DIRECT CELL-KILLING BY SUICIDE GENES

Cell death can be induced by genetic intervention in a variety of ways . We review genetic prodrug activation therapies using both mammalian and non-mammalian enzyme systems as well as the expression of toxin ge nes and apoptotic triggers. Targeting of the genetic intervention usin g both transductional restriction and transcriptional control elements is examined in both in vitro and in vivo systems, and the present sta te of clinical trials is reviewed.