Antisense inhibition of ATM gene enhances the radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in mice
2008

Enhancing Radiosensitivity in Head and Neck Cancer by Inhibiting ATM Gene

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Zou Jian, Qiao Xiaoming, Ye Huiping, Yang Yuqiong, Zheng Xuelian, Zhao Houyu, Liu Shixi

Primary Institution: West China Hospital, Sichuan University

Hypothesis

Can inhibiting ATM expression increase the radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells?

Conclusion

Inhibiting ATM expression sensitized SCCVII cells to ionizing radiation both in vitro and in vivo.

Supporting Evidence

  • The relative ATM mRNA and protein expression in SCCVII cells treated with ATM AS-ODNs were decreased to 25.7 ± 3.1% and 24.1 ± 2.8% of that in untreated cells respectively.
  • The survival fraction of cells treated with ATM AS-ODNs was lower than that of other groups at the same dose of radiation.
  • The inhibition rate in SCCVII cells solid tumor exposed to X-ray alone was 23.2 ± 2.7%, while it was 56.1 ± 3.8% in the group which irradiated in combination with the treatment of ATM AS-ODNs.

Takeaway

Scientists found that blocking a specific gene made cancer cells more sensitive to radiation treatment, helping to kill more cancer cells.

Methodology

The study involved using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to inhibit ATM expression in SCCVII cells, followed by radiation exposure and various assays to measure cell survival and apoptosis.

Participant Demographics

Female C3H/He mice, aged 6–8 weeks, weighing 18–22 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-9966-27-56

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