Interference in TCL1A-mediated signal pathways in T-lymphocytic leukemia
T-prolymphocytic
leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, but very aggressive disease with substantial
chemotherapy-refractory character. One pathogenesis concept is based in
particular on central aberrations, among others including the overexpressed
proto-oncogene TCL1A as initiating lesion. The nanoparticle-based delivery of
an siRNA-mediated TCL1A knockdown represents an innovative technology.
Initially, this RNA interference strategy is established in vitro, including
optimal nanoparticle formation conditions as well as molecular and cellular
analyses of effects in cell culture models. In parallel, studies on
anti-leukemic synergies of targeted inhibitors are performed as well. The
efficacy of selected candidates / combinations will then be validated in
different mouse models. This also includes the further development of the
siTCL1A nanoparticles towards ready-to-use formulations for GMP-compliant and
automated production. The project thus aims at the establishment of novel
therapeutic strategies, based on (i) a novel target molecule and (ii) an
innovative technology for intervention.