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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
12:03

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: July 25, 2011

[The effect of telomerase inhibitors on oral squamous carcinoma cells]

Zhiqiang Yang1, Wen Chen, Qiao Zhang

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510260, China.

Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Huaxi Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = West China Journal of Stomatology
|August 6, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) and antisense phosphorothioate (AS-ONS) show anti-tumor potential against oral carcinoma. These telomerase inhibitors reduced cancer cell growth, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Human oral squamous carcinoma cell line KB is a relevant model for studying anti-cancer agents.
  • Telomerase is a key enzyme in cancer cell proliferation and survival.
  • Telomerase inhibitors are being investigated as novel anti-cancer therapeutics.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the anti-tumor effects of 3 -azido-3 -deoxythymidine (AZT) and human antisense phosphorothioate (AS-ONS) on the KB oral cancer cell line.
  • To assess the impact of AZT and AS-ONS on telomerase activity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression.

Summary:

  • Both AZT and AS-ONS demonstrated significant inhibition of KB cell line growth in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Treatment with AZT and AS-ONS led to a reduction in telomerase activity.
  • Flow cytometry analysis revealed that AZT and AS-ONS induced apoptosis and caused G1 phase cell cycle arrest.

Impact:

  • AZT and AS-ONS show promise as potential therapeutic agents for oral carcinoma.
  • The findings suggest that telomerase inhibition can be a viable strategy for oral cancer treatment.
  • Further research into these compounds could lead to novel auxiliary treatments for cancer, potentially by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

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