Synthetic biology constructions toward bacteria-mediated cancer therapy

Development of selective drug delivery agents that target tumor cells with minimal toxicity to normal tissues is a major challenge in cancer therapy. Non-toxic bacteria can be used to target solid tumors because, within a patient’s body, they can only be active at a tumor site (where oxygen levels are pathologically low). Prior attempts at drug delivery with this approach have failed to achieve tumor eradication. We plan to use genetic engineering to modify a bacterial strain to increase its anti-cancer activity, but only when the cells are at a tumor site. The results of this research will be made publicly available in the scientific literature; the partner organization CREM Co. Labs will be in a position to develop this therapeutic approach further toward clinical studies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Ingalls;Marc Aucoin

Student:

Partner:

CREM Co Labs

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: