The effect of bisphosphonates on gene expression: GAPDH as a target gene
Author Information
Author(s): Valenti Maria Teresa, Bertoldo Francesco, Dalle Carbonare Luca, Azzarello Giuseppe, Zenari Sonia, Zanatta Mirko, Balducci Elena, Vinante Orazio, Cascio Vincenzo Lo
Primary Institution: University of Verona, Italy
Hypothesis
Can bisphosphonates affect the expression of the GAPDH gene in cancer cells?
Conclusion
GAPDH is not a reliable housekeeping gene for normalizing mRNA levels in studies of bisphosphonates and may serve as a potential target gene.
Supporting Evidence
- Amino-bisphosphonates significantly decrease GAPDH gene expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- Zoledronate was found to be the most effective bisphosphonate in reducing GAPDH expression.
- Clodronate only significantly affected GAPDH expression at the highest concentration tested.
Takeaway
This study found that a common gene used for measuring other genes, GAPDH, is affected by bisphosphonates, which means it shouldn't be used as a standard in these studies.
Methodology
Real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate GAPDH gene expression in breast and prostate cancer cell lines treated with bisphosphonates.
Limitations
The study does not define a specific mechanism of action for bisphosphonates through GAPDH down-regulation.
Participant Demographics
Human breast and prostate cancer cell lines were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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