Ribonucleases
(RNases) are enzymes that degrade ribonucleic acid (RNA). Ribonucleases
can be internalized and end up in the cytosol of the cell. Their
action is blocked by another protein, ribonuclease inhibitor
(RI). The EVade™ RNase technology provides the means to
produce enzymatically active variants that have diminished binding
to ribonuclease inhibitor.
The EVade™ Ribonucleases degrade ribonucleic acids (RNA),
resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis and cell death.
Advantages of the EVade™ Ribonucleases
- EVade™ RNases kill cancer cells by a novel mechanism - destruction of RNA.
- EVade™ RNases are of mammalian origin and are unlikely to be antigenic.
- The therapeutic index of the EVade™ RNases is unlikely to be curtailed by efflux pumps.
- EVade™ RNases work in combination with small molecule chemotherapeutics, such as vincristine.
- Catalysis is necessary for toxicity. EVade™ RNases are approximately 103-fold better catalysts of RNA degradation than are the amphibian ribonucleases.
- Mammalian RNases are not retained in the kidney.
Quintessence Biosciences is looking for partners with an interest
in novel cancer therapies and their potential for combination
and targeted therapy.
Related Publications:
P.A. Leland, L.W. Schultz, B.M. Kim, R.T. Raines (1998) Ribonuclease A variants with potent cytotoxic activity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 95, 10407-10412. "Copyright (19998) National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A."
P.A. Leland, R.T. Raines (2001) Cancer chemotherapy (PDF) - ribonucleases to the rescue. Chemistry & Biology 8, 405-413. Copyright 2001, with permission from Elsevier. |
