Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory
E. Antonio Chiocca, M.D. Ph.D.

Chiocca Laboratory | Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory CV  |  Recent Publications  |  Links

HomePage@Neurosurgery Clinical Office PPD Information Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory CNY 149-6005 Telephone: 617-726-4684 Fax: 617-726-5079 Email: chiocca@helix.mgh.harvard.edu Chiocca Publications Chiocca Pubs 2001 Chiocca Pubs 2000 Chiocca Pubs 1999

Major Research Interest - Gene Therapy:

Gene transfer technologies and applications to disorders of the central nervous system.

The capacity to transfer a particular gene into cells of the central nervous system is likely to provide a major technological advance in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Vectors based on genetically modified viruses or on artificial constructs are becoming increasingly more efficient in their capacity to deliver and express a therapeutic gene in vivo into a selected target tissue. We have chosen experimental CNS tumors as a model to test vectors and anticancer genes for efficiency of expression and therapeutic effectiveness. Viral vectors based on herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been modified to shuttle in vivo into tumor cells genes that will activate pro-drugs, induce apoptosis, or stimulate a host immune response. We have also modified wild-type herpes virus to render its replication selective for tumor cells, by defining human tumor complementation groups that will allow for the growth of different mutants of the virus.

Currently active research areas include: 1) engineering more efficient "tumor-killing" vectors, 2) finding and testing novel prodrug/ gene therapy strategies, 3) using different classes of anticancer genes in combination, 4) correcting the genetic defects in brain tumor cells, 5) using vector technology to deliver therapeutic genes in animal models of peripheral nerve and spinal cord degeneration. Important questions related to brain tumor biology can also be investigated using gene transfer technologies.

Links

• Molecular Neuro-oncology Laboratory
• Molecular Neurogenetics Unit
• Neurogenetics DNA Diagnostic Laboratory
• Neuro-Genetic Surgery
• Neurogenetics Clinic
• Neurofibromatosis Clinic

Neurosurgery Clinical Units MGH Neurosurgical Service Spine Tumor Center at MGH Brain Tumor Center at MGH Research at MGH Neurosurgery Neuroscience Care Units at MGH Residents at Neurosurgery