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[Experimental study on the effect of VEGF165 antisense RNA on human squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus]
Zhong-ping Gu1, Yun-jie Wang, Yong-an Zhou
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China. zhongpg@pub.xaonline.com
Aim:
To investigate the effect of antisense RNA against vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) on human esophagus squamous cell carcinoma cell line EC109.
Methods:
Eukaryotic expression vector for VEGF165 antisense RNA was constructed and identified. Recombinant plasmid was transfected into EC109 cells and the transfected EC109 cells were inoculated subcutaneously to nude mice. The biological characteristics and tumorigenicity of transfected EC109 cells were observed by in situ hybridization, laser confocal microscope, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
Results:
The eukaryotic expression vector pCEP-AVEGF165 was successfully constructed and expressed in transfected EC109 cells. The rate of VEGF165 expression dropped by 75% in transfected cells. The morphology and cell cycle of transfected EC109 cells were not affected by the antisense RNA, but the tumorigenicity and angiogenesis of transfected EC109 cells were greatly reduced in nude mice. The volume of tumors in pCEP-AVEGF165 transfected group, empty vector transfected group and control group were (820+/-112.5) mm3, (7 930+/-1 035) mm3 and (7 850+/-950) mm3, respectively. The microvessel density of the three groups were (8.5+/-1.2)/mm2, (44.3+/-9.4)/mm2 and (46.4+/-12.6)/mm2, respectively.
Conclusion:
The angiogenesis and tumorigenicity of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were effectively inhibited by VEGF165 antisense RNA, which may be applied to treat solid tumor in the future.
Insights
Antisense RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) effectively reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This approach shows promise for treating solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Context:
- Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC109) is a significant health concern.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165 (VEGF165) plays a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis and growth.
- Targeting VEGF165 is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer.
Purpose:
- To investigate the efficacy of antisense RNA against VEGF165 in inhibiting EC109 cell proliferation and tumorigenicity.
- To assess the impact of VEGF165 antisense RNA on tumor angiogenesis and biological characteristics of esophageal cancer cells.
Summary:
- A eukaryotic expression vector for VEGF165 antisense RNA (pCEP-AVEGF165) was successfully constructed and transfected into EC109 cells.
- Transfection resulted in a 75% reduction in VEGF165 expression, significantly decreasing tumor volume and microvessel density in nude mice.
- While cell morphology and cycle were unaffected, tumorigenicity and angiogenesis were markedly inhibited.
Impact:
- VEGF165 antisense RNA demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- This strategy may be applicable for the future treatment of various solid tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis and tumorigenicity.
