Advances in Bacterial Cancer Therapies Using Synthetic Biology

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Syst Biol

Date 2018 Jun 9

PMID 29881788

Citations 37

Authors

Tiffany Chien

Anjali Doshi

Tal Danino

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Synthetic biology aims to apply engineering principles to biology by modulating the behavior of living organisms. An emerging application of this field is the engineering of bacteria as a cancer therapy by the programming of therapeutic, safety, and specificity features through genetic modification. Here, we review progress in this engineering including the targeting of bacteria to tumors, specific sensing and response to tumor microenvironments, remote induction methods, and controllable release of therapeutics. We discuss the most prominent bacteria strains used and their specific properties and the types of therapeutics tested thus far. Finally, we note current challenges, such as genetic stability, that researchers must address for successful clinical implementation of this novel therapy in humans.

Citing Articles

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Dynamic Gene Expression Mitigates Mutational Escape in Lysis-Driven Bacteria Cancer Therapy.

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