FCU1

FCU1 is a synthetic suicide gene encoding a bifunctional chimeric protein that combines the enzymatic activities of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* cytosine deaminase (FCY1) and uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (FUR1). This protein facilitates the conversion of the non-toxic antifungal prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the potent cytotoxic metabolites 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-fluorouridine monophosphate (5-FUMP). Developed primarily by Transgene, FCU1 is utilized in gene therapy and oncolytic virus platforms (such as TG4023 and TG6002) to achieve localized chemotherapy within tumors, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity. It is currently being investigated in clinical trials for various solid tumors, including gastrointestinal cancers and glioblastoma, often in combination with 5-FC administration.

Other names

CDase-UPRTaseFCY1-FUR1FCY-1-FUR1FCY 1-FUR1cytosine deaminase-uracil phosphoribosyltransferase fusion protein