NEIL3 as a new target for cancer therapy

NEIL3 is a DNA glycosylase that has activity in vitro by releasing oxidised bases from DNA. Of interest to the field of cancer research, NEIL3 has been found to be highly expressed in cancer cell lines and metastatic tumour tissue, while normally expression is strictly limited, both temporally during development, and in a tissue specific manner. Recently, it has been confirmed that NEIL3 is highly expressed in cells from a number of paediatric malignancies, including solid tumours (T32, primitive neuroectodermal tumour; Saos-2 & HOS, osteosarcomas) and glucocorticoid resistant and sensitive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CEM-C1, CEM-C7). Evidence suggest that NEIL3 is indeed a valid target for anticancer treatments has come from experiments that show that HCT116 human colorectal cells were sensitised to oxaliplatin treatment following siRNA knockdown of NEIL3. Therefore, a lack of NEIL3 protein has a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of the HT116 cells, even at the lowest dose of oxaliplatin used. This project will investigate the therapeutic potential of these observations.

Grant Award – Kidscan Student Placement (2015 – 2016)

Funding Award – £2000.00

Funding Awarded to – Dr Rhod Elder

Research Location – University of Salford

Lead Researcher – Dr Rhod Elder