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Enhancement of ultraviolet-induced apoptosis by NF-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides

S Yokoyama1, H Nakano, T Yamazaki

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan.

The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 11, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides (ODN) promote apoptosis in skin cells. Topical NF-kappaB decoy ODN enhanced sunburned cell formation, suggesting a potential role in preventing skin cancer by eliminating photodamaged cells.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Prevention

Background:

  • Oligonucleotides (ODN) as decoy agents targeting transcription factors represent a novel antigene therapy.
  • The therapeutic potential of decoy ODN in skin diseases remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB decoy ODN on ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin alterations.
  • To assess the effects of NF-kappaB decoy ODN on UV-B-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes and in vivo skin responses.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro transfection of mouse keratinocyte Pam 212 cells with NF-kappaB decoy ODN to evaluate UVB-induced apoptosis.
  • In vivo topical application of NF-kappaB decoy ODN ointment on tape-stripped rat dorsal skin to assess sunburned cell (SBC) formation and erythema after UVB exposure.

Main Results:

  • NF-kappaB decoy ODN treatment specifically induced apoptosis in Pam 212 keratinocytes.
  • Topical application of NF-kappaB decoy ODN ointment significantly increased SBC formation.
  • UVB-induced erythema in the skin was not significantly affected by the NF-kappaB decoy ODN ointment.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced UV-induced apoptosis by NF-kappaB decoy ODN suggests a potential cancer-preventive mechanism.
  • This strategy may aid in eliminating photodamaged keratinocytes, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer.

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