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Published on: June 12, 2019
DNAzyme as an efficient tool to modulate invasiveness of human carcinoma cells
Magdalena Wiktorska1, Izabela Papiewska-Pająk, Andrzej Okruszek
1Department of Molecular and Medical Biophysics, Medical University of Łódź, Poland.
Abstract:
In this study we evaluated efficiency of DNAzymes to modulate motility of cancer cells, an important factor in the progression and metastasis of cancers. For this purpose we targeted β1 integrins that are predominant adhesive receptors in various carcinoma cell lines (CX1.1, HT29, LOVO, LS180, PC-3). To evaluate invasiveness of cancer cells, we used a transwell migration assay that allowed analyzing chemotactic migration of colon carcinoma cell lines across an ECM-coated membrane. Their adhesive properties were also characterized by the analysis of adhesion to fibronectin, laminin and collagen. In addition, the expression of major integrin subunits, selected intact β1 integrins, and other adhesive receptors (ICAM, E-selectin, uPAR) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Inhibition of β1 integrin expression by DNAzyme to β1 mRNA almost abolished the invasiveness of the CX1.1, HT29, LS180, LOVO and PC-3 cells in vitro. These data show that DNAzymes to β1 integrin subunit can be used to inhibit invasiveness of carcinoma cells.
Insights
DNAzymes targeting beta-1 integrins effectively inhibited cancer cell motility and invasiveness in vitro. This finding highlights DNAzymes as a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer cell motility and metastasis are critical factors in cancer progression.
- Integrins, particularly beta-1 (β1) integrins, are key adhesion receptors involved in cancer cell invasiveness.
- DNAzymes offer a potential tool for targeted gene modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of DNAzymes in modulating cancer cell motility.
- To investigate the role of β1 integrins in carcinoma cell invasiveness.
- To assess the potential of DNAzymes targeting β1 integrin mRNA for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transwell migration assay to measure cancer cell invasiveness across ECM-coated membranes.
- Assessed cancer cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins like fibronectin, laminin, and collagen.
- Employed flow cytometry to analyze the expression of integrin subunits and other adhesion receptors.
- Administered DNAzymes targeting β1 integrin mRNA to inhibit its expression in various carcinoma cell lines.
Main Results:
- DNAzyme-mediated inhibition of β1 integrin expression significantly reduced the invasiveness of multiple carcinoma cell lines (CX1.1, HT29, LOVO, LS180, PC-3).
- Cancer cell adhesion properties were characterized, correlating with β1 integrin expression levels.
- Flow cytometry confirmed the modulation of β1 integrin and other adhesion receptor expression.
Conclusions:
- DNAzymes targeting β1 integrin mRNA demonstrate significant potential in inhibiting carcinoma cell invasiveness.
- Targeting β1 integrins with DNAzymes represents a promising strategy for controlling cancer cell metastasis.
- These findings support the development of DNAzyme-based therapeutics for cancer treatment.

