RNAi-Based Identification System and interference of Specific Cancer Cells
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A "classifier" is created to categorize cells by identifying specific characteristics of cervical cancer.[1] These characteristics are consistent with HeLa cells, which serve as the target cell line for cell death.[1] Upon identifying these cells, the classifier releases specific proteins within the HeLa cell that trigger apoptosis without killing or endangering neighboring, healthy cells.[1]
The defining characteristics of these classifiers are elements whose levels within the cells create markers that can be measured.[1] High markers and low markers are established, and a "classifier molecule" created to insert into prospective cells, which can induce apoptosis only when cells exhibit the threshold level of high or low markers.[1] These classifiers use a small interfering RNA, which targets the repressor and activator in the Lac operon.[1] This holds potential for therapeutic use, provided that an efficient delivery system can be established for in vivo DNA. In vitro applications are possible, provided the classifier molecule can be safely integrated into cultured cells.[1]
Cancer cells can be classified by identifying MicroRNA expression.[2] These mRNA expression levels can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in tumor and cancer classifications, although current tumor classification methods do not incorporate experimental knowledge.[2] As is evident in experimental knowledge, different types of cancer can be associated with the irregular expression of particular miRNAs.[2] Other parameters considered to be critical are the location of the miRNAs on the strand, cancer-associated genomic regions, epigenetic alteration of miRNA expression, and abnormalities in processing target genes and proteins.[2] Recent evidence shows that miRNAs play an important role in human malignancies and could act as a tumor/oncogene suppressor.[2]