Aurora B inhibitors promote RB hypophosphorylation and senescence independent of p53-dependent CDK2/4 inhibition.

Aurora B kinase (AURKB) inhibitors have been trialled in a range of different tumour types but are not approved for any indication. Expression of the human papilloma virus (HPV) oncogenes and loss of retinoblastoma (RB) protein function has been reported to increase sensitivity to AURKB inhibitors but the mechanism of their contribution to sensitivity is poorly understood. Two commonly reported outcomes of AURKB inhibition are polyploidy and senescence, although their relationship is unclear.

SiRNAs as antiviral drugs - Current status, therapeutic potential and challenges.

Traditionally, antiviral drugs target viral enzymes and or structural proteins, identified through large drug screens or rational drug design. The screening, chemical optimisation, small animal toxicity studies and clinical trials mean time to market is long for a new compound, and in the event of a novel virus or pandemic, weeks, and months matter. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a gene silencing platform is an alluring alternative.

RNA-based gene targeting therapies for human papillomavirus driven cancers.

While platinum-based chemotherapy, radiation therapy and or surgery are effective in reducing human papillomavirus (HPV) driven cancer tumours, they have some significant drawbacks, including low specificity for tumour, toxicity, and severe adverse effects. Though current therapies for HPV-driven cancers are effective, severe late toxicity associated with current treatments contributes to the deterioration of patient quality of life. This warrants the need for novel therapies for HPV derived cancers.

A novel method for the development of plasmid DNA-loaded nanoliposomes for cancer gene therapy.

We aimed to develop a simple yet novel method to prepare plasmid DNA-loaded nanoliposomes for cancer gene therapy. Murine interleukin-12 (mIL-12) pDNA-loaded nanoliposomes were prepared via novel freeze-drying of a monophase solution method. The physicochemical characteristics, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency of the prepared nanoliposomes in murine CT-26 colon carcinoma cells were evaluated.

Alpelisib and radiotherapy treatment enhances Alisertib-mediated cervical cancer tumor killing.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main causative agent in cervical cancers. High-risk HPV cancers, including cervical cancer, are driven by major HPV oncogene, E6 and E7, which promote uncontrolled cell growth and genomic instability. We have previously shown that the presence of HPV E7 sensitizes cells to inhibition of aurora kinases (AURKs), which regulates the control of cell entry into and through mitosis.

Smart drug combinations for cervical cancer: dual targeting of Bcl-2 family of proteins and aurora kinases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent in cervical cancers. Recurrent cervical cancer is refractory to currently available treatments. Clearly there is an urgent unmet need to investigate new therapeutic strategies for both the newly diagnosed and recurrent patient populations.

Loss of HPV type 16 E7 restores cGAS-STING responses in human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas cells.

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the main culprit in cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV positive (+) cancers are regarded as 'oncogene addicted', displaying an absolute requirement for the continued expression of the oncogenes for their viability owing their survival, and thus making these genes salient targets for developing specific therapeutic agents. There is a strong association between HPV and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC), a subset of head and neck cancers (HNCs).

cGAS-STING responses are dampened in high-risk HPV type 16 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a major health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. More than 90% of these tumours are head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Amongst the common risk factors for HNCs (tobacco and alcohol use), there is a strong association of human papillomavirus (HPV) with HNSCCs.

CD62L as a therapeutic target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Purpose: Despite advances in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the disease remains incurable with standard therapies and relapse is inevitable. A growing body of evidence indicates that alterations in the adhesion properties of neoplastic cells play a pivotal role in the development and progression of CLL.

Experimental Design: The expression of 71 cell surface molecules was examined on CLL peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) over 3 weeks in culture.

Efficient Biodistribution and Gene Silencing in the Lung epithelium via Intravenous Liposomal Delivery of siRNA.

RNA interference (RNAi) may provide a therapeutic solution to many pulmonary epithelium diseases. However, the main barrier to the clinical use of RNAi remains the lack of efficient delivery vectors. Research has mainly concentrated on the intranasal route of delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) effector molecules for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

RNA interference for the treatment of papillomavirus disease.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-induced diseases are a significant burden on our healthcare system and current therapies are not curative. Vaccination provides significant prophylactic protection but effective therapeutic treatments will still be required. RNA interference (RNAi) has great promise in providing highly specific therapies for all HPV diseases yet this promise has not been realised.