Downregulation of TdT Expression through Splicing Modulation by Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)

Soheila Montazersaheb, Masoumeh Kazemi, Elahe Nabat, Peter E Nielsen, Mohammad S Hejazi

6 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Antisense oligonucleotides are able to modulate splicing patterns and offer therapeutic intervention for cancer and other diseases. Considering TdT potential as a target in cancer therapy, the present study aimed to investigate splicing alteration of TdT pre-mRNA in Molt-4 cells using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) octaarginine and cholic acid conjugates.

METHOD: We examined 16 mer PNAs targeting 5' and 3' junctions of intron 7 and addressed their mRNA splicing modulation effects using RT-PCR analysis. We also tested corresponding 2-base mismatch PNAs to confirm the sequence specificity. In addition, protien level of TdT, apoptosis induction and cell viability rate were analysed.

RESULTS: PCR analysis showed that full match PNAs could modulate the splicing process, thereby producing a longer mRNA still including intron 7. PCR results also implied exon 7 skipping. In addition, reduced level of TdT protein in Molt-4 cells was observed. Downregulation of TdT level in PNA treated cells was accompanied by an increased rate of apoptosis and decreased the level of cell survival.

CONCLUSION: PNA-mediated splicing modulation can specifically downregulate TdT expression. TdT dowregulation results in apoptosis induction and reduced cell survival in Molt-4 cells. These observations could draw more attentions to develop PNA based strategies for TdT suppression and consequent apoptosis induction in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftCurrent Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Vol/bind20
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)168-178
Antal sider11
ISSN1389-2010
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2019

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