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 polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.
2. A method of inhibiting tumor recurrence in a patient comprising:
(a) surgically removing a tumor from a patient;
(b) administering the polypeptide of claim 1 at the site of tumor resection; and
(c) administering a chemotherapeutic prodrug systemically so that tumor recurrence is inhibited.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the chemotherapeutic prodrug is CPT-11.
4. A method for treating drug addiction comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of the polypeptide of claim 1 thereby treating the subject's drug addiction.
5. A method for facilitating the metabolism of an organophosphate comprising administering to a subject having been exposed to an organophosphate an effective amount of the polypeptide of claim 1 thereby facilitating the metabolism of the organophosphate.