Dz13

Dz13 is an experimental treatment developed by scientists at the University of New South Wales. The drug aims to combat a range of illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Trials of DZ13 were temporarily suspended by UNSW in July 2013.[1][2]

Mechanism of action

Dz13 is a DNAzyme that targets c-Jun, a transcription factor found in diseased blood vessels, eyes, lungs and joints. The treatment works by destroying RNA, essentially inhibiting c-Jun expression in cells.[3] The potential of Dz13 as a therapeutic derives from the fact that inactivation of c-Jun can have an effect on downstream genes such as MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF and FGF-2.[4]

Effects

Dz13 has been shown to inhibit tumour growth and angiogenesis.[4] Anti-cancer effects have been demonstrated in models of prostate cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma.[5]

Clinical trials of Dz13 in patients with skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) commenced in 2010.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "UNSW response to ABC 730 story". UNSW Newsroom. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  2. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3823977.htm
  3. ↑ Dass, C.R. et al (2008). DNAzyme technology and cancer therapy: cleave and let die. Mol Cancer Ther. 7(2): 243-51.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fahmy, R. et al (2006). Suppression of vascular permeability and inflammation by targeting of the transcription factor c-Jun. Nat Biotechnol. 24(7): 856-863.
  5. ↑ Tan, M.L. et al (2010). Direct anti-metastatic efficacy by the DNA enzyme Dz13 and downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP in tumours. Cancer Cell Int. 10: 9.
  6. ↑ Australian Cancer Trials (2010). A phase I study of the Dz13 drug targeting the c-Jun gene in subjects with skin cancer (nodular basal cell carcinoma). .

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