remission without a detectable effect on healthy tissues. Apoptin is activated by a still unknown tumor-specific kinase activity. The mode of action of apoptin is under intense investigation, as certain features make it a promising tool for discovering early events in tumorigenesis, identifying druggable targets for antitumor treatment and possibly serving as an antitumor therapy in itself.