[Telomerase SiRNA inhibits KB cell growth in human oral squamous cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To test the telomerase SiRNA on telomerase mRNA and on KB cell growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma.


METHODS
We synthesized 21-nucleotide SiRNA duplexes with symmetric 2-nucleotide 3' overhangs corresponding to the target sequence (2 657 approximately 2 675 nucleotide downstream of the start codon) of telomerase mRNA. Telomerase activity, cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured after transfection.


RESULTS
Twenty one-nucleotide small interfering RNA (SiRNA) duplexes specifically suppressed expression of endogenous telomerase mRNA in human oral squamous carcinoma KB cells. This inhibitory effect lasted only for about 48 h after transfection. Telomerase activity reduction corresponded to the mRNA suppression. Cell proliferation decreased by 30% at 48 h after transfection and lasted for 120 h after treatment. This inhibitory effect resulted from the block of G(1) to S transition. Apoptosis was not involved in this process.


CONCLUSIONS
SiRNA is a powerful tool for studying gene function and can be used as gene-specific therapeutics.
Yang
Zhi-qiang
ZQ
Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510260, China. Yangz@pub.guangzhou.gd.cn
Chen
Guang-sheng
GS
Chen
Jia-kun
JK
Wu
Zhong-liang
ZL
Lei
Yi-xiong
YX
D017209:Apoptosis; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D007624:KB Cells; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*; D019098:Telomerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D019098:Telomerase