Compositions and methods for inducing or inhibiting activities of selected human cells
View Patent ↗Polynucleotides encoding a mutant human carboxylesterase enzyme and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides which are capable of metabolizing a prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug are provided. Compositions and methods for sensitizing cells to a prodrug agent, inhibiting cell growth, treating drug addiction, and facilitating the metabolism of an organophosphate with this enzyme are also provided. In addition, a screening assay for identification of drugs activated by this enzyme is described.
1. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the mutant human carboxylesterase of SEQ ID NO:3, wherein said carboxylesterase is capable of metabolizing a chemotherapeutic prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug.
2. A vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1 .
3. A host cell comprising the vector of claim 2 .
4. A composition comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1 and a disease-specific responsive promoter.