BHRF1 antisense oligonucleotide inhibits anti-apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Int J Mol Med. 1999 Dec;4(6):649-53. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.4.6.649.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus gene BHRF1 has homology with proto-oncogene bcl-2, which can protect cells from apoptosis, thus, it may play important roles in oncogenesis and affect treatment of EBV-related cancers. We used BHRF1 antisense oligonucleotide to block its expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, CNE2. The results showed that after blocking by BHRF1 antisense oligonucleotide, CNE2 cells had higher S-phase cell percentage, more susceptibility to radiation with weaker ability of proliferation, colony forming efficiency and tumor development in nude mice after radiation. Our results suggest that BHRF1 antisense oligonucleotide could inhibit BHRF1 anti-apoptotic ability, and may contribute to the treatment of EBV-related cancers.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / virology
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / genetics
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology*
  • Gamma Rays
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Genes, bcl-2
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / virology
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense / genetics
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense / pharmacology*
  • Oncogenes
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects
  • S Phase
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / radiation effects
  • Tumor Virus Infections / genetics
  • Tumor Virus Infections / pathology*
  • Viral Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • BHRF1 protein, Human herpesvirus 4
  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Viral Proteins