Efficient telomerase inhibition in human non-small cell lung cancer cells by liposomal delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA

J Pharm Sci. 2009 May;98(5):1765-74. doi: 10.1002/jps.21553.

Abstract

The antisense oligonucleotide 2'-O-methyl-RNA is a selective telomerase inhibitor targeting the telomerase RNA component and represents a potential candidate for anticancer therapy. The poor cellular uptake of 2'-O-methyl-RNA is a limiting factor that may contribute to the lack of functional efficacy. To improve delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA and consequently antitumoral efficiency in human lung cancer cells, we have investigated several transfection reagents. The transfection reagents DOTAP, MegaFectin 60, SuperFect, FuGENE 6 and MATra-A were tested for intracellular delivery. A FAM-labeled 2'-O-methyl-RNA was used to assess the intracellular distribution by confocal laser scanning microscopy in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Telomerase activity was measured using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. Cell viability after transfection was quantified by the MTT assay. All transfection reagents enhanced 2'-O-methyl-RNA uptake in A549 cells but the cationic lipid reagents DOTAP and MegaFectin 60 were most efficient in the delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA resulting in telomerase inhibition. Among both DOTAP exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity. Our experiments show that DOTAP is the most suitable transfection reagent for the delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA in human lung cancer cells according to its relatively low cytotoxicity and its ability to promote efficient uptake leading to the inhibition of telomerase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Capillary Electrochromatography
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cholesterol / chemistry
  • Cholesterol / toxicity
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Excipients
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Liposomes
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Oligonucleotides / administration & dosage
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / pharmacology*
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / toxicity
  • RNA, Antisense / pharmacology*
  • Telomerase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tetrazolium Salts
  • Thiazoles
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Excipients
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Liposomes
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • RNA, Antisense
  • Tetrazolium Salts
  • Thiazoles
  • Cholesterol
  • Telomerase
  • thiazolyl blue
  • 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propane