This discovery is the principal result of her doctoral dissertation, entitled Lipo-Polymeric Vectors for the Transfer of DNA in Cancer Cells of the Colon, which was subsidized by the Basque Government. In order to carry out the study, this scientist of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology used genetic therapy with non-viral vectors for transferring genetic material to the cancerous cells. With this technique, we can assure the therapeutic function of the drug in a wide variety of tissues. In addition, we can apply the treatment repeatedly, since it does not generate immunity, as occurs with viral vectors.

With the objective of improving the effectiveness of this methodology, the specialist worked on designing non-viral systems which act directly upon the liver and the colon. In this manner, she prepared, optimized and evaluated, in vitro and in vivo, a new pharmaceutical format called lipopolyplex. ™ This compound aids the genetic material in penetrating into the damaged cells, and allows drug release in tumorous organs.

500,000 deaths per year

Experimentation with the new drug in mice has shown that it slows tumor growth with respect to those animals subjected to other procedures. This diminishing of the cancerogenous area is possible, according to the scientist, thanks to the stimulation of the immune system, since the introduction of the correct gene in the diseased body can cause it to repair itself and destroy the tumor.

In addition, the researcher of the University of Navarra noted that colon cancer alone causes more than 500,000 deaths per year in the West, and currently the only effective treatment is surgery. Despite this treatment, noted the researcher, between 40 and 60% of colon cancer patients die, and for this reason it is important that we seek out treatment based on genetic therapy.

The Beeson Award is a career development award made to high calibre individuals seeking to advance research into ageing and medicine for older people. Candidates must also have the support of a team in an institution recognised as having a commitment to ageing research and teaching. In 2007 the award was opened to people living and working in Ireland for the first time and Dr McGuinness is the first recipient. She now joins an elite list of Beeson scholars, and received her scholarship at a special conference in New York on 21-24 June.

Dr Passmore, Reader and mentor to Dr McGuinness, said: This is very significant achievement by Dr McGuinness. It is an acknowledgement of her ability and will enable her to pursue a career in research, teaching and clinical work with older people. It is also an international recognition of the excellence of the research programme in Alzheimer ™s disease and other dementias by our team at Queen ™s University.

The award will allow Dr McGuinness and the Queen ™s team to continue to pursue important research in Alzheimer ™s disease, which is one of the major challenges facing us with an increasing ageing of the population that is occurring in Ireland and internationally.

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