Project description:<p>The Prostate Cancer Medically Optimized Genome-Enhanced Therapy (PROMOTE) study uses genetic clues in castration-resistant prostate cancer that may identify an individualized treatment approach for men with the disease.</p> <p>Understanding the molecular biology behind castration-resistant prostate cancer has led to more treatment options, but there are still no definite conclusions about which specific drug best treats patients - maximum suppression of cancer growth while minimizing side effects.</p> <p>The PROMOTE study explores the genetic characteristics of each tumor to predict these treatment paradigms for the future, resulting in more effective and less toxic options for patients.</p> <p>Our long-term goal is to improve treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer by using genomic sequencing to increase life span and quality of life. We also will uncover novel vulnerable targets in the cancer genome that may provide new drug therapies.</p> <p><i><b>PARTICIPATION</b></i></p> <p>Eligible participants are men:</p> <p> <ul> <li>With castration-resistant prostate cancer or prostate cancer not responding to hormone treatments</li> <li>About to begin abiraterone acetate therapy</li> <li>Agreeable to undergoing two tumor biopsies</li> </ul> </p> <p>During the study, participants travel to Mayo Clinic for an initial biopsy (before beginning abiraterone acetate) and a second biopsy approximately three months later. The cell tissue collected is analyzed to identify gene alterations in the tumor that could eventually be targeted with treatments. Tissue is preserved for future research.</p> <p>Participants can continue to be treated by their local cancer care team during this period and beyond. In addition, the Mayo team carefully monitors participants' cancer via follow-up studies and the genetic signature of tumors that were biopsied so that patients may benefit from future treatments.</p>
Project description:Linear amplification of RNA by T7 bacteriophage polymerase is widely used in molecular biology. We performed 5’RACE-Seq to identify T7 promoter variants with enhanced transcriptional activity that generate up to five-fold higher RNA output in large scale synthesis reactions. In single-cell RNA-Sequencing, optimized T7 promoters facilitate library preparation, and substantially increase library complexity and the number of expressed genes detected per cell, highlighting a particular value for bioanalytical applications
Project description:Targeting the stimulatory immune checkpoint glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) using agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy that involves increased effector T cell activity and regulatory T cell (Treg) elimination. The pre-clinical anti-tumor activity of GITR mAbs depends on activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). However, the role of human Fc-FcγR interactions in the activity of GITR mAbs has not been comprehensively addressed. To this end, we employed Fc protein and glycan engineering to modify the FcγR interactions of anti-GITR human mAbs and characterized them in humanized FcγR mice. We identified an Fc-optimized human IgG scaffold that increased binding to activating FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy. This Fc-optimized activity was mediated by multiple mechanisms that are unique to GITR mAb, including FcγR-mediated Treg depletion and mutual engagement and activation of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells, leading to anti-tumor cytotoxic activity of CD4+ T cells and enhanced CD8+ T cell activity. Our findings suggest a strategy to optimize human GITR mAbs, harnessing beneficial immune pathways to improve their therapeutic potential.
Project description:Targeting the stimulatory immune checkpoint glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) using agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy that involves increased effector T cell activity and regulatory T cell (Treg) elimination. The pre-clinical anti-tumor activity of GITR mAbs depends on activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). However, the role of human Fc-FcγR interactions in the activity of GITR mAbs has not been comprehensively addressed. To this end, we employed Fc protein and glycan engineering to modify the FcγR interactions of anti-GITR human mAbs and characterized them in humanized FcγR mice. We identified an Fc-optimized human IgG scaffold that increased binding to activating FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy. This Fc-optimized activity was mediated by multiple mechanisms that are unique to GITR mAb, including FcγR-mediated Treg depletion and mutual engagement and activation of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells, leading to anti-tumor cytotoxic activity of CD4+ T cells and enhanced CD8+ T cell activity. Our findings suggest a strategy to optimize human GITR mAbs, harnessing beneficial immune pathways to improve their therapeutic potential.