c-jun has been found to be upregulated in a variety of cancers
including osteosarcoma. DNAzymes are oligonucleotides capable
of specific downregulation of target genes. c-jun knockdownmediated
apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells involved caspases-1, -2
and -8, but not the Fas/FasL pathway. A c-jun DNAzyme, encapsulated
within a novel cationic multilamellar vesicle liposome,
inhibited the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma in an orthotopic
spontaneously metastasising model of the disease. The 60
nm DDAB:DOPE liposome was formulated using ethanol injection/
extrusion. Clinically, downregulation of c-jun may proffer
an improved treatment outcome for these tumors originating in
bone.