p53 Dry Gene Powder Enhances Anti-cancer Effects of Chemotherapy against Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract

Abstract Dry gene powder is a novel gene-delivery system, which is inhalable and not infectious with high gene expression. Previously, we showed that the transfection of p16INK4a or TP53 by dry gene powder resulted in growth inhibitions of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that dry gene powder containing p53- expression-plasmid DNA enhanced the therapeutic effects of cisplatin (CDDP) against MPM even in the presence of endogenous p53. Furthermore, our results indicated that the safe transfection with a higher plasmid DNA (pDNA) concentration suppressed MPM growth independently of chemotherapeutic agents. Dry gene powder may rescue chemoresistance and provide a new therapeutic alternative for MPM patients without safety concerns over “vector doses”.