tRNAs as Therapeutic Agents of Breast Cancer

Abstract : Breast cancer refers to a variety of types that each derive from distinct causes and merit different treatments. It is critical to apply a variety of treatment options that target a wide range of cellular mechanisms and targets, including those that are previously unexplored to enable new routes of therapy. Our proposal explores a new and previously under-appreciated avenue which is to use specifically engineered tRNAs that are always attached with an incorrect amino acid in a human cell. This mismatch of amino acid identity to the coding capacity of the tRNA results in increased production of mutated proteins which are misfolded, leading to over-simulation of an intrinsic cellular process that causes cell death. We are studying the effect of these engineered, mischarged tRNAs on breast cancer cells. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate the suitability of these engineered RNAs as a new class of agents for the treatment of breast tumors.