Topic: Gene Therapy


ClassBrain Visitor:

What is P27?


ClassBrain Response:

When dealing with cancer, there are certain genes and proteins that have proven effective at inhibiting the spread of certain types of cancer. P27 is actually a special type of protein (22kD protein that contains 198 amino acids) that is being used in gene therapy against cancer. It’s also known as the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1B. It’s thought to be a good candidate for use in particular types of gene-therapy cancer treatments.

There is also a mutated version called p27mt (for mutation) that is thought to be even more effective against certain types of tumor growth.

Here is an article on it, although it is very technical in nature.

Another version called p27(KIP1) is used against colorectal, esophagus, and stomach cancer. You can read a little more about it here (again it is very technical).

I hope this helps.
Cynthia Kirkeby
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